Modeling Flow Patterns in Tigris River – Baghdad Using the CCHE2D model

Abstract

In this study, the CCHE2D model was used to analyze the flow patterns in Tigris River in Baghdad city around a water treatment plant. To this end, the model was calibrated and validated in a steady-state using the relevant boundary conditions. The model was calibrated using the initial water surface level at the Sarai station for three discharges of 289, 530, and 870 m3/s. Hence, appropriate manning roughness modulus and equivalent mixing length turbulent models were selected to construct the hydraulic model of the Tigris River. The model was validated using the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and coefficient of determination (R2) equations. Results show that the RMSE, MAE, and R2 between the observed and modelled water levels at Sarai station were (0.17, 0.12, 0.9) m respectively during the validation. It was found that the average water velocity around the studied intake was 0.4 to 0.8 m/s while the water levels were 29 to 30 m. The CCHE2D model proved its capability to simulate the hydraulic behavior of the Tigris River. This study could be of use for further analysis on the hydraulic performance and provide better insights towards better management of the river.