KITUI SAND DAMS

A, B, C Represent different energy levels in the moving water with different sedimenttransporting capacity as the larger sediment grains are deposited upstream. The energy inthe water is the determining factor for sediment deposition. On the establishment of thedam wall, the velocity of the water is reduced thus reducing the power to transport theheavier sediments. These are followed by lighter particles and then the finest. Onsubsequent flood episodes, the more strong currents will move the lighter particles.Basing an argument on the Non Decreasing Relative Transport Capacity S/Q, i.e. thecapacity should be increasing or constant. If this doesn’t happen the by design, Which istrue in natural channels, scouring will be occasioned which will clean the finer siltmaterial replacing it with bigger grained sand particles. This happens down stream andthus cleaning of the preceding finer sediments.35