Velocity Patterns inside the Proposed Makhool Dam Reservoir with Different Operation Plans

Abstract

The Makhoul Dam project proposed to be established is considered one of the strategic projects in Iraq as it works to insurance large quantity of water spare in flood seasons, increase the storage capacity of the dams in Iraq, as well as increase food security. The Makhool Dam is located on Tigris River in Salah al-Din Governorate, and 8 km south of the meeting point of the Tigris River with the Lower Zab River. The lake area is about 256 km2. In this research, a mathematical model was prepared by using HEC-RAS Two Dimension Software to analyze the velocity patterns and water depths inside makhool dam reservoir at the highest operational water elevation, based on the designs prepared by the Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources which is 150.25 m.a.s.l. The present study was conducted to investigate velocity patterns with the difference outlet discharges and changing the operation of the spillway gates within Makhool reservoir. The velocities were predicted and evaluated by utilizing modeling efficiency was 99.7%. This shows that the velocity distribution can be described the pattern with a good accuracy. The obtained velocities were ranged from -0.5 m/s to 5.1 m/s, the maximum velocities were near the dam axis.