RANS-based simulation of wave-induced sheet-flow transport of graded sediments

A one-dimensional vertical (1DV) turbulence-closure flow model, coupled with sediment transport capabilities, is extended to incorporate graded sediment mixtures. The hydrodynamic model solves the horizontal component of the incompressible Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations coupled with k-ω turbulence closure. The sediment transport description includes both bed and suspended load descriptions. So-called high-concentration effects (turbulence damping and hindered settling velocities) are likewise included. The sediment transport model treats the bed and suspended load individually for each grain fraction, including effects associated with increased exposure of larger particles within a mixture. The suspended sediment transport model also makes use of modified reference concentration approach, wherein reference concentrations computed individually for each fraction are translated to a common level, conveniently enabling use of a single computational grid for the simulation of suspended sediments. Parametric study shows that these two effects combine to help alleviate an otherwise systematic tendency towards over- (under-) predicted transport rates for fine (coarse) sand fractions. The sediment transport model is validated against sheet-flow experimental oscillatory tunnel measurements beneath velocity-skewed wave signals, and demonstrates similar accuracy (transport rates generally within a factor of two) for both graded and uniform sands. The model is likewise validated against an extensive data set involving sheet-flow transport beneath acceleration-skewed wave signals (limited to uniform sands). It is then utilized to study potential effects of gradation on the net transport beneath such flows. The simulations suggest that gradation effects can both increase, as well as decrease, the total transport rate, depending largely on the behavior of the fine sand fraction. The model is implemented within the Matlab environment, and is freely available upon request to the corresponding author.