Experimental investigation of flow pattern and sediment deposition in rectangular shallow reservoirs

This paper reports the experimental investigation of flow pattern, preferential regions of deposition and trap efficiency as a function of the length of rectangular shallow reservoirs. Four flow patterns were identified (from longer to shorter reservoirs): an asymmetric flow with two reattachment points, an asymmetric flow with one reattachment point, an unstable flow, and a symmetric flow without any reattachment point. Using dye visualizations, the median value and the temporal variability of the reattachment lengths were precisely measured for the asymmetric flows. For each stable flow, sediment tests with plastic particles were carried out. The regions of deposition on the bed of the reservoir were clearly a function of the flow pattern. The transition from an asymmetric flow pattern to a symmetric flow pattern was responsible for an abrupt decrease of the trap efficiency; a number of regression laws were discussed to take it into account.