Charriage + seismic sensors
SismoRiv project: Development of a charriage measurement system based on low-cost seismic sensors
The aim of this project, which is dedicated to the issue of sediment transport, is to develop a measurement method that is simple to install and use, effective and considerably less costly for the various players involved (developers, risk managers, cantonal and municipal services). The monitoring of solid transport by watercourses is indeed of great economic and ecological importance. In particular, through a better understanding of the phenomenon, it enables us to improve risk management in the event of devastating floods.
Since 2009, CREALP has been studying the topic of bedload transport through the cantonal MatErosion project.
A : Location
B : Acquisition system
C: Simulated sensors
Also based on the measurement of vibrations emitted by sediment transport, the new approach proposed by CREALP involves the use of low-cost seismic sensors installed outside the riverbed. Building on the work of N. Burtin (2009) and F. Gimbert (2014), the measurement is based on the analysis of low-frequency signals generated by bed load. In alluvial environments, these signals are characterized by better propagation and higher energy. An initial operational prototype for the continuous measurement of bed load has been developed in partnership with the Industrial Systems Institute of the HES-SO Valais and the technical integrator TETRAEDRE.
The SismoRiv project benefits from financial support from theFOEN (Federal Office for the Environment) through its “Promotion of Environmental Technologies” program for an initial feasibility study. The Service de dangers naturels(SDANA) of the State of Valais is also providing financial support for technical developments.
Further information
Burtin, A., Bollinger, L., Cattin, R., Vergne, J., & Nábělek, J. L. (2009). Spatiotemporal sequence of Himalayan debris flow from analysis of high-frequency seismic noise. Journal of Geophysical Research, 114(F4).
Gimbert, F., Tsai, V. C., & Lamb, M. P. (2014). A physical model for seismic noise generation by turbulent flow in rivers. Journal of Geophysical Research: Earth Surface, 119(10), 2209-2238.
Rickenmann, D., Turowski, J. M., Fritschi, B., Wyss, C., Laronne, J., Barzilai, R., Reid, I., Kreisler, A., Aigner, J., Seitz, H., & Habersack, H. (2014). Bedload transport measurements with impact plate geophones: Comparison of sensor calibration in different gravel-bed streams. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 39(7), 928-942.
Travaglini, E., Ornstein, P., Moerschel, J., & Schneider, T. (2016). SismoRiv: Estimating river bedload using a measurement of seismic noise present in banks.