Recovery factor for non-equilibrium sedimentation processes

Non-equilibrium sediment transport has a significant role on the simulation of reservoir sedimentation as a non-equilibrium process. Two case studies of reservoir sedimentation processes are made in this research using a Bureau of Reclamation computer model. The model is a semi-2D mathematical model for hydraulic simulation and a semi-3D model for morphologic simulation of sedimentation processes. Non-equilibrium sediment transport formula with different recovery factors are used in the simulations. The results indicate that reservoir sedimentation processes are sensitive to the selection of proper value of the recovery factor. Its value is a function of sediment particle diameter. The finer the sediment particle the larger the recovery factor is. A regression equation is developed to compute the recovery factor for sediment transport in reservoirs as a function of sediment particle diameter. The approach developed in this study may be used to estimate the recovery factor of reservoirs as a function of sediment particle diameter for sediments similar to this study, especially for cases if no measured data for recovery factor calibration are available.