Hydraulic flow modeling of a proposed sand and gravel mining site in the Tom river

This study is focused on changes in flow velocities and channel stability parameters associated with the projected quarry mining operation. The paper deals with the hydraulic flow characteristics of the Tom River site located between the Tomsk and Koziulino hydrological posts. Geometric parameters and hydrological characteristics, including flow modules and resistance modules, were estimated for cross sections representing both the existing and the design condition. The water level drawdown and navigational safety assessment is based on these calculations, taking into account the adopted design water levels and discharges. A flow model based on planned current lines and curvilinear cross sections obtained from the channel survey were carried out. The planned current line represents the vertical direction of the mean velocity vector and the curvilinear cross sections are orthogonal to these current lines. The combination of these elements forms a plan flow model that defines plan jets (flow between current lines) and plan flow bands (flow between crossplots). The Shezi and Manning formulas are used to express the free surface slope along an arbitrary plan flow streamline. Non-erosive and erosive velocities were calculated for modelled cross sections along current lines in pre- and post-quarry scenarios. The analysis revealed a significant decrease in flow velocities and a slight increase in both non-degradation and scour velocities after quarrying. The maximum calculated water level drop was 0.0186 m, which is significantly lower than the acceptable threshold of 0.05 m, indicating minimal impact. Quantitatively, non-degradation velocities increased from 0.55-0.65 m/s to 0.63-0.75 m/s, and degradation velocities increased from 0.7-0.85 m/s to 0.82-0.98 m/s following quarry development. This modelling approach provides a basis for understanding and predicting hydraulic behavior in the river reach under study.

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