Hydraulic modeling of the Periyar River using HEC-RAS: unraveling flow dynamics

Abstract

The Periyar River, a vital component of Kerala's ecosystem in India, serves as a lifeline supporting agriculture, hydropower generation, and ecological equilibrium. This study adopts a multifaceted approach to address critical challenges in the Periyar basin, with a primary focus on flood mitigation due to the region's susceptibility to devastating floods. Covering a length of 67.85 km, the study intricately segments the Periyar River into distinct reaches for a comprehensive steady flow analysis, considering factors such as seasonal monsoon fluctuations, diverse catchment topography, and human-induced alterations. Utilizing advanced modeling techniques, particularly HEC-RAS software, the study effectively predicts and simulates shifts in hydraulic behavior. The results, including velocity plots and cross-sectional maps, offer accurate insights into critical parameters, enabling the identification of areas with high velocity occurrence. This information proves instrumental in making informed decisions for the construction of river restoration structures, crucial for mitigating the impact of floods. The study's findings contribute valuable tools for future forecasting and sustainable management of the Periyar River, addressing the complex interplay of natural and anthropogenic factors. HIGHLIGHTS One dimensional steady flow analysis is performed in this study.; Velocity plots were generated to get clear idea about velocity of each station.; Terrain plots were generated from HEC-RAS.; Critical flood prone area identification can be done by analysing velocity plots.; HEC-RAS modelling is effective for flow studies.;

Keywords

• advanced modeling technique
• hec-ras
• periyar river
• river restoration
• steady flow analysis