Modeling in-sewer erosion to predict sewer flow quality

Abstract

High levels of suspended solids are typically observed during the initial part of storms. Field evidence suggests that these suspended solids derive from the erosion of in-sewer sediment beds accumulated during dry and previous wet weather periods. Suspended sediment transport rate models within existing sewer network modeling tools have utilized inappropriate transport rate relationships developed mainly in fluvial environments. A process model that can account for the erosion of fine-grained highly organic in-sewer sediment deposits has been formulated. Values of parameters describing the increase in deposit strength with depth are required. These values are obtained using a genetic algorithm based calibration routine that ensures model simulations of suspended sediment concentrations that correspond to field data collected in a discrete length of sewer in Paris under known hydraulic event conditions. These results demonstrate the applicability of this modeling approach in simulating the magnitude and temporal distribution of suspended in-sewer sediment eroded by time varying flow. Further work is developing techniques to enable the application of this type of model at the network level.