15 Jul 2026

Characterization Methods for Navigation-Channel Sediment and Debris

Purpose: The purpose of this Coastal and Hydraulics Engineering Technical Note (CHETN) is to describe the equipment and methods available for characterizing sediment and debris located in navigation channels. This overview is intended for US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) district personnel involved in dredging project planning, engineering, design, and operations. The tools outlined in this note include side-scan sonars, multibeam echosounders, sub-bottom profiling, penetrometers, and physical sediment sampling, all of which can aid planning for dredging, including beneficial use of dredged material. These tools are particularly relevant at sites that have not been dredged in many years and for new work, including channel deepening.

3 Feb 2025

Notes on Bedload Sediment Collector Deployment: Eau Claire River, Wisconsin

Purpose: A bedload sediment collector field deployment was conducted during low flow conditions from August 2023 to September 2023 on the Eau Claire River, Wisconsin, to assess the operation and performance of a 12 ft bedload sediment collector (BSC). This initial deployment of the technology served to familiarize the research team with the new 12 ft BSC system in preparation for its potential deployment during high flow conditions and at other locations. The insights from this study are intended to identify opportunities to use this technology, particularly in the Upper Mississippi River navigation system.