What Is the Van Rijn Bedload Saltation Sediment Transport Calculator?
Van Rijn’s 1984 bedload formulation describes the rolling, sliding, and saltating motion of river sand and gravel particles close to the alluvial bed.
Unlike classic excess shear stress models, Van Rijn introduces a dimensionless grain parameter D* and a transport stage parameter T that accounts for grain-related skin friction.
This tool computes volumetric and mass sediment transport rates per unit channel width in kg/(m·s) and daily transport in tonnes/(m·day).
How Does the Van Rijn Bedload Saltation Sediment Transport Calculator Work?
The calculation evaluates user-provided measurements using recognized domain equations, converts between measurement units, and adjusts for real-world efficiency factors.
Van Rijn Bedload Saltation Sediment Transport Calculator Formula & Variables
The core mathematical equation utilized by this calculator is expressed as:
Transport stage parameter T captures excess effective skin friction over critical entrainment threshold, driving non-linear bedload saltation.
How to Use the Van Rijn Bedload Saltation Sediment Transport Calculator
- Enter your primary measurements in the input fields above.
- Select your preferred units (e.g. metric or imperial) if applicable.
- Review or adjust operational assumptions such as field efficiency.
- Click Calculate to instantly generate the full results breakdown and visual chart.
- Use the Reset button at any time to clear the form and test a new scenario.
Step-by-Step Example Calculation
Meandering Sand River Channel
Input Values:
Understanding Your Result
Your calculated result represents the realistic operational capacity or baseline output under the specified conditions. Comparing theoretical and effective outputs reveals the direct impact of turns, overlap, and practical downtime.
Factors That Affect the Result
Field terrain, operator experience, equipment maintenance, overlap margin, and weather conditions can significantly influence real-world output.
When Should You Use This Calculator?
Use this calculator whenever you need quick, verified estimates for job planning, budgeting, equipment sizing, or project timelines.
Assumptions & Limitations
- Van Rijn bedload applies to grain sizes from 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm (fine to coarse sands).
- Grain-related shear velocity u*’ excludes form drag from sand dunes and ripples, focusing purely on skin friction driving bedload.
Frequently Asked Questions
Calculation Accuracy & Reference Note
This calculator implements verified, deterministic mathematical equations based on published standards. Results should be treated as professional engineering estimates; always verify critical operations with local equipment manuals and site inspections.