Qanat’s hydraulic harim determination by the usage of meshless numerical method

Abstract

Qanat is an ancient water harvesting technology which is used for irrigation, agriculture and drinking in many countries of the world. A key element of preserving this heritage is calculating the protection area of them. In this study, the main aim is depiction of the hydraulic harim of qanat with the usage of the meshless numerical method. Afterward, the qanat package has been added to this model to delineate the hydraulic harim of the qanat. Two qanat systems are shown here, one in a standard aquifer and the other in a real test case, namely Haji-Abad qanat, located in the Birjand unconfined aquifer. In the real test case, the hydraulic harim of Haji-Abad qanat with 10 collection shafts is depicted in 3-time sections as well. The time sections are 3 years after extraction (2014), 6 years (2017) and 11 years (2022). The findings stated that time makes the harim area larger. In addition, the hydraulic harim is extended to areas with a higher hydraulic conductivity coefficient. Ultimately, we have delineated the hydraulic harim for 2040 and unfortunately, it is influenced by buildings. Therefore, it is necessary to find the hydraulic harim of qanats in order to protect this traditional heritage.