An Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Discipline

AQUACULTURE ENGINEERING
DESIGN STRUCTURE

UEP College of Engineering

Engr. Elaido Jao Jr.

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
SOUTH CHINA SEA FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT ABD COORDINATING PROGRAM Page 1
 AQUACULTURE ENGINEERING MODULE
DESIGN OF FISH FARM PHYSICAL STRUCTURES

DESIGN OF FISH FARM GATES AND POND SYSTEM

Design tide curve and elevation of pond bottom

The local pattern of tide curve upon which fishpond design is based can be obtained from
an analysis of the tide record. It is also referred to as design tide curve. The design tide
curve is drawn along the zero datum level which is usually the Mean Lower Low Water
(MLLW). Adoption of inappropriate design tide curve can cause problems in the
management of the pond after construction is completed.

The bottom elevation of ponds is the primary consideration in the design and is
determined based on the design tide curve (Figs.1 and 2). Primary consideration should
be given to both the biological needs of the cultured species and construction aspect such
as the minimum and maximum water level to be maintained in the pond and adequate
flow of water into the ponds. On the economic side of construction, the elevation of pond
bottom should strike a balance between the excavation or filling work and the tidal range.
For a site with relatively high ground elevation, it is possible in a specific instance that
pumping water to the ponds can prove to be more economical than excavating the soil to
the desired elevation.

Figure 1 Relation of tide curves to design elevations of a fish farm

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
SOUTH CHINA SEA FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT ABD COORDINATING PROGRAM Page 2
 Figure 2 Relation of tide curves to the different pond elevations

The elevation of other structures such as gates, canals and dikes are also based on the
design tide curve and these should fit properly to the water management and operational
requirements of the ponds. An example of representative tide curve which is given in
Figure 3.

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
SOUTH CHINA SEA FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT ABD COORDINATING PROGRAM Page 3
 Figure. 3 Representative tide curve (Mean High Water Spring)

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
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Design, specifications and components of main water control gate

Components of water control gates is shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4. Parts of a main gate (double opening) made of reinforced concrete

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
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(a) Floor. The floor serves as the foundation of the structure and its elevation for main
gates must be lower than the pond bottom elevation and as low or slightly lower than the
lowest tide in the site. If this is observed, the main gate which rests on a prepared
foundation support will not be exposed even during extreme low tides.

(b) Apron. This is the broadened and extended part of the floor and also generally rests on
the foundation piles, which are made of seasoned bamboo or wood driven at 0.3 m
intervals into the soft soil with the butt end up. The apron serves as protection to scouring
and future seepage of water at the gate's sides.

(c) Cut-off-walls. Cut-off-walls are provided at both ends of the gate's floor to prevent
seepage and undercutting of water within the gate's foundation. They extend down into
the soil at a minimum of 0.60 m and are an integral part of the gate's foundation. Wooden
sheet piles may be used as an extension of concrete cut-off-walls in order to reach deeper
depths at reduced cost.

(d) Side or breast walls. Side walls define the sluice way in addition to their being retaining
wall for the dike fill. Grooves or double cleats for flashboards and screens are built on
these walls. The top of these walls are as high as the top of the dike.

(e) Buttress. This is built against the side walls to support or reinforce it. It also helps in
reducing seepage flow along the side walls.

(f) Wing walls. Wing walls provide the transition from the sluice way into the main canal in
addition to retaining the earth at both sides of the gate. This transition improves the
condition of the flow by providing a control on flow velocities from one bed material to
another.

(g) Bridges or catwalks. These are reinforced concrete slabs or thick wooden planks that
span the side walls. At least three catwalks are provided, two at each end and one at
centre near the flashboard grooves.

(h) Flashboards. Slabs or flashboards are generally wooden planks, 2.5 to 5 cm thick and
30 cm wide inserted into grooves or double cleats. They are used to control the amount of
water flowing through the gate.

(i) Screens. Screens are usually made of bamboo strips or of fine polyethylene meshes
attached to a wooden rectangular frame that fit into the grooves. The screens are used to
prevent the exit of the cultured fish and the entry of predators into the ponds.

(j) Pillars. In wooden gates, these are vertical supports where wooden walls are nailed.
They are placed at regular intervals so that they form a framework for the gate itself.

(k) Braces. In wooden gates, these wooden members hold or fasten two or more pillars
together or in place. They keep the opening of a gate rigid.

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
SOUTH CHINA SEA FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT ABD COORDINATING PROGRAM Page 6
Main gate

The main gate links the pond system to the source of water. It regulates the exchange of
water between the pond system and the tidal stream or sea. Instead of wood, it should be
made of concrete for effective control and to last longer. The main gate is usually situated
at the central side of the proposed fishpond facing the source of water. The following
provides some information needed in the design of the main gate.

(a) The floor elevation of the main gate should be lower than the lowest pond bottom
elevation desired inside the pond system. It should also be as low or slightly lower than
extreme low tides (Fig. 5). The front end or riverside elevation of the floor or apron may be
made lower if a pump is to be installed (Fig. 5).

(b) The height of the main gate depends upon the highest tide and flood and should be the
same as the elevation of the main dike which is also dependent upon the tidal fluctuations,
floods and other factors in the area.

Figure.5. Detail of main gate with pump sump (Reinforcement not shown)

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
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 (c) Main gates may have single, double, or triple or even quadruple or more openings
(Figs. 6 to 8). The opening of the main gate depends upon the area to be flooded. Gates
should not have too wide opening so that they would be difficult to manage. One to 1.2 m
wide per opening has been found appropriate for easy handling of wooden slabs and
screens. Wider opening than these may require lifting mechanisms in the operation of the
gate. Experience in the Philippines shows that a single opening of 1.0 m for a concrete
main gate could flood a 10 to 15 ha pond system in a milkfish farm in two or three
successive high tides. This opening, however, does not necessarily apply to shrimp farm
because of the difference in water depth requirement between shrimp and milkfish. Based
on the computations done, a gate with three openings and 1.2 m wide each would fill an
11.35 ha shrimp farm to a minimum depth of one meter in two consecutive tide cycle. For
much larger areas and deeper ponds, a double or triple opening-gate of proper width may
be constructed at one or more spots along the perimeter dike.

Fig. 6 Main concrete gate single-opening Fig..7 Main concrete gate double-opening

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
SOUTH CHINA SEA FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT ABD COORDINATING PROGRAM Page 8
 Fig. 8 Sample of a triple-opening concrete main gate

(d) There must be a separtate groove for the slabs and screens. It may be necessary to
have four pairs of grooves; two pairs for slabs and two pairs for screens (one at each end)
depending upon their use.

(e) The wings should be properly designed to provide easy current flow. The best angle of
flare should be 45° towards the outside. This angle may not be necessarily the same for
both ends of the gate.

(f) The gate foundation must be rigid and stable. It must be able to carry the whole weight
when the gate is fully constructed. There are two designs of gate foundations in use —
one has the floor and apron of gate resting on a combination of piles and layers of
boulders and gravel. The other one uses piles alone to stengthen the foundation that
supports the structure. The former design is common in the Philippines and Indonesia
while the latter is found in Malaysia (Fig. 9 to 11).

(g) Cut-off-walls and aprons must be provided. They must be wide enough to include
portions susceptible to scouring and under-cutting of water.

(h) Adequate reinforcements against sidewise pressure must be provided. Spacing of

steel bars should not exceed 40 cm centre to centre. The size of vertical bars should be
12 to 13 mm and 10 mm for horizontal bars.

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
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Fig. 9 Foundation support and piling scheme (Philippines) (Portion of flooring only)

Fig. 10 Foundation support plan and piling scheme

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
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 Fig. 11 Foundation and elevation plan of concrete main gate (single opening)

Design of secondary and tertiary gates and other water control structures

Secondary and tertiary gates

These provide the control of water to and from the main canal and into the different pond
components such as catching ponds, rearing ponds and nursery ponds. These structures
are usually made of wood and can be treated with coal tar for durability. Single or double
opening made of reinforced concrete or hollow blocks can also be used but it is
sometimes too expensive (Figs. 12 to 14). Considerations in the planning and designing of
secondary and tertiary gates are the same as those of the main gate except that their
respective elevations are dependent upon the elevation of the canal bed where they are
being constructed. The usual elevation of the flooring of these gates above the canal is
0.15 m. The flooring elevation of the farthest gate from the main gate should be checked
against the design tide curve to insure that it still is capable of filling the pond within the
prescribed time. The width of opening may vary from 0.6 to 1.0 m. Wing walls can be
provided (Figs. 15 and 16) but some existing designs, especially the wooden gates, do not
have these structures (Figs. 17 and 18). Anti-seep boards at the side of the gate is also a
good feature (Fig. 16).

Culverts or pipes

These structures convey water across dikes, roads, and similar embankments. A recent
innovation for a smaller and less expensive gate is the use of culverts or pipes made of

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
SOUTH CHINA SEA FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT ABD COORDINATING PROGRAM Page 11
concrete hollow blocks or asbestos cement. Culverts or pipes gates may or may not have
wing walls (Figs.19 and 20) and are likewise provided with slabs and screens and are
even more effective for water control in a fishpond, the conduit section may be circular or
square in shape (Figs.19 to 21). For low-cost design wooden culvert may be used (Fig.
22).

Fig. 12 Detail of a single opening secondary concrete gate

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
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 Fig. 13 Details of secondary gates with double opening

Fig. 14 Concrete hollow blocks sluice gate (single opening)

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
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 Fig. 15 Wooden sluice gate - with wing wall in two ends side braces and cat walk

Fig. 16 Wooden main sluice gate (Top view) - with middle anti-seep board and wing wall
in pond side .

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
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 Fig. 17 Secondary wooden gate (No wing wall)

Fig. 18 Detail of wooden tertiary gate, for nursery/rearing ponds

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
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Fig. 19 Cut-out diagram of concrete culvert as secondary gate (with wing wall)

Fig. 20 Concrete culvert (No wing wall)

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
SOUTH CHINA SEA FISHERIES DEVELOPMENT ABD COORDINATING PROGRAM Page 16
 Fig. 21 Design of a square culvert gate

Fig. 22 Wooden square culvert

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
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Design and specifications of main or perimeter dike

The function of perimeter dikes is to retain water for use in the fish farming operation as
well as to protect the farm ponds, fish crops and other farm facilities from destruction by
floods and tidal inundation. Design of these embankments must be based on sound
engineering principles and economic feasibility. The design of perimeter dikes are two
types: (i) for exposed areas; and (ii) for protected areas (Figs. 23 and 24).

Location of perimeter dike

Fig 23 Sample designs of perimeter dike within the reach of coastal waves

Fig. 24 Sample designs of perimeter dike located along river or protected area

The perimeter dikes of a coastal fish farm is usually built along the river banks, on the
seaward side or in certain spots that are vulnerable to flooding. In locating the dike, the
Philippines require a belt of mangroves of 20 m from a river bank, and 100 m wide from
seashore to be left for the purpose of protecting the dikes against waves and currents, and
absorption of wave energy and, to some extent, for flood control and conservation of the

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
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environment. Indonesia requires 400 m of mangrove as green belt of trees along the
shore.

The path of the dike is determined by survey to avoid (a) crossing of streams or creeks
that have substantial rate of flow; (b) areas of extremely poor soil which result in high
construction cost; and (c) locating the dike near an actively eroding line of rivers or coasts.

Cross-section of main dike

The cross-section of dikes is described by the crown or top width, height, side slope and
the bottom width or base (Fig. 25). Modifications are made by providing berm and core or
puddle trench (Fig. 26). Cross-section of the perimeter dike should be designed to: (a)
prevent over-tapping at high tide combined with a maximum flood height from the river
system; and (b) prevent failure due to slips and seepage.

Due to poor and soft foundation soil in coastal swamps, the embankment requires a
process of consolidation before it becomes stable. Consolidation is a natural phenomenon
and it occurs as a counterbalance between the settlement and bearing capacity of the
foundation. Slip and collapse of an embankment constructed on poor ground occurs when
irregularities or unbalanced conditions develop in the foundation.

(a) Determination of height

The height of the dike should be above the highest tide and flood that occur in the site.
The design flood level is based on the maximum flood water that was observed in the
locality to recur within 10 to 15 years .

Fig. 25 Steepness of side of dike for different values of side slope (Horizontal and vertical
ratio)

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
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 Fig. 26 Design of different dikes

The design height of dike should be provided with a freeboard after shrinkage and
settlement of 0.3 to 1.0 m above the highest water level. Given below are the
recommended allowance for shrinkage and settlement:

Allowance for structure and

Condition
settlement (%)
Poor material and poor methods and
1. 15–30
practices in construction
2. Soil exceptionally high in organic matter 40 or more
3. Compacted by construction equipment 5–10

The total height of the main dike above the ground level can be computed by the following
formula (see Fig. 5.27).

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
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 Where: Hm =height of the main dike
Hat =highest astronomical tide
Gs =elevation of the ground surface
Mf =maximum flood level
F =allowance for freeboard
%S =percent shrinkage and settlement

Fig. 27 Cross-section of perimeter (main) dike and basis for determining height

Example 1

It is required to determine the height of a main dike with the given conditions in the site as
follows:

a. Highest astronomical tide — 2.04 m

b. Elevation of the land — 0.91
c. Flood allowance — 0.30 m
d. Freeboard — 0.30 m
e. Settlement/shrinkage — 15%

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
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Solution:

Hm

= 2.04 m

(b) Determination of side slopes, crown and base

The dike should also be of adequate width so that it could hold water inside and prevent
flooding from outside with appropriate side slope of 1:1 for clay soil and height up to 3.0
m. Side slope of 2:1 (horizontal to vertical) is used for height greater than 4.0 m and even
flatter if located along seashore and being subject against wave action. If available soil
permits, provision for a berm (single or both sides) is desirable for additional stability. The
berm should slope towards the dike wall to trap eroded soil particles during rains. It also
serves as small ditch that conveys runoffs towards the outlet gate especially when acidity
of exposed dike is a management problem.

The top width or crown of the dike should be designed so as to serve its purpose. For
dikes used as roadways, top width of 3.5 m to 4.0 m can be used but preferably 4.0 m. A
0.6 m wide allowance should be provided on each side of a roadway dike to prevent
ravelling. In the Philippines, the desirable minimum crown for milkfish culture is at least 2.0
m for main dike.

Dikes subjected to wave action should have a minimum crown of approximately equal to
the height of the maximum wave.

The base (without a berm) is computed in accordance with the width of crown and side
slope as follows (Fig. 28)

Fig. 28 Simple pond dike

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
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 b = T + 2(zd)
Where: b = width of base, m
T = width of crown, m
d = height of dike, m
z = horizontal value of side slope

Example 2

Referring to Figure 5.28, determine the width of base if the dike should have a top width of
crown of 2.5 m, height of 1.3 m and a side slope of 1.5:1 (or z = 1.5).

Solution: Using the formula above:

b = 2.5 + 2(1.5) (1.3)

= 6.4 m

(c) Cross-sectional area and volume of dike

The cross-sectional area is estimated by adding the width of crown and base, divide the
sum by two, and multiplied by the height. The height should be the estimated height for
main, secondary or tertiary dike which includes allowance for shrinkage. The volume of
soil required to construct the dike is computed by multiplying the cross-sectional area by
the length of dike. In symbol,

Where A = cross-sectional area of dike, m2

V = volume of dike, m3
L = length of dike, m

Example 3

From Example 5.2, the cross-sectional area and volume of a dike that will be constructed
1 250 m long are:

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
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Leakage and seepage

To maintain a watertight pond, leakage should be given due attention in dike design and
proper construction procedure followed. After the dike has been constructed, leakage is
usually caused by the damage of the dike due to crustacean burrows, particularly the
species Thalassina anomala (Tang, 1982). They make burrows in the soft mud under the
dike thereby causing “piping” by which sand and silt particles are moved by seepage flow.
Effective measures for preventing leakage include:

a. Minimizing the amount of seepage flow through proper compaction, core trenching,
embedding vertical plastic membrane inside dike, covering dike wall with concrete
bricks, riprapings, etc.
b. Minimizing destruction by crustaceans by desalinizing and drying out the
embankment soils.

The rate of seepage through a dike can be estimated if the following factors are known: (i)
the permeability coefficient of the dike; (ii) height of water level in the pond or canal; (iii)
effective width of the dike; and (iv) the nature of dike foundation whether permeable or
impermeable. Under normal conditions, the passage of water through a dike with
impermeable foundation is only confined within the dike soil. When the foundation is
permeable, the rate of seepage flow is the sum of the seepage passing through the dike
itself and the quantity passing through the thickness of the dike soil foundation. In
brackishwater fish farm, dike foundation is mostly, if not all, permeable.

Since the permeability of alluvial clay is relatively constant, the increase or decrease of
seepage flow in a coastal fish farm depends mainly upon the levels of tidal fluctuation and
effective width of dike. The effective width of dike can be calculated by constructing the
seepage line. For a value of permeability of the embankment and foundation soil of 1.32
cm/hour, water level in the pond maintained at 3.3 m, and tidal level of 4.8 m and 0.0
(datum level), estimates of seepage inflow and outflow through the dikes with three
effective widths (Table 1). The table shows that as the effective width of dike becomes
narrower, more seepage flow occurs. Hence placing linings of impermeable material is
more needed in small dikes.

5.5 Cross-section of secondary and tertiary dikes

The secondary and tertiary dikes are smaller than the main dikes. Secondary dikes are
usually provided on both sides of the canals and should be able to contain the mean high
water springs. Tertiary dikes are partition dikes that separate the ponds and should be
able to contain the desired water levels in the ponds.

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
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Table 1. Seepage flow through dikes with three effective widths

Minimum seepage inflow Minimum seepage

Dimension of dikes
in rising tides outflow in ebb tides
Top Effective Rate of Effective Rate of
Height
width Slope dike width seepage dike width seepage
(m)
(m) (m) flow (cm3/hr) (m) flow (cm3/hr)
2.0 2.0 3:1 11.0 0.13 14 0.28
2.0 2.0 2:1 8.0 0.18 10 0.32
2.0 2.0 1:1 5.0 0.29 6 0.69

Determination of height

The equation below can be used for the determination of dike heights:

(a) Secondary dikes (Fig. 29)

Where: Hs = height of the secondary dikes above the ground

surface
Hst = mean high spring tide
Mr = maximum rainfall within 24 hours

Example 3

If the mean high spring tide above the zero datum is 1.35 m, the ground elevation at the
side of dike is 1.00 m, and maximum 24-hour rainfall in the locality for 15-year interval is
12 cm. Determine the height of secondary dike needed. Provide 25% allowance for
shrinkage and 30 cm freeboard.

Solution: (Refer to Fig. 29)

= 1.30 m

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
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(b) Tertiary dikes (Fig. 30)

Where: Ht = height of the tertiary dike above datum

Dwl = desired water level above datum

Fig. 29 Typical cross section of secondary dike showing ground elevation, water levels
and basis for determination of height

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
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 Fig. 30 Typical cross section of tertiary dike showing ground and water levels and basis
for determining height

Example 4

Determine the height of a tertiary dike if the desired water level in the pond is 1.35 m from
the zero datum and the ground elevation is 1.00 m. The maximum 24-hour rainfall is 12
cm, allowance of shrinkage is 20% and freeboard is 30 cm.

Solution: (Refer to Fig. 5.30)

= 0.96 or rounded to 1.0 m

Side slope, crown and base

The top width of secondary and tertiary dikes are narrower than the perimeter or main
dike. Top width of 1 to 2 m are common for the secondary dike and even less than one
meter for the tertiary dike.

FISHPOND ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL MANUAL FOR SMALL-AND MEDIUM-SCALE COASTAL FISH FARMS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA BY C.R. DELA CRUZ,
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The side slope is usually 1:1. Side berms in secondary dike may be provided if there is
excess soil in order to reduce the cost of hauling. Puddle trench in the dike base is
provided when necessary.

The computation of the width of base is done in the same way as in the perimeter or main
dike. Table 2 gives values of base for different values of dike height, crown and side
slopes.

Design of various types of ponds and pond bottom

Fishponds are designed to have the best environment for the cultured species — through
efficient water management, ease in the cultivation of food organisms and manipulation of
stock for good growth and production. This objective could be attained when the
arrangement of the pond compartments, water control structures and all other facilities
mutually complement each other.

Production ponds are designed independent of each other by providing each with
individual water supply and drainage gates. Within the compartment, pond bottoms are
designed to further fit the environmental requirement of cultured species. The whole
bottom should slope towards the drainage gate to facilitate removal of water. This sloping
bottom can be modified and improved by providing bottom ditch within the pond running
along and close to the base of the dike. This ditch collects and leads the water to the
catching pond where the drainage gate is also located. In this scheme, a slope divide is
provided at the centre of the pond (Fig. 31). For much larger compartments, a middle ditch
connecting the peripheral ditch may be provided (Fig. 32).

Ponds designed purposely for shrimp culture usually have two separate gates — supply
(inlet) and drainage (outlet) gates. Peripheral canals are provided mainly to serve as
shelter for the shrimp; to increase the pond bottom surface area; and to have better water
circulation. Facilitating drainage is only secondary in the purpose. Hence, more canals or
bottom platforms are sometimes provided (Fig. 5.33).

Table 2. Relationship among the top width, bottom width and height of dike with
given side slopes

Height (m) Top width or crown (m) Bottom width, m at given side slop
1:1 1:5:1 2:1
1.5 2 5 6.5 8
2 2 6 8 10
3 2 8 11 14

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 Fig. 31 Peripheral ditch or canal in bottom of shrimp pond \\\\ (Not drawn to scale)

Fig. 32 A central ditch in addition to peripheral ditch in shrimp pond (Not drawn to scale)

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Fig. 33 A flow-through type of pond bottom design for shrimp pond
(Not drawn to scale)

Pond bottom for shrimp culture may or may not be cleared of tree stumps depending on
harvesting method. Stumps may just be cut short well below the pond water level (Fig.
34). Milkfish ponds, however, require that the pond be totally cleared of stumps to facilitate
harvesting by gillnet seine. This method of harvest, however, is not common in the
Philippines, because it removes some of the scales, thus reducing the quality of fish.

Design of water canals or channels

Water from the outer sea is drawn into the fishpond at the specified rate and time through
the canal and discharged into the outer sea also through the same canal. In the design of
the canal, it is necessary to give consideration on the following criteria:

Fig. 34 Dike-canal type pond

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 a. The cross-section is determined to effect the flow of required amount of water in
rational way. That is, the most effective section in terms of hydraulics; within the
possible minimum time.
b. If the canal is to be used for other purposes than water conveyance, it should be
designed to fulfill such purpose.

Kinds of water channel

Canals in fish farms are usually made of soil material. They may only vary in size
depending on its location and purpose. A canal may serve the purpose of supplying and
draining water to and from the ponds.

a. Main water supply canal. — This starts from the main gate and usually traverses the
central portion of the fish farm. The size of the main canal should consider the
emergency discharge of water from the entire fish farm and surrounding area, if any,
during heavy rain.
b. Secondary water supply canal. — This serves the portions where main canal cannot
reach. It starts from the main canal and traverses the inner portion of the fishpond. It
is usually constructed in large fishpond areas and is smaller than the main canal.
c. Tertiary canal. — This is the canal that usually supply water in the nursery and
transition ponds. Because of the small size, it is sometimes said to be a part of the
nursery pond system. The tertiary canal may be modified to serve as catching pond.
Usually the bed width is 1.0 to 1.5 m.
d. Diversion canal. — The purpose of this canal is to protect the farm from being
flooded with runoff water coming from the watershed. It should have the capacity to
carry at least the peak runoff from the contributing watershed for a ten-year
frequency storm. The slope of the diversion canal should be such that the water
flows toward the drainage area or around the fish farm to a convenient and
prepared outlet.
e. Drainage canal. — A separate drainage canal is recommended in intensive culture,
especially of shrimps, in order to effect flow-through system. This is usually located
at the other side of the pond, opposite and parallel to the supply canal, if provided.

Cross-section of canal bed

The cross-section of the canal is generally of trapezoidal shape with side slope of 1:1 for
the alluvial clay soil (Fig. 35). The depth of the main canal ranges from the level of mean
higher high water (excluding the height of freeboard) for mixed tide or mean high water
(for diurnal), to the mean lower low water (the datum plane); and the secondary canals
from the designed pond water level to the mean tide level. The lower limit of the water
canals depends on the range of tide. Generally, a smaller tide range requires a lower
canal bed.

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 Fig. 35 Design of different canals

For the most efficient cross-section, canal bed should be.

Where: b = canal bed

d = depth of canal excluding freeboard
z = horizontal value of side slope

Example 5

Using the above formula, if the water depth inside a canal that has side slope of 1:1 is 1.0
m, the bottom width would be 0.83 m. Values of bottom width for other depths and side
slopes are given in Table 3. The table also includes the cross-sectional area.

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Design velocity

Velocity of water on canals should be designed properly to avoid soil erosion and siltation
on the canal bed. Velocity should be slow to prevent excessive erosion but not too slow to
prevent siltation. In most soils, design velocity of water in canals should not be lower than
0.3 m/sec to avoid silting. The usual velocities in canals are within 0.5 to 0.7 m/sec.

The nature of velocity of flow in a canal during tidal inflow is different compared to the
velocity during drainage of pond water at ebb tide. The former is an unsteady flow and
water is flowing against the direction of canal slope. The latter is a flow of water in the
same direction of slope. It is still an unsteady flow or flow that changes with time because
of the falling depth of water in the ponds during drainage.

The opposite of unsteady flow is steady flow. This flow does not fluctuate or change with
time. An example of a steady flow that exists in brackishwater fish farm is when pumping
water from a river or a well and discharging in a canal that delivers the water to the ponds.
The flow in the canal is further called uniform flow because the depth of water does not
change and flows by gravity or in the direction of the slope.

Table 3. Cross-sectional area, A of trapezoidal earthen canal at given side slope,

z:1; water depth, d; and bottom width, b

Side slope 1:1 1.5:1 1.75:1 2:1

z=1 z = 1.5 z = 1.75 z=2
d b A b A b A b A
m m m2 m m2 m m2 m m2
0.25 0.207 0.114 0.152 0.132 0.133 0.142 0.118 0.155
0.50 0.414 0.457 0.302 0.526 0.265 0.570 0.236 0.618
0.75 0.621 1.028 0.453 1.184 0.397 1.284 0.354 1.391
1.00 0.828 1.828 0.604 2.104 0.530 2.280 0.472 2.472
1.25 1.035 2.856 0.755 3.288 0.662 3.562 0.590 3.863
1.50 1.242 4.113 0.906 4.734 0.795 5.130 0.708 5.562
1.75 1.449 5.598 1.057 6.444 0.927 6.981 0.826 7.571
2.00 1.656 7.312 1.208 8.416 1.060 9.120 0.944 9.888
2.25 1.863 9.254 1.359 10.652 1.192 11.541 1.062 12.515
2.50 2.070 11.425 1.510 13.150 1.325 14.250 1.180 15.450
2.75 2.277 13.824 1.661 15.912 1.457 17.241 1.298 18.695
3.00 2.484 16.452 1.812 18.936 1.590 20.520 1.416 22.248

Under the condition of steady and uniform flow, the velocity of water in the canal can be
calculated by using Manning's formula:

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 Where: V= velocity, m/sec
R= hydraulic radius, A/P, m
S= canal bed slope, m/m
n= roughness coefficient of the canal wall
A= cross-sectional area of the canal
wetted perimeter or cross-sectional length of side wall of canal that
P=
is in contact with the water, m

The design discharge or capacity of a canal for steady and uniform flow is calculated by
using the continuity equation: Q = AV, where Q = discharge or rate of flow in m3 sec.

Example 6

Determine the bottom width and capacity of an earthen canal with water depth of 0.75 m
and side slope of 1.5:1. The canal has a bed slope of 0.0010 or 1 1 000.

Solution:

From Table 3, for d = 0.75, and side slope of 1.5:1, the bottom width of the canal for an
efficient cross-section is 0.453 m. The velocity of flow at bed slope of 1 1 000 is 0.44
m/sec (Table 5.4). In Table.3, the corresponding area for d = 0.75 and b = 0.453 m is
1.184 m2. Therefore, the capacity of the canal is 1.184 m2 × 0.44 m/sec = 0.521 m3 sec.

Design requirement for multiple use

When canals are used for temporary holding of fish, the size of the canal will be calculated
by the quantity of fish to be held. Under normal conditions, the maximum quantity of
milkfish that can be held by tidal water is about 1.3 to 1.7 kg/m3. If the length and depth of
canal are fixed, then the width should adjust in order to satisfy the required volume of
water for a given quantity of fish to be held. The bottom of the canal if intended for
temporary holding of fish should be 30 cm lower than the pond bottom or secondary gate.

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Table 4. Velocity of water (m/sec) in trapezoidal earthen canal in clay soil at given
side slope; roughness coefficient, n = 0.025; depth, d; and bottom width, b, Side
slop = 1:1

CANAL SLOPE
Depth Bottom
(m) width (m)
0.25 0.207 0.45 0.37 0.32 0.28 0.26 0.24 0.22 0.21 0.20 0.19 0.18
0.50 0.414 0.71 0.58 0.50 0.45 0.41 0.38 0.35 0.33 0.32 0.30 0.29
0.75 0.621 0.93 0.76 0.66 0.59 0.54 0.50 0.46 0.44 0.42 0.40 0.38
1.00 0.828 1.13 0.92 0.80 0.71 0.65 0.60 0.56 0.53 0.50 0.48 0.46
1.25 1.035 1.31 1.07 0.92 0.83 0.75 0.70 0.65 0.62 0.58 0.56 0.53
1.50 1.242 1.48 1.21 1.05 0.94 0.86 0.79 0.74 0.70 0.66 0.63 0.60
1.75 1.449 1.64 1.34 1.16 1.03 0.94 0.87 0.82 0.77 0.73 0.70 0.69
2.00 1.656 1.79 1.46 1.26 1.13 1.03 0.96 0.89 0.84 0.80 0.76 0.73
2.25 1.863 1.94 1.58 1.37 1.22 1.12 1.03 0.97 0.91 0.87 0.83 0.79
2.50 2.070 2.08 1.69 1.47 1.31 1.20 1.11 1.04 0.98 0.93 0.88 0.85
2.75 2.277 2.21 1.81 1.56 1.40 1.28 1.18 1.11 1.04 0.99 0.94 0.90
3.00 2.484 2.34 1.91 1.66 1.48 1.35 1.25 1.17 1.10 1.05 1.00 0.96
Side slope = 1.5:1
0.25 0.152 0.45 0.37 0.32 0.28 0.26 0.24 0.22 0.21 0.20 0.19 0.18
0.50 0.302 0.47 0.39 0.34 0.30 0.27 0.25 0.24 0.22 0.21 0.20 0.19
0.75 0.453 0.62 0.51 0.44 0.39 0.36 0.33 0.31 0.29 0.28 0.26 0.25
1.00 0.604 0.67 0.55 0.48 0.42 0.39 0.36 0.34 0.32 0.30 0.29 0.27
1.25 0.755 0.87 0.71 0.62 0.55 0.50 0.47 0.44 0.41 0.39 0.37 0.36
1.50 0.906 0.99 0.81 0.70 0.62 0.57 0.53 0.49 0.47 0.44 0.42 0.40
1.75 1.057 1.09 0.89 0.77 0.69 0.63 0.58 0.55 0.52 0.49 0.47 0.45
2.00 1.208 1.20 0.98 0.85 0.76 0.69 0.64 0.60 0.56 0.54 0.51 0.49
2.25 1.359 1.29 1.06 0.92 0.82 0.75 0.69 0.65 0.61 0.58 0.55 0.53
2.50 1.510 1.39 1.13 0.98 0.88 0.80 0.74 0.69 0.65 0.62 0.59 0.57
2.75 1.661 1.48 1.21 1.05 0.94 0.85 0.79 0.74 0.70 0.66 0.63 0.60
3.00 1.812 1.51 1.28 1.11 0.99 0.90 0.84 0.78 0.74 0.70 0.67 0.64
Side slope = 1.75:1
0.25 0.133 0.45 0.37 0.32 0.28 0.26 0.24 0.22 0.21 0.20 0.19 0.18
0.50 0.265 0.71 0.58 0.50 0.45 0.41 0.38 0.35 0.33 0.32 0.30 0.29
0.75 0.397 0.93 0.76 0.66 0.59 0.54 0.50 0.46 0.44 0.42 0.40 0.38
1.00 0.530 1.13 0.92 0.80 0.71 0.65 0.60 0.56 0.53 0.50 0.48 0.46

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 1.25 0.662 1.31 1.07 0.92 0.83 0.75 0.70 0.65 0.62 0.58 0.56 0.53
1.50 0.795 1.48 1.21 1.04 0.93 0.85 0.79 0.74 0.70 0.66 0.63 0.60
1.75 0.927 1.64 1.34 1.16 1.03 0.94 0.87 0.82 0.77 0.73 0.70 0.67
2.00 1.060 1.79 1.46 1.26 1.13 1.03 0.96 0.89 0.84 0.80 0.76 0.73
2.25 1.192 1.93 1.58 1.37 1.22 1.12 1.03 0.97 0.91 0.86 0.82 0.79
2.50 1.325 2.08 1.69 1.47 1.31 1.20 1.11 1.04 0.98 0.93 0.88 0.85
2.75 1.457 2.21 1.81 1.56 1.40 1.28 1.18 1.11 1.04 0.99 0.94 0.90
3.00 1.590 2.34 1.91 1.66 1.48 1.35 1.25 1.17 1.10 1.05 1.00 0.96
Side slope = 2:1
0.25 0.118 0.48 0.39 0.34 0.30 0.28 0.26 0.24 0.23 0.21 0.20 0.20
0.50 0.236 0.71 0.58 0.50 0.45 0.41 0.38 0.35 0.33 0.32 0.30 0.29
0.75 0.354 0.93 0.76 0.66 0.59 0.54 0.50 0.46 0.44 0.42 0.40 0.38
1.00 0.472 1.13 0.92 0.80 0.71 0.65 0.60 0.56 0.53 0.50 0.48 0.46
1.25 0.590 1.31 1.07 0.92 0.83 0.75 0.70 0.65 0.62 0.58 0.56 0.53
1.50 0.708 1.48 1.21 1.04 0.93 0.85 0.79 0.74 0.70 0.66 0.63 0.60
1.75 0.826 1.64 1.34 1.16 1.03 0.94 0.87 0.82 0.77 0.73 0.70 0.67
2.00 0.944 1.79 1.46 1.26 1.13 1.03 0.96 0.89 0.84 0.80 0.76 0.73
2.25 1.062 1.93 1.58 1.37 1.22 1.12 1.03 0.97 0.91 0.86 0.82 0.79
2.50 1.180 2.08 1.69 1.47 1.31 1.20 1.11 1.04 0.98 0.93 0.88 0.85
2.75 1.298 2.21 1.81 1.56 1.40 1.28 1.18 1.11 1.04 0.99 0.94 0.90
3.00 1.416 2.34 1.91 1.66 1.48 1.35 1.25 1.17 1.10 1.05 1.00 0.96

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