Investigation of bank erosion caused by sand mining using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) : a case study of the Mekong River’s co-chien tributary | |
| Author | Sardar, Mohammad Al-amin |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.WM-23-20 |
| Subject(s) | Erosion--Mekong River Sand and gravel mines and mining--Mekong River Computational fluid dynamics |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in Water Engineering and Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | The escalation of sand mining poses a significant threat to environmental stability, particularly impacting riverbanks and disrupting the natural riverine processes. In recent times, the Mekong River has witnessed a surge in excessive sand mining, resulting in the substantial loss of land, including agricultural areas, infrastructure, and residential properties. This study investigates the adverse effects of sand mining on river dynamics, emphasizing the role of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) as a robust analytical tool. Leveraging the principles of Navier-Stokes equations, CFD simulations, utilizing the OpenFOAM solver, are employed to analyze open channel flow and assess turbulence models with multiphase fluid dynamics. Focusing on a specific case within the Co Chien tributary of the Mekong River, the research explores various sand mining scenarios through CFD simulations. The study evaluates the impact on bank erosion by comparing wall shear stress before and after sand mining. A detailed analysis is conducted on a dredged sand pit, varying in depth from 0.02m to 0.04m, situated at distances ranging from 0.05m to 0.5m from the left bank in a 1:100 scale model. The findings indicate an increase in shear stress near the bank, diminishing with distance, and escalating with greater depths. Considering the research outcomes, it is recommended to establish and enforce comprehensive regulatory frameworks governing sand mining activities. These frameworks should include well-defined extraction limits and specified permissible locations. For the specific case under examination, sand mining is advised to be restricted to no less than 20m from the left bank, with a maximum depth of 2m, extending to 50m from the left bank when the depth reaches its maximum of 4m. |
| Year | 2023 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology |
| Department | Department of Civil and Infrastucture Engineering (DCIE) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Water Engineering and Management (WM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Shrestha, Sangam;Ho Huu Loc (Co-Chairperson); |
| Examination Committee(s) | Shanmugam, Mohana Sundaram;Natthachet Tangdamrongsub; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | Local Government Engineering Department (LGED), Bangladesh;Asian Institute of Technology Fellowship; |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2023 |