A Design Manual for Coastal Fluidization Systems

by Richard N. Weisman, Lehigh Univ, Bethlehem, United States,
Gerard P. Lennon, Lehigh Univ, Bethlehem, United States,
James E. Clausner, Lehigh Univ, Bethlehem, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Engineering Practice

Abstract:

This paper summarizes a recently completed design manual on fluidization systems to manage sand in the coastal environment for sand bypassing at inlets and harbor mouths and for creating and maintaining small navigable channels. If sufficient flow rate is applied to a perforated pipe placed beneath a layer of sand, the water emanating from the perforations will fluidize a strip of sand overlying the pipe. The fluidized sand or slurry can be removed by pumping, gravity flow, or entrainment in an ebb or flood current. As slurry is removed, the narrow fluidized region above the pipe enlarges until a trench is formed. The important parameters in the design of a fluidization system include: (a) geometry of desired trench, (b) layout of the fluidization pipe, location of pipe, pump, and clear water intake, (c) flow rate required for full fluidization, (d) hole geometry in the pipe, including hole size, and hole spacing, (e) pressure requirements in the pipe, (f) diameter of the pipe. The selection of these design parameters is discussed in terms of the research performed at Lehigh University and the experience gained from projects utilizing fluidization systems. Finally, the design manual contains two design examples on sand bypassing system and navigation channel maintenance.

Subject Headings: Fluid mechanics | Sand (hydraulic) | Soil water | Pressure pipes | Fluid flow | Pipe sizes | Hydraulic design

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