Application of Flow-Sediment Model to Red River

An easily applicable method of computing sediment transport throughout a reach of river is presented. More specifically, a method to determine areas of scour and deposition along the river and to identify tendencies of a rating curve to shift due to sediment movement is analyzed. The computer model is applied to the Red River. This model not only reproduced observed flow profiles and stage discharge but also reproduced the sediment rating curve. The program was rerun to predict the effects of the installation of several locks and dams in the river. This gave predictions for primary areas of scour and deposition for 5-yr and 50-yr periods, thus, providing an estimate of the required maintenance dredging. The model also allowed for a study of the effects of a hinge pool operation. It was concluded that this type of operation was only a temporary solution to the sedimentation problem.