Soukaina Benaich

Graduate student

B.S, 2023, Environmental Science, Metropolitan State University

B.S, 2019, Environment Bioanalysis, Faculty of Science and Technology, Caddi Ayad, Morocco

Sediment erosion in coastal areas, such as estuaries and tidal lagoons is a pressing environmental problem. A meticulous understanding of the erosion behavior of sediments in these areas is crucially important. Sediments in the beds of these regions consist of a sand-clay mixture. 

In my research, I am generating an artificial sand-clay mixture with characteristics that relate to natural mixtures. Additionally, I study the rheology properties and the erosion threshold of these artificial sand-clay mixtures under various salinity conditions.

To study the rheological properties, I use the Discovery Hybrid Rheometer HR-2 (TA Instrument, Inc) to estimate viscoelastic properties and yield stress of sand-clay mixtures. A rectangular circulating flume was used to study the erosion thresholds regarding salinity. To address hydrodynamics, I use the PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry) and ADV (Acoustic Doppler velocimeter) a high-resolution acoustic velocimeter that measures 3D water velocity.

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Erosion