3.

Canal Regulation Structures: Water and Sediment Control

3.1 Introduction

The structures constructed in order to control and regulate the discharge, full supply level or
depth, and velocity of flow in a channel are known as regulation works. Such structures are
necessary for the efficient working and safety of the channel. The various regulation works may
be classified as:

1. Canal falls or drops

2. Canal regulators ((Distributary) head regulator and Cross regulator)
3. Canal escapes, and
4. Canal outlets

3.2 Canal Falls or Drops

A fall is a structure constructed across a channel to permit lowering down of its water level and
dissipate the surplus energy possessed by the falling water which may otherwise scour the bed
and banks of the channel.

When the natural slope of the ground over which channel is to be constructed is greater than the
designed bed slope of the channel, the difference in the slopes is adjusted by providing vertical
falls or drops in the bed of the channel at suitable intervals.

Figure 3.1 Location of canal drops

The location of the fall is decided according to various considerations as indicated below.

i. A fall may be provided at a location where the F.S.L. of the channel outstrips the
ground level but before the bed of the channel comes into filling;
ii. A fall should be so located that as far as possible there is no loss of command area of
the channel;
iii. The location of the fall may be affected by the possibility of combining it with a
regulator or a bridge or some other structures. Such combination often results in
economy.

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 iv. A relative economy of providing large number of small falls Vs small number of big
falls should be worked out. The provision of small number of big falls results in
unbalanced earthwork, but there is always some saving in the cost of the fall structure.

3.2.1 Selection of Type of Fall

In selecting a type of fall most suitable for a particular site, the main consideration is the height
of the drop and the discharge passing over the fall or in other words, the amount of energy to be
dissipated downstream of the fall. The type which dissipates this energy most satisfactorily is to
be preferred.

Where bed material is easily erodible, a baffle type fall, though costly in construction, may prove
economical in the long run from the maintenance point of view. But where the bed material is
hard enough to withstand scour action, the type of design that is just enough to dissipate the
surplus energy should be adopted.

Drops that are usually provided with a low crest wall are subdivided into the following types: (i)
the vertical drop, (ii) the inclined drop, and (iii) the piped drop.

3.2.2 Vertical Drop Structures

(a) Common (straight) drop

The common drop structure, in which the aerated free-falling nappe (modular flow) hits the
downstream basin floor, and with turbulent circulation in the pool beneath the nappe contributing
to energy dissipation, is shown in Figure 3.2.

LB
Figure 3.2 Common (straight) drop structure

Drop number, Dr  q 2 g d 3 (3.1)

Basin length, LB / d  4.3Dr0.27  L j / d (3.2)

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Pool depth under nappe, Y p d  Dr0.22 (3.3)
Sequent depths, y1 d  0.54Dr0.425
y 2 d  1.66Dr0.27 (3.4)

Where q is the discharge per meter width, d the height of the drop crest above the basin floor,
and Lj is the length of the jump. A small upward step, h (around 0.5 < h/y1 < 4), at the end of the
basin floor is desirable in order to localize the hydraulic jump formation.

The USBR impact block type basin also provides good energy dissipation under low heads, and
is suitable if the tailwater level (TWL) is greater than the sequent depth, y2. The following are
the suggested dimensions of such a structure (Figure 3.3).

Basin length, LB  Ld  2.55 yc (3.5)

Location of impact block, Ld  0.8 yc (3.6)
Minimum TW depth, y 2  2.15 yc (3.7)
Impact block height, 0.8 yc (3.8)
Width and spacing of impact block, 0.4 yc (3.9)
End sill height, 0.4 yc (3.10)
Minimum side wall height, y2 + 0.85 yc (3.11)
Here yc is the critical depth. Value of Ld can be obtained from the curve in Figure 3.4

Figure 3.3 Impact block type basin

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Figure 3.4 Values of Ld/d

(b) Sarda-type fall (India)

This is a raised-crest fall with vertical impact, consisting of a crest wall, upstream and
downstream wing walls, an impervious floor and a cistern, and downstream bank and bed
protection works (Figure 3.5).

The crest design is carried out as follows. The crest length is normally kept equal to the bed
width of the canal; however, an increase in length by an amount equal to the flow depth takes
into account any future increase in discharge. Fluming may be provided to reduce the cost of
construction of the fall. A flumed fall with a fluming ratio of 2F1, where F1 is the approach flow
Froude number, creates no choking upstream of the fall. A canal is not usually flumed beyond
50%. Whenever the canal is flumed, both upstream (contracting) and downstream (expanding)
transitions have to be provided.

The crest level must be so fixed that it does not create changes in upstream water levels
(backwater or drawdown effects). If the reduced level (RL) of the full supply level (FSL) is Y,
the RL of the total energy line (TEL) is

E  Y  va2 2 g (3.12)

If Le is the effective length of the crest, the head causing flow is given by the weir formula:
H  Q Cd Le 
2
3 (3.13)
Where Q is the discharge and Cd is the discharge coefficient of the crest. Therefore, the RL of the
crest is E – H.

Two types of crests are used; the rectangular one for discharges up to 10 m3/s and the trapezoidal
one for larger discharges.

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Figure 3.5 Sarda fall layout

The following are the design criteria established by extensive model studies at the Irrigation
Research Institute in India (See Figure 3.6).

Figure 3.6 Sarda fall crests

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1. Design of crest wall (or crest)
- For the rectangular crest,
1
Top width (m), B  0.55d 2 (3.14)
Base width (m), B1  H  d  / S s (3.15)
Where Ss is the relative density of the crest material (for masonry, Ss = 2).

- For trapezoidal crest,

B  0.55H  d 
1
Top width (m), 2 (3.16)

The base width is determined based on 1 on 3 upstream and 1 on 8 downstream face slopes
(recommended values).

 Discharge formula: With free overfall conditions discharge is given by the following
relations
- For rectangular crest wall
Q  1.835LH 2 H B  6
3 1
(3.17)
- For trapezoidal crest wall
H B  6
3 1
Q  1.99LH 2
(3.18)

Where L is the length of the crest wall in m

 Crest level: For free overfall condition,

Crest Level = u/s F.S.L. – H
Further, if D1 is upstream full supply depth and P is the height of the crest wall above the
upstream bed, then
P = D1 – H

2. Design of cistern

A depressed cistern is provided having length and depth below d/s bed given by,
Lc  5EH dr 
1
Length (m), 2 (3.19)
1
EH dr  3
2
Depth (m), dc  (3.20)
4
Neglecting the small velocity of approach head, E may be replaced by H.

3. Design of impervious floor

Minimum length of impervious floor downstream of the crest,

Lbd  2D1  1.2  H dr (3.21)
- Cutoff and curtain walls

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At upstream and downstream ends of the impervious floor vertical cutoffs or curtain walls are
provided.
- Upstream cutoff or curtain wall
o Minimum depth = D1/3
- Downstream cutoff or curtain wall
o Minimum depth = D2/2

4. Downstream Protection

The downstream protection consists of the following

1) Bed protection
2) Downstream wings
3) Side protection
4) Energy dissipaters
The bed of the channel needs to be protected for some length on the d/s of the impervious floor.

(c) YMGT-type drop (Japan)

This type of drop is generally used in flumed sections suitable for small canals, field channels,
etc., with discharge up to 1 m3/s (Figure 3.7). The following are the recommended design
criteria:

Figure 3.7 YMGT-type drop (Japan)

1. sill height, P varies from 0.06 m to 0.14 m with the specific discharge q between 0.2 and 1
m3/s/m;
d c  1 2Ec H dr  2 ;
1
2. depth of cistern, (3.22)
3. length of cistern, Lc  2.5Ld (3.23)
where Ld = Ld1 + Ld2 and
Ld 1 Ec  1.155P Ec   0.33
1
2 (3.24)

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 Ld 2  D2  d c cot  , (3.25)
cot   yc Ld1

(d) Rectangular weir drop with raised crest (France)

SOGREAH (France) have developed a simple structure suitable for vertical drops up to 7 m (for
channel bed width of 0.2 – 1 m with flow depths (at FSL) of 0.1 – 0.7 m).Figure 3.8 shows the
design details.

Figure 3.8 Rectangular weir drop with raised crest (France)

1. For the design of crest,

Q  CL2 g  2 H
1 3
2
Discharge, (3.26)

Where C = 0.36 for the vertical upstream face of the crest wall and 0.40 for the rounded
upstream face (5-10 cm radius). The crest length, L = LB – 0.10 m for a trapezoidal channel
and B1 (the bed width) for rectangular channel.

2. For design of the cistern,

Volume of the basin (m3), V  QH dr / 150 (3.27)
Width of basin, WB  V LB D2  d c  (3.28)
Where the depth of the basin, dc ≈ 0.1 – 0.3 m.

3.2.3 Inclined drops (or chutes)

(a) Common chute

This type of drop has a sloping downstream face (between ¼ and 1/6, called glacis) followed by
any conventional type low-head stilling basin; e.g. SAF or USBR type III. The schematic
description of a glacis type fall with USBR type III stilling basin, recommended for a wide range
of discharges and drop heights, is shown in Figure 3.9.

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Figure 3.9 Sloping glacis type fall with USBR type III stilling basin

(b) Rapid fall type inclined drop (India)

This type of fall is cheap in areas where stone is easily available, and is used for small discharges
of up to 0.75 m3/s with falls of up to 1.5 m. It consists of a glacis sloping between 1 in 10 and 1
in 20. Such a long glacis assists in the formation of a hydraulic jump.

(c) Stepped or cascade type fall (Figure 3.10)

This consists of stone-pitched floors between a series of weir blocks which act as check dams
and are used in canals of small discharges; e.g., the tail of a main canal escape.

Figure 3.10 Stepped or cascade-type fall

3.2.4 Piped drops

A piped drop is the most economical structure compared with an inclined drop for small
discharges of up to 50 l/s. It is usually equipped with a check gate at its upstream end, and a
screen (debris barrier) is installed to prevent the fouling of the entrance.

(a) Well drop structure

The well drop structure (Figure 3.11) consists of a rectangular well and a pipeline followed by a
downstream apron. Most of the energy is dissipated in the well, and this type of drop is suitable
for low discharges (up to 50 l/s) and high drop (2 – 3 m), and is used in tail escapes of small
channels.

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Figure 3.11 Well drop structure

(b) Pipe fall

This is an economical structure generally used in small channels. It consists of a pipeline (precast
concrete) which may sometimes be inclined sharply downwards (USBR practice) to cope with
large drops. However, an appropriate energy dissipater (e.g. a stilling basin with an end sill) must
be provided at the downstream end of the pipeline.

3.3 Canal Regulators

Regulators (distributary head regulator and cross regulators) are required on a channel to regulate
and control the supply of water.

A distributary head regulator controls the supply of the off-taking channel; while a cross
regulator controls the supply of the parent channel.

The distributary head regulator serves the following main purposes:

- It regulates the supply of water from the parent channel to the off-taking channel;
- It controls the entry of silt into the off-taking channel;
- It can serve as a meter for the measurement of discharge;
It is used for shutting off the supply into the off-taking channel when water is not needed, or for
maintenance purposes

The main purpose of the cross regulator is to raise the water level in the parent channel on the
upstream so that the off-taking channel can take its full supply. Other purposes include; (1) to
close the supply on the parent channel on its downstream; (2) to accommodate a bridge for
communication purposes; (3) it can be very easily combined with a canal fall; in which case, it
helps to control the water surface slope for bringing the canal to a regime slope and to a balanced
depth; (4) it can be used to control the drawdown when the subsoil water levels are high to
ensure safety of canal lining; and (5) cross regulators are useful for effective regulation of the
entire canal system. In a good canal system, a large number of cross regulators are usually
provided.

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3.3.1. Alignment of off-taking channels
A channel taking off from another large channel (called parent channel) should be properly
aligned with respect to the parent channel. The alignment should be such that the off-taking
channel is able to draw its supply without any undesirable effect. The common types of
alignments adopted in practice are shown in Figure 3.12.

The best alignment of the off-taking channel is when it makes zero angle with the parent channel
initially and then separates out gradually along the transition curve (see Figure 3.12 a). The
transition curve should be properly designed to avoid accumulation of silt and to ensure equitable
distribution of silt.

Figure 3.12 Alignment of off-taking channels

If transition curves are not provided, the alignment shown in Figure 3.12b may be adopted. In
this case, the off-taking channel as well as the parent channel on the downstream make an angle
with the parent channel on upstream of the off-taking point.

If it is essential to keep the parent channel straight, the edge of the channel rather than the
centerline should be considered while deciding the angle of off-take (Figure 3.12c). An angle of
600 to 800 is generally quite suitable.

Figure 3.12d shows an unbalanced off-take, which should be avoided as far as possible. This
usually results in the formation of a silt jetty. Moreover, the deviated current of water may scour
the bed along the deviated line to make up the loss of silt due to jetty formation.

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3.3.2. Design of Cross Regulator and Distributary Head Regulator

The general design procedure is similar to that of the design of weirs. The procedure follows:

1. Design of crest: The crest level of the cross regulator is generally kept at the upstream bed
level of the parent channel. The bed level of the distributary head regulator is usually kept at 0.3
to 1 m higher than the crest level of the cross regulator. The downstream glacis should have a
slope of 2:1 or flatter. In the case of a cross regulator, there is no upstream glacis as the crest is
kept flush with upstream floor. In the case of a distributary head regulator, the slope of upstream
glacis is usually kept as 1:1.

Waterway: The waterway can be worked out by using the drowned weir formula given as:

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Conditions of flow for design: The design is done for the worst of the following two
conditions:

(a) Full supply discharge is passing down both the channels with all gates of cross regulator
and head regulator fully open;
(b) The discharge in the parent channel is low but the off-taking channel is running full, and
its FSL is maintained by the partial opening of the gates of the cross regulator.

In the first condition, q and HL are fixed; while in the second case q reduces and HL increases,
depending up on the low flow in the channel. The first condition of flow generally governs the
design, but in certain cases, the second flow condition may become more critical.

If the low flow records of the parent channel is not given or known, the design can be done for
the first flow condition.

Downstream Floor Level or Cistern Level: For the above two flow conditions, q and HL are
worked out. The Ef2 is found from Figure 3.13 (Blench Curve). The level at which jump would
form, i.e. the level of d/s floor, is given by

d/s TEL – Ef2

Neglecting approach velocity head,
d/s TEL = d/s FSL
Therefore, Level of d/s floor = d/s FSL - Ef2

If the d/s floor for the worst condition works out to be higher than the d/s bed level of the
channel, the floor is provided at the bed level itself.

Length of d/s floor: It is worked out by calculating 5 (y2 – y1). If by chance, this length comes
out to be small in comparison to 2/3 of the total floor length (worked out by exit gradient
considerations, i.e. b = α . d), then the length of the d/s floor is kept equal to 2/3 of the total floor
length.

Cut-Offs
Upstream cut-off: The minimum depth of u/s cut-off below the floor level is kept as
𝑦𝑢
+ 0.6 𝑚 where yu is the depth of water in the u/s channel.
3

Downstream cut-off: The minimum depth of d/s cut-ff below floor level is kept as,
𝑦𝑑
+ 0.6 𝑚 where yd is the depth of water in the channel downstream.
2

Total Floor Length: The total floor length, b, is worked out from safe exit gradient
considerations. The total floor length is then suitably distributed upstream and downstream.

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Uplift Pressure and Floor Thickness: The thickness of the d/s floor required, are worked out
after determination of uplift pressures by Khosla’s Theory. The maximum unbalanced heads at
key points are worked out for maximum static head. The pressure at toe of glacis is also worked
out for dynamic condition. Then, the floor thicknesses are designed for the worst case. A
nominal thickness of 0.3 to 0.5 m is provided on u/s side.

Protection Works: The protection works are designed for a scour depth (D) equal to (yu/3 + 0.6
m) on the u/s, and (yd/2 + 0.6 m) on the d/s. The block protection and inverted filter are provided
in a length approximately equal to 1.5 D.

Figure 3.13a. Blench Curve

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Figure 3.13b.

3.4 Canal Escapes

An escape is a side channel constructed to remove surplus water from an irrigation channel
(main canal, branch canal, or distributary, etc) into a natural drain. The water in the irrigation
channel may become surplus due to some mistakes, or difficulty in regulation at the head; or due
to excessive rainfall in upper reaches. Sometimes, the cultivators may find that the demand of
water is over and may close their outlets suddenly. In such circumstances, the canal supplies
shall become surplus, and this excess may overflow the banks unless escaped.

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In such circumstances, the supplies shall be reduced or stopped from the head works, but the
effect of this reduction is felt only after a certain time. Therefore, in order to avoid damage, some
immediate action is required, and this is achieved by means of an escape, generally called a
surplus water escape.

It can be stated that escapes are the safety valves of canals and must be provided at regular
intervals depending upon the importance of the channel and availability of a suitable drainage
for the disposal of the escaped water. The minimum capacity of the escape is generally kept as
half of the channel capacity at the point of the escape.

3.4.1 Types of Canal Escapes

i) Weir type: In this type, the crest of the weir wall is kept at RL equal to canal FSL, as
shown in Figure 3.14a. When the water level rises above FSL, it gets escaped.

ii) Regulator type (Sluice type): In this type, the sill of the escape is kept at canal bed level
and the flow is controlled by gates (Figure 3.14b). These types of escapes are preferred, as they
give better control and can be used for completely emptying the canal.

(a)
(b)
Figure 3.14 (a) Weir type escape, and (b) regulator type escape

The weir type escape may be provided at the tail end of the canal and is useful in maintaining the
required FSL in tail reaches of the canal. This escape is therefore called Tail escape.

The regulator type may be constructed for the purpose of scouring of excess bed silt deposited in
head reaches, from time to time. In that case, it is known as scouring escape.

In such a case, the sill of the regulator is generally kept at about 0.3 m below the canal bed level
at the escape site. The regulator type escape can be designed like a head regulator without any
raised crest.

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3.5 Canal Outlets or Modules

Canal outlet is a small structure which admits water from the distributing channel to a water
course of field channel. Thus, an outlet is a sort of head regulator for the field channel delivering
water to the irrigation fields. These structures do not require any control works in the parent
canal and function automatically with no manual control. There are more farm outlets than other
structures in an irrigation system and therefore they have a decisive influence on the functioning
of a system.

Since the efficiency of a canal network mostly depends upon functioning of the outlets and other
regulation works, a canal outlet should fulfill the following requirements.
1. The outlet should be strong, with no moving parts liable to be damaged or requiring
periodic attention and maintenance;
2. The outlet should be such as to avoid interference by cultivators, thus preventing undue
tapping of water by cultivators (or any interference by the local people should be made
difficult and easily detectable);
3. Since a large number of outlets are fixed on a distributing channel, the most essential
requirement is that it should be cheap;
4. The design should be simple so that it can be constructed or fabricated by local masons
or technicians;
5. It should be possible for the outlet to work efficiently with a small working head;
6. It should draw its fair share of silt carried by the distributing channel;
7. From the cultivators’ point of view, the outlet should give a fairly constant discharge.
However, from canal regulation point of view, the outlet should draw proportionately
more or less discharge with the varying supply in the distribution channel.

3.5.1 Types of Outlets

Outlets may be classified into the following three types:

1) Non-modular outlet
2) Semi-modular outlets or flexible Module
3) Modular outlets or Rigid Modules

Non-modular outlet: is the one in which the discharge depends upon the difference in level
between the water levels in the distributing channel and the water course.

Semi-modular outlet: is the one in which the discharge is affected by the fluctuations in the
water level of the distributing channel while the fluctuations in the water levels of the field
channel do not have any effect on the discharge, so long as the minimum working head required
for their working is available.

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Modular outlet: is the one which maintains constant discharge, within reasonable working
limits, irrespective of the fluctuations in the water levels in the distributing channel and/or field
channel.

To understand the criteria for judging the behavior and functioning of outlets, the following
terms are used:

i. Flexibility, F: is the ratio of change of discharge of an outlet to the rate of change of

discharge of the distribution channel.
𝑑𝑞
𝐹 = 𝑑𝑄𝑞
𝑄

Where F = Flexibility, q = discharge through the outlet, Q = discharge of the distribution

channel.
For the field channel,
𝑞 = 𝑘𝐻 𝑚
Where k = constant, m = outlet index, H = head acting on outlet
𝑑𝑞 𝑚𝑘 𝐻 𝑚 −1 𝑑𝐻 𝑑𝐻
= =𝑚 (i)
𝑞 𝑘𝐻 𝑚 𝐻
Similarly, for the parent channel,
𝑄 = 𝐶𝐷𝑛
Where C = constant, n = canal index, D = depth of water in the canal.
𝑑𝑄 𝑛𝐶 𝐷 𝑛 −1 𝑑𝐷 𝑑𝐷
= =𝑛 (ii)
𝑄 𝐶𝐷 𝑛 𝐷
Dividing (i) by (ii), we get
𝑚 𝐷 𝑑𝐻
𝐹= 𝑛 𝐻 𝑑𝐷
Since any change in the water depth results in an equal change in the head causing flow, dH = dD. Thus,
the expression for flexibility becomes;
𝑚 𝐷
𝐹= (iii)
𝑛 𝐻
ii. Proportionality: a proportional outlet is one on which the flexibility (F) is equal to unity.
Thus, in a proportional outlet, the rate of change of its discharge is equal to the rate of change of
the discharge of the distributing channel. For proportionality, putting F = 1 in equation (iii), we
get the relation
𝐻 𝑚
=
𝐷 𝑛
The ratio H/D is known as the setting. In a proportional outlet, therefore, setting is equal to the
ratio of outlet and canal indices.

Setting is the ratio of the depth of the crest level of the outlet below the full supply level of the
distributing channel to the full supply depth of the distributing channel.
For a channel of trapezoidal shape, 𝑄 ∝ 𝐷5/3 , i.e. n = 5/3
For an orifice type outlet, 𝑞 ∝ 𝐻1/2 , i.e. m = ½

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Hence, for such a combination, we get
Setting = H/D = m/n =( ½)/(5/3) = 0.3
Hence, for the pipe outlet to be proportional, the outlet is set at 0.3 times the depth below the
water surface in the distributing channel.

(H/D = 0.3 for proportional outlet)

Figure 3.15 A submerged pipe outlet (non-modular type).

If the flexibility is more than 1, then the outlet is termed as hyper-proportional outlet. Thus, if
the discharge in the distributing channel changes by a certain percentage, the discharge of the
outlet changes by a larger percentage.

Further, for hyper-proportional outlet, F > 1→ (m/n)(D/H) > 1 → H/D < m/n
Hence, an outlet is hyper-proportional if the setting is higher than required for a proportional
outlet.

Again, if F<1, the outlet is termed as sub-proportional outlet. In this case, if the discharge in the
distributing channel changes by a certain percentage, the discharge of the outlet changes by a
smaller percentage.

Thus, for a sub-proportional outlet, F < 1→ (m/n)(D/H) < 1 → H/D > m/n. Hence, an outlet is
sub-proportional if the setting is lower than required for a proportional outlet.

Reading Assignment: Read about the different types of outlets given above.

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Example Problems
1. Design a Sarda type fall for a canal from the following data:
- Discharge, Q = 10 m3/s
- Full Supply Level (FSL) = 1201.50 m (u/s); 1200.25 m (d/s)
- Drop = 1.25 m
- Bed level = 1200.00 m (u/s); 1198.75 m (d/s)
- Bed width = 9.00 m (both u/s and d/s)
- Full supply depth = 1.50 m (both u/s and d/s)
- Bligh’s creep coefficient, C = 8

Neglect the velocity of approach. Use Bligh’s creep theory.

2. Design a cross regulator for a canal for the following data:

- Discharge, Q = 150 m3/s
- Full supply level, FSL = 1200.00 m (u/s); 1199.80 m (d/s)
- Bed level = 1197.50 m (u/s); 1197.30 m (d/s)
- Bed width = 55.00 m (u/s); 50.00 m (d/s)
- Depth of water = 2.50 m (both u/s and d/s)
Assume a safe exit gradient of 1/6.

3. Design a distributary head regulator for the off-taking channel from the following data:

Off-taking channel Parent channel

- Discharge, Q = 15 m3/s - FSL = 1200.00 m

- FSL = 1199.30 m - Bed level = 1197.50 m

- Bed width = 15.00 m - Depth of water = 2.50 m

- Depth of water = 1.40 m

- Bed level = 1197.90 m

Take safe exit gradient of 1/6

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3.6. Sediment control and exclusion devices
The various means of controlling sediment into the canal and ejecting that enters the canal may
be categorized as follows:

1. Sediment preventive measures

Entry of sediment into the channel can be discouraged by adopting certain preventive measures
which are generally incorporated in the layout of head works itself. These include:

(i) River approach conditions,

(ii) Alignment of head regulators,
(iii) Length of divide walls,
(iv) Relative crest levels of undersluices and the head regulator, and
(v) River regulation

2. Sediment control devices

The bed load moves in lower layers of flow. A number of devices in the form of submerged bars
have been evolved to divert the bed load away from the head regulator. Some devices have been
conceived with the idea of deflecting upper layers of flow from the main channel into the canal.
The devices may be classified as;

i) Guide vanes
ii) Skimming platforms, and
iii) Vortex tubes

3. Sediment exclusion devices

The following devices are included in this category:

i) Sediment excluder
ii) Sediment ejector
iii) Settling basin
- Sediment excluders are constructed in the river pocket adjacent to the head regulator in order to
exclude the coarse sediment by removing the bottom layers of river water.
- Sediment ejectors are constructed in the head reach of the canal to eject the silt which may
enter the canal in spite of the sediment control measures taken and sediment exclusion devices
provided.
- Settling basins are found to be quite effective in case of low dams which work on the principle
that at low velocity the sediment is deposited in the basin and clear water drawn into the canal.

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3.6.1 Sediment control devices

Guide vanes in the form of submerged bars may divert the bed load away from the head
regulator. The various types of guide vanes follow:

1. King’s silt vanes

These are vertical diaphragm walls which are parallel to one another. These vanes are
constructed at the bed of the parent channel and are curved in plan. They start in line with the
water current in the parent channel and terminate at an angle with it (See Figure 3.16). The vanes
are of low height so that they can divert only the bottom layers of water loaded with heavy
sediment away from the distributary head regulator.

Design Criteria

(i) Radius: The radius of the vanes should preferably be greater than 12 m, but in no case less
than 7.5 m.
(ii) Vanes: - The vanes are oriented such that they deflect the bottom layers of the water at an
angle of 270 (2:1) or so from the direction of flow.
- The vanes should extend by a distance of 0.6 to 1.5 m beyond the line OQ drawn at an angle
of 2:1 from the end of the off-take (see Figure).
- On the upstream side, the vanes should extend about 0.6 m or more beyond the line OP
drawn normal to the direction of flow in the parent channel.
(iii) Height of vanes: For efficient working, the height of vanes is usually kept ¼ to 1/3 of the
water depth in the parent channel.
(iv) Thickness of vanes: The thickness of the vanes shall be 0.125 m if the height of vanes is less
than 0.5 m, and 0.250 m for greater heights.
(v) Spacing of vanes: The spacing between vanes is 1.50 times the height of vanes.
(vi) Bed and side pitching: The bed of the parent channel covered by vane is pitched at bed and
sides for a distance of 15 to 30 m on the upstream of the vanes so that it becomes smooth,
and the suspended sediment fall near the canal bed.

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 Figure 3.16 King’s silt vane
The width Y of the parent channel over which the vanes are provided and the distance X of the
vanes from the off-take and the radius R are given in Table (3.1).

Table 3.1 Dimensions for King’s vanes

Width of
off-taking
channel, W Minimum Dimensions (m) Dimensions for strong effect (m)
(m)
X Y R X Y R

2 1.30 1.20 9.00 1.80 1.30 12.50

4 1.70 1.80 10.00 2.40 2.20 14.50

6 1.80 2.20 10.70 2.80 3.20 15.00

8 1.83 2.50 10.70 3.10 4.20 15.50

10 1.83 2.80 11.00 3.40 5.20 16.50

12 1.83 3.00 12.00 3.60 6.10 20.00

14 1.83 3.40 14.00 3.70 7.00 25.00

16 1.83 3.70 16.00 3.70 8.00 34.00

2. Gibb’s Groyne Walls

The Gibb's groyne wall is used in cases where the off-taking canal, on account of its gradient,
has the same silt carrying capacity as the parent canal. The Gibb's groyne ensures more or less

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proportional silt distribution to the off-taking canal. The device is a curved vertical wall (Figure
3.17) constructed in the parent canal. Its height from the canal bed is equal to the full supply
depth plus free board. It starts from the downstream end of the off-take abutment and continues
upstream to either the opposite point of the off-take end or ¾th of the off-take width. It is not
necessary to pitch the bed and side of the parent canal.

Figure 3.17 Gibb’s Groyne

3. Curved wing with silt vanes

When the effect of a curved wing (Gibb's groyne) alone is not satisfactory to control the entry of
silt into the off-take canal, King's vanes may be added to enhance the performance of the curved
wing. The curved wing in this case is terminated at the 2 : 1 line of the longest vane.

Figure 3.18 Curved wing with silt vanes

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4. Silt platforms
A silt platform consists of a horizontal slab, usually of reinforced concrete supported on piers at
a suitable level to exclude bottom water heavily loaded with silt or debris. The device is suitable
only in deep parent canals. There are two variations of this device:
(a) a simple platform;
(b) a platform with a curved extension of the downstream wing wall.

Simple platform

(a) Level of platform

- The height of the tunnels should be 0. 6 m to 0.9 m so that the debris may pass through
the tunnels without choking them.
- Other considerations to be borne in mind are that as much as possible of the bottom
water should be excluded and there should be enough top water to fill the off-take.
(b) Width of platform
- The platform should be wide enough to take enough water over it to fill the off-take with
25% to spare.
- The downstream edge of the platform should be at an angle of 600 to the centerline of the
parent canal and as well to the upstream edge.
- The upstream edge of the platform at the edge of the parent canal may be 1.5 m upstream
of the upstream edge of the off-take.
- A width equal to the depth of the parent canal will do, provided it is not possible to
arrange for a greater width.
- Mean side velocity (near the off-take) of the upper water flow in the parent canal should
be equal to that in the off-take canal.
- The pier supporting the slab should be sloped at 1V: 3H at its upstream end and it should
be of cut water shape.
- The sloping part should begin 0. 3 m away from the edge of the platform.
- The floor under the tunnels and the side should be pitched. The length of the pitched floor
may range from 15 m to 30 m.

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 Section B-B

Figure 3.19 Silt platform

Silt platform with a guide wall

- A guide wall is sometimes added to improve the flow pattern (see Figure 3.20). The
curved wing wall is built over the silt platform. The design principle for arriving at the
level of the platform is the same as explained above for the silt platform.
- There should be enough water passing over the platform, at the lowest supply in the
parent canal to enable the off-take to run full with 10% to spare.
- The downstream edge of the platform is generally curved to the centerline of the parent
canal and the upstream edge is terminated at the upstream edge of the off-take.
- The design of the piers remains the same as for the silt platform.
- The upstream edge of the curved wing wall is sloped at 1:1.

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Figure 3.20 Silt platform with guide wall

5. Vortex tube
It consists of an open top tube placed across the bottom of the canal, either normal to it or at an
angle greater than 300. To control the flow out of the tube, the d/s end is regulated by gate. The
upper portion of the tube is removed to trap the sediment. As water passes over the tube, a
shearing action across the open portion sets up a vortex motion within the tube, which has
sufficient velocity to prevent sediment deposition in the tube (Figure 3.21).
Design characteristics
- The Froude number of the flow across the canal section containing the tube should
approximate to 0.8.
- Where the flow varies widely, design flow should be selected that will exist for a greater
portion of time.
- The flow removed usually ranges from 5% to 15% of the total discharge.
- The width of opening should usually be in the range of 0. 15 m to 0. 3 m

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 Figure 3.21 Vortex tube
- The ratio of length of tube to width of opening L(tube) : B(tube) should not exceed 20
with the maximum length of tube being approximately 4. 5 m.
- The required area of the tube can be approximated by the formula

When the bed load is excessive, two parallel vortex tubes may be installed.

3.6.2 Sediment Excluders

The silt excluder is a device constructed in a river bed just upstream of the regulator to exclude silt from
the water (source) entering the canal. It is so designed that the top and bottom layers of flow are separated
with the least possible disturbance, the top sediment-free water being led towards the canal while the
bottom sediment-laden water is discharged downstream of the diversion structure through undersluices.

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The device consists of a number of tunnels (See Figure 3.22) in the floor of the deep pocket of the river,
isolated by a divide wall. The sill level of the regulator is kept the same as that of the top level of the roof
slab of the tunnels.

The capacity of the tunnels is usually kept at about 20% of the canal discharge, and they are designed to
maintain minimum velocity of 2 – 3 m/s (to avoid deposition in tunnels).

Figure 3.22 Silt excluder (undersluices type)

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