Sedimentation Engineering
Understanding sediment processes to develop practical, sustainable solutions.
Sediment is an essential part of healthy aquatic systems, but too much or too little can create significant challenges. Excess sediment can clog channels and affect aquatic habitat, while insufficient sediment can contribute to shoreline and marsh erosion. Our team combines an understanding of physical processes with engineering analysis and advanced numerical modeling to evaluate sediment behavior and identify effective solutions.
Our sedimentation engineering approach begins by defining the problem, understanding site conditions and constraints, and identifying the questions that must be answered. Because sediment characteristics and processes vary widely among rivers, reservoirs, estuaries, and coastal environments, we tailor our approach using field observations and analyses, engineering calculations, and numerical models appropriate to the complexity of each project.
We evaluate structural and nonstructural solutions ranging from armoring and training structures to stable channel design, dredging and placement, flow management, and regional sediment management strategies. This tiered approach helps clients address erosion, deposition, scour, contaminated sediments, and other sediment-related challenges while developing solutions that work with the natural system where practical.