Threshold for Sediment Resuspension under Hydrosuction: An Analytical and Experimental Approach

The current study explores the threshold for sediment resuspension under hydrosuction by considering the balance of forces acting on sediment particles just below the suction pipe. The threshold shear stress under suction flow for a single sediment particle resting on three base sediments was analytically studied, leveraging the moment of forces. An experimental investigation in a controlled laboratory setup was employed to study the critical suction velocity required for sediment resuspension under hydrosuction. The flow profile below the suction pipe shows strong suction force along the centerline of the suction pipe, thus confirming the lift force as the dominating force during hydrosuction. The analytical and experimental results were used to model an empirical equation for threshold shear stress under hydrosuction, achieving a coefficient of determination of 0.97. The findings offer significant insights into sediment resuspension under hydrosuction to ensure the sustained functionality and environmental integrity of reservoirs.