Optimization of a Sand Control System Using Wind Tunnel Simulations

Ramadan, Ashraf A. , Al-Dousari, Ali

2026-06-04 SUSTAINABILITY 2026   18(卷), 11(期), (null页)

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  • Sand stabilization techniques include mechanical, biological, and chemical methods. Integrated systems combine these approaches in varying proportions. This study tested a sand control system developed by the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research using a 1/100-scale model in an aeolian sand transport wind tunnel. Experiments employed boundary layer pressure measurements and salti-phone sand transport quantification to examine effects of wind speed, fence height, and tree configuration. Boundary layer velocity was primarily affected by fan speed, with fence height, tree configuration, and measurement location playing minor roles. Sand transport correlated directly with wind speed. Fence height showed inverse proportionality to centerline velocity but direct proportionality off-center velocity. The optimal configuration, i.e., C6 tree spacing (the central row was 35 m from the upwind fence, and subsequent rows were at 5 m and 10 m intervals, using Tamarix aphylla and Prosopis juliflora and with an H2 fence height (1.8 m)), achieved a 68.9% mean sand transport reduction. The graduated vegetation density provided superior momentum absorption versus uniform spacing, while a 1.8 m fence height balanced particle capture against flow blockage. A preliminary economic analysis demonstrates favorable cost-benefit ratios with 2-3-year payback periods. System costs ($185,000/km) are substantially lower than sand removal expenses, providing validated design guidelines for Kuwait and similar arid environments.