Application of mathematical models to describe the particle size distribution of sediments behind successive check dams

Particle size distribution of sediment is one of the key factors which affects many other physical and chemical characteristics of the sediments. In this study, particle size distribution of the sediments trapped behind successive check dams was evaluated. Two waterways (G1 and G2) were selected in Noshan region of Urmia which have three and four check dams respectively. In each waterway, particle size distribution of sediment samples was compared with the original soil of the adjacent hill slope. Results indicated that the sediments have loamy-sand to sandy texture and have coarser particles than the adjacent soil samples. Selective deposition of sediment particles was observed in half full successive check dams of G1 waterway and the sediments of the check dam located at the downstream have a similar particle size distribution with adjacent soil sample. In filled dams of G2 waterway, considerable amounts of particles coarser than 0.124 mm in diameter were passed through dams. Some mathematical models were used to describe the particle size distribution of sediment samples and performance of them was evaluated by several efficiency criteria. Hierarchical cluster analysis of models, based on selected efficiency criteria, indicated that the Fredlund, ORL and ONL models have good performance in describing the particle size distribution of sediment samples. Coefficient of determination for these models was 0.99 and the Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC) for these models were -44.13, -43.92, and -41.46 respectively. It can be concluded that these models are applicable for quantifying the particle size distribution of sediment samples.