Abstract

This article presents investigation of the inflow of sediments depending upon the stream flow, density and kinematic viscosity of water. The process involves Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) technique for estimation of sediment load and volume, by using UNISTAT software (Version 5.6). A general equation is developed for a specific flow rate while considering density and kinematic viscosity of water as other parameters. The developed equation can be applied in future for determining the sediment concentration when the flow rate is known. The daily stream flow and suspended sediment data belonging to the station Nausehri operated by the Water and Power Development Authority, Pakistan is used as case study. The results indicate that the dam site experiences a mean annual sediment load of 3.74mst. With this much incoming sediment load the reservoir life comes out to be 45 years when no flushing is done. The impacts of this sediment deposition on the reservoir life and hydro-electric energy generation are also determined, which show a decrease of 113MW (12%) in the production capacity of the power plant and an adverse effect on the reservoir life.