| Estimation of sediment discharge by conventional measurement methods is expensive and labor intensive. An efficient method that can be used to estimate the average cross-sectional sediment concentration and discharge in a river channel was developed. This method relies on the Chiu's velocity and sediment distribution models, which are based on the probability concept. The advantage of this approach compared to conventional methods is that the velocity and sediment concentration can be accurately estimated over the entire water depth, from the channel bed to the water surface. This method requires determining the location of a vertical (y-axis), where the maximum velocity of the entire cross section occurs. The correlation between the mean sediment concentration on each vertical and the cross-sectional mean concentration was analyzed. It led to the conclusion that sediment sampling should be conducted on y-axis at a point where sediment concentration is equal to the mean concentration on y-axis. A family of plots for selection of the sampling location was developed. Finally, a method based on Chiu's sediment transport model and data analysis was developed to estimate the mean sediment concentration in a channel section. This cross-sectional mean sediment concentration can be used to calculate the sediment discharge. |
