Experiments on settling column to determine the settling velocity of cohesive sediments

Abstract

In order to get the accurate settling velocity of cohesive sediments, experiments on site are required. However, in the reality, this task is very difficult to be realized. The study presents a method including three step to determine the settling velocity of the sediment in laboratory conditions. Firstly, design and build up an experiment on settling column based on the design of The Environmental Laboratory, U.S Army Corps of Engineers. Secondly, do the experiments with different cases such as in standards, with salinities, in high concentration, etc. to determine the settling velocity of sand and silt. Thirdly, determine the settling velocity of cohesive sediment in Nang Hai area, Can Gio (Ho Chi Minh City) in the laboratory. In addition, using the result to determine the characteristic coefficients a, b, m, n, and to establish the empirical formula for the settling velocity in the research area.