1D hydraulic modelling of Bahr El-Baqar new channel for northwest Sinai reclamation project, Egypt

Abstract

Egypt is going to establish several projects in arid area for the development of agricultural land such as North Sinai Agricultural Development Project (NSADP). It aims to reclaim about 415,000 acres. Two-third of the total area is irrigated by Nile water in a 1:1 ratio mixed with the drainage water. The remaining area still needs a source of water. This study aims to propose a hydraulic solution for the reuse of 5 Mm3/day from Bahr El-Baqar drain to cover the extra required water for NSADP. A 1D hydraulic model using HEC-RAS is developed to find solutions for the potential problems and propose the best operating scenarios for the required hydraulic structures. Three alternatives were studied; hence the study showed the need for a new channel with three regulator structures to solve water level and velocity problems. The study provides useful reference for the operation of the three regulators.