Investigating the performance of precast concrete channels (Canalette) in Moghan irrigation network and providing solutions to reduce operation problems

Karamat Akhavan¹ Nader Abbasi² Milad Kheiry Ghoujeh-Biglou³ Hedieh Ahmadpari⁴ Mehdi Mohammadi Serghini⁵

1) Agricultural Engineering Research Department, Ardabil Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Ardabil, Iran.
2) Irrigation and Drainage Research Department, Agricultural Engineering Research Institute, AREEO, Karaj, Iran.
3) Ph.D. Candidate, Faculty of Civil engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
4) M.Sc. Graduate of Irrigation and Drainage, College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran.
5) M.Sc. of Hydraulic Structures and Water Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.

IOI Code : XECZ-GKBCH
Publication : 2nd.International Conference on Architecture, Civil Engineering, Urban Development, Environment and Horizons of Islamic Art in the Second Step Statement of the Revolution(2icacu.ir)
Abstract :
    The main purpose of constructing irrigation networks is to prevent water losses in conveyance and distribution routes, as well as to control and optimize water consumption, which requires the control of water flow in canals based on the specified hydro-moduleand monitoring of water consumption. A significant part of water losses in irrigation and drainage networks is related to conveyance and distribution. One of the basic strategies to increase efficiency in this part of the network is the use of precast concrete channels (Canalette). precast concrete channels (Canalette) is one of the options for construction of grade 3 irrigation networks that has been implemented in different plains of Iran, longer life and better quality than in situ canal has caused the Canalette to have acceptable performance in irrigation networks. In this study, the performance status of the precast concrete channels (Canalette) in Moghan network has been investigated from the perspective of conveyance efficiency and issues and problems of operation and maintenance. For this purpose, after technical inspections of various projects of precast concrete channels network in the region, 40 canalettes were selected as a sample and conveyance efficiency was determined in them. Based on the results, the average conveyance efficiency was found to be 89, 89.47 and 86.77 percents in three different studied areas that are agro-industrial lands, lands of return A canals and sub-A canal, respectively. Furthermore, inadequate performance seal washers, aquatic plant growth, damage of structures and intakes, improper operating, using overdesign rate of discharges, and other social and maintenances issues were found to be the problems in the operation of Moghan irrigation and drainage network.

Keywords : moghan irrigation network canalette conveyance efficiency disorganized water intake