A laboratory study of the erosion and transport of cohesive-like sediment mixtures in sewers

Abstract

Surveys of sewers in the UK have indicated that many sewer systems have significant in-sewer deposits. Many of these existing combined sewers have been constructed at such a gradient and experience such a range of hydraulic conditions that over a period of time they experience repeated phases of sediment deposition, erosion and transport. Deposition of sediment in sewers with its consequent loss of discharge capacity can lead to the surcharging of sewerage systems and the premature operation of combined sewer overflows. The sudden erosion and transport of large quantities of deposited in-sewer sediments during periods of increased flow can significantly contribute to the pollution load imposed on receiving water courses and sewerage treatment plants. It is therefore important not only to be able to estimate the hydraulic performance of sewers but also the conditions under which significant erosion of deposited sediments occur. This paper reports on the rationale behind and the initial results from a laboratory study which aims to investigate the erosion and transport of “cohesive-like” sediment mixtures in controlled laboratory conditions. The choice of the sediments used was aimed at representing the characteristics of sewer sediment mixtures found in the field. These deposits have been found to exhibit a significant degree of cohesion not found in previously studied granular sediment beds.