ABSTRACT
Permeable sediment traps are designed to retain sediment during floods, while enabling sediment continuity during low flows. This concept combines a mechanical and hydraulic barrier with a guiding channel. The mechanical barrier is an inclined rack with an open spacing between bed and rack structure, designed based on the grain size diameter. During low flows, not only sediment but also large wood (LW) can be transported, that may block at the inclined rack and affect its functionality. The design of permeable sediment traps has not been tested in the presence of LW. Therefore, we conducted simplified flume experiments to study the effect of (1) rack design and (2) LW characteristics on sediment transport capacity. First results demonstrate sediment transport capacity decreases with increasing LW volume and organic fine material. The results indicate that LW is a relevant parameter in the design process of sediment traps.
