EDF’s R&D has developed a digital tool, TELEMAC2D-GAIA, to model sediment transport and, in particular, gravel reintroduction operations downstream of hydroelectric structures in rivers. The first use of this code, which was highly successful, represented a world first.
Downstream of certain hydroelectric dams, sediment reintroduction is one of the management techniques that can be implemented by EDF HYDRO.
For the EDF Group, it is essential to assess and define optimal reintroduction scenarios, as these operations are costly. To achieve this, EDF R&D has developed and used a new computational code that highlights the fact that some configurations are more effective than others.
During this first use of TELEMAC2D-GAIA for modelling gravel reintroduction, optimal management scenarios were established. For example, they showed that in a single-berm configuration (on only one side), it is essential to maximise the berm length and position it as close as possible to the main flow channel. A two-berm configuration would be counterproductive without ensuring sediment continuity through the dam during flood events.
The use of this new tool to establish reintroduction strategies will help optimise future operations. This first application of the TELEMAC2D-GAIA hydro-sedimentary code successfully reproduced large-scale gravel reintroduction operations. It constitutes a world first.