Performance of Sediment Transport Empirical Equations: In the Major Rivers of Bangladesh

Abstract

The process of sediment transport in rivers is both significant and intricate. Understanding the characteristics and quantities of sediments carried by rivers is crucial for effective water management. Given the concentration of major projects along or near the riverbanks in the study area, there is a constant concern among decision-makers about the potential impact of sediment transport, and sedimentation on these projects. Consequently, there is a pressing need to enhance our understanding of applicable equations that can yield accurate results for monitoring sedimentation and transport processes in river courses, allowing us to anticipate changes along the river banks. This study was conducted to evaluate the reliability of various sediment transport formulas using data collected from three major rivers in Bangladesh: the Padma River, the Meghna River, and the Jamuna River. The objective was to identify the most suitable formula for these specific rivers. Hydrological data from the Bangladesh Water Development Board after WRE, BUET were utilized to calculate the total sediment load at a specified cross-section, employing widely recognized sediment transport formulas such as Ackers-White, C.T. Yang, Engelund-Hansen, Meyer-Peter and Mueller, L.C. van Rijn, and Alam and Hossain. The performance of these formulas was assessed based on the accuracy of predictions regarding observed sediment loads, along with a sensitivity analysis.