The cutter suction dredger (CSD) is one of the main vessels utilized in the dredging industry. The dynamic actions related to its rotating cutter head are the main trigger for sediment release and turbidity generation by this vessel. The ability to predict the evolution of this turbidity and suspended sediment concentrations is imperative for effective environmental management. This predictive capability allows ecologists to estimate potential damage, enabling environmental managers to propose appropriate mitigation measures. In this study, we conducted a qualitative numerical assessment of the characteristics of turbidity currents generated as a result of cutter suction dredging of densely-packed sand. To this end, we developed a one-dimensional physics-based model, providing the order of magnitude of sediment fluxes and concentration levels. In addition, a quantitative sensitivity analysis is performed to unravel the relative influence of key operational parameters on the generated turbidity currents. The results of this research reveal that breaching (dilative underwater slope failure) is a major source of sediment release by CSDs and should be incorporated in the source-term estimation. It is also found that the cut ratio is the most influential operational parameter on the generated turbidity. ... Read more

The intensity and frequency of hydro-meteorological hazards have increased due to fast-growing urbanisation activities and climate change. Hybrid approaches that combine grey infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) have been applied as an adaptive and resilient strategy to cope with climate change uncertainties and incorporate other co-benefits. This research aims to investigate the feasibility of Real Time Control (RTC) for NBS operation in order to reduce flooding and improve their effectiveness. The study area is the irrigation and drainage system of the Rangsit Area in Thailand. The results show that during the normal flood events, the RTC system effectively reduces water level at the Western Raphiphat Canal Station compared to the system without RTC or with additional storage. Moreover, the RTC system facilitates achieving the required minimum volume and increasing the volume in the retentions. These findings highlight the potential of using RTC to improve the irrigation and drainage system operation as well as NBS implementation to reduce flooding. The RTC system can also assists in equitable water distribution between Klongs and retention areas, while also increasing the water storage in the retention areas. This additional water storage can be utilized for agricultural purposes, providing further benefits. These results represent an essential starting point for the development of Smart Solutions and Digital Twins in utilizing Real-Time Control for flood reduction and water allocation in the Rangsit Area in Thailand. ... Read more