Scenario-Based Assessment of Seepage Loss in Lined Distributaries Using Finite Element Model: A Comparison with the Inflow-Outflow Method in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Seepage loss is a significant problem for water management, as it can reduce the efficiency of the system and lead to water shortages. Calculating seepage loss is an important step in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of water management systems, and can lead to significant benefits in terms of water conservation, economics, and environmental sustainability. The study area comprises of seven concrete lined distributaries in Punjab, Pakistan. This study presents the calculation of seepage using Finite Element Model on Slide 6.0 software and comparison with measured seepage by inflow-outflow method. Furthermore, we had made six scenarios for each canal in which we had induced 0.5% cracks, 1% cracks, 2% cracks, 3% cracks, lined without cracks and unlined channel. Finite Element models are made for each scenario and after that results are analyzed and compared accordingly. The results shows that seepage at 0.5% cracks in concrete lining is almost equal to measured value of seepage from inflow-outflow method. At 1% cracks in concrete lining seepage loss is almost 60% to 70% of seepage loss in unlined channel and at 3% cracks in concrete lining, seepage loss is almost equal to seepage in unlined channel. There is a failure of concrete lining if cracks percentage is 3% or more. Lined channel without any cracks has 80%-90% lesser seepage as compared to seepage from unlined channel