Length optimization of Desilting Basin – A case study

M Z Qamar — 2024-12-02

The high sediment carrying rivers cause difficulty in developing hydropower as projects on these rivers deal with high sediment-laden water that is withdrawn for power production. This results in severe damage to the turbines and other underwater components, requiring significant maintenance expenses that have an effect on their overall economy. To overcome the sediment problem in such projects, a viable solution is to pass the water through desilting basins before its entry into the head race tunnel and ultimately to the power house. The majority of the hazardous sediment is removed using desilting basins, which helps to reduce the amount of sediment that hydraulic machinery is exposed to. Additionally, these basins guarantee the consistency of power output, particularly during the monsoon season when rivers carry large amounts of sediment. Increased cross-section of the desilting basin lowers the mean flow velocity inside the basin, causing suspended sediment to settle. The water enters the basin by widening its breadth and lowering its floor via an inlet transition, and it exits through an outlet transition at the basin's end. A desilting basin's performance is assessed by looking at both its settling efficiency and flushing efficacy. These desilting basins are enormous and expensive structures, so their design must be verified on a physical model to ensure optimal design and performance. This study focuses on the optimization of the length of desilting basin by examining its settling efficiency with the help of model studies for Kholongchhu H.E. Project, Bhutan.

Advancements in Groundwater Modeling: Methods, Applications, and Future Directions in Water Resources Management

Priya Chauhan — 2025-05-17

Groundwater is a vital component of global water resources, providing essential water supplies for agriculture, industry, and drinking purposes. As the global demand for groundwater intensifies and the impacts of climate change continue to exacerbate water scarcity, the effective management of this resource becomes increasingly crucial. Groundwater modeling has emerged as a powerful tool for understanding the behavior of aquifers, predicting future groundwater conditions, and optimizing the sustainable use of this finite resource. This review article delves into the recent advancements in groundwater modeling, highlighting the evolution of methodologies, the integration of innovative technologies, and the broader applications that are reshaping groundwater management practices.

Among the key advancements discussed are the integration of remote sensing technologies for enhanced data collection, and the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques that significantly improve model predictions and efficiency. These emerging tools offer the potential to refine model accuracy, enhance resolution, and provide real-time insights into groundwater behavior, which is essential for decision-making in water resource management. The article also addresses the growing trend of high-resolution, site-specific models, as well as the increasing emphasis on multi-scale and integrated modeling approaches, which allow for more comprehensive management strategies.

Despite the progress made, the article identifies several challenges that remain in groundwater modeling, including issues related to model calibration, uncertainty quantification, and the integration of complex datasets. Additionally, the review outlines the need for continued research and innovation in areas such as model coupling, groundwater-surface water interactions, and the impact of climate change on groundwater recharge and quality. The integration of social and economic factors into groundwater models, ensuring that models are not only scientifically sound but also practical for decision-makers, is another area for future growth.

By reviewing the current state of groundwater modeling and highlighting key future directions, this article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the ongoing developments in the field. It also emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration to overcome existing limitations and ensure the sustainable management of groundwater resources in the face of growing challenges. Ultimately, advancements in groundwater modeling will play a critical role in ensuring the availability of clean and reliable groundwater supplies for future generations.

International Journal of Advanced Research in Water Resources & Hydraulic Engineering

Length optimization of Desilting Basin – A case study

Advancements in Groundwater Modeling: Methods, Applications, and Future Directions in Water Resources Management