Entropy for Determination of Suspended Sediment Concentration: Parameter Related to Granulometry

Because of the relation between water quality and sediment quantity, the quantification of sediments in rivers and open channels is of utmost importance. This paper applies the theory of entropy to determine sediment concentration. A major limitation in applying the theory of entropy is the large number of parameters used in the model. To solve the equations, several parameters must be modeled. To reduce empiricism, it is important to know the behavior of the model parameters regarding the factors that could influence sediment concentration. Therefore this paper finds the existing relation of the parameter ? with the granulometry and flow depth. Functions are presented according to the particle diameter. The results are satisfactory for different particle sizes and concentrations. This paper obtains smaller errors than other works. This technique is promising because it allows sample reduction to determine sediment concentration and can be performed in different flow conditions. (C) 2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.