Proposing an inflatable rubber dam on the Tidal Shatt Al-Arab River, Southern Iraq

Abstract

Abstract Increasing salinity in the Shatt Al-Arab River (SAR), south of Iraq, causes a serious issue with its water quality. In the current work, the proposed inflatable rubber dam was tested and verified for its feasibility and suitability on the SAR, Southern Iraq. The proposed rubber dam investigated its performance in reducing the salt front resulting from the seawater of the Arabian/Persian Gulf. Also, the inflatable rubber dam was feasibly compared with other types of hydraulic structure regulators and discussed the probable effect and benefits for each. Results of performance evaluation on the water quality were expressed in three groups: hydraulic, geotechnical, and economic performance. Results of the analyses of hydraulic indicators showed that the tide phenomenon has a significant impact on the water quality of the SAR. The geotechnical performance was assessed in terms of soil layers and was satisfactory. Analysis of the economic performance indicators showed that the inflatable rubber dam was feasible for the SAR problem compared with other types. Finally, a proposed design indicates the viability of inflatable rubber dam technology in controlling the salt front and improving the quality of the Shatt Al-Arab River water by reducing the salinity.