Research
The following projects highlight some key areas of Edmund’s research where field observations and numerical modelling directly informed the development of the SHARC toolkit.
Sediment Exclusion: Performance Modelling and Observations at Intakes
The Research: Designed and managed monitoring projects at the Kapunga Intake (Tanzania) and the main intake on the Agno River (Philippines) to collect field data on sediment exclusion.
The Innovation: This data was used to verify complex 3D numerical models Edmund developed specifically to model sediment exclusion (using the CFD code PHOENICS).
The SHARC Connection: The complex CFD simulation method was used to develop and verify the simplified Intake Model now included in SHARC, which also successfully predicted the performance of the two intakes.
​
​
Sluiced Settling Basin Design
The Research: Developed a numerical model to predict the effects of turbulence, grain size distribution, finer sediments, and basin geometry on sediment deposition performance, and another model for sluicing
performance.
Field Validation: Tested and refined using data from China, Thailand, and Java. Sites included the Mae Tang intake and the Karangtulan basin.
The SHARC Connection: This research powers the Sluiced Settling Basin Tool in SHARC, DOSSBAS.
Sediment Extractor Optimization
The Research: Conducted theoretical analyses on flow within vortex tubes, verified performance prediction methods with field data from India and Nepal, and derived methods to set extractor location using various numerical models.
This culminated in a software package and Design Manual for Canal Sediment Extractors.
The SHARC Connection: The design relationships for head loss, blockage, and trapping efficiency for vortex tubes and tunnel type sediment extractors were integrated into the Sediment Extractor Toolkit in SHARC, DACSE.
Fine Sediment Transport in Canal Networks
The Research: Conducted field monitoring and sediment routing studies at the Gezira Scheme (Sudan) and the Bojili System (Yellow River, China).
The SHARC Connection: The insights on the transport of finer sediments that were gained led to the development of the Sediment Routing functions within the software.
SHARC software
The validated methods above are integrated into the SHARC Software.
For more information about the SHARC software click HERE
Beyond the SHARC framework, Edmund’s research included specialized studies in an alternative exclusion technology for intakes, reservoir management, 3D sediment modelling and sediment measurement.
Vortex Vane Sediment Excluders
The Research: Developed and laboratory-tested design theories for vortex vanes, which is a method for bed material exclusion suitable for the challenging sites where there is no weir or barrage to drive sediment exclusion.
Field Trial: Served as Project Manager for a trial at the Marbel II River Irrigation System (Philippines).
The Result: Field measurements confirmed the vanes were effective at
driving sediment away from the intake. More research is required before the
device can be considered an established option suitable for inclusion in SHARC.
(Please contact us if you wish to be a partner in such research.)
Reservoir Sedimentation & Flushing
The Research: Undertook the development of a 1D numerical model for reservoirs to better treat finer sediments and to simulate the complex process of flushing reservoirs to restore storage capacity.
Field & Desk Studies: Conducted extensive 1D and 3D modelling for the Tarbela Reservoir (Pakistan), where observations of sedimentation were available for verification, and studies for small dams in Tanzania.
The Result: Developed specific criteria to determine whether reservoir flushing will be successful at a site based on geometry and the natural river sediment regime. It was later used in the World Bank’s RESCON package.
Advanced Numerical Modelling & CFD
Adaptation: Extensive experience adapting Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software to simulate sediment transport in complex geometries.
Applications: In addition to the work at Kapunga and Agno cited above, applied CFD models (such as PHOENICS and FLOW3D) to predict sedimentation patterns at the Bray Intake (UK) and the River Lee & River Conway Estuaries (Ireland & UK).
Sediment Measurement & Monitoring
Experience: Designed, managed and set up field monitoring programs using pump sampling to measure sediment concentrations and particle size distributions.
Innovation: Conducted theoretical and statistical modelling to identify and quantify the principal sources of error in sediment load measurements in both rivers and canals. Edmund has developed a method to predict the coefficient of variation of an observation based on sample time and hydraulic conditions.
Result: This research quantified the accuracy and precision of monitoring programs and provided practical recommendations for field sampling, such as the optimal number and position of sampling points.
Field Leadership: Established sediment monitoring field programmes and set up laboratories, trained local engineering teams for data collection and analysis at several sites, including the Agno River (Philippines), Mae Tang and Mae Fack (Thailand), Kapunga (Tanzania), Guddu & Sukkur Barrages (Pakistan), Khanabad (Afghanistan) and the Bojili System (Yellow River, China).
Field measurements in a challenging environment: Utilizing a streamlined mast rig for pump sampling in high-velocity sediment laden flows at Khanabad Barrage, Afghanistan.