Rabigh Power Plant – Dewatering Analysis
Project Overview
GeoStruXer conducted a detailed groundwater flow modelling and dewatering analysis for the MBL Rabigh project to address challenges posed by high groundwater levels and complex hydrological conditions along the Red Sea coast. The objective was to design an efficient dewatering system to support the construction and operational stability of a coastal power plant. The analysis utilised GMS-MODFLOW software to simulate aquifer conditions, groundwater behaviour, and dewatering system performance under varying scenarios. The project was part of NEOM’s visionary development initiative, a 170km-long city designed for 100% carbon neutrality, with minimal environmental disruption and innovative urban planning.The project aimed to harness existing soil conditions while ensuring enhanced structural performance and sustainability.
Challenges
Solution Approach
Developed a 3D MODFLOW model incorporating 4.6 million computational cells and 12 vertical layers for high-precision simulation.
Designed a dewatering system with 27 wells, each pumping 150 m³/h, achieving a 10m drawdown.
Simulated secant pile wall and zero-hydraulic conductivity barrier to restrict radial flow and compared their performance with Berlin wall systems.
Evaluated steady-state and transient flow scenarios to predict drawdown, flow dynamics, and system performance over 72 hours.
Value Engineering & Sustainability
Secant pile walls effectively controlled water inflow from deeper zones, requiring fewer pumping wells compared to Berlin walls.
Berlin wall systems achieved cost efficiency but required increased pumping rates (162 m³/hr per well) or additional wells to match secant pile performance.
Submersible pumps and optimised well spacing ensured uniform groundwater reduction while minimising environmental impacts.
Secant pile walls effectively controlled water inflow from deeper zones, requiring fewer pumping wells compared to Berlin walls.
Berlin wall systems achieved cost efficiency but required increased pumping rates (162 m³/hr per well) or additional wells to match secant pile performance.
Submersible pumps and optimised well spacing ensured uniform groundwater reduction while minimising environmental impacts.
Collaboration
Close coordination with Apsilus Safco ensured the design met site-specific geological and hydrological requirements. Key inputs included pumping test data, borehole records, and boundary condition analyses.