Laboratory and Field Evaluation of Hydraulic Properties of Concrete Canvas Technology; A Lining for Irrigation Canals

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Agricultural Engineering Research Institute (AERI); Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO); Karaj.

2 Department of Civil Engineering; Imam Hussein Comprehensive University; Tehran; Iran.

10.22034/nawee.2025.564023.1182
Abstract
Laboratory evaluation was carried out at the Agricultural Engineering Research Institute (AERI), and field monitoring was conducted in three pilot sites: Khusf (1 km length), Gorgan and Qom (2 km length). In the laboratory, Khusf and Qom pilots, the concrete canvas lining was installed longitudinally with rolls averaging 12.5 m, while in Gorgan it was installed transversely with 2 m rolls, joined by bolts and nuts at 10-20 cm intervals for grade 3 and 4 canals. The laboratory results showed that Manning’s roughness coefficient for the concrete canvas was 0.01, which was more favorable compared to the brick-and-cement control (0.022) and conventional concrete linings (0.013–0.027). The values of shear velocity and shear stress were estimated at 0.032 m/s and 1.06 N/m2, respectively, which were 54% and 11% lower than the control. Seepage under laboratory conditions was estimated at about 1.29 lit/m2/day, which was 96% lower than conventional linings such as concrete and stone. In the field pilots, average seepage in the longitudinal installation method was about 21% lower than in the transverse method, indicating greater effectiveness of the longitudinal approach in reducing seepage. The results also showed that roughness coefficient and seepage in canals lined with concrete canvas were approximately 35% and 58% lower, respectively, than those of conventional concrete in the monitored areas.

Keywords


 
Abdrazakov, F., Rukavishnikov, A., Miheeva, O., Logashov, D., Churkina, C., Yarmashevich, M., 2020. Construction and repair of irrigation canals based on converged technologies. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 883, 012209. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/883/1/012209
Akhavan, K., Kheiry Goje-biglo, M., Mardpour, M., Kalateh, F., 2024. Field evaluating the efficacy of geomembrane covers in mitigating water leakage in Moghan irrigation network channels. Irrigation and Drainage Structures Engineering Research, 25 (94), 69-82. https://doi.org/10.22092/idser.2024.366199.1582 (In Persian)
Alchesti, V.L.F., Benigno, T.A.P., Ruben, M.G., 2023. Application of concrete blanket to optimize channel construction processes. 21st LACCEI International Multi-Conference for Engineering, Education, and Technology, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Bagherimiyab, F., Lemmin, U., 2013. Shear velocity estimates in rough-bed open-channel flow. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms, 38 (15), 1714-1724. https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.3421
Baharanloo, R., 2011. Evaluation of seepage losses in stone-covered irrigation canals in cold regions and its impact on water resource reserves (Case study in Hamadan Province). Iranian Water Research Journal, 5 (2), 141-150. (In Persian)
Bahramloo, R., Abbasi, N., Mamanposh, A., Akhavan, K., Riahi, H., 2017. Evaluation of conveyance efficiency and water seepage loss in irrigation canals with HDPE geomembrane lining in plains of Zaiandeh-rood, Moghan and Kerman. Iranian Journal of Soil and Water Research, 48 (4), 725-735. https://doi.org/10.22059/ijswr.2017.215576.667536 (In Persian)
Bakhtiari, M., Heidari, M., Zahiri, J., 2024. Improving the mechanical properties of the soil of Azadegan plain transmission channels based on soil mineralogy. Journal of New Approaches in Water Engineering and Environment, 2 (2), 113-122. https://doi.org/10.22034/nawee.2023.425617.1056 (In Persian)
Barkhordari, S., Hashemy-Shahdany, S.M., 2022. A systematic approach for estimating water losses in irrigation canals. Water Science and Engineering, 15 (2), 161-169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wse.2022.02.004
Barkhordari, S., Hashemy-Shahdany, S.M., 2020. Analysis and determine of seepage rate in irrigation earthen canal using numerical model (Case study: main canal of Moghan Plain irrigation network). Irrigation and Drainage Structures Engineering Research, 21 (80), 19-36. https://doi.org/10.22092/idser.2020.128102.1409 (In Persian)
Bockelmann-Evans, B., Mhashhash, A., Pan, S., 2018. A new settling velocity equation for cohesive sediment based on experimental analysis. Journal of Ecohydraulics, 3 (2), 134-145. https://doi.org/10.1080/24705357.2018.1457987
Byers, J.G., 1980. Treatment of expansive clay canal lining. In Proceedings of the Symposium on Design, Construction, and Rehabilitation of Hydraulic Structures (pp. 401–420). American Society of Civil Engineers
Chow, V.T., 1959. Open-channel hydraulics. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Eslami, A., 2016. Water Measurement Instrument for Surface Irrigation Methods. Technical Publication No. 44. Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Fars Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center. (In Persian)
Fathi-Moghadam, M., Lashkarara, B., Jael, A., 2016. Laboratory determination of average shear stress in smooth rectangular and trapezoidal open channels by direct method. Irrigation Sciences and Engineering, 39 (4), 35-46. https://doi.org/10.22055/jise.2016.12494 (In Persian)
Ghorbani, F., Roshanfekr, A., Fathimoghaddam, M., Tavakolizadeh, A.A., 2006. Evaluation of concrete and geosynthetic (geomembrane) linings in canals. The First National Conference on Irrigation and Drainage Networks Management, Ahwaz, Iran. (In Persian)
Ghotane, Y., Deshmukh, S., Dhage, R., Singh, S., Kohale, A., 2020. Analysis of canvas concrete for canal lining over conventional techniques. Bulletin Monumental, 21 (5), 69-76. https://doi.org/10.37896/BMJ21.01/2509
Guidelines for Determining the Hydraulic Roughness Coefficient of Rivers. Regulation No. 68. 2015. Iranian Management and Planning Organization.
Hajialilue-Bonab, M., Sarand, F.B., Farrin, M., 2012. Numerical Study of Canal Lining Behavior in Expansive Soil. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg.
Hosseini, M., Ebrishami, J., 2024. Open Channel Hydraulics. 33rd Edition. Imam Reza University Press. (In Persian)
Jael, A., Fathi-Moghaddam, M., Bina, M., Qomshi, M., 2010. Measurement of shear force in smooth trapezoidal channels. Scientific Conference on Water Challenges in Qom Province, Qom. (In Persian)
Jun., Zh., Wei, X., Xingzhong, W., Peiwei, G., Zhihua, Y., Lihai, S., Jiang, W., 2020. Application and research status of concrete canvas and its application prospect in emergency engineering. Journal of Engineered Fibers and Fabrics, 15 (1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1177/1558925020975759
Khadka, D.B., 2018. Experimental study of hydraulic parameters and shear stress in rectangular open-channel flume. International Journal of Science and Research, 8 (11), 857-864. https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/ART20202751
Lund, A.A.R., Gates, T.K., Scalia IV, J., 2023. Characterization and control of irrigation canal seepage losses: A review and perspective focused on field data. Agricultural Water Management, 289, 108516. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2023.108516
Mandegari Kohan, M., Zakerinia, M., Dehghan, H., 2024. Comparison of productivity and efficiency of irrigation water consumption in lands with traditional network under Mirab management and integrated and renovated lands. Journal of New Approaches in Water Engineering and Environment, 2 (2), 184-202. https://doi.org/10.22034/nawee.2024.431235.1058 (In Persian)
Momenzadeh, M., Shahrokhnia M.A., 2019. Influence of canal lining on water seepage in Kazerun irrigation canals using two direct measurement methods. Water Management in Agriculture, 5 (2), 43-52. https://dor.isc.ac/dor/20.1001.1.24764531.1397.5.2.6.1 (In Persian)
Morgado, F., Lopes, G.J., de Brito, J., Feiteira, J., 2012. Portuguese Irrigation Canals: Lining Solutions, Anomalies, and Rehabilitation. Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities, 26 (4), 507-515. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)CF.1943-5509.0000230
Nasseri, A., 2017. Statistical analysis of manning's roughness coefficients in non-vegetated canals for irrigation and drainage network of Moghan. Water and Soil, 30 (6), 1808-1819. https://doi.org/10.22067/jsw.v30i6.41146 (In Persian)
Nasseri, A., 2019. Roughness coefficients in vegetated canals by Cynodon dactyl. Water Management in Agriculture, 6 (1), 105-112.
Nayak, S., Sahoo, B.C., Mohapatra, P.K., and Pattanaik, G.P., 1996. Profit potential of lining watercourses in coastal commands of Orissa. Environment and Ecology, 14 (2), 343-345.
Nofziger, D.L., Rice, C.E., Mishu, S., 1979. The influence of canal seepage on groundwater in Lugert Lake Irrigation Area (Technical report). Oklahoma Water Resources Research Institute, Oklahoma State University.
Sarkar, S.S., Majumder, R., 1995. Geosynthetic reinforced canal systems and irrigation structures, Proceedings Water Energy, International R&D Conference, New Delhi, India.
Soong, T.Y., Koerner, R.M., 1999. Behavior of waves in high density polyethylene geomembranes: a laboratory study. Geotextiles and Geomembranes, 17 (2), 81-104. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0266-1144(98)00023-5
Swamee, P.K.,  Chahar, B.R., 2015. Minimum Water Loss Canal Section. Springer, New Delhi.
Take, W.A., Chappel, M.J., Brachman, R.W.I., Rowe, R.K., 2007. Quantifying geomembrane wrinkles using aerial photography and digital image processing. Geosynthetics International, 14 (4), 219-227. https://doi.org/10.1680/gein.2007.14.4.219
Thilahun, Y.G., 2019. Mechanical properties of 3-d spacer fabric reinforced concrete canvas and its application area. Global Scientific Journals, 7 (11), 252-285.
United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)., 1963. Linings for Irrigation Canals: Including a Progress Report on the Lower Cost Canal Lining Program (1st ed.). U.S. Government Printing Office.