Modeling the Effect of Flow Structure Selection on Residence Time in an Artificial Canal System: Case Study

Abstract

A novel modeling approach was used to investigate the residence times of Oyster Cove, an artificial canal system connected to adjacent water bodies by unidirectional and bidirectional flow structures. A field program was carried out to evaluate and quantify the exchange of water through the system of flow structures and to gain an understanding of the mixing dynamics within the artificial canal. Results from the field program were also used to validate a three-dimensional circulation model and a flushing model used to quantify the existing residence time of the canal system. Finally, the model was used to compare several hypothetical design alternatives, to identify the effect on the canal's residence time, by changing the positions of the flow structures and using different combinations of structures. The comparison showed the significant improvements in residence times that could be achieved.