NDEJJE UNIVERSITY

WATER RESOURCES ENGINEERING I

Bachelor of Civil Engineering

RESERVIOR PLANNING
BY
Mr. Muhindo Ronald
Email:[email protected]
Ndejje University
P.O Box 7088 Kampala, Uganda
 1964
Length: 807.2 m
Height: 103.2 m

KOYANA DAM -Maharashtra

Rubble-concrete dam
Constructed on Koyana River in Mahabaleshwar
The main purpose of dam is Hydroelectricity
 1967

Length: 1550m

Height: 124m

NAGARGUN SAGAR DAM- Telangana & Andra Pradesh

Combination of Masonry, Earth, Power Generation and Canals.
Constructed on Krishna River
One of the earliest multi-purpose irrigation and hydro-electric projects in India
 1960

Length: 62.17m

Height: 514m

GANDHI SAGAR DAM - Madhya Pradesh

Masonry gravity dam
Constructed on Chambal river
The reservoir created by the dam is the third largest in India
 1962
Length: 934 m
Height: 91 m

RIHAND DAM - Uttar Pradesh

Concrete Gravity Dam

Constructed on Rihand river
It is one of the biggest reservoir by its gross storage capacity
 1955

Length: 8 km

Height: 37 m

BHAVANISAGAR DAM - Tamil Nadu

Earthen Dam
Constructed on Bhawani river
It is one of the one of the worlds largest Earthen Dam
 1957
Length: 4.8 km
Height: 60.96 m

HIRAKUD DAM - Odisha

Composite structure of earth, concrete and masonry.
Constructed on Mahanadi River Major multipurpose projects,
after India's independence.
 1932
Length: 3.5 km
Height: 38 m

KRISHNA RAJA SAGAR DAM - Karnataka

Gravity dam of size stone masonry
Constructed on Kaweri River
Sir Visvesvarava served as the chief engineer during the construction.
 RESERVOIR
A reservoir usually means an enlarged
natural or artificial lake, storage pond or
impoundment created using a dam or
rock to store water.

When barrier is constructed across some

river in the form of dam, water gets
stored on upstream side of the barrier
forming a pool of water.
 DAM
Dam is an obstruction to the flow of the river. It
could be a masonry wall, concrete wall across
River to stop the flow. This is called Dam. The dam
even could be Earthen or Rock fill bund. These
dams are properly designed and constructed to
stop the flowing water completely. Suitable
Spillways are provided at top of the dam to allow
flood waters to flow downstream safely.
 RESERVOIR
Reservoir is the portion where Water is stored
behind the dam. It is designed to accumulate to
store all water flowing through out the year
considering the valley storage capacity behind
the dam. Reservoir is designed to accommodate
to store the Silt expected in the inflow.

Dam and Reservoir are both designed normally

for 100 year life time.
RESERVOIR
Data obtained from NBI member states show that as of 2014, there are 14 storage dams basin-wide with a total
storage capacity of about 203 BCM. The growth in aggregate storage capacities of all dams in the basin is shown in
the adjacent figure.

It is interesting to note that, after a period of four decades of near stagnation in dam construction during 1968 –
2007, the basin is witnessing more and more storage dams added to the system.

In addition, the Owens Fall (Nalubalee) dam built at the outlet of Lake Victoria in Uganda provides an additional
200 BCM of live storage to the Lake. Dams on the Nile conserve water and provide sustained supply for meeting
demands.

Lake Nasser, in Egypt was formed after the construction of the Aswan High Dam in 1970. The total capacity of
the Aswan reservoir (162 BCM) consists of dead storage of 31.6 BCM, active storage of 90.7 BCM and emergency
storage for flood protection of 41 BCM.

After the construction of the High Aswan Dam, completed in 1970, no storage was added to the Nile Basin till 2009
when the Tekezze dam with capacity of 9.29 BCM was built. Other storage dams constructed since then include,
the Merowe dam (12.39 BCM capacities) and Roseries heightening (to 5.9 BCM) completed in 2009 and 2012
respectively. Bujjagali dam with capacity of 0.75 BCM was built in Uganda.

In Sudan, the main reservoirs are the Jebel Aulia reservoir on the White Nile, Senar and Roseries storage
reservoirs on the Blue Nile, Merowe reservoir on the Main Nile and Khashm El Girba reservoir on Atbara.
Purpose of Reservoirs
 Storage and control of water for irrigation

 Storage and diversion of water for domestic uses

 Water supply for industrial uses

 Development of Hydroelectric Power

 Increasing water depth for navigation

 Storage space for flood control

 Reclamation of low laying land

 Debris Control

 Preservation and cultivation of useful aquatic life

 Recreation
TYPES OF RESERVOIRS
Types of Reservoirs
 Storage (Conservation) Reservoir

 Flood Control Reservoir

 Multipurpose Reservoir

 Distribution Reservoir

 Balancing Reservoir
 STORAGE RESERVOIR
Constructed to store the water in rainy
season and to release it later when river
flow is low.

Also helps in moderating the floods and

reducing the flood damage to some
extent on the downstream.
FLOOD CONTROL RESERVOIR
Protect the areas laying on its
downstream side from damage due to
flood Also known as flood mitigation
reservoir or flood protection reservoir
 MULTI-PURPOSE RESERVOIR
Design or Construct to serve two or more
purpose.

In most Countries most of the reservoir

are designed as multipurpose reservoir
to store water for irrigation,
hydropower generation and also to
control flood
 DISTRIBUTION RESERVOIR
Stores the during the period of lean
demand and supplies the same during
the period of high demand.
 BALANCING RESERVOIR
Small reservoir constructed at
downstream side of the main reservoir
for holding the water.
Basic Terms and definitions in
Reservoir Planning
Basic Terms and definitions in
Reservoir Planning
Basic Terms and definitions in
Reservoir Planning
Basic Terms and definitions in Reservoir Planning
1. FULL RESERVOIR LEVEL (FRL)
Highest water level to which the water surface will rise during normal operating
conditions.

Highest level at which the water is intended to be held for various uses without
any passage through spillway

In case of Dam without spillway gates the FRL is equal to the crest of the
spillway.

Also called as Full Tank Level (FTL) or the Normal Pool Level (NPL)
Basic Terms and definitions in Reservoir Planning
2. NORMAL CONSERVATION LEVEL (NCL)
Highest level of reservoir at which water is intended to be stored for various uses
other than flood.

NCL is different from the FRL as the latter may includes a part of the flood.
3. MAXIMUM WATER LEVEL (MWL)
Maximum level to which the water surface will rise when the design flood
passes over the spillway.

MWL is also called as Maximum Pool Level (MPL) or Maximum Flood Level
(MFL)
Basic Terms and definitions in Reservoir Planning
4. MINIMUM POOL LEVEL (MPL)
Lowest level up to which the water is withdrawn from the reservoir under any
ordinary conditions.

MPL is generally corresponds to the elevation of the lowest outlet (or

sluiceway) of the Dam.
5. USEFUL STOREAGE
The volume of water stored between the Full reservoir Level (FRL) and
Minimum pool level (MPL) The useful storage is also called as Live Storage
Basic Terms and definitions in Reservoir Planning
6. SURCHARGE STORAGE
Volume of water above Full reservoir level (FRL) up to Maximum water level (MWL).

It is uncontrolled storage which exists only when the river is in flood and flood water
is passing over the spillway. This Storage is available only for absorption of flood.

7. DEAD STOREAGE
Volume of water held below the minimum pool level.

Dead storage is not useful.

Basic Terms and definitions in Reservoir Planning
8. BANK STORAGE
If banks of the reservoir are porous some water is temporarily stored by them, when
reservoir is full.

The stored water in the banks is drains latter in to the reservoir when water level of
the reservoir falls
9. VALLEY STOREAGE
The volume of water held by the natural river channel in its valley up to the top of
its banks before the construction of reservoir is called valley storage.
Basic Terms and definitions in Reservoir Planning
10. YIELD FROM THE RESERVOIR
Volume of water which can be withdrawn from a reservoir in a specified period of
time. Expressed as Mha_m/year or Mm3/Year for Large Storage
11. SAFE YIELD OR FIRM YIELD
Maximum quantity of water which can be supplied from a reservoir in a specified
period of time during a critical dry year.

Generally the lowest recorded natural flow of the river for a number of year is taken
as the critical dry period for determining the safe yield.
Basic Terms and definitions in Reservoir Planning
12. SECONDARY YIELD
Quantity of water which is available during the period of high flow in the rivers
when the yield is more than the safe yield.
13. DESIGN YIELD
The Design yield is the yield adopted in the design of reservoir. The Design yield is usually
fixed after considering the urgency of the water needs and the amount of risk involved.
14. AVERAGE YIELD
The arithmetic average of the Firm and the Secondary yield over a long period of time.
INVESTIGATION FOR RESERVOIR
PLANNING
INVESTIGATION OF RESERVOIR PLANNING

 Engineering Survey
 Geological Survey
 Hydrological Survey
 ENGINEERING SURVEY
 Area at dam site is surveyed in
details
 Preparation of Contour plan,
 Preparation of Area elevation curve
 Preparation of Storage elevation
curve
 Survey is carried out on Properties
of proposed area of land
 Selection of suitable site for Dam
 GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
 Water tightness of reservoir basin
 Stability of foundation for the Dam
 Geological and Structural features, such as fold, faults, fissure of
rock basin
 Type and depth of overburden
 Location of permeable and soluble rocks, if any
 Ground water condition if any
 Location of Quarry sites for material requirement for dam
construction
 And the Geology of the catchment area should also be studied,
since it affects the proportions of run off percolation.
- Given that location & dam height; to determine reservoir volume
- Given that location & dam height; to determine reservoir volume
- Given that location & dam height; to determine reservoir volume
 HYDROLOGICAL SURVEY

 Study of Run-off pattern at the proposed dam site, to determine

the storage capacity corresponding to a given demand.

 Determination of the hydrograph of the worst flood, to

determine the spillway capacity and design.
SITE SELECTION FOR RESERVOIRS
SITE SELECTION FOR A RESERVOIR
 SITE SELECTION FOR A RESERVOIR
 Large Storage Capacity
 Suitable Site for the Dam
 Water tightening of reservoir
 Good Hydrological Conditions
 Deep Reservoir
 Small Submerged Area
 Low Silt Flow
 No Objectionable Minerals
 Low Cost of real Instate
RESERVOIRS STORAGE CAPACITY
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
When the total supply of water (ΣS) is sufficient to meet the total demand (ΣD) during
a specified period of time, the water storage is required when S<D.
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
Designing the capacity of a storage reservoir involves with determination of
the critical period during
“Inflow < Demand”

The following methods are usually used in determining the storage capacity
of a reservoir
 Flow (Discharge) run curve
 Mass Curve (Ripple diagram)
method.
 Sequent-peak Algorithm
 Analytical Method
 Operation Study
 Flow Duration Curve method
RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY

MASS CURVE ANALYSIS

The mass inflow curve is used in the determination of the reservoir capacity. A mass inflow
curve, also called a mass curve, is a plot between accumulated inflow volumes against time.
A mass inflow curve is prepared from the inflow hydrograph of a river for a large number
of consecutive years.

Flood hydrograph of flow: It is the Flood Hydrograph of Inflow for several years.

Demand Curve: It is a plot between accumulated demand with time.

RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
MASS CURVE ANALYSIS
RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
Features of Mass Curve:
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
Features of Mass Curve:
A Flow Hydrograph A Mass inflow Curve
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
Mass Demand Curve:
Uniform Demand A Mass Demand Curve
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
Use of Mass Curve to Determine Reservoir capacity for a Known Yield:
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
Use of Mass Curve to Determine Reservoir capacity for a Known Yield:
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
Use of Mass Curve to Determine Reservoir capacity for a Known Yield:
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
Use of Mass Curve to Determine Reservoir capacity for a Known Yield:
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
Use of Mass Curve to Determine Reservoir capacity for a Known Yield:
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
Use of Mass Curve to Determine Reservoir capacity for a Known Yield:
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
Use of Mass Curve to Determine Reservoir capacity for a Known Yield:
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
Use of Mass Curve to Determine Reservoir capacity for a Known Yield:
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
Use of Mass Curve to Determine Reservoir capacity for a Known Yield:
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
Use of Mass Curve to Determine Reservoir capacity for a Known Yield:
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
Use of Mass Curve to Determine Reservoir capacity for a Known Yield:
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
Example
2. Twenty-five years of mean monthly flows of River Moroto are recorded in the table below. A
monthly seepage loss of 0.2m3/s is estimated. Determine the required storage capacity using
analytical method if the demand is 80% of the mean monthly flow and a compensation flow of
0.3m3/s must be maintained in the river. (Book of prof. rugumaho, page 249

Solution
RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
SEQUENT-PEAK ALGORITHM (SPA)
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
SEQUENT-PEAK ALGORITHM (SPA)
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
SEQUENT-PEAK ALGORITHM (SPA)
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
SEQUENT-PEAK ALGORITHM (SPA)
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
SEQUENT-PEAK ALGORITHM (SPA)
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
SEQUENT-PEAK ALGORITHM (SPA)
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
SEQUENT-PEAK ALGORITHM (SPA)
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
SEQUENT-PEAK ALGORITHM (SPA)
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
Example
The incoming monthly flow (10^6
m^3) during the critical period
(1973-1975) for catalan dam are
given in the nearby table.

Compute active volume of the

reservoir for 85% regulation using
SPA using both analytical and
graphical solutions

(Monthly demand Volume =

294*85% = 250
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
Analytical Method
This is one of the techniques based on the mass curve method and is similar to the sequent
peak algorithm method except that in this case the number runs is equal to the number of
years of data available, whereas in the latter case, the number of runs is twice the
number of years of data available. The capacity of the reservoir is determined from the
net inflow and demand and storage is required when the demand for that period
exceeds the net inflow
Procedure
 The streamflow data at the reservoir site is obtained, Q
(monthly or annual low rate)
 Determine the direct precipitation volume falling on the
reservoir during the month (P)
 Estimate the evaporation losses, which would occur from the
reservoir (E)
 Determine the compensation required during period(C)
 Ascertain the demand during various months (D)
 Calculate the adjusted inflow during each month (Qa)
Qa = Q + P- E - C
 Compute storage capacity for each month (S) S = Qa - D
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
Analytical Method
This is one of the techniques based on the mass curve method and is similar to the sequent
peak algorithm method except that in this case the number runs is equal to the number of
years of data available, whereas in the latter case, the number of runs is twice the
number of years of data available. The capacity of the reservoir is determined from the
net inflow and demand and storage is required when the demand for that period
exceeds the net inflow
Procedure
 Obtain the maxima and minima for each cycle
 The maxima represents a full reservoir
The minima represents the minimum reservoir level (maximum depletion). Determine the compensation required during
period(C). A cycle is the period from when the reservoir is at maximum level to the next time it returns to maximum or from
when it is at the minimum level to the next time it is at minimum again
 To obtain the amount of that should be stored in any cycle, obtain the difference between the maxima and the subsequent
minima .i.e., water
 The maximum value of the storage values gives the necessary capacity of the reservoir
 To obtain the amount of spill i, add the storage of the cycle to the minimum (to fill the reservoir) and subtract from the
subsequent maxima, or obtain the maxima of a cycle and subtract the sum of the storage and the minima.
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
Example
Twenty-five years of mean monthly flows of River Moroto are recorded in the table below. A
monthly seepage loss of 0.2m3/s is estimated. Determine the required storage capacity using
analytical method if the demand is 80% of the mean monthly flow and a compensation flow of
0.3m3/s must be maintained in the river. (Book of prof. rugumaho, page 249

Solution
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
Exercise 5
1. The average annual discharge of a river for 11 years is as fallows. Determine
the storage capacity required to meet a demand of 2000 cumecs throughout the
year.

2. Twenty-five years of mean monthly flows of River Moroto are recorded in the table below. A
monthly seepage loss of 0.2m3/s is estimated. Determine the required storage capacity using
both mass inflow curve and analytical methods if the demand is 80% of the mean monthly flow
and a compensation flow of 0.3m3/s must be maintained in the river. (Book of prof. rugumaho,
page 249
 RESERVOIR STORAGE CAPACITY
Exercise 6
The incoming monthly flow (10^6
m^3) during the critical period
(1973-1975) for catalan dam are
given in the nearby table.

Compute active volume of the

reservoir for 85% regulation using
SPA using both analytical and
graphical solutions

(Monthly demand Volume =

294*85% = 250
Flow Duration Curve Method

A Flow Duration Curve is a plot between the discharge as the ordinate and the
percentage of time that the discharge is exceeded as abscissa. The data used could be
daily weekly, ten daily or monthly values. Before the Flow Duration Curve is drawn, the
stream flow data has to be collected.

We can assume that the average daily flow data are available for one year (365 days) for, which the flow
duration curve is to be drawn. The following procedure can then be used for plotting the flow duration
curve from the daily flow:

The stream flow data is then arranged in a descending order of discharges, using class
intervals especially since the number of individual values is very large. If n is the number of
data points are used in the listing, the plotting position of any discharge (or class value) Q is.

where m is the order number of the discharge or class value and P is the percentage
probability of the flow magnitude being equalled or exceeded.
Flow Duration Curve Method
The plot of discharge against Q and P is the flow duration curve. Arithmetic scale paper,
semi-log or log-log paper is used depending upon the range of data and use of the plot.
The storage can be estimated and will be equal to the area between the demand line and
theflow duration curve, and below the demand line.

Flow duration curves are used widely in water resources planning as follows:

 Estimating dependable flows in water resources engineering projects.

 Evaluating characteristics of the hydropower potential of a river.
 In the design of drainage systems
 In flood control
 In estimating sediment load and dissolved solids of a stream
 In the extension of stream flow data to adjacent catchments,
 RESERVOIR
Flow Duration STORAGE CAPACITY
Curve Method
Example
Twenty-five years of mean monthly flows of River Moroto are recorded in the table below. A
monthly seepage loss of 0.2m3/s is estimated. Determine the required storage capacity using
flow duration curve method if the demand is 80% of the mean monthly flow and a compensation
flow of 0.3m3/s must be maintained in the river. (Book of prof. rugumaho, page 249

Solution
Flow Duration Curve Method
Flow Duration Curve Method
From the Flow Duration Curve plotted as shown below:
The storage capacity required = Hatched area A

From the example above, it can

be clearly seen that though the
value of the answers obtained
are close to
each other, the flow duration
curve method gives a lower
value

(compared to the values

obtained using the mass curve,
analytical and sequent peak
algorithm methods.
Flow Duration Curve Method
Example The data is arranged in descending order, divided into class intervals and
Determine the Flow Duration Curve for the the midpoint of each class interval determined. The frequency of each
data provided in the following table. class interval is determined from, which m is obtained as shown in the
Table below. The flow duration curve is then plotted
Flow Duration Curve Method
Example
A dam is to be constructed in the River Sezibwa Catchment to store water for a proposed irrigation scheme. The
mean daily flows for the river have been measured for the critical year and are summarised in the table below:

A compensation flow must be maintained in the river and hence no water can be abstracted until the flow
exceeds 15% of the average daily flow. In addition it is considered uneconomical to abstract water at a rate
greater than three times the average daily flow. Determine the volume of water that could be abstracted from
the river per year.
Flow Duration Curve Method
Solution:
The Flow Duration Curve Method can be used to solve this problem, because we are given
Frequencies for particular flow ranges.
First, we determine the average daily flow and then construct a flow duration curve from which the
required volume of water is estimated. Column 2 in Table below gives the mid value, which
corresponds to the range of the flow values for the frequency interval. Column 3 shows the number of
days and the fourth column is the mid value multiplied by the frequency in days and the number of
seconds in a day to give the volume for the number of days given.
 Flow Duration Curve Method
Solution:
Table on the right is then developed based on the flows and their frequencies.
Flow Duration Curve Method
Solution:
The Flow Duration Curve is then developed as shown below:

The volume of water that could be

abstracted from the river can be
obtained from the area of the
hatched area.
RESERVOIR SEDIMENTATION
RESERVOIR SEDIMENTATION
RESERVOIR SEDIMENTATION
Rivers carry a large amount of sediment load along with water, these sediments are
deposited in the reservoir on the upstream of the dam because of reduction of
velocity.

Sedimentation reduces the available capacity of the reservoir, with continuous

sedimentation, the useful life of reservoir goes on decreasing.
RESERVOIR SEDIMENTATION
FACTORS AFFECTING SEDIMENTATION
 Nature of Soil in the Catchment.
 Vegetal Cover.
 Topography of the Catchment.
 Intensity of Rainfall.
 The size of the water body.

1. SUSPENDED LOAD

Part of sediment load which is held in suspension against gravity by the vertical component of the eddies
of the turbulent flow.

Usually consist of fine material dispersed through the river cross section.

2. BED LOAD
Part of the sediment load which remains in contact with the bed when moving with the water. It
consists of relatively coarser materials
 MEASUREMENT OF SEDIMENT LOAD
SUSPENDED LOAD
A simple classification model was
 Water samples are taken from various depths in river. developed using the Rating Curve method,
 Samples are then filtered and sediments are collected. the Quasi Maximum Likelihood Estimator
and the Smearing Estimator to assist in
 After drying the weight of sediments are taken. estimating sediment load per unit area.
 Generally expressed in Parts per million.
Typical characteristics are as shown in the
Table 10.1 below:

BED LOAD
 There is no practical
method for
measurement of bed
load Bed load is usually 5
to 25 % of suspended
load An average valve of
15% is generally taken
AVERAGE ANNUAL SEDIMENT
Average annual sediment is transported by the river
Annual Sediment = Mass of sediment per unit volume of water × Annual volume of water
 DENSITY CURRENT
Defn: Gravity flow of fluid under another fluid of approximately equal density.

In reservoir, water is stored is usually clear but during flood water inflow is muddy or turbid
water.

These two fluids with different densities flow toward reservoir and heavy fluid (muddy water)
flows towards bottom due to gravity action this is known as density current

The rate of silting or sedimentation is reduced if density currents are vented by proper location
and operation of outlet and sluice gates.
PASSAGE OF A TURBID DENSITY
PASSAGE OF A TURBID DENSITY
 RESERVOIR SEDIMENT CONTROL
1. Proper Selection Of Reservoir Site

Catchment area having soft or loose soil with steep slopes may carry more sediment load.

2. Control Of Sediment Inflow

Small check dams may be constructed across those tributaries which carries more silt.

Increase in vegetation cover over the catchment area also decrease the soil erosion.
3. Proper Designing And Reservoir Planning

If the dam is constructed lower in the first instance, and is being raised in stages, then the
life of reservoir is very much increase.

Sufficient outlet should be provided in dam at various elevation, so that the flood can be
discharged to the downstream without much silt deposit
4. Control Of Sediment Diposit

During flood proper operating of gates of scouring sluices and the head regulators for
sediment control
 RESERVOIR SEDIMENT CONTROL
5. Removal Of Sediment Deposit

Scouring sluices are not completely efficient to remove the silt. Silt deposits can also be
removed by excavating and dredging. Best way is first disturb the deposited silt and then
pushes toward sluices for removing

6. Erosion Control In The Catchment Area

Provision of control bunds and provision of vegetation screen helps in reducing the sheet
erosion
EFFECTS OF SEDIMENTATION
The deposition of sediments will reduce the water storing capacity of the reservoir and
if the process of deposition continues longer, a stage is likely to reach when the whole
reservoir may get silted up and become useless.

Other effects include increased flood levels upstream of the reservoir, retrogression
of the riverbed and water levels downstream of the dam, elimination of nutrients
carried by the fine sediments, and the deterioration of the water quality.
RESERVOIR SEDIMENT CONTROL
RESERVOIR SEDIMENT CONTROL
CATCHMENT VEGETATION
CATCHMENT VEGETATION
WOODEN BARRIERS
WOODEN BARRIERS
STEPPED WATERSHED FOR SEDIMENT CONTROL
MECHANICAL DISILTING FROM RESERVOIR
SEDIMENT SLUICING
SEDIMENT SLUICING
SEDIMENT SLUICING
SEDIMENT SLUICING
USEFUL LIFE OF A RESERVOIR
USEFUL LIFE OF A RESERVOIR
USEFUL LIFE OF A RESERVOIR
 Useful life terminates when the capacity reduces to 20% of design capacity.

 This reducing the capacity is due to reservoir sedimentation.

 Reservoir sedimentation is measure in terms of Trap efficiency (ɳ).

 Trap efficiency is a function of the ratio of reservoir capacity to the total inflow.

ɳ =𝒇 (𝑪𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒕𝒚 / 𝑰𝒏𝒇𝒍𝒐𝒘)
 Trap efficiency reduces with reduction in reservoir capacity.

 The rate of silting is higher in initial stage and it decreases as the silting takes place.

 The complete filling of reservoir may take a very long time.

 Small reservoir on a large stream (large inflow rate) has a very small capacity/inflow
ratio.
USEFUL LIFE OF A RESERVOIR
 A huge reservoir having a
small stream (less inflow
rate) has a greater
capacity/inflow ratio.

 Such reservoir has greater

trap efficiency.

 Such reservoir may retain

water for several year and
permit almost complete
deposition of sediment.
USEFUL LIFE OF A RESERVOIR
USEFUL LIFE OF A RESERVOIR
Example
The following information is available regarding the relationship between trap efficiency and
capacity-inflow ratio for a reservoir

Find the probable life of reservoir with an initial reservoir capacity of 30

million cubic meters, if the annual flood inflow is 60 million cubic meters
and the average annual sediment inflow is 3600000 kN. Assume a
specific weight equal to 12kN/m3 . The useful life of reservoir will
terminate when 80% of initial capacity is filled with sediment.
PROCEDURE FOR USEFUL LIFE OF A
RESERVOIR
1.By knowing the inflow rate calculate the capacity inflow ratio and obtained trap
efficiency from the curve.

2.Divide the total capacity into suitable interval (10 or 20) of reduction in % capacity
and volume.

3.Write the respective capacity/inflow ration and trap efficiency (not in percentage).

4.For assumed % reduction in capacity find the average trap efficiency.

5.Determine the sediment inflow rate by taking the water sample and drying the
sediments.
PROCEDURE FOR USEFUL LIFE OF A RESERVOIR
6. Volume of sediment inflow is the ratio of

= (𝑾𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒏𝒏𝒖𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒊𝒏𝒇𝒍𝒐𝒘) / (𝑺𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄 𝒘𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕)

7.Calculate Annual sediment trapped, St (M. cumecs)

= Vol. of sediment inflow × average trap efficiency

8. Calculate the numbers of year to fill reservoir with sediments

=(𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒂𝒍 𝒐𝒇 𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏 𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒎𝒆) /(𝑨𝒏𝒏𝒖𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒆𝒅𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒅 (St))

9.Repeat this procedure for further reduction in capacity.

USEFUL LIFE OF A RESERVOIR

 Life of reservoir is equal to

the total numbers of years
required to fill each of the
volume interval.

 Advised to read section 10.6

in Prof Rugumaho’s book for
your own good.