Simulation of flow characteristics in open channels with inflatable dam

Abstract Inflatable dams are structure cylindrical inflatable and deflated bile structures made of rubberized material placed on top of a rigid base and inflatable by air, water, or a combination of both. The present paper aims to measure the water surface elevation, and depth of flow in Shatt Al Ibrahim and comparison with design depth and study the flow state according to design discharge and also according to scarce discharge. The study effect of the height of the dam filled with water on upstream and downstream water depth and analyzed numerically by using HEC-RAS program one–one-dimensional flow in two states, steady flow and unsteady flow under different variables such as changing of discharge. Good results were obtained in two flow states. The results show that the proper solution for maintaining the required water levels is to construct inflatable dams, due to lower construction and maintenance costs, easy and simple of operation, simple and easy to inflate and deflate quickly to prevent upstream flooding. The results of the current study indicated an increase in the water surface height (WS) and water depth (Wd) across the channel after the implementation of inflatable dams compared to natural conditions. Specifically, the data indicate a significant increase in (WS) and (Wd) at “station 52”, where (WS) increased by 0.45 m with a 0.5 m dam and 1.43 m with a 1.5 m dam compared to the basic scenario. This confirms the adaptability of inflatable dams in adapting water levels to real-time requirements, underscoring their potential as a cost-effective solution to mitigate upstream floods and improve water resource management practices.