Numerical analysis of seepage through the foundations of the Al-Hindiya barrage using geo-studio software.

Variation in discharge and water levels in rivers due to climate change effects such as temperature differentials and increased precipitation in the upstream and downstream areas of river-based structures might lead to impacts on the safety of such structures. Al-Hindiya barrage is currently one of the most important engineering projects in Iraq, and one of the concerns of engineers during the operation of dams such as this, is the potential for leakage under the hydraulic structures, which may result from poor geological conditions and changes in water levels: if the leakage rate increases under the origin, this will affect the safety of the structure. This project utilised measuring devices (Piezometers) to monitor the water pressure in the foundations of the barrage to verify its safety. The variation of the water levels of the Al-Hindiya barrage was thus assessed in terms of its impacts on the seepage ratio, with numerical analysis in Geo-Studio SEEP/W used to determine the amount of leakage occurring in the structure, based on comparing the readings derived from the program with field readings to ensure precise evaluation of the model. All data entered into the Geo-studio program were thus provided by the Al-Hindiya Dam Irrigation Project Department. The amount of leakage occurring under the structure was found to be permissible, and the safety of the structure was thus confirmed. This was attributed to the quality of the cut-off wall and its efficiency in dissipating leakage under the structure, which increased the safety factor against uplift pressure and seepage pressure. The analysis demonstrated that the cut-off wall works effectively to reduce the hydraulic gradient in the horizontal and vertical directions, which helps by increasing the factor of safety against uplift pressure to about 5, protecting the barrage's body. This ensures that the barrage is safe, the concrete structures are of high quality, and that no form of concrete damage should arise even after a long period of operation. The analysis further highlighted that the maximum design level (flood conditions) had a reduced factor of safety of 3, however, leading to a recommendation that the water level not be permitted to reach this extent in order to protect the barrage from harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]