Rehabilitation Guideline For Headworks of Minor Irrigation Final 2020 December 22
Rehabilitation Guideline For Headworks of Minor Irrigation Final 2020 December 22
Irrigation Department
Ministry of Irrigation
December 2020
Rehabilitation Guideline
for Minor Irrigation Headworks
Irrigation Department
Ministry of Irrigation
Rehabilitation Guideline for Minor Irrigation Headworks
Preface
Agricultural performance in Sri Lanka, particularly production of paddy and other field
crops depends mainly on irrigation which is based on major, medium and minor (rural)
tanks and anicuts spread throughout the country. Minor tanks which serve irrigation
schemes of irrigable area less than 80 ha generally comes under the purview of
Department of Agrarian Development and Provincial Irrigation Departments under
Provincial Councils. According to the data available, there are more than 15,000 minor
tanks and more than 15,000 anicuts in working condition which serve about
350,000ha of agricultural lands.
For a few decades, a program for the rehabilitation of the minor tanks has not been
implemented. And also due to the constraints of budgetary allocation and limitations
of technical staff in the organizations, proper maintenance has not been attended. In
this situation, “Minor Irrigation Rehabilitation Works” under “Wari Saubhagya”
program is implemented to rehabilitate 5000 minor tanks and anicuts spread all over
the country during the period from 2021 to 2024.
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Rehabilitation Guideline for Minor Irrigation Headworks
This guideline shall be used for rehabilitation works of headworks with repairs of
components.
I take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude for the outstanding contribution
and dedication of Eng. (Ms) W. C. N. Wickramasinghe, Eng. (Ms) A. D. S. Gunawardana
and Eng. (Ms) S. R. Weeraratne for the valuable technical input drawn-out in preparing
this guideline and completing this document within a short period of time. Further I
appreciate all the engineers in Irrigation Department, those who read the draft and
submitted valuable comments. Also, the support of Eng. Prabath Witharana from
Department of Agrarian Development with sharing his experience on minor tanks,
Eng. (Ms) T. K. A. Kodippili for computerization and Ms R. D. K. H. Dias (Engineering
Assistant) for preparing CAD drawings, are highly admired.
The design notes in this guideline have been obtained from “Technical Guideline for
Irrigation Works” and “Design of Irrigation Headworks for Small Catchments”
published by Eng. A. J. P. Ponrajah. This guideline is recommended to be used by all
institutions such as Irrigation Department, Department of Agrarian Development, and
Provincial Irrigation Departments for the rehabilitation of minor irrigation works.
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Table of Contents
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List of Figures
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Figure 4-15: Stilling basin dimensions when the Froude number is greater than
4.5 ........................................................................................................... 60
Figure 4-16: Construction of baffle blocks and chute blocks for stone-masonry
basin ........................................................................................................ 60
Figure 4-17: Submerged bucket dissipator ................................................................. 61
Figure 5-1: Construction of headwall type sluice with encased hume pipe barrel .. 71
Figure 5-2: Construction of headwall type sluice with encased hume pipe barrel
(details of components) .......................................................................... 72
Figure 6-1: Crest shapes ............................................................................................ 77
Figure 6-2: Cylindrical crest weir ............................................................................... 78
Figure 6-3: Pressure on cylindrical weir crest as a function of ratio H1/r ................. 79
Figure 6-4: Coefficient Co for cylindrical crested weir as a function of the
ratio H1/r ................................................................................................. 80
Figure 6-5: Coefficient C1 as a function of the ratio P/H1 ......................................... 80
Figure 6-6: Coefficient C2 for ogee crest weir with a sloping upstream face ........... 81
Figure 6-7: Drowned flow reduction factor as a function of H2/H1 .......................... 81
Figure 6-8: Shapes of ogee crest weir ....................................................................... 83
Figure 6-9: Correction factor C1 for other than design head-on ogee crested
weir ......................................................................................................... 84
Figure 6-10: Drowned flow reduction factor as a function of P2/H1 and H2/H1 ......... 84
Figure 6-11: Cv values as a function of the area ratio √(α1) Cd A* / A1 for a
rectangular control section..................................................................... 85
Figure 6-12: Section upstream and view of the control ............................................. 86
Figure 6-13: Effective crest width ............................................................................... 87
Figure 6-14: Weir section characteristics .................................................................... 93
Figure 6-15: Relationship between Afflux (h), Height of weir (H) and
Section slope (z) when top width = 600 mm .......................................... 94
Figure 6-16: Afflux vs Specific discharge ..................................................................... 95
Figure 7-1: Plan view of tank, tank bed and reservation ........................................ 104
Figure 7-2: Sectional view of tank, tank bed and reservation ................................ 104
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List of Tables
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Acronyms
3D - Three Dimensional
BTL - Bund Top Level
CH - High plasticity Clay
CIDA - Construction Industry Development Authority
CL - Low plasticity Clay
cm - Centimetres (Unit)
CO - Clear Overfall
d/s - Downstream
DI - Director of Irrigation
DIE - Divisional Irrigation Engineer
FSL - Full Supply Level
ft - Feet (Unit)
GCP - Ground Control Points
GNSS - Global Navigation Satellite System
ha - Hectares (Unit)
HFL - High Flood Level
IR - Irrigation Requirement
km - Kilometres (Unit)
LB - Left Bank
m - Metres (Unit)
m2 - Square metres (Unit)
m3 - Cubic metres (Unit)
mm - Millimetres (Unit)
MSL - Mean Sea Level
PIR - Preliminary Investigation Report
PK - Piano Key
PKW - Piano Key Weir
ppm - Parts per million
RB - Right Bank
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Irrigation plays a vital role in the agricultural sector in Sri Lanka. Irrigation systems are
based on major, medium and minor (rural) tanks and anicuts spread throughout the
country. Some irrigation schemes are only partially functional because their
headworks are not fully operational due to damage or deterioration of their
components. Emphasis has been placed recently on improving the performance of
existing irrigation schemes to increase agricultural production as well as fulfilling other
requirements such as drinking, industrial and tourism.
A rural irrigation work where the headwork structure is a minor tank or a minor anicut,
assures irrigation water to an extent not exceeding 80 ha during the main season.
Generally, the maximum height of the bund of a minor tank is not exceeding 10 m.
The scope of this guideline is for the rehabilitation of headworks of rural irrigation
works.
This guideline does not cover modernisation of rural irrigation works which may
include the augmentation of the capacity of the tank providing irrigation for additional
lands and extension of the canal system. Also, this guideline does not cover the
rehabilitation of breached earth embankments that needs extensive detailed
studies on hydrological or slope stability analysis with foundation design.
This guideline for the rehabilitation of headworks is basically valid for structures where
the maximum design head does not exceed 10 m for tanks and 3 m for diversion
structures.
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Rehabilitation Guideline for Minor Irrigation Headworks
The database of minor tanks and anicuts prepared by the Department of Agrarian
Development is used as the baseline data. For the schemes proposed for
rehabilitation, a Preliminary Investigation Report (PIR) shall be prepared for the
priority selection with proposal rationale. The PIR shall include following details of the
tank.
• Scheme data
• Authorized office for maintenance
• Administrative boundaries
• Emergency levels of Structures
• Rehabilitation requirements
• Proposals for rehabilitation
• Number of beneficiaries
The PIR formats prepared for tanks and anicuts are given in annex I and II respectively.
The PIR shall be completed by the technical officers of the Irrigation Department,
Department of Agrarian Development and Provincial Irrigation Departments. It is
essential to do a walkthrough survey along the bund and boundary with a team of
engineers, technical officers and representatives of farmer organizations and identify
all the defects related to the headworks. It is necessary to adopt a participatory
approach in the rehabilitation works by working with the farmer organizations and
other community representatives from the initial stage of work.
With the analysis of PIR, it is required to identify the rehabilitation required for the
headworks in the following two categories.
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The tanks and anicut that would be selected under this category for rehabilitation are
functioning partially though they are in working condition. Therefore, there is a need
for rehabilitation of headwork structures due to one or more of the following reasons.
• Breached earth embankment due to earth slips or seepage which does not
require comprehensive studies
(This judgement shall be taken carefully considering all information about the
breach and the cascade)
• Erosion of upstream and downstream slopes of earth embankment
• Defects in earth embankment such as the formation of cracks, slips, gullies,
potholes or depressions
• Damages to the embankment by animals such as elephants and cattle
• Seepage through the earth embankment
• Seepage through the interface of sluice barrel and spill walls
• Seepage through the foundation of the structures
• High number of anthills at critical sections of the earth embankment
• Dilapidated rip-rap
• Malfunctions of the outlets
• Deterioration of structures due to wind, vegetation etc. leading to scours and
structural damages
• Excessive growth of vegetation, trees and existing dead trees on the bund
• Deterioration due to wear and tear of mechanical parts resulting from the
operation, hydraulic actions, corrosion, etc.
• The water surface is extensively covered with aquatic plants
• Defective constructions
This guideline has been prepared to guide rehabilitation needs of above nature and
includes guidance for the rehabilitation of bund, spill, sluice and anicuts from Chapter
2.0 to Chapter 6.0. Chapter 7.0 includes guidance for improvements to the tank bed
and improvements to the tank ecosystem by the restoration of upstream and
downstream reservations with forest strips.
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The priority order of tanks for the rehabilitation with repairs of components is selected
based on the following criteria.
• Tanks with headwork components at high risk considering the safety of the
bund
• Tanks that support a high number of farmer families
• Tanks which are able to cultivate abandoned or barren paddy fields
• Tanks that are not associated with land disputes, environmental issues or
archaeological sites during rehabilitation
• Tanks associated with defective constructions
• Tanks with headworks encounter minor defects and not rehabilitated
under any project during the last five years
Priority order of the anicuts for the rehabilitation shall also be based on similar criteria.
The headworks meet with the following circumstances, are not considered
for rehabilitation with repairs and not considered under the scope of this guideline.
• A bund breached due to overtopping with inadequacy of spillway
• Increasing the capacity of the tank by raising the bund
• Tank augmentation from another basin with bund raising
• Bund overtopping occurs frequently due to inadequate spill length
• Providing additional spills
• Providing irrigation for additional lands
• Transbasin diversions
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1. Longitudinal Section:
Along centre line of the existing bund
2. Marking of Trace:
By 50 mm square x 300 mm sawn timber pegs at 25 m intervals along centre line
commencing from zero at left bank end with 75 mm projecting above ground level.
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8. Traverse of Bund:
Along centre line defined in item 1 and to the limits of spot heights defined in
item 3.
11. Benchmark:
One at each end of the centre line of bund made of concrete 225 mm square at
bottom x 150 mm square at top x 300 mm buried with 75 mm projecting above
ground level with “crows foot” impressed on top in a 20 mm diameter recess.
Transfer the MSL to the benchmark established at the left end of the bund axis. In
the absence of MSL in close vicinity, select the gate sill level of the lowest sluice as
100 m and transfer the level to the benchmark established at the LB side. Register
all the benchmark in the ‘Benchmark Register’ maintained at DI/ DIE office for
future reference.
13. Drawings:
A1 or A3 drawing: Flat Plan, Data Plan, Profile and Section, Cross sections and Site
Surveys.
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1. Baseline
Centre line or axis of the embankment for closures, spills and sluices, centre line
of a canal for canal structures, or reference line in direction or normal to
streamflow or reference line parallel to one edge of the proposed structure.
2. Grid Lines
At 15 m intervals along and normal to baseline.
4. Spot Levels
At 7.5 m intervals along grid lines and at changes of ground slope within the
interval.
Use the MSL values by transferring the MSL to the benchmark established at the
left end of the bund axis. In the absence of MSL in close vicinity, select the gate sill
level of the lowest sluice as 100 m and transfer the level to the benchmark
established at the LB side.
5. Transverse of Baseline
Along the centre line or reference line in item 1 for 3/4 length of the structure on
either side of the centre line of the proposed structure.
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7. Details to be levelled
Rock outcrops, banks and beds of streams, drainage lines and canals etc, spot
levels on roads and footpaths; spot levels on perimeters of private lands; floor
levels of houses, etc.
8. Trial Pits
Not less than six numbers of trial pits symmetrically located in an area to be
occupied by proposed structure, excavated to a depth of 1 m below the elevation
of the foundation of the proposed structure unless the sound rock is encountered
earlier.
9. Benchmark
Benchmarks will not be required for closures, spills and sluices provided
benchmarks established during the surveys for other features of the embankment
are located within about 3 km of same. If not and for all other structures, a
benchmark shall be established in the vicinity of the structure or to serve a group
of structures within a distance of about 3 km. The benchmark shall be made of
concrete 225 mm square at bottom x 150 mm square at top x 300 mm buried with
75 mm projecting above ground level with “crows foot” impressed on top in a
20 mm diameter recess.
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12. Drawing
A1 or A3 size conforming to departmental drawing and drafting standards with a
drawing showing spot levels and all features surveyed. Contours may be drawn for
300 mm or 600 mm intervals to enable the design of foundation excavations. Logs
shall be included in the drawing for the trial pits showing the classification of
material encountered.
1. Baseline
a) Line parallel to the bund, if the entire fetch is visible to the bund
b) The perpendicular line to the existing bund, dividing the entire fetch into two
similar (approximate) parts
2. Grid Lines
At 50 m intervals along and normal to the centre line of the bund, along bisector
sat obtuse (in direction of flow) angle points.
3. Sub-Grid lines
At 50 m intervals along grid lines from angle points parallel to adjacent grid lines
when coverage provided by the gridline from angle point is insufficient.
5. Spot Levels
At 25 m intervals along the grid and sub-grid lines and at changes of ground slope
within the interval.
Use the MSL values by transferring the MSL to the benchmark established at the
left end of the bund axis. In the absence of MSL in close vicinity, select the gate sill
level of the lowest sluice as 100 m and transfer the level to the benchmark
established at the LB side.
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6. Traverse of Baseline
Along the centre line of bund extending up to 1.5 m above the elevation of existing
bund top elevation.
8. Details to be levelled
Rock outcrops, tanks and beds of streams, drainage lines and canals etc. spot levels
on roads and footpaths; spot levels on perimeters of private lands; floor levels of
houses, etc.
9. Benchmark
One at each end of the centre line of bund made of concrete 225 mm square at
bottom x 150 mm square at top x 300 mm buried with 75 mm projecting above
ground level with “crows foot” impressed on top in a 20 mm diameter recess.
12. Drawing
A1 or A3 size conforming to departmental drawing and drafting standards with a
drawing showing spot levels and all features surveyed and contours are drawn for
300 mm intervals.
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3.1 Overview
Generally, the bunds of minor tanks in Sri Lanka are earth embankments. The
maximum height of earth embankment of most of the minor tanks is less than 10 m.
There may be few bunds where the maximum height is more than 10 m.
Defects in an earth embankment may be due to one or more of the following causes.
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Overgrown vegetation and trees with girth less than 1 m and all dead trees shall be
removed by uprooting from the embankment. All anthills shall be removed with the
nest to prevent their further growth on the bund. The embankment shall be trimmed
down by a depth of 0.3 m - 0.6 m depending on the root depth and the degree of
deterioration.
Benching as shown in Figure 3-1 shall be attended in preparing the sections for filling.
Any loose material shall be removed or stockpiled for reuse if the material is suitable
for construction. Bund filling and standard compaction procedures shall be done as
specified in sections 3.5 and 3.6.
Care shall be taken to ensure good bonding between the old and new sections of the
embankment and between the foundation and new material laid on the foundation
during rehabilitation.
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All loose materials (low compacted materials) shall be removed from the side slopes
and base of breached section. Ensure that the excavation is carried out up to a
sufficiently impermeable and stable foundation that is sub-soil, rock, firm well-
compacted layer or core material. Breached section shall be cut back to the relatively
even slope (1:1 to 1:3) considering the stability of the slope as shown in Figure 3-2.
Benching shall be in accordance with Figure 3-1. The backfill and compaction shall be
as specified in sections 3.5 and 3.6 and the compaction at the interface shall ensure
proper bonding.
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Backfill with Clayey Sand soil (SC) with a minimum dry density of 1700 kg/m3 for the
entire body in layers with a maximum layer thickness of 225 mm (uncompacted
thickness) and compact the layers using machinery as stated in section 3.6.
(i) Top soil and soils containing more roots and other organic matter that can be
picked out by hand with economical use of labour.
(ii) Lump clays which cannot be reduced to crumbs by the action of the harrows
and rollers.
(iii) Peat and swampy soil.
(iv) Stones greater than 75 mm.
Materials (i) and (ii) above contain organic matter which may be leached out of the
fill, increasing leakage and softening, or may lubricate the soil grains, decreasing
stability. In addition, large roots may decay, leaving openings for leakage and
settlement, and may prevent compaction of the fill. Material (ii) leaves large pore
spaces between the individual lumps, that may contribute to serious leakage and
softening and preventing the attainment of the desired compaction. Material (iv) acts
like material (ii), the large stone preventing compaction and leaving crumbs of loose
material between stones.
Suitable fill material is placed by layers as shown in Figure 3-3 and conditioned to the
required moisture content as given in section 3.7.
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to the bund axis. The compacting equipment shall travel with adequate overlap to
ensure thorough and complete compaction.
Since it is often not always practicable to count the number of passes of the roller, this
requirement is not strictly enforced and the rolling is checked with the “Field Unit
Weight Test”. The Field Unit Weight Test shall be carried out on the rolled fill for each
750 m3 per 300 mm rise of fill, or for each shift if the rate of progress is less.
Water the borrow areas on the day prior to exploitation. This, however, does not
preclude the additions of a further quantity of water to meet any deficiency in the
placement moisture content just before spreading and compaction on the
embankment.
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Jets may be used in confined places provided that the nozzle is of an approved size
and delivery rate. The required water may be added to the previously rolled layer
before placing the next layer or added to the top of the next layer or combination of
both mentioned above to obtain a uniform moisture distribution throughout the layer.
Harrowing may be required to work the moisture into the previously compacted layer.
Rock and concrete surfaces against which fill material (rigid-flexible interface) are to
be placed shall be wetted sufficiently so as to enable proper bonding of the fill with
the rock or concrete.
The classification symbols used are according to the Unified Soil Classification system
and are as follows.
SC – Clayey Sands
CL – Low plasticity Clays
CH – High plasticity Clays
Separate areas shall be blocked out for exploitation day by day so that work may
proceed without interruption. The tests mentioned in section 3.9 shall be conducted
in the field laboratory for each block to confirm the suitability of material. The area
and depth to be excavated shall be clearly mentioned in the borrow area plan.
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Check and inspect the quality of the rehabilitation work continuously and ensure the
quality of the construction during the rehabilitation work by carrying out necessary
field and laboratory tests for soil as follows.
Specifications published by CIDA shall be referred for carrying out field and laboratory
tests.
3.10 Rip-Rap
Provision of Rip-Rap
The rip-rap is generally recommended for the embankments of height greater than
10 m for the rehabilitation under the scope of this guideline.
For rehabilitation or providing new rip-rap, the technical guidance shall be sought
from the Engineering Materials Division of Irrigation Department.
Placing of Rip-Rap
Rip-rap is generally used as wave protection on the upstream face of the earth
embankment. A graded dump rock rip-rap is recommended for the works under this
guideline. It is to be ensured that the individual rocks of rip-rap are not moved out of
place by the hydraulic forces of the waves and the bedding material underlying the
rip-rap is not washed out through the voids in the rip-rap layer. The rock size shall be
as shown in Table 3-1.
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Rip-Rap shall consist of hard, dense, durable rock fragments from the quarried rock.
Bedding material for rip-rap shall consist of 20 mm aggregate or gravel.
The material shall comply with the Specifications for Irrigation and Land Drainage
Works published by CIDA (Cl 5.5.1).
Elevation of Rip-Rap
Place a 300 mm thick layer of filter material with well-graded gravel or aggregate
(4.5 mm to 75 mm) as the bedding material.
Rock size for the rip-rap shall be 225 mm to 450 mm and the layer thickness shall be
in accordance with Table 3-1.
Rip-Rap layer
Fetch Rock size
thickness
(km) (mm)
(m)
150 – 300
Up to 1.6 0.30
(75% more than 150 mm)
225 – 450
Above 1.6 0.45
(75% more than 225 mm)
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Remove existing rip-rap protection and uproot all the trees and plants on the
upstream slope of the tank bund.
Strip top soil of existing bund followed by benching. Minimum width of the strip shall
be according to the machinery used for compaction. Fill and compact with suitable
filling materials (Clayey Sand soil (SC)) forming designed bund slope and ensure the
bonding to the existing bund. Place a 300 mm thick layer of filter material (75 mm
aggregate or gravel) as the bedding material prior to placing rip-rap. Select the layer
thickness of rip-rap according to the fetch as specified in Table 3-1. Rock shall be
placed in position on the bedding material by bucket loader to the required thickness
providing reasonably well-graded mass with the minimum voids. After the filling by
machinery, voids shall be filled by manually.
The main criterion for the selection of minimum bund top width shall satisfy the
construction and post construction use of the bund top. The bund top shall be sloped
towards either side at 1% to shed rainwater and shall be covered with a minimum of
200 mm of compacted gravel. This provides a hard-wearing surface that can handle
periodic light traffic and is less likely to erode.
The recommended minimum bund top width is 3 m when there is no road along the
bund top.
However, if the existing bund is in good condition and rehabilitation requires only the
correction of minor defects of the bund such as repairing the gullies, potholes,
depressions, cracks, slips at few places and removal of vegetation and dead trees as
specified in section 3.15.1, it is recommended to keep the existing width of the bund.
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When the bund is undergoing a major rehabilitation with re-forming for a considerable
length, due to excessive scouring at side slopes as an effect of poor-quality bund
material or poor construction methodology and in reconstruction of a bund breached
due to excessive seepage, it is recommended to widen the bund top up to 3 m subject
to the recommendations specified in sections 3.15.2 and 3.15.3.
The recommended minimum bund top width is 4 m if the bund is used as an access
road to transport harvest and machinery.
When there is a road along the bund, the minimum bund top width shall be kept as
4 m in rehabilitations specified under sections 3.15.1, 3.15.2 and 3.15.3.
Downstream filter and toe drain shall be used for the embankments which are greater
than 6 m of height and when excessive seepage is observed. Figure 3-9 shall be
referred for details of the filter and the toe drain.
Provide full turfing on the downstream slope and between FSL and HFL on the
upstream slope.
Turf shall be cut the same day as it is to be placed; if this is not possible, it shall be kept
very moist in a shady place.
• To cut the turf: Mark out with lines the size and shape to be cut (300 mm
square is easy to manage);
• Cut the sides of the shapes, to at least 50 mm depth;
• Using a broad, flat shovel with a sharp edge, cut horizontally under the shapes
and lift them out;
• If the ground where the turf is to be taken from is hard and dry, it may be
helpful to water it thoroughly the day before cutting.
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Clay Blanket
An inclined clay blanket on the upstream face is more preferable for the prevention of
seepage in existing embankments. In re-forming of bunds, a clay blanket of minimum
thickness of 1000 mm shall be provided. Clay blanket shall be covered and protected
with a 450 mm thick Clayey Sand (SC) layer. Both the clay blanket and protection layer
shall be compacted as specified.
For the selection of suitable clay and the construction of the clay blanket, technical
guidance shall be sought from the Engineering Materials Division of Irrigation
Department.
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Table 3-2 shall be referred for the section for the general improvements of earth
embankments up to 6 m height.
Table 3-2: Side slopes for general improvements of earth embankment height up to 6 m
Upstream Downstream
Type of Material
Slope Slope
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Table 3-3 shall be referred for the section for the general improvements of earth
embankments of height between 6 m to 10 m.
Table 3-3: Side slopes for general improvements of earth embankment height between
6 m to 10 m
Upstream Downstream
Type of Material
Slope Slope
The bunds in which the side slopes are severely scoured and the bund top is
excessively eroded, re-forming of the bund is recommended. Tanks in working
condition with above defects may impose a high risk in the existence as it is. An eroded
bund shall be re-formed to its design section by backfilling only up to the original BTL.
Limitations
The condition of the remaining eroded section of the bund shall carefully be assessed
to ensure whether it is sound enough to be backfilled. If the bund material in the
remaining part is found not suitable or if the quality of original construction is not up
to the standards, it is not advisable to be backfilled on top of the remaining weak
material. Similarly, the bunds abandoned for several years with overgrown trees are
not recommended for renovation, due to the possible high porosity and low density
of the body. Bunds of above condition shall be referred to Engineering Materials
Division of Irrigation Department for necessary investigations.
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Figure 3-4 shall be referred for re-forming the earth embankments height up to 3 m.
When excessive seepage is observed an inclined clay blanket at upstream as specified
in section 3.14.1 and downstream filter and toe drain as specified in section 3.12 shall
be provided.
Upstream Downstream
Type of Material
Slope Slope
Figure 3-5 shall be referred for re-forming the earth embankments of height between
3 m to 6 m. When excessive seepage is observed an inclined clay blanket at upstream
as specified in section 3.14.1 and downstream filter and toe drain as specified in
section 3.12 shall be provided.
Table 3-5: Side slopes for re-forming of earth embankment height between 3 m to 6 m
Upstream Downstream
Type of Material
Slope Slope
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It is advisable to backfill the bund up to the original BTL by filling on upstream side if
the existing bund is porous. For the upstream fill, the existing rip-rap protection must
be removed and replaced.
Figure 3-6 shall be referred for re-forming the existing earth embankment of height
between 6 m to 10 m with upstream improvement.
If the existing bund is not porous and if the existing downstream slope is steep, the
new fill shall be placed on the downstream side. When excessive seepage is observed,
a horizontal sand blanket and toe filter shall be provided as shown in Figure 3-7. Bund
shall be re-formed with SC type soil with benching as per Figure 3-1 to enhance the
bonding between sections and shall be compacted in layers not more than 225 mm.
The degree of compaction shall be 98% or more. The upstream slope shall be improved
to the given slope in Table 3-7 by correcting the minor deviations.
Figure 3-7 shall be referred for re-forming the earth embankment height between
6 m to 10 m with downstream improvement.
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Figure 3-8 shall be referred for the reconstruction of the breached section of earth
embankments of height up to 6 m which have been breached due to excessive
seepage.
Table 3-8: Side slopes for reconstruction of breached earth embankment height up to 6 m
Figure 3-9 shall be referred for the reconstruction of the breached section of earth
embankments of height between 6 m to 10 m which have been breached due to
excessive seepage.
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Table 3-9: Side slopes for reconstruction of breached embankment height between 6 m to
10 m
Upstream Downstream
Type of Material
Slope Slope
For the breached earth embankments if the existing remaining bund is in good
condition in other locations, it is recommended to keep the existing embankment, and
if necessary, the bund shall be reformed following the guidance given in sections
3.15.1 and 3.15.2. The construction of breached section shall be executed following
the upstream and downstream slopes given in the Table 3-8 and Table 3-9. An
appropriate transition shall be provided to form a smooth finish over the joint from
the new bund section to the existing bund section. Minimum length of the transition
shall be 3 m.
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Rehabilitation Guideline for Minor Irrigation Headworks
3.0m Min
BTL
FSL
U/S D/S
1 1
2 2
HOMOGENEOUS FILL
(SC TYPE SOIL)
NOTES
1. MINIMUM BUND TOP WIDTH IS 3.0m. WHEN THERE IS A ROAD WIDTH IS 4.0m
2. SOIL TYPE TO BE SELECTED IN CONSULTATION WITH ENGINEERING MATERIALS DIVISION, IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT
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3.0m Min
BTL
FSL
U/S D/S
1 HOMOGENEOUS FILL 1
(SC TYPE SOIL)
2.5 2.5
NOTES
1. MINIMUM BUND TOP WIDTH IS 3.0m. WHEN THERE IS A ROAD WIDTH IS 4.0m
2. SOIL TYPE TO BE SELECTED IN CONSULTATION WITH ENGINEERING MATERIALS DIVISION, IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT
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3.0m Min
BTL
FSL
U/S D/S
1 1
3 2.5
0.3m WELL GRADED
GRAVEL/AGGREGATE
3 H Min.
(4.5mm TO 75mm)
RIP RAP
2
H
HOMOGENEOUS FILL
BENCHING 3.0m Min.
(SC TYPE SOIL)
PROVIDE CLAY BLANKET IF SEEPAGE IS HIGHER
BERM (width 2.0m Min)
NEW COMPACTED FILL IN BERM
0.5m
1 EXISTING
GROUND
STRIP TOP SOIL Min 0.60m
AND HARROW EXPOSED SURFACE
TOE DRAIN
2.5
1 300
300 mm
mm
1.0m
H/10 + 0.5m
COMPACTED
FILL
30
0m
0.45m
m
1 EXISTING GROUND
1 1.5
2
WELL GRADED SAND LAYER OF 0.6m 150-225mm GRADED RUBBLE LAYER (75%>150mm)
THICKNESS (95%>0.08mm)
6mm - 38mm GRADED METAL LAYER (85%>6mm)
1. MINIMUM BUND TOP WIDTH IS 3.0m. WHEN THERE IS A ROAD WIDTH IS 4.0m
2. SOIL TYPE TO BE SELECTED IN CONSULTATION WITH ENGINEERING MATERIALS DIVISION, IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT
Figure 3-6: Re-forming of earth embankment by upstream improvement (embankment height between 6 m to 10 m)
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3.0m Min
BTL
FSL
U/S D/S
0.3m WELL GRADED
GRAVEL/AGGREGATE
(4.5mm TO 75mm)
1
3 H Max.
RIP RAP 1
3 2.5
EXISTING EMBANKMENT
2
H
3.0m Min.
BENCHING HOMOGENEOUS FILL
BERM (width 2.0 m Min)
(SC TYPE SOIL)
COMPACTED FILL
GL
0.60m LAYER OF SAND BLANKET (0.07m -6.0m)
TOE DRAIN
2.5
1 300
300 mm
mm
1.0m
H/10 + 0.5m
COMPACTED
FILL
30
0m
0.45m
m
1 EXISTING GROUND
1 1.5
2
WELL GRADED SAND LAYER OF 0.6m 150-225mm GRADED RUBBLE LAYER (75%>150mm)
THICKNESS (95%>0.08mm)
6mm - 38mm GRADED METAL LAYER (85%>6mm)
1. MINIMUM BUND TOP WIDTH IS 3.0m. WHEN THERE IS A ROAD WIDTH IS 4.0m
2. SOIL TYPE TO BE SELECTED IN CONSULTATION WITH ENGINEERING MATERIALS DIVISION, IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT
Figure 3-7: Re-forming of earth embankment by downstream improvement (embankment height between 6 m to 10 m)
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3.0m Min
BTL
FSL
U/S D/S
1 1
3 2.5
3 H Max.
HOMOGENEOUS FILL
(SC TYPE SOIL)
BERM 3.0m Min
2
ORIGINAL GROUND SURFACE
H
1 STREAM BED
CONSTRUCTION BY MACHINERY 2.5 LEVEL
NOTES
1. MINIMUM BUND TOP WIDTH IS 3.0m. WHEN THERE IS A ROAD WIDTH IS 4.0m
2. SOIL TYPE TO BE SELECTED IN CONSULTATION WITH ENGINEERING MATERIALS DIVISION, IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT
Figure 3-8: Typical section for reconstruction of earth embankment breached due to seepage (embankment height up to 6 m)
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4.0m Min
3.0m Min
BTL FOR LOCAL WIDENING
U/S 1
1.5 D/S
1.5m
FSL FSL
1 1
3 H max
3 2.5
2
GRAVEL/AGGREGATE
(4.5mm TO 75mm)
H
1:10
BERM LEVEL
1:10
BERM B=2.0 m min. HOMOGENEOUS FILL
(SC TYPE SOIL)
TOE DRAIN
STRIP TOP SOIL MIN 0.6m
AND HARROW EXPOSED SURFACE
H/3 OR UPTO SUFFICIENTLY
IMPERMEABLE LAYER WHICHEVER IS HIGHER
1.5m
2.5
NOTES 1 300
300 mm
mm
1. MINIMUM BUND TOP WIDTH IS 3.0m. WHEN THERE IS A ROAD WIDTH IS 4.0m 1.0m
H/10 + 0.5m
COMPACTED
2. BERM LEVEL FOR RIP RAP IS AT 0.5m BELOW SLUICE LEVEL OR AT GROUND FILL
30
0m
0.45m
LEVEL WHICH EVER IS HIGHER.
m
3. SOIL TYPE TO BE SELECTED IN CONSULTATION WITH ENGINEERING MATERIALS 1 EXISTING GROUND
1 1.5
2
DIVISION, IRRIGATION DEPARTMENT
150-225mm GRADED RUBBLE LAYER (75%>150mm)
WELL GRADED SAND LAYER OF 0.6m
THICKNESS (95%>0.08mm) 6mm - 38mm GRADED METAL LAYER (85%>6mm)
Figure 3-9: Typical section for reconstruction of earth embankment breached due to seepage (embankment height between 6 m to 10 m)
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4.0 Spillway
Spillways are provided on the tank perimeter to ensure the safety of embankments
from being overtopped during periods of floods. The spillway is designed to safely
discharge the runoff from storms of a determined frequency. The outflow from storms
of different durations and frequency are computed and spillway is designed for the
highest outflow.
In larger tanks created across rivers with considerable catchment areas, gates are
usually provided for more flexibility for the regulation of tank levels. Generally, no
gates are provided in spillways of minor tanks. Planking arrangements are provided in
spillways of some minor tanks.
The Spill type to be adopted is decided mostly from the prevailing conditions at a site
with respect to topography, geology etc. The spills of small tanks are generally of the
following types:
• Natural Spill
• Clear Overfall Spill
• Solid overflow spill
• Morning Glory Spill
• Gated spillways
Natural Spill
Natural spill is a channel cut in earth or sometimes in rock with the bed level
commencing at the Full Supply Level of the tank. Very often a natural spill is located
at FSL of the tank.
In such circumstances, the construction of a spill tail channel is not necessary. At the
commencement of the natural spill which is generally along the axis of the
embankment, a concrete profile wall (width - 225 mm to 300 mm) is constructed to
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Rehabilitation Guideline for Minor Irrigation Headworks
define the FSL and the length of the natural spill. Board-crested weir condition will
prevail on the length of the natural spill at the location of the concrete profile wall
described above.
Clear overfall (CO) spill is generally a concrete or stone masonry structure standing at
the head of the tail canal conveying the spill discharge. In some cases, the spill may be
of concrete slabs, on the natural ground or well-compacted embankment covering the
surface of the spillway section with upstream and downstream cut-off walls. This is
generally described as a skin type spill.
Solid overflow spillways may be made of concrete or masonry. These require rock
foundations but the rock level may be below FSL at river bed level. The cross-section
profile of solid overflow weirs usually has a vertical or near-vertical upstream face but
the downstream profile or trajectory of the issuing jet of water. A section of this shape
is called an ogee section.
Curved layouts in a plan such as circular arc or duck-bill, or labyrinth type may be used
to enhance spill lengths in constricted spaces. Solid overflow spillways are suitable for
locations where rock foundations are available over considerable lengths along the
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Rehabilitation Guideline for Minor Irrigation Headworks
bund axis. Solid overflow spillways can be incorporated with concrete dams being then
referred to as overflow section of the dam.
Morning Glory Spill or Drop Inlet Spill is a closed conduit structure where the water
enters over an overflow lip, drop through a vertical or sloping shaft, and discharges
downstream in a more or less horizontal direction. The spill structure may be
considered as being made up of four elements: Inlet; riser; transition/bend; and outlet
barrel. This spill is suitable for tanks in steep terrain where it is generally not possible
to construct the spill tail canals for natural or CO spill limiting the velocity in the canal
to avoid scours.
Piano Key Weirs (often shortened to PKW or PK weir) are a relatively recent
development in the field of spillway hydraulics. They were first developed in the late
1990s and early 2000s as part of an investigation by Hydrocoop (France) and the
University of Biskra (Algeria), among others, into improvements for the well-known
labyrinth weir. The typical labyrinth weir has a zig-zag plan layout such that its total
length is longer than that of a straight linear weir. PK weirs take this concept one step
further by having an alternating rectangular shape in plan. Furthermore, these
rectangular keys have sloping bases which guide flow over and away from the crest of
the weir, thus increasing the discharge capacity for a given overflow head. Incidentally,
the repeating staggered overhangs resemble piano keys, hence termed as PK weir.
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Rehabilitation Guideline for Minor Irrigation Headworks
Motivations for their use are varied but mainly revolve around their large specific
discharge. As a result, they are ideal for dam safety improvement programmes (in
terms of inadequate spillway capacity) as well as the rehabilitation of, or upgrades to,
existing water resource schemes (raising of dams). There are several technologies that
have been developed which are capable of raising or altering an existing spillway
without increasing the risk of overtopping. There are four types of PK Weir spillways
(A, B.C and D). The Type D PK Weir with tapered noses is recommended for minor
tanks as the height of the embankment is low.
The following figure shows the comparison of flow enhancement for the same head
for different types of spillways.
Figure 4-4: Total discharge coefficients for various weir types (Blancher et al.2011)
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Rehabilitation Guideline for Minor Irrigation Headworks
Gated Spillway
Due to the very short time of concentration of small catchments, there is hardly any
flood warning period for the timely operation of gates and hence the use of gated
spillways for small tanks are not recommended. However, where upstream inundation
of developed lands cannot be avoided without the provision of gates, it is
recommended to use automatically operating gates.
Gated spillways are suitable for locations where there is limited width available for the
waterway in the tail canal. Gated spillways can be used in the river section of a dam
provided that there is a suitable rock foundation in the bed.
Heavy gates shall be wheeled (roller gates) or they shall be radial gates operated
mechanically with motorized devices. The danger of depending solely on gates is in
the possible failure to operate them during floods either due to operator negligence
or due to mechanical defect.
It is noted that some minor tanks contained an auxiliary spillway in addition to the
main spillway. Sometimes, such an auxiliary spillway could be identified as only a
depression in the tank bund and may not be easily recognizable. The same applies to
emergency spillways. In such situations, the depression in the tank bund shall be
ascertained of its function to perform before filling to the BTL. In this regard, farmer
consultations shall be useful in finding sites suitable auxiliary and/or emergency
spillways. These are generally natural spillways.
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Rehabilitation Guideline for Minor Irrigation Headworks
The length of the crest of spillway is determined to discharge a peak flood flow but
limiting the flood afflux to pre-allowed permissible value.
The peak flood flow corresponding to various return periods shall be determined from
the flood hydrograph. Design Flood Hydrograph of different frequencies or return
periods is adopted for different types and class of structures. The severity of the design
flood directly relates to the potential damage to property and loss of human life in
case of failure of the structure concerned. For designing tanks within the scope of
minor and medium schemes, design floods of following return periods are
recommended:
Several numbers of runoff calculation methods are available in the technical literature
to calculate the runoff. Design Engineer’s judgment shall be used to select the most
appropriate method, with due consideration to the availability of data required for
each method. One of the simple methods used for calculating the Peak runoff from
the catchment is the Rational Formula for catchments less than 50 km2. This is
applicable for the catchment which has no retention or detention occurs when the
storm is of duration equal to the Time of Concentration of the catchment.
Rational Formula
CIA
Q = Eq. 4-1
360
The equation Q = CIA can be used with imperial units (Q: ft3/s, I: inches per hour, A:
acres).
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Rehabilitation Guideline for Minor Irrigation Headworks
The design problem is to determine the factor C for the prevailing condition at the site
and for the particular type of spillway.
Cd = C0 x C1 x C2
The variations of C0, C1 and C2 can be obtained from Figure 6-4, Figure 6-5, Figure 6-6
and Figure 6-7.
The above formula has been simplified for Natural spillway and Clear Overfall spillway
and it is described below.
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Rehabilitation Guideline for Minor Irrigation Headworks
Natural Spill
Open channel flow conditions will prevail downstream of the concrete wall. The canal
section is designed for the required spill discharge assuming, suitable gradient, bed
width, side slopes and rugosity coefficient. The gradient is selected to limit the velocity
of flow to the permissible scour velocity. As peak flood discharges are of short
duration, a limiting velocity of 3 m/sec may be assumed for the design of an earthen
tail canal.
If the designed depth of flow of the natural spill canal is exceeded due to downstream
obstructions, then the afflux also will be exceeded, encroaching into the freeboard
provided. Hence the natural spill tail canal shall not only be properly constructed but
shall also be maintained well thereafter, by removal of unwanted obstructions to the
flow such as undergrowth, shrubs, trees, logs, earth slips etc. The natural grass growth
has to be retained for protection from scours as well as to ensure good hydraulic
conditions for the flow in the tail canal.
The length of the Natural Spill is determined from the formula for broad-crested weir:
Note: When the safety check on the design of embankment (overtopping) is used, H
is the design afflux plus the design freeboard.
Note: When imperial units are used the coefficients for above assumed values are
3.09 and 2.8 respectively.
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The tail-canal is designed for a depth of flow equal to two-thirds of the design afflux
and generally, the bed-width is the same as the width of the spill. The Manning's
equation is used to design the tail- canal. The equation is:
1
Q= (A × R2/3 × S1/2 ) Eq. 4-4
n
R = A/P
Where
P = Wetted perimeter in m
The recommended value for 'n' is 0.04 in order to allow for average maintenance
conditions. The only unknown in the equation is 'S' which can be calculated. This
determines the minimum gradient of the spill-tail canal. The velocity of flow shall be
determined by the relationship V = Q/A and it shall be below 3 m/sec.
If the velocity exceeds 3 m/sec., the spill may be re-designed maintaining the same
afflux. The canal bed width may be increased and the gradient flattened to obtain a
depth of flow in the tail canal bed between 2/3rd and full afflux. Under these
circumstances, submerged conditions will prevail and Eq. 4-3 is no longer applicable.
The formula to be used to determine spill length for submerged conditions is:
D
Q = 1.55 × L (H + ) × (H − D)0.5 Eq. 4-5
2
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Rehabilitation Guideline for Minor Irrigation Headworks
The discharge is determined by the sharp or narrow-crested weir formula which gives
a higher discharge than the broad-crested weir formula used for natural spills. Under
CO Spill conditions a difference in elevation of the water profile is maintained between
upstream and downstream of the spill unlike in natural spill where the water profile is
continuous from the tank to the spill tail canal. The above difference shall be
incorporated in the design because if the tailwater level is high, the CO conditions will
change into submerged conditions. This will increase the afflux thus reducing the free-
board. If the height of the spill is low compared to the design afflux, the tail canal shall
be so constructed and maintained to ensure CO conditions.
Clear overfall conditions will continue to prevail till the tail water elevation above the
crest of the spill is not more than two-thirds the design afflux above the crest.
Discharge coefficients for the CO spill can be increased and optimized by proper
shaping of the spill section to such as 'Ogee type' or cylindrical type.
The tail-canal is designed using Manning's equation and the conditions checked for
submerged flow, as previously described and for excessive velocities, Eq. 4-5 can be
used for design under submerged conditions substituting coefficient 1.84 for 1.55 in
the equation.
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As the afflux over the lip increases initially, crest control prevails where the length and
shape of the lip or crest determine the discharge. As the afflux continues to increase,
tube or orifice control governs. Further increase of afflux (afflux more than 1.2 times
the diameter of the Inlet) results in full flow of the conduit and the discharge is mainly
governed by the head difference between the tank water level and the tail-canal water
level.
Note: The transition from orifice flow to full flow is usually accompanied by erratic
flow conditions with consequent vibrations, surging and wave action. For the
scope of this guideline, designing the Morning Glory spill for full flow condition
is recommended provided the barrel is founded in excavated material. The
structural design of Morning Glory spills is somewhat specialized and it is
recommended that such design be referred to the Design Branch of Irrigation
Department.
The formula to be used for Morning Glory Spillway designed for full flow conditions is:
V2 fL Eq. 4-7
H = ( ) × ( + K)
2g D
From the velocity and the diameter of the conduit, the discharge is calculated. The
discharge should be equal to the critical outflow. The afflux should be at least 1.2 times
the diameter of the conduit for full flow conditions to prevail.
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The spill crest level usually corresponds with the FSL of the tank. In order to obtain the
spill length, it is necessary to decide on the appropriate design flood hydrograph which
shall be routed through the tank commencing the operation with the tank water level
at FSL to be on the conservative side. It will be observed that the spill length and the
afflux, (i.e. the height of water in the tank above the FSL) at the time of maximum
outflow from the tank are interrelated. When the spill length is reduced the afflux
increases and vice-versa. A higher afflux corresponds to a higher embankment while
a wider spill will require longer spill structure. The economic study of these variations
will determine the optimum spill length.
Length
As discussed under the sizing of the spillway, the length of a spillway is designed to
discharge the critical maximum outflow with a permissible afflux. If the length of a
spillway is reduced afflux will be increased and if the length is increased afflux will be
reduced. Increasing of afflux over the permissible limit may cause overtopping of tank
bunds and upstream inundation. Therefore, reduction of existing spillway length is not
recommended by any means.
When the runoff has changed due to climate change and change in land use pattern
of the catchment, a hydrological study shall be carried out to determine the critical
maximum outflow and the increase of spill length shall be done accordingly. Without
a hydrological study, spill length shall not be changed.
Height
Generally, the spill site (top-level) is kept at designed FSL. When the height of the spill
level is increased FSL and subsequently High Flood Level goes up beyond the designed
levels. This may lead to a dam failure resulting in a disaster. And also new lands at
upstream may be inundated. Therefore, in order to increase the capacity of the tank,
spill height shall not be increased without a full review of the whole design of the tank.
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Gates
Spillway gates could be introduced when the existing spillway length is not sufficient
to safely discharge the runoff of the determined frequency and also there is a
constraint to increase the length. Size of the gates is determined with the newly
calculated discharge.
The usual defects identified in spillway failures are foundations failure, cracks on crest
wall and abutments, deterioration, non-functioning of gates, downstream erosion and
obstructed spillway approach.
A good foundation of a dam or a weir shall have sufficient strength to withstand the
weight of the structure, to prevent sliding and it must be tight enough to prevent
excessive seepage.
The effect of uncontrolled seepage through the foundation material over time can
cause internal erosion of soils or deterioration of rock. The loss of foundation material
from seepage forces may leave voids beneath the spillway, which decreases the
overall support for the spillway. Settlement and cracking of concrete structures and
the displacement of stone masonry structures may be attributable to foundation
piping.
Headworks such as spills and barrages shall be checked on their stability against piping
and against failure by heave or blowout at the downstream toe of the structure, by
several empirical methods such as:
- Bligh’s methods,
- Lane’s method or
- Koshla’s method
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Lane’s method also called weighted creep ratio method, is the highly recommended
method to check headwork structures on piping. The method gives safe results and is
easy to use.
In earth foundations of dams with considerable height, the seepage through the
foundation is arrested by excavating a cut-off trench and filling it with selected
material. As a rule of thumb, the depth of the cut-off trench is kept around 1/5 the
height of the dam at its central section. A core trench is provided only for bad
foundation conditions and sections based on the dam height.
Grouting of rock foundations is of two types. Grouting of rock foundations for sealing
possible water paths to prevent seepage and also reduce uplift is termed 'curtain
grouting’. Grouting of seams and broken foundations to make them stronger is termed
'consolidation grouting’.
For cut-off by curtain grouting, the required depth of the deepest hole depends upon
the nature of the rock in the foundation. A general rule that the deepest grouting shall
extend below the rock surface to a depth equal to one-fourth of the hydrostatic head
above rock surface, is accurate only for small dams and weirs.
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Seepage
The hydro-static pressure, in meters of height of the water, at any point on the base
of a dam or weir can be determined from the flow-net simply by subtracting the
elevation of the base from the potential at that point. One hundred per cent of the
hydrostatic pressure is always assumed for uplift on dams and weirs.
Piping under the surface of a dam or weir may be defined as the movement of material
from the foundation by the velocity of seeping water as it issues from the soil below
the structure. Incipient piping occurs when the pressure of the seeping water at any
point in the foundation, as shown by equipotential lines of the flow-net, is greater
than the saturated weight of soil above that point. Under such conditions, the soil
becomes super-saturated, quick and incapable of supporting any load and actual
piping is imminent.
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Overturning of spill crest wall, cracks on spill crest wall and abutment failures due to
scouring are some common defects in existing spillways.
Overturning of spill crest walls occurs due to scour of the foundation at D/S toe of the
crest wall. The scour may be localized or extensive or even progressed as a retrograde
scour from the tail canal. Often the mistake is due to founding the crest wall on large
boulders mistaking them as base rock. Once it is undermined, the structure collapses
due to lack of support at the base. Cracks on spill crest walls may occur due to non-
provision of contraction joints. See Figure 4-6, Figure 4-7, Figure 4-8, Figure 4-9 and
Figure 4-10 for the method of repair and reconstruction procedures of those.
Figure 4-6: Threatened failure of spill crest due to scour of downstream bed
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Figure 4-7: Reconstruction of damaged spill crests after scouring of downstream bed
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Figure 4-10: Repairing of the collapsed spill rest on the boulder foundation
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Settlement
Settlement is not very common in the foundation of spillways as most of the time
spillways are built on rock or hard soil foundations. But due to long term seepage
under the foundation of spillway may cause differential settlement of foundations.
Once the structure has undergone such settlements, cracks are clearly visible across
the crest-wall of the spillway. Treatment for the reduction of seepage and scouring
under the foundation shall be done before repair the cracks.
Superstructure Failures
Due to poor quality control at the construction stage, climatic effects, wave actions
and ending the lifetime of structure deterioration may occur.
And also, the ageing of concrete and mortar in spillway structure can be attributed to
both physical and chemical factors, such as defective or inferior materials used in the
concrete or mortar can result in deterioration and possible failure of the structure.
The disintegration of concrete and mortar may be caused by thermal expansion and
contraction, or wetting and drying. The strength of concrete may also be reduced by
a chemical reaction with water, which is referred to as an alkali-aggregate reaction.
Erosion of concrete and mortared stone surfaces may be caused by flowing rocks, logs,
wind, or excessive water turbulence. Whatever the cause of the deterioration of the
concrete or mortar, the end result is detrimental to the integrity of the dam and could
ultimately lead to a failure of the spillway structure.
If the structure fully deteriorates reconstruction has to be done. Most of the time
partially deteriorated structure might be rehabilitated. The decision depends on the
cost of rehabilitation and reconstruction.
It can be observed that the downstream side of the spillway crest wall is decayed. This
is due to the negative pressure develop closer to the surface during spilling of water
and hence blasting of water bubbles at the surface. High-grade skin concrete with
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Flow erosion failures of spillway structures pertain primarily to the external erosion of
either the immediate adjoining earthen embankment toe or foundation material and
erosion of the earth spillways.
Gullying (rainfall erosion) of the earth on the outside edge of a spillway abutment wall
will cause a displacement of soil material. This, in turn, causes two additional
concerns: Lack of outside support for the abutment wall and low area susceptible to
outflow from the impoundment during major storm events when the tank water level
is higher.
Providing adequate wing-wall into the dam considering the slope of the earthen dam
is required to minimize the undermining of abutments.
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Downstream Erosion
Scouring
Introduction of stilling basin or an apron, Chute blocks, Baffle piers are some of the
remedial measures used for the reduction of downstream erosion.
Stilling Basin
Flow over a weir across a river or spillway of a tank can show different behaviour
downstream of that weir or spillway due to the existing water depth ‘h2’, downstream
of the weir or stilling basin. Figure 4-12 gives the basic possibilities for the flow pattern
downstream of a spillway or a weir.
ENERGY DISSIPATORS
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Case A shows submerged flow causing an only small surface disturbance in the form
of waves.
Case B shows a drowned jump which is caused by a larger water depth than the
conjugate downstream water depth.
Case C gives the situation of a hydraulic jump where the downstream water depth is
equal to the conjugate depth of the jump.
Case D occurs where the downstream water depth is less than conjugate depth, in
which case the jump will travel downstream.
All of these stages might occur downstream of a spillway. Case D is a situation which
must not be allowed to happen as it will bring the jump over an unprotected part of
the river which will generally cause extensive scouring.
Stilling basins shall be provided downstream of spillway, weirs and other hydraulic
structures to dissipate surplus kinetic velocity energy which will otherwise cause
damage downstream.
V1
Fru = Eq. 4-8
√gyu
Based on the Froude number the following divisions in basin design can be given.
1. For Fru 1.7, no stilling basin is needed. In an earthen canal, the downstream part
should be protected against erosion. Concrete or stone-masonry lined canals do
not need any special protection.
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2. If 1.7 < Fru 2.5 a stilling basin is needed to dissipate energy effectively. Generally,
a hydraulic jump basin with end step works satisfactorily. For a drop in water level
< 1.50 m, a vertical drop structure can be used.
3. For 2.5 < Fru 4.5 the most difficult situation for choosing the right stilling basin
arises. The hydraulic jump is not well stabilized and creates high waves that travel
a distance along the canal. Basins for these Froude numbers should be designed
creating high turbulence by means increasing the intensity of the roller by the
installation of large chute type blocks.
However, in practice, it is better to avoid designing basins for 2.5 < Fru 4.5, and
instead of changing the geometry to increase or decrease the Froude number and
use a basin from the other categories.
4. If Fru 4.5, the most economical design, because they are short, are the USBR Type
III basins equipped with chute blocks and baffle blocks resulting in short basin
length and baffle blocks. The equivalent hydraulic jump basin with end step is
considerably longer but could be constructed of stone masonry.
From the graph of 'q’ versus ‘H1’ and the drop height 'z', the velocity 'v1’ at the start of
the jump can be found from:
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𝑦2 1 Eq. 4-10
= (√1 + 8Fru 2 − 1)
𝑦𝑢 2
V1
in which Fru = Eq. 4-11
√gyu
The conjugate depth for every 'q’ can be found and plotted.
To keep the jump close to the inclined face of the weir and above the floor, the floor
must be lowered till the downstream water depth is at least equal to the conjugate
depth.
For submerged flows, that is where the downstream water levels are more than 2/3H1
above the crest, no energy dissipators are needed.
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Basin Length
The length of a hydraulic jump basin downstream from Section U (Figure 4-14) is
usually somewhat less than the undisturbed length of the jump because of the use of
an end sill. This flow stabilizing sill is commonly placed at a distance ‘Lj’ downstream
of Section U.
The required height of this end sill as a function of the Froude number ‘Fru’ of the
incoming water depth 'yu’ and of the tailwater depth, can be determined from
Figure 4-14.
A considerable reduction on the length of the stilling basin can be achieved by the use
of baffle blocks and chute blocks. Figure 4-15 gives the dimensions of a USBR Type III
basin which can be used if the Froude number is higher than 4.5.
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When the basin is constructed from stone masonry the baffle blocks and chute blocks
may be constructed as indicated in Figure 4-16.
Figure 4-15: Stilling basin dimensions when the Froude number is greater than 4.5
Figure 4-16: Construction of baffle blocks and chute blocks for stone-masonry basin
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Basin Types
Apart from the hydraulic conditions, which can be described with the Froude number
and the downstream water depth, the condition of the river bed and the type of
sediment transported plays an important role in the choice of a stilling basin. When a
spillway is considered, only the transporting finer sediments can be expected.
Therefore, it can be designed with a hydraulic jump basin that is shortened by the use
of baffle blocks (Figure 4-16). For this type of stilling basin, the abrasive behaviour of
the transported sediment shall be taken into account in connection with the material
from which the blocks are to be constructed.
If the tail-water level is too high for the formation of a hydraulic jump, or if the damage
of the long basin floor is anticipated due to large stones being transported over the
weir, a relatively short but deep bucket dissipator may be used. The hydraulic
behaviour of this energy dissipator depends primarily on the formation of two rollers;
one surface roller moving counter-clockwise above the bucket, and a ground roller
moving in a clockwise direction and situated downstream of the end sill. The general
dimensions of a radius bucket are shown in Figure 4-17.
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Submerged bucket stilling basins are used with much success on low weirs and for low
Froude numbers. The criteria used for designs were derived from publications and
model studies.
Bank Erosion
Obstructions in the tail canal may create backwater effects at the outlet of the
spillway. This may lead to bank erosion and damage the abutments and the dam
sections either side of the spillway abutments. Therefore, the spillway tail canal shall
be kept clear till it ends up with the stream. The spill tail canal width shall not be less
than the length of the spillway. Involvement of farmer organizations can be taken for
the clearing and maintenance of the spill tail canal.
In some small tanks, the spillway is located away from the main dam and spillway
approach canal conveys the excess water to the spillway. This spill approach shall be
kept very clear without any obstructions. Trees, debris and silt deposited along the
spill approach shall be removed.
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5.0 Sluice
The sluice of a tank has the function of supplying the quantity of water required for
the irrigation, safely through the sluice barrel into the main canal.
The discharge capacity of the sluice is determined according to the peak discharge
required to supply the maximum irrigation demand at the minimum operating level of
the tank.
The minimum operating level is taken as the lowest water level of the tank at which
the gate can be operated without causing vortices. Also, at the minimum operating
level, the sluice shall be able to deliver the design discharge with the gate fully open
condition. The minimum operating level for minor tanks is taken as 0.3 m above the
top of the opening of the sluice.
The sill level of a sluice is located to provide minimum dead storage in the tank. For a
minor tank, the dead storage is required to meet the domestic needs and needs of
animals such as cattle.
But for large tanks, dead storage is provided to accommodate possible silt deposits.
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Intake Tower
In hume pipe tower sluices cylindrical towers constructed with hume pipes are used
as the intake tower. Hume pipe towers are used when the maximum depth of water
is more than 2.5 m. When the maximum depth of water is not exceeding 2.5 m,
headwall type sluices are constructed. Occasionally, few reinforced concrete or rubble
masonry intake towers exist in minor tanks.
Sluice Barrel
The sluice barrel of a minor tank is constructed commonly by joining several hume
pipes to take the required barrel length across the bund. Sluice barrel made of dressed
stone masonry with stone cover slabs can be seen in ancient tanks.
Sluice Gate
The type of sluice gates can be sliding, fixed roller or mobile roller. Different sizes of
rectangular or circular sliding gates are commonly used for the sluices in minor tanks.
Sluice gates can be made of cast iron, steel or timber.
Headstocks and hoists shall so strong and efficient that one person can operate it with
sufficient mechanical advantage. Usually, worm and wheel arrangement with
threaded shafts are provided for lifting gates. Gears and hand-wheels are added to
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obtain further mechanical advantage. For large sluices, the gate hoist could be power
(electrically) driven. Portable engines that can be hand-held also can be coupled to
sluice head stiles to lift the gate for easy operation.
In an emergency such as the main gate getting jammed, at any tank stage, an
emergency gate is required for attending the repairs. A lifting gate can be used as an
emergency gate for minor tanks and the gate grooves may have been provided for the
use of timber planks.
Downstream Headwall
Stilling Basin
A stilling basin with its bed depressed about 200 - 300 mm with baffle wall and
proceeded by drop walls is required to dissipate the high kinetic energy of the water
issuing from the sluice barrel of a minor tank.
When the sluice barrel appears to be intact with no subsidence and if the earth
material has not entered and blocked into the barrel then the existing barrel can be
retained in the sluice structure without any improvement or replacement. If there are
failures at the joints and hume pipes have subsided, reconstruction may be needed. If
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any leakage through the sluice barrel is observed investigation shall be done to find
out whether the leakage occurs through the gate or through cracks in the barrel. The
silt content of water and subsidence at the earth bund around the sluice barrel shall
be observed to decide whether the barrel is broken or cracked.
It has been observed that many minor tanks have breached due to the uncontrolled
seepage through the earth embankment at the interface of the hume pipe sluice
barrel. This can occur due to the improper compaction around the hume pipe barrel.
Seepage can form ‘pipes’ in the earth embankment and the collapse of surrounding
loose fill material and then lead to breaching of the embankment.
To overcome this situation, it is proposed to encase the hume pipe barrel with a
concrete box with seepage cut-off walls as required. A typical drawing for an encased
hume pipe sluice barrel of diameter 0.45 m is shown in Figure 5-1 and Figure 5-2.
Repairs of a sluice can be associated with any component of the structure such as
intake tower or headwall, barrel and the gates. The tower or headwall consists of
cracked or spalled concrete. Cracks may occur at the seating of the hoisting
mechanism. Following defects associated with a sluice structure can be considered for
the repairs.
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Inadequate length of cut-off walls at the inlet and along the sluice barrel may result
for leakages at the outside of the barrel. Provision of new cut-off walls at the inlet of
the sluice barrel is recommended to arrest the leakages.
The sizes of the control and intake openings of the sluice shall be minimum required
to release the peak daily requirement of irrigation, with the controlled and bulkhead
gates fully opened when the tank storage is at the minimum operating level. The
hydraulics of the sluice is designed for open canal flow, in a part-full conduit based on
the principle of steady non-uniform flow confirming to the law of conservation of
energy. The following assumptions are made to release the maximum discharge under
low tank stages.
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In order to obtain the minimum operating level of the tank, a release of 2/3 peak
release is assumed. The stilling basin is designed for peak release when the tank is at
the high flood level. Also, the canal capacity is checked for overtopping for the sluice
release with fully opened gates when the tank is at the high flood level.
The sluice capacity is calculated with the peak irrigation demand that is required from
the tank both for the lowland and upland area.
For lowland area,
PL x 43560
QL = x AL Cusecs Eq. 5-1
12 x 30 x 24 x 60 x 60
QL = 0.0014 x PL x AL Cusecs
Where,
PL = monthly peak irrigation demand in inches for a dry month
for lowland
AL = maximum extent of the lowland area in Acres
QU = 0.0028 x PU x AU Cusecs
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Where,
PU = monthly peak irrigation demand in inches for a dry month
for upland
Irrigation requirement (IR) is the quantity of water which shall be delivered from the
sluice to crops throughout the growing season when the rainfall is insufficient to meet
the requirement. It varies with climatic and weather conditions, soil properties, plant
characteristics and cultivation practices. Irrigation requirement is calculated by
considering the water requirement for land preparation, crop water requirement and
water losses during conveyance and application on monthly basis. If there is no
storage like in Anicut schemes, water requirements shall be calculated on weekly
basis.
Land preparation is important to ensure that the field is ready for planting. A well-
prepared field controls weeds, recycles plant nutrients, and provides a soft soil mass
for transplanting and a suitable soil surface for direct seeding. Land preparation for
paddy cultivation consists of land soaking and land tillage. For well-drained soil in
upland farms, land soaking is not separately required and one combined application
is provided during the period of land preparation.
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Crop water requirement varies on the type of crop and the growth stages of the crop.
This can be calculated by considering crop factor (kc) which depends on the growth
stage of the crop namely Initial, Development, Mid, and Late. For minor tanks, the
conveyance efficiency and application efficiency is considered as 80% and 60%
respectively. Peak irrigation requirement can be obtained by calculating the irrigation
requirement on monthly basis separately for both seasons; Yala and Maha.
For more details about the calculation, Technical guidelines for Irrigation Works by
A. J. P. Ponrajah shall be referred.
For minor tanks, the sluice is designed as an orifice to release the design discharge
with the gates fully open when the tank is at the minimum operating level. The size of
the sluice opening is calculated with the equation below. The minimum operating level
is taken 0.3 m above the top of the opening of the sluice.
where
Q = daily peak water requirement in cusecs
h = head of the water above the centre of the sluice when the water
level is at the minimum operating level in feet
g = the acceleration of gravity = 32.2 ft/sec2
The sluice barrels of minor tanks are usually constructed with hume pipes with cast-
iron gates at the inlet. A gradient is generally not required for the barrels of sluices
designed for minor tanks. The barrels may be designed with a gradient to satisfy other
hydraulic and structural requirements provided the introduction of the gradient does
not result in loss of command.
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150 200
1888
850
600 450
1000
1000
150 150
1000
300
140 150
1500
1175
450 600 200
600
2500 900 2440
SECTIONAL ELEVATION
300
X
250 1000 1200
750
450 600
1588
550
600
556
X 34140
NOTE
PLAN 1. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILIMETRS
2. THIS DRAWING SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUCTION WITH FIGURE 5-2
HEAD WALL TYPE SLUICE
Figure 5-1: Construction of headwall type sluice with encased hume pipe barrel
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300 300
150
Y10-04-300
Y10-03-150
1738
1738
750
300
300
1:2:4(20mm) concrete
Y10-15-150 1:2:4(20mm) concrete
1000
850
450
750
300
300
5238
Y10-12-150
Y10-10-200
Y10-13-150
1000
1000
Y10-14-200
300
Y10-11-200
150
450
750
1500
1200
150
Y10-09-150
2700
Y10-02-200
Y10-07-150 400
2350
Y10-05-150
600 Y10-08-150
DETAILS OF PASSERAL
NOTE
800
800
DETAILS OF U/S CUT-OFF WALL 1. ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILIMETERS
800 3400 800
2. THIS DRAWING SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUCTION WITH
DETAILS OF D/S CUT-OFF WALL FIGURE 5-1
Figure 5-2: Construction of headwall type sluice with encased hume pipe barrel (details of components)
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6.1 General
Weirs are structures constructed across streams or rivers to raise the upstream water
levels to divert the flow into man-made canals conveying irrigation water to cultivated
lands. There is no storage of water formed at weir headworks. A pre-determined fixed
quantity is diverted at a weir and all the water flowing down the river particularly
during high flows will not be diverted. Anicuts are built when the natural flow in the
river is adequate to irrigate the command area. There are two types of weirs as Solid
Overflow Weirs and Barrages.
The most common type of diversion structure in minor irrigation schemes is the solid
overflow weir. It is constructed across a river to fix the minimum water level needed
for diversion and allow the excess water flows over the weir down the river. Solid
Overflow Weirs are constructed of rubble masonry or mass concrete.
Barrage
Barrages are gated structures which can regulate the water level in the river by means
of gates. The gates are hoisted up during flood time to permit the water to flow under
the hoisted gates without causing an afflux or heading up. These gates could be either
slide gates or radial gates. In flat alluvial areas where rising of the water level in the
river during floods has far-reaching consequences, the construction of a barrage is
justified. A barrage may be considered if,
• the diversion with solid overflow weir is found to be insufficient and the river
bed gradient is small.
• floods would cause extensive and prolonged inundation due to a solid weir
across the river.
• The foundation is firm and strong.
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Also, combinations of solid overflow weirs with a limited number of gates are available
in irrigation diversion schemes. All these structures can be constructed with stone
masonry, concrete or with a combination of these materials. The choice of the
construction material will influence the shape and design of the weir.
The technical terms used for the components of a weir are given below.
Crest of the weir : The top of the weir over which water spills. The level of the
topmost point on the weir wall is the crest elevation.
Crest length : The length of the crest wall between the abutments.
Nappe : The downstream slope surface profile of the weir.
Abutments : The end structures on both the banks into which the weir walls
are keyed.
Aprons : The flat paved surfaces in the bed of the river both upstream
and downstream.
Stilling Basin : The bucket or basin on the downstream side of the weir wall
with its top-level depressed below river bed level to dissipate
surplus energy. Bollards, Chute Blocks, Baffles etc. are also
constructed to dissipate surplus energy.
Cut-off walls : There are barriers erected at the upstream and downstream
end of the aprons to cut out seepage under the weir and thus
prevent piping and also reduce uplift pressure under the
downstream apron.
Piers : The masonry or concrete pillar-like structures located at
intervals along crest length to give lateral support to gates (in a
barrage) and to support a bridge deck over the weir.
Scour gates : Gates provided to pass silt deposits accumulating upstream of
the weir.
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Intake canal : Portion of the diversion canal that is in the head reach into
which the weir diverts the flow. The intake canal is also used as
a silt trap before the water is led into the irrigation canal system
via a separate head sluice.
Intake Structure : Gated inlet facing the river upstream of the weir admitting
water into the intake canal. Facilities for closing this for desilting
the intake canal shall be provided.
Head Sluice : Gated structure that admits water into the irrigation main canal
from the intake canal. The chainage along the irrigation canal in
reckoned from this structure.
Silt Ejectors : Devices that evacuate silt deposited in the intake canal bed,
back into the river, downstream of the diversion weir via a chute
or a concrete conduit.
Flank Bunds : Embankments constructed along the banks of the river,
upstream and/or downstream of the weir to confine floods
within the river channel without inundating lands on the banks.
Passerelle : Foot-bridge leading to gate hoisting arrangements. Passerelles
also serve as a platform to stand on when operating hoists.
The length of the weir is determined in relation to the cross-section of the stream at
the selected location for the structure. If the banks are well defined, or approximately
the same elevation and not too distant apart (such as in steep terrain) then the length
of the weir may be the distance between the banks.
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banks. In such cases, if the weir is to abut into the high ground on either bank will be
very long and uneconomical. The economical and practical solution would be to
restrict the weir length to a lower value and construct earthen flank bunds between
the weir and high grounds on either side.
As a rule of thumb, the length of the weir shall not be less than 0.8 times and no more
than 1.2 times the bank full width which is the top width of flow corresponding to the
annual flood.
The full supply depth ‘d’ in diversion canal and the head loss ‘h’ across the sluice is
required to determine the crest elevation of a weir. It is seen from section 6.6, that h
could be given a constant value of 0.14 m. Hence the minimum weir crest elevation
will be (d + 0.14) m above the sill of the sluice where d is the full supply depth of the
canal. As the anicut crest shall be as low as possible for the optimum economy, no
extra head need to be allowed over this value. If any debris or other matters partially
block the sluice, the canal flow will be reduced and spilling over the crest may
commence or increase. On observing reduced flow in the canal, the sluice shall be
inspected and obstructions shall be cleared.
If the stream water level at the anicut at minimum base flow is higher than the crest
elevation as determined above, then an anicut across the stream will not be required.
In such circumstances, a training wall or inlet channel may be sufficient. The regime of
the flow in the stream will not be affected in any way by such construction.
The crest level of the weir shall not cause the submergence of developed or
agricultural lands upstream for any duration that would adversely affect the cultivated
crop. Paddy cultivation could withstand partial submergence up to 5 days with no
adverse effect on the yield. However, for design purposes, partial submergence of 3
days could be recommended as a conservative decision. A 5-year return period is
considered sufficient to determine the effect of submergence. Hence afflux over the
weir for 72-hour duration storm of 5-year return period H (5,72) is computed to
determine the level at which upstream developed agricultural land will not be
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submerged for more than 3 consecutive days. If the intensity curves of 5-year are not
available, the value may be taken as a value of 0.7 times the 10-year return period
value.
If the above conditions cannot be satisfied, the canal may be redesigned with a lower
‘d’ and/or lower ‘h’. This could be achieved considering wider gates. If this approach
also fails, the economic and social benefits between the reduction of new
development and submergence of existing lands may be considered to decide the
crest level for the structure. For this option acquisition of submerged lands may
become necessary as a compromise solution.
The weir shall be designed for the flood of a 25-year return period.
Crest Geometry
Two shapes of crests for overflow weirs across rivers are generally used, the cylindrical
crest and the ogee crest as shown in Figure 6-1. These crest shapes can be constructed
with either concrete or stone masonry or from a combination of both.
The downstream faces of the weirs are constructed with a slope of 1 on 1 or less than
that. Weirs with vertical downstream faces could however be advantageous if the
foundation material consists of solid hard rock and this design will not require stilling
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Cylindrical Crest
The cylindrical crest weir has a discharge coefficient considerably higher than that of
a broad crested weir. In rivers, this is a significant advantage as it will reduce upstream
water levels during floods. The discharge coefficient is higher due to the streamlined
curvature and the sub-atmospheric pressure on the crest. The pressure on the crest is
a function of the ratio between H1 and r and shown in Figure 6-2. For weirs with a
double radius as shown in Figure 6-1, the downstream radius (R2) shall be used to find
the discharge coefficient.
To avoid the danger of local cavitation, the minimum pressure at the weir crest shall
be limited to (-)4 m water column if the crest is constructed with concrete. For stone
masonry, the sub-atmospheric pressure on the crest shall be limited to (-)1 m water
column. Figure 6-3 shows that the radius for a stone masonry weir crest shall be in the
range from 0.3 to 0.7 times H1 (max) and for concrete weir crests from 0.1 to 0.7 times
H1 (max).
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The values of C0 in Figure 6-4 are valid if the weir crest is sufficiently high above the
average bed or the river channel (P/H1 ≥ 1.5). In the preliminary design phase, ‘P’ may
be taken as half the distance from the crest to the average bed of the river which was
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before the construction of the weir. As shown in Figure 6-4, C0 has a maximum value
of 1.49, if H1/r exceeds 5.0.
Figure 6-4: Coefficient Co for cylindrical crested weir as a function of the ratio H1/r
For P/H1 values less than 1.5, Figure 6-5 may be used to find the reduction factor C1.
Correction coefficients C2 for the influence of an upstream sloping weir face on the
discharge are given in Figure 6-6. The correction coefficient C2 is assumed to be equal
to that for ogee crest shapes.
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Figure 6-6: Coefficient C2 for ogee crest weir with a sloping upstream face
(After USBR 1960)
Values of the drowned flow reduction factor ‘f’ as a function of the submergence ratio
can be obtained from Figure 6-7. The drowned flow reduction factor gives the
reduction on the discharge in case of submergence.
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Ogee Crest
An ogee crest has the shape of the lower nappe of an aerated sharp-crested weir.
Therefore, it will give no sub-atmospheric pressure on the surface of the crest when
flowing at design discharge. For lower discharges, the water will give a downward
pressure on the crest.
To design the downstream face of the Ogee crest Eq. 6-2 which is developed by the
U.S Army Corps of Engineers is used.
Y 1 X n
= ( ) Eq. 6-2
hd K hd
where X and Y are coordinates of the downstream face (Figure 6-8) and
hd is the design head over the crest
K and n are parameters, which depend on the approach velocity and the
inclination of the upstream face.
Table 6-1 gives ‘K’ and ‘n’ values for various upstream slopes and low approach
velocities.
d) 1 to 1 1.873 1.776
The geometry of the crest varies with the slope of the upstream face as shown in
Figure 6-8.
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a) c)
b) d)
The head-discharge equation for an ogee - crest weir is given below in Eq. 6-3.
3
2
Q = C L √2g H 12 Eq. 6-3
3 d
The effective discharge coefficient Cd is the product of C0, C1 and C2 (Cd = C0 * C1 * C2).
With these coefficients,
C0 is a constant and taken as 1.30
C1 is a function of P/hd and H1/hd
C2 is a correction factor for the upstream face
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Figure 6-9: Correction factor C1 for other than design head-on ogee crested weir
(After Ven Te Chow 1959 based on data of USBR and WES)
Figure 6-10: Drowned flow reduction factor as a function of P2/H1 and H2/H1
(Adapted from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station)
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The factor C1 is given in Figure 6-9 and shall be applied for different weir heights above
the river bottom with a vertical upstream face. If the upstream weir face is sloping, a
second dimensionless correction coefficient C2 on the basic coefficient shall be
introduced, this is a function of both the weir face slope and the ratio P/H1. Values of
C2 can be obtained from Figure 6-6.
Figure 6-10 provides the drowned flow reduction factor ‘f’ for the submergence ratio
Approach Velocity
If in the above discharge formula, the water depth ‘h1’ is used instead of the energy
head ‘H1’ an approach velocity coefficient ‘Cv’ shall be included in the discharge
equations. The value of this coefficient can be read off from Figure 6-11.
Figure 6-11: Cv values as a function of the area ratio √(α1) Cd A* / A1 for a rectangular control
section (From BOS 1977)
The figure gives Cv values for rectangular weirs as a function of the area ratio.
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A* is an imaginary cross-sectional area of flow above the weir crest if the water
depth would be equal to ‘h1’ as shown in Figure 6-12.
In diversion gated weirs and barrages the crest length is determined by making
allowances for flow contraction effect at abutment and piers. The effective crest
length ‘Be’ of a gated diversion weir is related to the actual crest width ‘B’ between
abutments and/or piers by the following equation.
Be = B − 2(nK P + K a )H1
Eq. 6-5
In the calculation of the effective length, the actual width of the scouring sluice (with
an open front) shall be taken at 80% of the width as designed, to compensate for the
difference in discharge coefficient compared to the weir crest itself as shown in Figure
6-13.
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The length of the crest allowed shall be such that the velocity of flow over the crest
does not exceed 12 m/sec as velocities above this limit can cause both erosion and
cavitation damage to concrete or masonry.
Piers KP
Abutments Ka
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The head sluice would be normally located in the flank bund. It may also be located in
the high ground with or without an inlet channel. The actual location depends on the
site topography and other factors such as the convenience of the operation of the
gates, especially for easy closure during floods.
The head of water at the sluice is generally small so that screw operated wooden sluice
gates would be normally sufficient. Steel or cast-iron gates also are used for the head
sluice. Steel lining is to be provided at least for the downstream faces of the concrete
grooves.
The sluice shall preferably be operated at or near the maximum opening. Partial open
conditions may produce high velocity just downstream of the sluice which is a
condition that shall be avoided as only nominal energy dissipation features are
provided for the outlet from the sluice.
The head sluice is designed as a submerged orifice when delivering the full discharge
required with the following formula;
The height of the opening of the sluice shall be not more than ‘d’ where d is the design
full supply depth of the diversion canal. This is to ensure the submerged orifice flow.
The width of the opening shall be so adjusted that the velocity of discharge of the
sluice under full open condition will not exceed twice the velocity of flow in the
diversion canal. This will require only nominal structural provision for energy
dissipation.
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If the above conditions are satisfied head loss across sluice ‘h’ will be 0.14 m as shown
below:
Maximum velocity in canal = 0.75 m/s
Hence, for submerged orifice maximum velocity through the sluice = 1.50 m/s
Cd = 0.9
Flank bunds are constructed to confine the flood water within river banks to protect
the land from inundation.
The elevation of the embankments shall be checked for safety against floods during
the lifetime of the structure due to the probable aggradation of the river upstream of
the permanent weir. Backwater curves are used to calculate the length and the
elevation of flood embankments along the river at the diversion structure for flood
with different return periods. The exact computation of the backwater curve can be
carried out by the standard step method if the cross-sections, slopes and roughness
factors of the river are known over a sufficient distance upstream of the weir. Flood
embankments shall be kept away from the low water bed of the river or they shall be
protected against erosion by fast-flowing water.
Overtopping is permissible for flank bunds of height less than 1.5 m due to a flood
higher than that of the design return period provided the downstream slopes are fully
turfed. The top level of the abutment and flank bunds (BTL) is fixed at the High Flood
Level, which is the weir crest level plus the designed afflux for the weir. Free-board is
not considered necessary.
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Flank bunds of height up to 1.5 m designed for overtopping as described above may
be considered along with the weir for determination of the maximum flood afflux. It
is desirable to keep the design afflux over the bund to a low value such as 0.3 m.
The overtopping length of the flank bund may be considered as a broad-crested weir
and the discharge over the flank bund is given by:
It will be noted that the discharge from the critical storm will be made up of the sum
of the discharges over the bund and the weir. Proper consideration shall be given to
the adequacy of getaway conditions and to flowage damage. This will enable the flank
bund of height less than 1.5 m to function as a breaching section at the floods higher
than the design flood. Training bunds may be provided as isolation bunds where
necessary for the protection of the higher bund in the event that the bund of less than
1.5 m height breaches during a flood.
When the height of the flank bund is more than 1.5 m, the BTL of the bund shall be
made 0.3 m above the HFL over the weir and the elevation of the abutments to create
extra safety. During extreme floods the weir and its abutments will be overtopped
first, protecting the structure from being outflanked by the river. Minimum bund top
with of flood embankments shall be 1.2 m. If there is a road along the embankment,
top width shall be increased according to the requirements for the road.
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The cross-sections given in Table 6-3 may be used for the flank bunds using selected
fill material. The downstream slopes shall be well turfed and the bund top gravelled
or turfed. The top width of the flank bunds shall be between 1.2 m and 1.5 m.
Note: Flatter slopes than are required have been used in the d/s slope from the point
of view of stability. This is to allow for a lesser chance of failure by scouring of
the downstream face in the event of overtopping during freak high storms
though the bund may not be designed for overtopping. If the bund is very long
it is recommended to select an economical section with steeper slopes by
stability analysis.
6.8 Abutments
Where the weir crest abuts on to well-defined stream banks and no flank bunds are
provided with the abutments can be of a basic construction consisting of rubble
pitching matched to the profile of the bank cut to a stable slope where necessary. If
the stability of such an abutment is in doubt, a box return type of abutment could be
adopted, with a sufficient length of return wall for the protection of the bank slope.
Where a flank bund is necessary to extend from the weir, generally a splayed type of
abutment with the top of the splayed wing-walls matched to the bund slope is found
to be suitable economically, hydraulically and aesthetically. However, it is
recommended to design the abutments depending on site conditions and topography.
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For abutments of lower height in minor weirs, the stability analysis is not considered
necessary for the abutment sections and adopting a base width of about 0.4 times the
height of the abutment or wing-walls would result in a safe and economical design.
The earth side of the abutment or wall can be of stepped construction or sloped
construction.
The pressure exerted by the tailwater on the downstream side of the anicut enhances
the stability of the anicut. A tailwater rating curve shall be developed to determine
the downstream head corresponding to the critical flow over the weir.
For the stability consideration of small anicuts, it is safe to assume the downstream
tailwater depth to be the same as the critical afflux ‘H’. This assumption is conservative
as even when tailwater width is more than that of the anicut, the variation of the
tailwater depth from the afflux will be negligible. This situation will exist when the
tailwater velocity is much less than the velocity of discharge over the anicut. Thus, for
stability considerations, the downstream tailwater depth is assumed to be zero when
the upstream water surface is at crest level of the weir, and the downstream depth is
assumed to increase according to the afflux over the anicut with the depth being equal
to the afflux.
Based on the above assumptions stable sections of weir founded on competent rock
foundations in the river bed have been worked out for different heights of anicuts.
These sections can be obtained from Table 6-4 referring Figure 6-14 when the top
width is 0.6 m. When the design afflux and the height of the weir above the foundation
are known downstream slope of the weir z can be selected from Figure 6-16 and Figure
6-15. These parameters may be used for a quick selection of stable economic sections.
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h = Afflux (m)
H = Height of weir (m)
LB = Length of stilling basin (m)
n = Height of end sill (m)
q = Discharge per metre width
= 1.7h3/2 (m3/s) /m
(clear overfall conditions)
z = Horizontal component of weir slope
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Figure 6-15: Relationship between Afflux (h), Height of weir (H) and Section slope (z) when
top width = 600 mm
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The most economical section is when the upstream face is vertical. However, an
upstream batter may be provided without seriously affecting the economy of the
section. Such batter reduces the chances of obstructions by floating logs etc. The
upstream edge may be rounded (say 0.15 m radius) for the improved hydraulic
performance of the weir as well as to assist floating logs to roll over.
Though the foundation of the weir is on a firm rock it may not be totally impervious.
The designer shall be cautious whether there could be fractures and fissures through
which water can percolate and cause upthrust. A decision could be taken with
foundation investigations.
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Some of the anicut systems are partially functional because their headworks are not
fully operational due to damage or deterioration due to lack of maintenance. When
comprehensive rehabilitation of anicuts is required depending on the condition of the
existing structure, controlling parameters such as length of crest wall, crest level, flank
bund top level shall be computed. Rehabilitation shall be planned out by comparing
the parameters. The design methodology to be followed in rehabilitation such
schemes is similar to that for constructing a new scheme.
The common problems and defects associated with diversion weirs are listed as
follows.
1. Scouring at the downstream undermining the downstream drop wall
2. Damage at the stilling basin
3. Piping under weir walls
4. Differential settlement of weir wall
5. Deterioration of concrete structure
6. Leakages through the gates
7. Difficult to operate gates
8. No Stop-logs for planked bays
9. Excessive silt deposits on the upstream
10. One or both abutments out-flanked
11. Flank bunds being overtopped frequently
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Also, the scouring at the downstream of the stilling basin can be remedied by
providing rubble protection. A well-designed rip-rap layer with large stones of good
quality and weight is good and durable protection against scouring the downstream.
To prevent washing out of the original subsoil, the rip-rap shall be placed on a suitable
filter.
Generally, the diversion weirs are constructed on rock foundations in the river bed of
a stable section where the bed material is sound or stratified rock. Foundation
treatment is required for weirs constructed on alluvial bed formation.
Some seepage through the rock foundation is possible when the bedrock has fractures
and fissures. Upstream apron and cut-off walls are recommended for this situation.
When there is high piping and worst foundation conditions grouting can be proposed.
Weirs with piping shall be referred to the Engineering Geology Branch of Irrigation
Department for remedial measures.
In the event of rock being available for foundation only in parts of the width of the
river and also if a better location cannot be found in the neighbourhood, then the rock
in the foundation (on part of the river width) has to be blasted and backfilled with
sandy gravel and the weir can be re-constructed as founded completely on permeable
foundation. Alternatively, the earth part of the foundation could be removed and be
re-filled with concrete. The selection of the repair method shall be based on the
existing condition of the structure followed by foundation investigations.
Rehabilitation of anicuts of this type of failure shall be referred to Zonal Design Office
or Design Branch at the Head Office of the Irrigation Department.
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Controlled mechanism of gates and sealing along edges shall be checked and shall be
referred to Zonal Mechanical Director of Irrigation Department for necessary repairs.
When planked opening are provided it is expected to de-plank them manually before
the flood reaches the anicut. It has been observed situations where de- planking is not
attended as expected and planks are not available at the site. Planks shall be replaced
and it is recommended to hand over the custodian and responsibility of de-planking
through the farmer organization.
Though scour gates are provided, the area influenced by the scour gates could be very
small and the silt is removed only from the close vicinity of the gates. If the head sluice
is blocked due to deposited silt, desilting shall be done manually to clear the entrance
to the sluice.
Abutments Out-Flanked
Abutment wing-walls can be extended by providing return walls, keying into the hard
high ground to prevent out-flanking. It is recommended to verify the adequacy of the
length of the weir crest wall before this type of repair.
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Aquatic plants need Nitrogen and Phosphorous for their growth. It has been observed
that aquatic plants grow superlatively in water bodies as a result of more Nitrogen and
Phosphorous getting into water bodies with the runoff over upstream farmlands.
Generally, the minor tanks are seasonal tanks in which the water level drops in the dry
season to the dead storage level or below that. Aquatic plants on the water surface
may be retained as a sludge layer. In such a situation, it is recommended to remove
the aquatic plants by scraping the sludge layer not exceeding a thickness of 0.15 m by
accommodating the root zone with suitable machinery.
The removed organic waste and soil shall be piled up in the upstream of the tank bed
above the HFL contour at an accessible place for vehicles such as tractors facilitating
the removal by the interesting parties on their interest by making payments to the
government. If not, the piles of removed material shall be made hard enough
preventing wash away to the tank during the rainy season, as shown in Figure 7-2 to
form ‘Iswetiya’ – a small earth ridge at upstream. Iswetiya is important in controlling
the siltation of the tank bed. However, ‘Iswetiya’ shall not block the waterways to the
tank.
Desilting of the tank bed may increase the water storage capacity of the tank.
However, this shall be investigated as most of the time the possibility is there for
increasing the dead storage of the tank and not for increasing the storage of water
that can be issued through the sluice. It is more sensible to raise the spill level and the
tank bund than desilting in order to increase the capacity. It is required to carry out a
comprehensive analysis in arriving the decision considering the impact on the cascade
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and the upstream land submergence. It is understood that the raising of the FSL by a
small amount increases the storage capacity considerably than that could be achieved
by desilting.
On the other hand, taking out the sediment that is deposited on the tank bed for many
years, without proper investigations on the sediment depth would increase the
seepage particularly where the soil is quite porous. However, one cannot deny the fact
that there may be minor tanks that need de-siltation of excess deposits of sediment.
Survey
Limitations
Tank bed surveys and desilting are recommended only under the dry conditions.
Dredging or bathymetric surveys are not expected under this process.
Depth of Desilting
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Desilting area
A distance up to 4 times bund height (4 h) from up-stream toe shall not be disturbed
by any means. However, clearing the aquatic plants is allowed in this area. Some
selected area (1/3 of the tank bed area) can be de-silted below the sluice sill level to
create dead storage without disturbing the hardpan.
As-Built Drawings
As-built drawings shall be prepared by taking level at same grid points after
completion and by observing test pits remaining in the tank bed.
Material Disposal
The silt is not considered as waste material. The material suitable for forming bunds
shall be used for repair works of the tank bund. Silt material also can be used for
forming a new bank (Iswetiya) shown in Figure 7-2 at the upstream side along the HFL
contour to avoid siltation coming to the tank. It is not compulsory to achieve the
standard compaction in forming the new bank. However, it should be hard enough to
prevent wash away during the rainy season. Also, silt can be used for other products
such as sand, clay, filling material and gravel used for some other industry. The unused
disposal material can be given free of charge to government organisations. The private
organisations can purchase under the reasonable rate fixed by the Department of
Agrarian Development after following the procurement procedure or a rate fixed by
the District Buying committee. Only the loading of material shall be done by the
Department and transport shall be arranged by the purchasing party. Permission shall
be given by the Department of Agrarian Development prior to removal of the de-silted
material from the site.
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Generally, the area up to BTL contour of the tank is considered as a highly sensitive
area and shall be preserved for the sustainability of the tank ecosystem. The area at
downstream of a bund is important for maintenance work of a bund and for any
rehabilitation work. However, due to the facts such as urbanization and encroachment
of lands for agriculture, a minimum reservation is defined for the upstream and the
downstream of a tank.
Following reservation limits are agreed by the National Review Committee of Irrigation
Reservations and are proposed for implementing at places wherever possible.
However, the acquisition of reservation is not addressed under this rehabilitation
program. If there are problems due to encroachment of the reservation limits, it shall
be addressed according to the procedures at the relevant organization.
Minimum reservation for upstream of a minor tank shall be taken as the distance
measured 7 m away from HFL contour.
Downstream reservation at the bund toe shall be taken as 7 h or 8 m from the centre
line of the bund whichever is greater, where h is the maximum height of the bund.
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The above reservation limits shall be marked on the ground by using boundary stones
at the intervals as specified below.
A water level gauge graduated in metric units shall be installed at the sluice. The gate
sill level of the lowest sluice shall be taken as the zero level of the gauge. This gauge
shall be readable when observed from the tank bund.
200 mm x 200 mm size concrete pillar shall be used for the required height and a
graduated fibre-glass plate shall be fixed to the pillar.
The forest strip at the upstream of the tank (Gas Gommana) is an important feature
of the tank ecosystem. Also, the root zone of the large trees in this strip will help to
mitigate the soil erosion and then the siltation of the tank.
Existing forest strips at the upstream of the tank shall be protected during any
rehabilitation work.
If the upstream forest strip is not available the action shall be taken as shown in
Figure 7-1 and Figure 7-2 to restore a new forest area wherever possible above the
FSL up to BTL and then in the reservation area. Suitable plants such as Mee, Kumbuk
and Hora are recommended to plant at 10 m interval to restore the forest strip.
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Implementation
This work shall be implemented with the coordination of Agricultural Research and
Production Assistant with the support from farmer organizations and other
community organizations on a voluntary basis. It is important to agree for a
maintenance period at least for one year with above organizations.
The land strip of the downstream toe of the bund of a minor tank has been used to
grow plants such as Reed and Lasia which is believed as capable of removing heavy
metals dissolved in water. This strip is called “Kattakaduwa”.
Action shall be taken to regrow the “Kattakaduwa” with suitable plants wherever
possible. Trees such as ‘Kohomba’, ‘Kumbuk’, Wood Apple, Palm, Areca-nut and
aquatic plants such as ‘Kohila’, Reeds and ‘Wetakeyya’ shall be grown to restore the
“Kattakaduwa”.
Toe of the bund shall be accessible for any repair works at any time. Therefore, it is
recommended to provide a service road at the toe of the bund wherever possible at
the reservation boundary.
Whenever the villagers request to provide bathing steps at their bathing places,
suitable bathing steps shall be provided to access into the tank safely.
The bund access road wherever required shall be improved so that bund road can be
utilized to uplift farmer facilities to transport harvest, machinery and also general
living condition.
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References
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Annex I
Attach the photos of tank bund showing u/s slope and d/s slope, Sluices, Spills and tank bed.
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2 .3 Damaged length m
2 .4 Cause of breach
Year
/ Not known
2 .5 Maximum height of the bund m
2 .6 Top width m
2. 7 U/S slope 1 on / Not known
2. 8 D/S slope 1 on / Not known
2. 9 Bund Top Level (BTL) m MSL / Not known
2 .10 Full Supply Level (FSL) m MSL / Not known
2 .11 High Flood Level m MSL / Not known
2 .12 Provision of Rip-Rap on U/S slope Good / Partially damaged / No Rip-Rap
2 .13 Bund road Gravel / Concrete / Tar
2 .14 Others Embankment is overgrown with trees/ shrubs
(Heavy Scours/ Runnels) exists
3 .0 Sluice
Number of sluices 1/2
Water level gauge Exists / Not available
3.1 Sluice - 1
3.1.1 Type Sluice Tower / Hume Pipe Sluice / Other
3.1.2 Location m (Distance from the left bank)
3.1.3 Gate sill level m MSL / unknown
3.1.4 Present condition of Sluice In good condition / needs minor repairs / needs
full repairs
3.1.5 Gate size Diameter m /
Width m x Height m
3.1.6 Condition of the gate Good / Needs repairs / To be fixed a new one
3.1.7 Main canal In good condition/ Needs rehabilitation
3.1.8 The length of the main canal km (approximately)
3.1.9 Others
3.2 Sluice - 2
3.2.1 Type Sluice Tower / Hume Pipe Sluice / Other
3.2.2 Location m (Distance from the left bank)
3.2.3 Gate sill level m MSL / unknown
3.2.4 Present condition of Sluice In good condition / needs minor repairs / needs
full repairs
3.2.5 Gate size Diameter m / Width m
x Height m
3.2.6 Condition of the gate Good / Needs repairs / To be fixed a new one
3.2.7 Main canal In good condition/ Needs rehabilitation
3.2.8 The length of the main canal km (approximately)
3.2.9 Others
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4 .0 The Spill
Number of Spills 1/2
4.1 Spill - 1
4.1.1 Type Natural / Ogee type / Gated spill
4.1.2 Location of the Spill
4.1.3 Present condition In good condition / needs repairs / needs
reconstruction
4.1.4 Length of the spill m
4.1.5 Maximum height of the spill m
4.1.6 Number of gates
4.1.7 Size of a gate Width m x Height m
4.1.8 Gate type Vertical lifting / Radial / Wooden planks
4.1.9 Elevation of the gate bottom m MSL / Not known
4.1.10 Condition of gates Good / Need repairs / Need refixing
4.1.11 Condition of the spill downstream Stilling basin / Rocky bed / Tail canal is eroded
4.2 Spill - 2
4.2.1 Type Natural / Ogee type / Gated spill
4.2.2 Location of the Spill
4.2.3 Present condition In good condition / needs repairs / needs
reconstruction
4.2.4 Length of the spill m
4.2.5 Maximum height of the spill m
4.2.6 Number of gates
4.2.7 Size of a gate Width m x Height m
4.2.8 Gate type Vertical lifting / Radial / Wooden planks
4.2.9 Elevation of the gate bottom m MSL / Not known
4.2.10 Condition of gates Good / Need repairs / Need refixing
4.2.11 Condition of the spill downstream Stilling basin / Rocky bed / Tail canal is eroded
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6.4 Can whole area be cultivated if irrigation is Are the paddy lands encroached? Yes / No
ensured? Will land owners return to paddy
cultivation? Yes / No
Others
6.5 Converted area for other field crops. acres
6.6 Other field crops grown
Address
Telephone Number
7.1.4 Details of the Hon. Secretary (F.O)
Name
Address
Telephone Number
7.2 Farmers' Organization - 2
7.2.1 Name of the Farmers' Organization
Address
Telephone Number
7.2.4 Details of the Hon. Secretary (F.O)
Name
Address
Telephone Number
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2.
3.
4.
Information provided by
Name
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
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Survey done by
1.
2.
3.
4.
.
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Annex II
1.7 Access to the / Anicut from the main Sketch the route
road
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2 .0 Weir
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3 .0 Scour Gate
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4.2 Width m
Eroded length m
4.5 List the repair needs 1.
2.
3.
4.
5 .0 Upstream apron
6 .0 Turnout
6.1 LB Turnout
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Tel. Number
6.1.13 List the repair needs 1.
2.
3.
4.
6.2 RB Turnout
Tel. Number
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1.
2.
6.2.13 List the repair needs
3.
4.
7 .0 Flank bund
2.
3.
4.
2.
3.
4.
Information provided by
Name
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Survey done by
Name Designation Tel. Number Institution
1.
2.
3.
4.
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