Hydraulic Analysis of the Samarra-Al Tharthar System

A hydraulic analysis of the Samarra-Al Tharthar System reveals that sediment accumulation, particularly upstream of the Al Tharthar Regulator, threatens structural stability and reduces system efficiency. The study identifies a maximum permissible discharge of 8250 m³/s to prevent flooding in Baghdad while maintaining functionality. To address these challenges, researchers propose expanding the Al Tharthar Regulator's capacity by 7000 m³/s, dredging sediment islands, and constructing guide banks. These interventions could lower water surface levels during peak floods (15060 m³/s) to 68.51 m.a.m.s.l., ensuring long-term stability. The analysis utilized the Surface Water Modeling System (SMS10.1) with RMA-2 software for two-dimensional depth-averaged modeling, providing a data-driven approach to mitigating sediment-related risks in this critical UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Abdulridha, M. S. A., & Al Thamiry, H. A. (2017). Hydraulic Analysis of the Samarra-Al Tharthar System. Journal of Engineering, 23(4), 42–58. https://doi.org/10.31026/j.eng.2017.04.03