Author(s):
R.E. Randall, B.L. Edge, J.P. Basilotto, D.E. Cobb, S. Graalum, Q. He, M. Miertschin
Publication Date
February 1999
Abstract
A two-year project, Alternative Dredging and Disposal Methods for the Texas Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, investigates the cost and engineering of long distance pumping, beneficial uses of GIWW-dredged material for the Texas coastal zone, separation techniques for GIWW-dredged material, optimum slurry flow, and alternatives for analyzing dredged material disposal. A cost-estimating program incorporates fuel costs, dredge crew labor costs, routine maintenance and repairs, major repairs, overhead costs, depreciation, profit, mobilization and demobilization, and capital investment cost for a cutter suction dredge. The Cutter Suction Dredge Cost Estimation Program (CSDCEP) estimates the production rate and cost of dredging projects. Comparisons with actual production rate and costs show CSDCEP is accurate. An attractive beneficial use of dredged material from the GIWW is manufactured soil, which can be manufactured using dredged material, recyclable organic waste materials (sewage sludge), and bio-mass (cellulose or saw dust). Researchers estimate the manufacturing and transportation costs at $13 to $20 per cubic yard depending on the blending method, mode of transportation, and ease of excavation. Another beneficial use is thin-layer disposal, spraying dredged material on adjacent wetlands. A geotube filled with dredged material placed along the Texas GIWW could provide a beneficial use while preventing further inundation of wetlands due to erosion. Dewatering wheels and hydrocyclones have been identified as two potential separation techniques. Results from the CD-CORMIX software show that the reduced flow from smaller dredges can reduce turbidity during the dredging process.
Report Number:
1733-S
Keywords:
Beneficial Uses of GIWW-Dredged Material, Cost Estimating, Cutter Suction Dredge, Dewatering Wheel, Geotube, Hydrocyclone, Manufactured Soil, Separation Techniques, Thin-Layer Placement, Turbidity Reduction
Link(s):
Document/Product
http://tti.tamu.edu/documents/1733-S.pdf
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