High-Performance Instruments, Sensors & Technologies for Exploring & Monitoring Subsea Environments

Shallow Multibeam Echosounder Supports Rijkswaterstaat Waterways Project

Teledyne Marine’s SeaBat T-Series multibeam echosounder’s high-resolution bathymetric capabilities have been used in a Dutch waterway integrity and navigability project Multibeam Echosounders / Feature Article by Teledyne Marine
Shallow Multibeam Echosounder Supports Rijkswaterstaat Waterways Project
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Rijkswaterstaat — the arm of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management tasked with overseeing the Netherlands’ primary infrastructure — knows the integrity and navigability of the Waal/Upper Rhine waterways is extremely important. Read more >>

These critical arteries not only facilitate trade and transportation, but also demand regular, precise hydrographic monitoring to ensure safety and functionality, a task which Teledyne Marine’s SeaBat T-Series multibeam echosounder system is perfectly suited to.

In line with this mission, Rijkswaterstaat has launched a targeted project to perform hydrographic surveys across these waterways, prioritizing detailed assessments of infrastructure health, maintenance requirements, and navigational safety.

Entrusted with project execution and oversight was a consortium comprising Baggerbedrijf de Boer B.V. and Aquifer Consultancy B.V., whose role was to conduct regular hydrographic measurements at strategic locations along the Waal dams, including Wamel, Dreumel, and Ophemert, as well as at the sediment replenishment site on the Boven-Rijn near Tolkamer.

Project Objectives: Evaluating Waterway Integrity and Maintenance Needs

Rijkswaterstaat’s project was centered on safeguarding the waterway infrastructure through advanced hydrographic measurements. This initiative aimed to achieve three critical goals:

  • Assessing the current condition of river channels and adjacent structures
  • Identifying essential maintenance interventions
  • Ensuring continuous, safe navigation for vessels traveling through these busy routes

To realize these objectives, the consortium employed a range of hydrographic surveying techniques, leveraging high-precision equipment to generate insights into the waterways’ structural and dynamic conditions.

Detailed Riverbed Mapping with Teledyne SeaBat T-Series

Shallow Multibeam Echosounder Supports Rijkswaterstaat Waterways Project

At the heart of the surveying effort was the Teledyne SeaBat T-Series multibeam system, renowned for its high-resolution bathymetric capabilities.

The SeaBat system facilitated comprehensive mapping of the riverbed, enabling precise delineations of depth, contours, and any submerged obstructions. These measurements were essential in informing navigation safety by highlighting potential hazards and providing a clear understanding of riverbed morphology.

Beyond bathymetry, the SeaBat T-Series also performed streamgauge measurements, a crucial component for analyzing vertical water property profiles such as turbidity and suspended sediment concentrations. These parameters are vital for understanding sediment transport mechanisms and erosion trends, which directly affect riverbed stability and infrastructure durability.

In addition, current measurements provided critical insights into flow velocities and directions. This data illuminated the dynamic behavior of the waterway, capturing patterns that could influence navigability and highlighting areas where navigational aids or adjustments might be necessary.

Focused Monitoring at the Sediment Replenishment Site

The sediment replenishment site at Boven-Rijn near Tolkamer required a specialized approach to monitor the placement of gravel on the riverbed, a technique used to manage sediment dynamics. At this site, multibeam bathymetric surveys assessed the deposition process, evaluating the replenishment’s effectiveness.

Periodic streamgauge measurements—timed according to varying water levels—provided additional data on sediment transport trends and suspended sediment concentrations.

Current measurements here, as at the other survey sites, allowed for a detailed understanding of flow dynamics and sediment movement, offering Rijkswaterstaat a solid foundation for determining optimal sediment management practices in response to environmental and navigational needs.

Why the Teledyne SeaBat System

The selection of the Teledyne SeaBat T-Series was driven by several critical advantages:

  • High-Resolution Bathymetric Mapping: The SeaBat system’s high-accuracy riverbed mapping capabilities enabled Rijkswaterstaat to perform detailed depth assessments, essential for identifying potential navigational hazards and assessing infrastructure stability.
  • Efficient Data Collection: The SeaBat’s efficient data acquisition allowed for large areas to be surveyed quickly, enabling regular and comprehensive monitoring across multiple sites.
  • Comprehensive Water Property Analysis: The combination of multibeam and streamgauge capabilities facilitated an in-depth analysis of water quality, including turbidity, sediment concentrations, and sediment transport patterns.
  • Enhanced Safety and Navigation: The system’s accurate hydrographic data underpinned critical decisions on waterway maintenance, supporting the safe, uninterrupted navigation of the Waal/Upper Rhine routes.

Key Outcomes: Informed Decision-Making for Long-Term Waterway Management

The deployment of the Teledyne SeaBat T-Series system was integral to the success of Rijkswaterstaat’s hydrographic survey initiative. The system’s high-resolution bathymetric mapping, combined with thorough streamgauge and current measurements, enabled a comprehensive evaluation of the waterways’ condition.

This data informed maintenance strategies, helping Rijkswaterstaat make informed decisions that reinforce the safety, functionality, and accessibility of the Waal/Upper Rhine waterways.

Through these advanced hydrographic techniques, Rijkswaterstaat continues to uphold its mandate of ensuring the long-term safety and resilience of the Netherlands’ primary waterway infrastructure, paving the way for sustainable, secure, and efficient transport routes across these vital channels.

Wilhelm Roth, Head of Survey Department, Baggerbedrijf de Boer, Dutch Dredging, commented, ”The application and integration of Teledyne products give us a head start on the competition.”

Read the original article, or visit the Teledyne Marine Website to find out more. 

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Posted by Abi Wylie Connect & Contact