Quantitative and qualitative measurement of sediment transport using non contact sensor technology.

We aim to develop a non contact sensory bed load measuring instrument (BSG).

The first step in developing such an instrument was to analyse the feasibility in a preparatory study. The Austrian research centre ARC Seibersdorf was entrusted to carry out a preparatory study in a project promoted by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG). The final report was finished in 2003.

The second step was to find out the feasibility/economics of prototyping in a “STOP or GO” study (laboratory scale and first outdoor tests). Commissioned to carry out another FFG-project was the Austrian research centre alpS Innsbruck. Research partners were the University of Innsbruck and the Technical University of Graz. We are happy to have recruited the TIWAG – Tiroler Wasserkraft AG (the Tyrolian Hydropower company), Innomar company (specialist for echo-sounding) and a private consortium as partners.

The second step was finished in 11/2008.

The specific prototyping (step 3) is planned for the years 2010/2011.