Numerical investigations of stilling basin efficiency downstream radial gates : A case study of New Assuit Barrage, Egypt

Radial gates are more common than vertical sluice gates for a number of reasons. They are simpler to use, cause less flow disturbance, require less lifting force, and deliver better discharge. Radial gates are commonly used in new barrages, such as the New Assuit Barrage. Prior researchers used physical investigations to study the efficiency of stilling basin downstream radial gates, but physical studies cost a lot of money and time, so numerical solutions should be investigated. The current study aimed to explore numerically the influence of stilling basin shape and baffle block arrangement on the stability of bed protection, near-bed velocity, energy dissipation, and hydraulic jump characteristics downstream of radial gates. Different 12 discharges were investigated, and their results were compared with previous physical results to verify the performance of the numerical results. The results obtained from the numerical model from all trials are almost identical to the physical model results. Five different alternative designs were carried out numerically to enhance the design of the New Assuit Barrage (NAB) spillway stilling basin. Results showed that alternatives 4 (changing the geometry of the basin by removing the end step and concrete slab) and 5 (as alternative 4 in addition to adding rounded baffle blocks presented in two rows arranged in a staggered way) gave good velocity distribution with low turbulence, low values of near-bed velocities, and stability of bed protection. Also, it is more economical because of the lower cost of concrete and excavation.