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In recent years, resuspension of dredged material has become more important. Port developers and coastal authorities realise that direct impact as a result of the dredging activities (that is, fine sediment in dredged induce plumes) is not the only effect that occurs. A larger part of the dredged material settles to the sea bed in the direct vicinity of the works, where it is temporarily stored and resuspended during subsequent storm events. This process may affect environmentally sensitive receptors surrounding the project site.

During the execution of Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, measurements have been carried out into turbidity and hydronamics (Wave and Current characteristics). In total 14 turbidity measurement locations give insight in the resuspension behaviour; both in time and in space. It is questioned whether resuspension behaviour can be caught in a simplified model. The approach can for instance be 1DV, Q2DV, 1DH etc.. A simplified model approach is asked for because the model is planned to be applied by Dredging Company Boskalis during tender phases and during actual execution. A short computational time per run is required. In most cases, limited time and data is available to do multiple computations which may change the workability strategy. If a model is available which can predict the behaviour to a certain extend just using limited input, the risk of liability can be reduced; hence, money can be saved.

As a component for the development of the tool, this study focusses on the horizontal advective process. Question is, whether this process has a significant influence on the turbidity. Monitoring data will be used to create insight in the behaviour of the system; regarding to resuspension and to calibrate and validate the model development.