Failure of Concrete Canal Lining On Fine Sandy Soil

IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE
Irrig. and Drain. 57: 83–92 (2008)

Published online 18 December 2007 in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI: 10.1002/ird.350
FAILURE OF CONCRETE CANAL LINING ON FINE SANDY SOILS:

A CASE STUDY FOR THE SAVEH PROJECTy
HASSAN RAHIMI1 AND NADER ABBASI2*

1
Irrigation and Drainage Engineering Department, Tehran University, Karaj, Iran
2
Iranian Agricultural Engineering Research Institute (IAERI), Karaj, Iran
ABSTRACT
This paper presents the results of an investigation conducted on the causes of failure of concrete linings in the Saveh
Irrigation Project. Firstly, a detailed field survey was performed and all previous technical reports on this subject
were studied. Then, several test pits were dug at 500 m intervals along the canal embankment as well as its centre
line and soil samples were taken from different depths at 50 cm intervals. All samples were tested for their
chemical, physical and mechanical properties. The results of the tests showed that most samples were sandy and
classified as chemically non-dispersive. However, the results of pinhole tests showed that some samples are
physically medium to highly dispersive. Based on the overall results of the field and laboratory investigations, the
main causes of the damage to the lining were related to three groups, i.e. design parameters, construction quality,
and geotechnical properties of the foundation soil. Among these, the latter was mainly responsible for the damage.
Based on the nature of damage, few remedial measures have been suggested. The canal was monitored for the last
four years and no further indication of damage has been observed since then. Copyright # 2007 John Wiley &
Sons, Ltd.
key words: problematic soils; irrigation networks; canal lining; dispersivity; Iran
Received 15 January 2007; Revised 25 July 2007; Accepted 25 July 2007
RÉSUMÉ
Cet article présente les résultats d’une recherche conduite sur les causes de l’échec des revêtements de béton dans
le projet d’irrigation de Saveh. En premier lieu, une enquête de terrain détaillée a été réalisée et tous les rapports
techniques précédents sur le sujet ont été étudiés. Ensuite, plusieurs puits de sondage ont été creusés à intervalles
de 500 m le long du remblai de canal aussi bien que sa ligne centrale et des échantillons de sol ont été relevés à
différentes profondeurs tous les 50 cm. Tous les échantillons ont été examinés pour leurs propriétés chimiques,
physiques et mécaniques. Les résultats des essais ont montré que la plupart des échantillons étaient sableux
et classifiés comme chimiquement non-dispersifs. Cependant, les résultats du test de « trou d’aiguille » ( pinhole
test) ont indiqué que quelques uns des échantillons étaient physiquement moyennement à fortement dispersifs.
A partir de l’ensemble des résultats des investigations de terrain et de laboratoire, les causes principales
des dommages subis par les revêtements ont été classés en groupes, à savoir, paramètres de conception, qualité
de construction, et propriétés géotechniques du sol de fondation. De ces trois groupes, c’est le dernier qui est
le principal responsable des dommages. Etant donné la nature des dommages, peu de mesures de réparation ont été
suggérées. Le canal a été surveillé pendant les quatre dernières années et aucun autre dommage n’a été observé
depuis lors. Copyright # 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
* Correspondence to: Nader Abbasi, Assistant Professor, Iranian Agricultural Engineering Research Institute (IAERI), P.O. Box: 31585-845,
Karaj, Iran. E-mail: nader_iaeri@yahoo.com
y
Échec des revêtements de béton sur canaux en sols sableux fins: étude de cas du projet de Saveh.
Copyright # 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

84 H. RAHIMI AND N. ABBASI
mots clés: sols problématiques; réseaux d’irrigation; revêtement de canal; dispersivité; Iran
INTRODUCTION
The total arable land in Iran is estimated to be about 37 million ha, out of which 18.5 million ha is now under
cultivation. Also, 1.3 million ha of the total 8.85 million ha irrigated lands are irrigated using modern irrigation and
drainage networks. The performance of modern irrigation and drainage networks is one of the main and long-term
strategies for optimal and efficient use of water, thereby increasing areas of irrigated lands in Iran. During recent
decades, the authorities of the water industries in many countries, including Iran, have considered lining of
irrigation canals. In spite of the long time of experience and development of different lining methods, concrete
lining is still the most widely used method in Iran, though it is quite costly. On the other hand, most of the irrigation
networks, which have been constructed with very great investment, suffer from various problems, which have
generally resulted in low efficiency. These problems have caused the main and primary objectives of many
irrigation projects to be questionable. Destruction of the concrete lining of canals is the most common form of
problem in irrigation and drainage networks in Iran. But the nature and reasons for the problems vary in different
projects. Rahimi (2000) categorized these reasons as: poor design, improper construction operation, low quality of
construction materials, poor operation and maintenance, cultural and social issues and finally geotechnical
difficulties of the bed materials. Among these, lack of proper attention to the geotechnical properties of the bed
material was the most important, which not only caused damage to the lining in the first year of the operation, but
also in some cases made their repair work difficult and uneconomical. The presence of difficult soils such as
expansive, collapsible, liquefiable, soluble and dispersive soils under and/or around hydraulic structures, especially
irrigation canals, has caused severe damage in many countries. El-Refahi (1976) indicated that the presence of
gypsum in the foundation soil and leaching of soluble materials was the prime reason for destruction of irrigation
canal linings in the Euphrates River in Syria. Rahimi and Baroutkoob (2002) showed that swelling of bed materials
has been the major factor in the destruction of canal linings in some irrigation projects in Khozestan Province,
south-west Iran. Rahimi et al. (2003) showed that fine-grained sandy soils as a problematic soil can be responsible
for damage to hydraulic structures. Golabetoonchi and Talebi (2001) studied the reasons for destruction of canal
lining in different parts of Iran, including the Poldasht Project in northern Khouzestan, the Soufi Chay Project in
East Azerbaijan and the Zarrinehroud Project in West Azerbaijan. They concluded that problematic soils (including
dispersive and expansive ones) and also frost action in cold regions were the main factors for the damage. Abbasi
and Rahimi (2006) evaluated operation and maintenance problems of several irrigation networks in Iran, including
the Ghazvin, Esfahan and Hamadan projects. They concluded that the climatic conditions, improper curing of
concrete and existence of soluble material in the foundation soil were the main reasons for destruction of concrete
linings in the Hamadan and Esfahan irrigation networks respectively. Geomembranes have been intensively used
for lining of canals all over the world in recent decades. In the 1970s, butyl rubber geomembranes were used for
lining of canals running through gypsiferous soils in Syria and Iran (Plusquellec, 2004). In the present research the
causes of concrete lining destruction of the main canal of the Saveh Irrigation Project were studied.
MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the following section the general and technical specifications of the Saveh Irrigation and Drainage Project are
reviewed, and then the details of the research programmes and the methods used in the research will be illustrated.
Saveh Irrigation and Drainage Project

The Saveh Irrigation and Drainage Network which is located in the Markazi Province of Iran was planned
and implemented in order to irrigate 23 500 ha of land, following construction of Saveh Reservoir Dam in
Copyright # 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Irrig. and Drain. 57: 83–92 (2008)
DOI: 10.1002/ird
FAILURE OF CONCRETE CANAL LINING ON FINE SANDY SOILS 85
Figure 1. Location of the Saveh Project. This figure is available in colour online at www.interscience.wiley.com/journal/ird
1994. Figure 1 shows the location of the Saveh Project on the map of Iran. The cross-section of the main canal is
also depicted in Figure 2. The main canal of the network, with a trapezoidal shape, bottom width of 1.3 m, side
slopes of 1:1.5, depth of 2.9 m and length of 7 km, was designed carry a discharge of 16 m3 s1. This canal passes
through different geological formations. The right embankment is partly founded on fill and partly in cut but the left
embankment is mainly in cut. According to the reports prepared by the Tehran Regional Water Organization
(TRWO), in the first year of operation of the main canal, damage was observed at different parts of the canal, mainly
on the left embankment. Along with progress of the project and construction of laterals, due to severe damage,
repair works were necessary and started by replacing some of the damaged concrete slabs and filling of the cavities
and cracks. The damage was in the form of displacement, rupture and cracking of the concrete slabs.
Monitoring of the canal in the following seasons showed that repair works were not successful and new
damage was reported. The authors became involved in the project at a stage where canal operation was halted. At
this stage, a comprehensive study of the problem was planned. Previous reports had assumed that gypsiferous soil
under the canal lining was the main cause of the problem and the only reason for this diagnosis was the presence of
some white particles in the bed soil. Thus remedial measures, such as replacement of the bed soil or complete
Figure 2. Cross-section of the Saveh main canal
DOI: 10.1002/ird
isolation of the lining by a geomembrane, were suggested. These approaches were highly expensive and
uneconomical and therefore were not undertaken by the TRWO. The present research was conducted by the authors
in order to find out the true nature and causes of the damage and provide practical methods for overcoming the
problem.
Geotechnical investigations
The geotechnical investigation consisted of some field visits, review of the previous reports, excavation of test
pits and sampling throughout the canal length, especially adjacent to the locations of damage, as well as conducting
some field and laboratory tests.
Field visits. For evaluation of the nature of the damage and planning for the next phases of the studies, the
project site was visited in several stages. In the visits, the nature of the damage, geological aspects of land and type
of bed soil were examined and locations of the test pits for sampling, as well as required field and laboratory tests,
were determined. Based on the observations, it was found that the damage in the canal linings was in the form of
settlement and cracking in different directions, differential settlements of adjacent slabs up to 20 cm, crushing of
concrete and scouring of the bed materials. According to the reports prepared during repair works, holes of up to
50 cm in diameter were observed behind the damaged concrete slabs. Damage was detected throughout the canal
length and at different locations, most of them occurring at places where the canal was constructed in cut (left
embankment). Figure 3 shows the pattern of cracking and form of damage in some parts of the canal. The field
investigations indicated that the bed soil mostly consisted of unconsolidated sediments with fine sand to silty clay
texture. The presence of small white particles of different sizes and quantity in the soil was an important aspect of
the region, which had been assumed to be gypsum in previous reports. The presence of pure sandy seams and lenses
up to a few decimetres thick were also observed. Based on the field observations, it was decided to excavate 12 test
pits with up to 4 m depth along the length of the canal, especially adjacent to the locations of the damage. Field
density tests and sampling at 1 m intervals were also planned. The planned laboratory tests included grain size
analysis, Atterberg limits, compaction, pinhole and also complete chemical analysis of soil and water.
Excavation of test pits and sampling. As mentioned before, 12 test pits with a depth of 4 m were excavated.
The test pits were positioned at six locations, two at every location: one at the damaged point in the canal and the
Figure 3. Damage to the concrete lining. This figure is available in colour online at www.interscience.wiley.com/journal/ird
DOI: 10.1002/ird
Table I. Location of the test pits along the main canal
Test Pit No. Distance (km) Location Test Pit No. Distance (km) Location
TP1A 3 þ 293 Adjacent to canal TP4A 4 þ 750 Adjacent to canal

TP1 3 þ 293 Under lining TP4 4 þ 750 Under lining
other about 20 m away from the canal axis. Table I shows the location of the test pits along the canal. Samples were
taken from the bottom of the test pits at 1 m intervals and were sent to the laboratory for physical, chemical and
mechanical tests after proper sealing. To investigate the relative density of the bed materials, field density tests were
also conducted at 1 m intervals.
Laboratory experiments. Laboratory experiments were either physical or chemical in nature. The tests were
chosen considering the behaviour of the bed soil under the concrete lining of the canal and the presence of water.
For this purpose, index tests including grain size distribution and Atterberg limits, and also chemical tests for
determination of pH, EC, TDS and quantity of the main cations were conducted based on the ASTM standards.
Furthermore, considering the nature of the damage, some tests were conducted to evaluate the dispersivity potential
of the bed soil. Dispersivity is a phenomenon in which soil disaggregates easily and rapidly in water of low-salt
concentration and without significant mechanical assistance. Such soils generally have a low resistance to erosion
and can be eroded by water flowing through them. In clayey soils dispersivity occurs because of the high proportion
of their adsorptive capacity saturated with sodium cations which is referred to as chemically dispersive. On the
other hand, in cohesionless silty and fine sandy soils dispersivity arises because of the non-existence of cohesion
between particles and it is called physically dispersive. In order to evaluate this potential, pinhole test and chemical
analysis were undertaken. Based on the preliminary results of the experiments, the texture of most of the samples
was found to be cohesionless (fine sand), and therefore a special pinhole test was designed to evaluate the
dispersivity potential of the sandy soils.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Results of the site investigations and field tests
The results of the previous geological studies and also repeated visits to the site and surrounding lands showed
that the bed soil in the area is mainly fine sand or silty sand, which may indicate a problematic soil. Moreover, the
results of the field density tests at the bed of canal have indicated that the in situ dry unit weight of the material
varied between 1.55 and 1.65 g cm3, which is considered low to very low. A low in situ density along with the
sandy nature of the soil could both have an important role in the type of damage observed.
Results of the physical tests

Natural moisture contents of the samples were between 6 and 22%, with a higher percentage for clayey and silty
clay soils and lower for sandy soils. Envelopes of the gradation curves of the samples are shown in Figure 4. As can
be seen in Figure 4, the textures of most of the samples are sand, silty sand and clayey sand with a few samples being
silty clay. The percentage of the particles coarser than sand (bigger than 4.76 mm) is mostly less than 5%, in a few
cases between 5 and 10% and in one or two instances more than 10%. This shows that most of the samples have
sandy texture with up to 60–70% sand. Classification of the samples based on their plasticity and gradation were
determined according to Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). Around 70% of the samples were classified as
DOI: 10.1002/ird
Figure 4. Envelopes of the gradation curves of the samples
SM, SC and SM-SC and some were classified as CL. The results of the Atterberg limits tests showed that all samples
have a low plasticity. Their liquid limit and plasticity indices were less than 30 and 10% respectively, and in some
cases samples were classified as non-plastic. The above-mentioned characteristics should also be taken into account
in the analysis of the damage.
Result of chemical tests

Since in the previous reports the main reason for the damage to the lining was accounted for by the presence of
gypsum in the bed soil, and likewise, since small white particles were observed, several tests were conducted to
determine the quantity of gypsum accurately. The results of these tests are shown in Table II. Furthermore, the white
particles were analysed with a microscope. The results of the microscopic analysis and chemical tests all proved
that the white particles are not gypsum but fragments of calcium carbonate. The average gypsum content of the
samples was less than 1.5%. In order to evaluate the chemical nature of the soil and to determine its reaction with
water, quantities of the main cations were determined as shown in Table II. Taking into account the overall results of
the tests at this stage, evaluation of soil dispersivity was considered. Double hydrometer, pinhole and chemical tests
were used for this purpose. The results showed that all samples are chemically non-dispersive. However,
considering the nature of the bed soil and type of damage, physical dispersivity was considered to be another factor,
which should not be underestimated.
Table II. Chemical properties of soil samples
Sample No. Location Gypsum (%) Cations (ppm)
Caþþ Mgþþ Naþ Kþ
1 TP1 0.56 80 60 15–130 3–6

2 TP2 0.67 440 24 150–500 5–17
3 TP3 0.00 300–600 25–60 85 10–35
4 TP4 0.00 150–400 25–60 15–60 2–10
5 TP5 0.00 60–250 40 145–1000 2–8
6 TP6 1.38 260–420 60–170 200–1750 6–10
DOI: 10.1002/ird
Results of pinhole test

Even though according to the Sherard chemical method and double hydrometer tests all samples were classified
as chemically non-dispersive, because of the high percentage of sand in the samples they were subjected to physical
dispersivity. To perform a dispersivity test using the ordinary pinhole apparatus, the device was modified and all
samples were tested accordingly. Modification to the apparatus was made on the upstream face of the sample
container, where a special metal disk was provided with a short conical inlet pipe, in such a way that the
sample could not be eroded at this face. Figure 5 shows the samples after the pinhole test. Dispersivity classification
of the samples is shown in Table III and as can be seen, most of them were classified as medium to highly dispersive.
The results of these tests proved that in spite of low sodium ion content and being chemically non-dispersive, most
of the samples were severely eroded due to their physically dispersive nature.
Improper design considerations

Review of the hydraulics specifications of the constructed canal in relation to the design criteria showed that
the bottom width of the canal is less than it should be with regard to its depth. However, the slope stability of the
side slopes in a saturated state indicated that for the worst conditions, the safety factor is more than 1.5. Likewise,
observations along the canal length and the surrounding topography of the region showed that the natural slopes
are stable and there is no indication of landslide. Visual inspection of the canal section also did not show any sign of
erosion or sedimentation, which indicates that the flow velocity is proper from a hydraulic point of view. Therefore,
apart from the fact that the bottom width of the canal is less than what it should be with regard to its depth, there
are no other indications of improper design. The shorter bottom width of the canal itself could not be the cause of
the type of damage observed.
Improper construction practices

From the construction point of view, improper compaction of the subgrade and quality of the concrete lining
can both be partly responsible for the observed damage. Visual observations at some parts of the canal, where the
Figure 5. Form of samples after pinhole test. This figure is available in colour online at www.interscience.wiley.com/journal/ird
DOI: 10.1002/ird
Table III. Dispersivity classification of the samples
Location Depth(m) Description
TP5A 1 Extremely dispersive

TP4 3–3.6 Extremely dispersive
TP2 2.7–4 Medium dispersive
TP5 0–1 Medium dispersive
TP1 2.7–4 Medium dispersive
TP2 0–1.6 Medium dispersive
TP2 1.6–2.7 Medium dispersive
damaged concrete slabs had been removed, showed that the subgrade surface was badly uneven, such that the
concrete thickness varied between 3 and 15 cm. Furthermore, it was found that at some points of the canal bed,
the soil had not been compacted and the dry unit weight was very low. This can result in limited uniform or
differential settlement of the slabs, which could cause their displacement or cracking. Compressive strength tests
indicated that the quality of the concrete itself was acceptable. As a result, it was confirmed that in spite of the
above-mentioned construction deficiencies, these factors were not fully responsible for the extensive damage
observed. Another problem observed was the improper finishing operation at the crest of the canal embankments,
which directed the surface runoff towards the back of the concrete lining. In some locations, depressions and big cavities
were observed at the crest of the embankments, where rainwater could accumulate in the wet seasons. Seepage of surface
runoff towards the back of the lining in some locations has caused severe erosion and formation of very big cavities with
a diameter of 50 cm or more. Low quality of the sealing compounds used to fill the contraction–expansion joints was
another factor causing the damage. Unfortunately, the sealing compound used had an improper bitumen base, and was
severely degraded under the climatic conditions of the area and washed away by flowing water in the canal. Therefore,
water could easily penetrate under the lining and wash away the subgrade material, leaving unsupported slabs. A
combination of the above-mentioned factors, which mainly resulted from improper construction practices along with the
nature of the subgrade soil, has caused the damage observed.
Geotechnical properties of the subgrade material

Review of the type of damage observed along with the type of deformations and cracking of the canal lining,
especially the presence of large cavities behind the lining, are all indications of destruction due to the lack of
support. It means that the subgrade materials have been removed and the remaining thin concrete slabs were not
able to resist bending moments caused by the weight of the concrete and water above. Many factors could be
attributed to this phenomenon. Other than those factors related to improper design and construction practices
discussed above, the following geotechnical processes might play the most important role:
Leaching of the soluble material from the subgrade soil, causing higher porosity and therefore a high rate of
deformation. This would be the case in gypsiferous soils or soils containing a large quantity of salt and other
soluble substances;
Migration of soil particles and consequently internal erosion of the soil (piping) due to physical or chemical
dispersivity.
As was discussed before, the results of the chemical tests indicated that the quantity of gypsum in the subgrade
soil is very low and the contents of other soluble substances are negligible. Therefore, solubility of the soil could not
be the cause of the extensive damage observed. Furthermore, solution of gypsum takes a long time and needs
DOI: 10.1002/ird
special conditions to take place, while the damage has occurred in a short period of time after start of the canal
operation. The results of the chemical dispersivity analysis indicated that all tested samples were non-dispersive.
However, the results of pinhole tests and field observations were all indicative of the presence of dispersive
subgrade. In spite of the fact that geological studies indicated the presence of sandy seams and lenses in the area, it
was not taken into account in the geotechnical analysis of the site. From the geotechnical point of view, sandy soils
with classification of SP, SM and SP-SC are potentially erodible when they come in contact with flowing water, and
in the design and construction of irrigation canals are considered problematic soils. In the project under
investigation, poor joint sealing of the lining and improper slope of the embankment crest, have caused the surface
runoff and water inside the canal to be both directed to behind the lining, resulting in severe erosion of the subgrade,
creating cavities and lack of support. This process has finally resulted in settling of the concrete slabs, extensive
cracking and displacement of the slabs and finally destruction of the lining. Since the presence of sandy lenses in the
subgrade soil was random, therefore the location of damage was random and irregular. Wherever silt and clay were
the main texture of the soil, the subgrade was stable and no damage was observed. Therefore, in the case under
investigation, the geotechnical properties of the subgrade soil (physical dispersivity) was the main factor and some
improper construction practices are considered as responsible for the extensive damage to the concrete lining in the
Saveh main canal.
Based on the results obtained in site investigation and field and laboratory tests, the main causes of the damage
could be attributed to the sandy nature of the subgrade soil and the poor quality of design and construction methods.
SUGGESTIONS FOR REPAIRS AND CONTROL OF DAMAGE

As illustrated before, the canal lining has been destroyed due to the presence of sandy lenses in the subgrade soil of
the Saveh main canal. Therefore, the solutions should mainly focus on this issue. Since the repair works are usually
costly, therefore choosing the proper method should be based on the extent and the types of damage on one hand and
economic and technical aspects, on the other. For the project under investigation, the following three remedial
measures were suggested, considering all local and technical issues:
replacement of the subgrade soil;

change of the canal path;
treatment of subgrade soil.
Since the canal had been built and was in operation, therefore change of the canal path and replacement of the
subgrade soil were not economical and practical solutions. Therefore, considering the project conditions, treatment
of the subgrade material was the only practical and economic option. Therefore, for treatment of the subgrade, the
following approaches were suggested:
regulating and sealing of the embankment crest slope and directing the runoff outward: For this purpose it was
suggested that the crest to be covered with a 10 cm thick layer of compacted clay having a 4% outward slope;
cleaning and resealing of the open joints and cracks: The open contraction–expansion joints and large cracks
are the main sources for flow under the concrete lining. It was suggested all degraded sealants be removed and
all open joints and large cracks sealed with a high quality sealant with resistance against the sun’s rays and
severe temperature changes (20 to 508C);
replacement of the damaged slabs and treatment of the subgrade soil: Since the presence of sandy lenses was
the main cause of the damage, it was suggested any damaged concrete slab be removed and subgrade soil
treated or replaced for a depth of 30 cm with the following materials:
– silty clay of low plasticity;
– hydrated lime mixed with local material (250 kg of lime per cubic metre of soil);
– Portland cement mixed with local material (150 kg of Portland cement per cubic metre of soil).
After proper treatment of the subgrade, new lining could be applied.
DOI: 10.1002/ird
monitoring of the undamaged sections: Since it is possible that there may be some invisible cavities behind the
undamaged slabs and in order to prevent future damage, the hidden cavities should be detected in a proper
manner and filled by injecting a suitable grout and the section monitored for any sign of possible crack or
displacement. The proposed remedial measures were undertaken by TRWO and the canal has been monitored
for the last four years and no further indication of damage have been observed since then.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors wish to express their deepest gratitude and thanks to the University of Tehran and the Iranian
Agricultural Engineering Research Institute (IAERI), for providing facilities needed to conduct this research
project.
REFERENCES
Abbasi N, Rahimi H. 2006. Evaluation of operational and maintenance problems of modern irrigation networks (A case study for the Ghazvin
Project), International Symposium on Water and Land Management, 4–8 April, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey.
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). 2000. Annual Book of ASTM Standards. Vol. 04.08, Soil and Rock D420–D5779, West
Conshohocken, PA.
El Refahi N. 1976. Problems of the Irrigation Networks in Gypsum Lands. Iranian Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, Report No.16, Tehran,
Iran.
Golabatoonchi I, Talebi S. 2001. Destruction reasons of canal linings and some treatment approaches. First International Conference on Concrete
and Development, 1–2 May, Tehran, Iran.
Plusquellec H. 2004. Application of Geosynthetics in Irrigation and Drainage Projects. International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage
(ICID): New Delhi, India.
Rahimi H. 2000. Limitations of Irrigation Canal Construction on Problematic Soils. Iranian National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage,
Workshop on Limitations and Approaches of Irrigation Canals Construction, Report No. 39, Tehran, Iran.
Rahimi H, Baroutkoob S. 2002. Concrete canal lining cracking in low to medium plastic soils. Journal of Irrigation and Drainage, ICID 51.
Rahimi H, Abbasi N, Davarzani H. 2003. Physical dispersive phenomenon and its evaluation criteria. 2nd International Conference on Advances
in Soft Soil Engineering and Technology, 2–4 July, Putrajaya, Malaysia.
DOI: 10.1002/ird

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IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE

Irrig. and Drain. 57: 83–92 (2008)

FAILURE OF CONCRETE CANAL LINING ON FINE SANDY SOILS:

HASSAN RAHIMI1 AND NADER ABBASI2*

Received 15 January 2007; Revised 25 July 2007; Accepted 25 July 2007

Copyright # 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Saveh Irrigation and Drainage Project

Figure 2. Cross-section of the Saveh main canal

Table I. Location of the test pits along the main canal

TP1A 3 þ 293 Adjacent to canal TP4A 4 þ 750 Adjacent to canal

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Results of the physical tests

Figure 4. Envelopes of the gradation curves of the samples

Result of chemical tests

Table II. Chemical properties of soil samples

Sample No. Location Gypsum (%) Cations (ppm)

Caþþ Mgþþ Naþ Kþ

1 TP1 0.56 80 60 15–130 3–6

Results of pinhole test

Improper design considerations

Improper construction practices

Table III. Dispersivity classification of the samples

Location Depth(m) Description

TP5A 1 Extremely dispersive

Geotechnical properties of the subgrade material

SUGGESTIONS FOR REPAIRS AND CONTROL OF DAMAGE

replacement of the subgrade soil;

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