Register now After registration you will be able to apply for this opportunity online.
Field Monitoring and Modeling of Sediment Transport, Hydraulics, and Hydroabrasion at Solis Sediment Bypass Tunnel
In this Master’s thesis the hydroabrasion resistance of six different invert materials used at the Solis Sediment Bypass Tunnel (SBT) shall be systematically investigated. Based on field inspection data from 2012 to 2025, the study aims to assess abrasion depths, hydraulics and bedload transport rates , to validate a recently developed mechanistic abrasion model.
Sediment Bypass Tunnels (SBTs) are an efficient measure for managing reservoir sedimentation by routing sediment-laden flows around reservoirs. The Solis SBT, located on the Albula river in the Eastern Swiss Alps, was constructed to reduce or even stop sedimentation and contribute to the restoration of sediment connectivity between the upstream and downstream river reaches. With high sediment loads and flow velocities, the invert of SBTs is prone to hydroabrasion, which can lead to high maintenance costs and potential risks to structural integrity. In this thesis the hydroabrasion resistance of six invert materials at the Solis SBT, including different types of concrete, cast basalt plates, steel plates, and high-strength materials, shall be investigated. The study makes use of data from 3D laser scanning of the tunnel invert and from continuous bedload transport monitoring by a Swiss plate geophone device, along with hydraulic data from the operator, ewz (Zurich Electric Company). The primary goal is to determine the spatially averaged, maximum, and minimum abrasion depths and patterns along the tunnel, and to analyze the impact of sediment and hydraulic conditions on abrasion rates. We offer the student the opportunity to participate in the 4th International Workshop on Sediment Bypass Tunnels in Munich, taking place from 8 to 10 September, to become acquainted with the topic of this study.
Sediment Bypass Tunnels (SBTs) are an efficient measure for managing reservoir sedimentation by routing sediment-laden flows around reservoirs. The Solis SBT, located on the Albula river in the Eastern Swiss Alps, was constructed to reduce or even stop sedimentation and contribute to the restoration of sediment connectivity between the upstream and downstream river reaches. With high sediment loads and flow velocities, the invert of SBTs is prone to hydroabrasion, which can lead to high maintenance costs and potential risks to structural integrity. In this thesis the hydroabrasion resistance of six invert materials at the Solis SBT, including different types of concrete, cast basalt plates, steel plates, and high-strength materials, shall be investigated. The study makes use of data from 3D laser scanning of the tunnel invert and from continuous bedload transport monitoring by a Swiss plate geophone device, along with hydraulic data from the operator, ewz (Zurich Electric Company). The primary goal is to determine the spatially averaged, maximum, and minimum abrasion depths and patterns along the tunnel, and to analyze the impact of sediment and hydraulic conditions on abrasion rates. We offer the student the opportunity to participate in the 4th International Workshop on Sediment Bypass Tunnels in Munich, taking place from 8 to 10 September, to become acquainted with the topic of this study.
The goal of this thesis is to investigate the hydroabrasion resistance of six different invert materials in the Solis SBT by: (i) analyzing abrasion depths and patterns over time using 3D laser scanning data obtained between 2012 and 2025, (ii) assessing bedload transport rates and correlating them with abrasion patterns and hydraulic conditions, (iii) validating the mechanistic abrasion prediction model enhanced by Demiral-Yüzügüllü (2021), and (iv) comparing the abrasion resistance of the invert materials with other materials used in Swiss SBTs. The outcomes of this study will inform cost-effective SBT design and contribute to the sustainable management of hydraulic infrastructure susceptible to hydroabrasion.
The goal of this thesis is to investigate the hydroabrasion resistance of six different invert materials in the Solis SBT by: (i) analyzing abrasion depths and patterns over time using 3D laser scanning data obtained between 2012 and 2025, (ii) assessing bedload transport rates and correlating them with abrasion patterns and hydraulic conditions, (iii) validating the mechanistic abrasion prediction model enhanced by Demiral-Yüzügüllü (2021), and (iv) comparing the abrasion resistance of the invert materials with other materials used in Swiss SBTs. The outcomes of this study will inform cost-effective SBT design and contribute to the sustainable management of hydraulic infrastructure susceptible to hydroabrasion.
For further information, please contact Ismail Albayrak (albayrak@vaw.baug.ethz.ch).
For further information, please contact Ismail Albayrak (albayrak@vaw.baug.ethz.ch).
