Mechanical and hydraulic properties of sludge deposit on sludge drying reed beds (SDRBs): Influence of sludge characteristics and loading rates

► Properties of sludge deposit on sludge drying reed beds are studied. ► Activated sludge and septage deposits from pilot-scale experiments are investigated. ► An hydrotextural approach allows identifying sludge deposit drying path. ► Water retention curves describe sludge deposit dewatering ability. ► The proposed approaches give information to better operate sludge drying reed bed.