Canal Outlets and Cross Drainage

Works
Introduction
• An outlet is a hydraulic structure conveying irrigation water
from a state owned distributary to privately owned water
course.

• The outlets are large in number as compared to other

irrigation structures in an irrigation system and hence their
design and type has maximum bearing on the equitable
distribution of water.

• Therefore proper design of outlet is of utmost importance.

Canal Outlet
Tail cluster
Pakka nakka (Turnouts)
Essential Requirements of an outlet
• An outlet should be strong and be without movable parts to
minimize tempering

• Tempering by cultivators should be readily detectable

• The outlet must carry its fair share of silt from parent channel

• It should be able to work with small working heads

• It should be simple so that construction is easy

• The total cost of installation and maintenance should be

minimum
Types of Outlets
• Non-Modular Outlets
– It is one in which the discharge is dependent upon the
difference of head in water course and parent channel.
– Hence, a variation in either affects the discharge.

• Semi-Modular (Flexible)
– It is one in which the discharge depends upon the water level in
distributary only and is independent of water level in water
course.
– This is achieved by producing hydraulic jump within the flume
length.
• Modular (Rigid) Outlets
– It is one in which the discharge is independent of the water
level in water course and parent channel.
– It can be fixed for any discharge value. This is achieved by
creating a free vortex and destroying any extra head more than
allowed for in the designed discharge.
 Types of Outlets

Semi-Modular Modular
Non-Modular (Flexible) (Rigid)

Pipe or Barrel Weir-Type Orifice-Type With moving parts

Type, with (OSM)
drowned flow
Harvey Kennedy Without moving parts
at d/s
Stoddard Gauge
outlet Outlet
Scratchley
outlet Crumps Crumps
Gibbs module
(a pipe type, open flume adjustable
with a cistern outlet proportional Khanna module
d/s) module
(Crumps APM)
Ghafoor rigid
Jamrao type Adjustable flume module
open flume orifice semi
module
(AOSM)
Open
flume Orifice

Ref: Mahbub SI, Gulhati ND (1964), Irrigation

outlets, Paper No 264, Pakistan Engineering
Congress, Lahore.
Pipe outlet

Ref:. http://www.scribd.com/doc/113998814/6/CANAL-OUTLETS
Harvey’s Outlet
Gibb’s Module
 CANAL OUTLETS
Non-Modular Outlets: Pipe Outlet

dQ/Q dH/H

dq/q
D
dD/D

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 CANAL OUTLETS
Important Definitions
Flexibility
►

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Important Definitions
►

(3)15
 CANAL OUTLETS
Important Definitions
2. Proportionality
►

(3)

►
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Important Definitions
3. Setting
►

►
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 CANAL OUTLETS
Important Definitions
4. Hyper Proportional Outlet
►

(4)

► (4)

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Important Definitions

(5)

► (5)

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Important Definitions

(6)

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Important Definitions

► (6)
(6)
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Characteristic of Outlets
• Flexibility: It is defined as the ratio of rate of change of
discharge in outlet to the rate of change of discharge in
parent channel.
F = (dq/q)/(dQ/Q)
= (m/n)(D/H)
(H/D) is the setting of an outlet
n is exponent of discharge eq (Q=K1Dn) for canal & m is exponent of discharge eq
(q=K2Hm) for outlet. For Trap. channel with ½:1 side slope, n is 5/3, and for open
flume outlet m is 2/3. Therefore, F =0.9 D/H. If we set the crest of outlet at 0.9D
depth below water level, then F will be 1 & the outlet will be proportional outlet.

• Flexibility is the capacity of an outlet to vary its discharge with

the change in the discharge of the distributary.

• If F=1 Proportional
• If F>1 Hyper-proportional
• If F<1 Sub-proportional
Characteristic of Outlets
• Sensitivity: It is the ratio of rate of change of discharge of an
outlet to the rate of change in the level of distributary water
surface, i.e. normal depth of channel

S = (dq/q)/(dG/D)

• Here, S is the sensitivity and G is the gauge reading of a gauge

which is so set that G = 0 corresponds to the condition of no
discharge through the outlet (i.e., Q0 = 0).

• Sensitivity can also be defined as the ratio of the rate of change of

discharge of an outlet to the rate of change of depth of flow in the
distributary channel.

S = nF
n = 5/3 for wide trapezoidal channel with side slope ½:1
Characteristic of Outlets

• Efficiency: It is equal to the ratio of the head recovered (or

the residual head after the losses in the outlet) to the input
head of the water flowing through the outlet.

• Minimum Modular Head: it is the minimum head required

for the proper functioning of the outlet as per its design.

• Modular Limits: The extreme values of any parameter at

which a module or a semi module ceases to be capable of
acting as such.

• Modular Range: The range of conditions between the modular

limits within which a module or semi module works as designed.
Characteristic of Outlets

• Coefficient of Discharge: In order to use the outlet as a

measuring device the coefficient of discharge should remain
constant in the full modular range.

• Silt Drawing Capacity: It is vital that the outlets should draw

their fair share of silt. This avoids silting or scouring and
consequently remodeling of distributary.

• In a distributary system the absorportion losses are generally taken

as 10-15% and therefore the silt conducting power of outlets should
be around 110-115% as compared to 100% of distributary to
enable them to draw their proportional share.
Characteristic of Outlets
• Adjustability: The adjustment of module may range from
complete reconstruction to the provision of some mechanical
arrangement by which readjustment can be made at little cost.
Readjustments are required in view of the revision of areas under
command and because of change conditions in the distributary.

• Immunity from Tempering: There is tendency on the parts of

cultivators to draw more than their lawful share of water by
tampering with the outlets. Therefore the outlets must be tamper
proof.
Selection of Type of Outlet
• A rigid module (Modular) or a Flexible module (Semi-modular)
with a constant coefficient of discharge is the best selection if
the discharge and the water levels are constant in the
distributary and necessary working head is available.

• But the problem of choice becomes quite complex when both

the discharge and levels are likely to change.

• The following points may be noted;

– For a temporary discharge variation a proportional semi
module is desirable to distribute both excess or deficiency
in the parent channel.
– Seasonal variation in the slope require the use of outlets of
low flexibility, i.e., sub-proportional.
Selection of Type of Outlet
– For channels running with full supply for a certain period
and remaining closed for certain other periods, i.e.
rotational running, it is desirable to have hyper-
proportional or high flexibility outlets in the head reaches.

– The silt drawing capacity of outlet must be 110-115% assuming

a 10-15% loss in parent channel.

– In general rigid modules are desirable in the following

circumstances
• Direct outlets on a branch canal subject to variation in supply
• In channels which sometimes carry extra discharge for
specific reasons like leaching.
Open Flume Outlets

• This is a smooth weir with a throat constricted sufficiently long to

ensure that the controlling section remains with in the parallel
throat for all discharges up to the maximum

• Since a hydraulic jump forms at the control section, the water level
of the watercourse does not affect the discharge through this type
of outlet. Hence this is a semi-modular outlet.

• This type of structure is built in masonry, but the controlling section

is generally provided with cast iron or steel bed and check plates.
Open Flume Outlets
Open Flume Outlets
• The discharge formula for the open flume outlet is given as:

Q = C Bt H3/2

• Where: Q is related to the coefficient of discharge, C, as given

in the table below; Bt is the width of the throat; and H is the
height of the full supply level of the supply channel above the
crest level of the outlet in ft.
Bt C
0.2 ft – 0.29 ft, 2.90
0.3 ft – 0.39 ft 2.95
Over 0.4 ft 3.00
Crump’s Open Flume Outlet Design
• Data:
• Outlet Discharge = q = 4 cfs
• Full Supply Depth = D = 3.5 ft
• Working Head = Hw = 1.0 ft
• Discharge of Distributory = Q = 60 cfs

• Design
– 1. Canal Section
– According to Lacey’s theory, design of distributory comes out to
be

Side Slope D=5’

1:0.5

B=38’
Crump’s Open Flume Outlet Design
• Setting:
G= Setting of outlet = 0.9 D
= 3.15 ft
Head above crest of outlet = 3.15 ft

• Throat Width:
• q= CdBtG3/2
• q= 2.9BtG3/2 Assuming Cd = 2.9
• 4=2.9Bt(3.15)3/2
• Bt= 0.2462 = 0.25 ft

• Note: The value of Bt lies in between 0.2 to 0.29 ft.

(min. is 0.2ft)
Crump’s Open Flume Outlet Design
• Length of Crest:
Length of Crest = 2.5 G
= 2.5x3.15= 7.875=7.9 ft

• Radius of Transition:
R = 2 G=6.30 ft

• Setting Back: This distance by which the wall parallel to the

distributary axis is to be set back bears the same ratio to the width
of distributary as the discharge of the outlet to that of the
distributary.
Setback/width of distributary = q/Q
Setting Back = 2.53 ft
Crump’s Open Flume Outlet Design
• Transition in bed:
The transition in bed is given by curve of radius= 2 G
= 2x3.15=6.3 ft

• D/S Transition:
The slope of d/s glacis (1:10 to 1:15) is not defined as it depend
upon the bed level of the water course.

• Minimum Modular Head:

MMH = 0.2G =0.2x3.15

= 0.63 ft < working head=1.0 ft (OK)
Crump’s Open Flume Outlet Design
• Flexibility: (m=3/2, n=5/3)
F=(m/n) (D/G)
=(3/2/5/3)(1/0.9)
=1
• Sensitivity:
S = nF
= 5/3 F = 5/3

• Efficiency:
=100xHead recovered/Head put in
=100x(Head put in-Working head)/Head put in
=100 x (3.15-1)/3.15= 68.25%
Adjustable Proportional Module (APM)
• In this type of outlet, a cast iron base, a cast iron roof block
and check plates on either side are used to adjust the flow and
is set in a masonry structure
• This outlet works as a semi-module since it does not depend
upon the level of water in the watercourse.
• The roof block is fixed to the check plates by bolts which can
be removed and depth of the outlet adjusted after the
masonry is dismantled.
• This type of outlet cannot be easily tampered with and at the
same time be conveniently adjusted at a small cost.
• The APM is the best type of outlet if the required working head
(MMH) is available and is the most economical in adjustment
either by raising or lowering the roof block or crest. However,
it is generally costlier than the other types of outlets and also
requires more working head.
Schematic Diagram of Outlet
Outlet discharge = q
= Cd Y Bt (Hs)1/2
FSL

Roof Block
Full supply depth in parent
channel = D Hm,
Working head = Hw Hs Hw

D G J
Discharge of canal = Q
Width of throat = Bt V
Y
Depth of water above crest u/s =
G
Flexibility = F
Min. Modular Head = Hm
Distance from tip of roof block to
FSL = Hs
Hs+Y = G, Hs=Y,
G = 0.6 D for proportional
h
Tail Cluster
• When the discharge of a secondary, tertiary or quaternary canal
diminishes below 150 l/s (about 5 cusecs), it is desirable to construct
structures to end the canal and distribute the water through two or
more outlets, which is called a tail cluster. Each of these outlets is
generally constructed as an open flume outlet
 CANAL OUTLETS
Step-II
Fixation of Maximum Length of Water Course
 The maximum length of water course in general should not be
more than 3 Km. The longer length of water course will lead to
excessive seepage and ultimately the poor Irrigation.

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 CANAL OUTLETS
Step-III
Determination of Water Level at the Outlet Head
i. Identify Critical Field Level to be Commanded

ii. Fix Suitable Slope of the Water course depending upon the
soil.

iii. Determine Water Level at the Head of the Water Course based
upon the assumed slope.

iv. Assume appropriate minimum Working Head (normally 0.1 m)

v. Determine the minimum Water Level at the Distributary Head as

under;
Distributary water level = Water Level at the Head of
Watercourse + Minimum working
head 42
 CANAL OUTLETS
Step-III
Determination of Water Level at the Outlet Head

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 CANAL OUTLETS
Step-IV
 Determine the Discharge of the Outlet based upon the Area to be
Irrigated as well as the water allowance of the Distributary.
Knowing the Discharge design the appropriate the suitable type of
outlet.

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 CANAL OUTLETS
Example-1

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 CANAL OUTLETS
Example-2

H=h+y

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Example-2

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Example-3

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Example-4

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 CANAL OUTLETS
Example-5
4

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 CROSS DRAINAGE WORKS
Introduction
 Irrigation canals while carrying water from Headworks to crop
field, have to cross few natural drainage streams, nallahs, etc. To
cross those Drainages safely by the canals, some suitable
structures are required to be constructed. Works required to cross
the Drainage are called Cross Drainage Works (CDWs).

 At the meeting point of Canals and Drainages, bed levels (or

ground levels) may not be same. Depending on the their bed
levels, different structures are constructed and accordingly they
are designated by different names.

 A suitable Design, keeping in view the surface and sub surface

flow consideration is the key to the efficient and sustainable
working of these Cross Drainage Works.
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 CROSS DRAINAGE WORKS
Types of Cross Drainage Works

 The Drainage water intercepting the canal can be disposed of by

different methods based on the bed level of Drainage. Sometimes
canal flows above the drainage and sometimes below.

 When the bed levels of the Canal and Drainage are same, they are
allowed to mix and controlled water is supplied to the Irrigation.

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 CROSS DRAINAGE WORKS

Aqueduct
 If the bed level of irrigation canal is higher than the High Flood
Level (HFL) of the Drain, then canal is taken above the Drain.
This type of CDWs are called Aqueduct.

 As shown in the enclosed figure canal is taken over the

Drainage. The canal is a reinforced cement concrete structure
supported on piers.

 An inspection road is provided on the side of the canal as

shown. The two piers and pillars for the road may be brick
masonry or reinforced cement concrete. As HFL is below the
canal bed, hence, Drainage water flows freely below the canal.
 CROSS DRAINAGE WORKS

Aqueduct
 CROSS DRAINAGE WORKS

Siphon Aqueduct
 If HFL of Drain is above the bed level of the canal as shown in
the enclosed figure. Then Drainage water is to be disposed by
siphonic action, such aqueduct is called siphon aqueduct.
 CROSS DRAINAGE WORKS

Super Passage
 When the bed level of the Drainage is much above the canal
bed level (or FSL), then Drain is taken above the canal, such a
Cross Drainage Work is called Super Passage. Enclosed figure
shows the plan and sectional views of the super passage. This
is the just opposite to the Aqueduct.
 CROSS DRAINAGE WORKS

Siphon Super Passage

 Similar to siphon aqueduct, when full supply level in the
channel is higher then the bed level of the Drain, then water
level of the canal is to be siphoned. Such structure is called
“Siphon Super Passage”. The flow in the canal will be under
pressure due to siphonic action.
 CROSS DRAINAGE WORKS

Level Crossing
 When the bed level of canals and the Drain are approximately
the same level and quality of water in canal and Drain is not
much different, such a cross Drainage works is called level
Crossing, where water of canal and stream is allowed to
maximum.
 With the help of Regulators both in Canal and Drain, water is
disposed through canal and Drain in required quantity.
 The components of the Level crossing are;

i) Crest Wall

ii) Drainage Regulator

iii) Canal Regulator.

 CROSS DRAINAGE WORKS
Level Crossing
 CROSS DRAINAGE WORKS

Operation
 In dry season, drainage flow becomes very low. Crest wall
provided in Upstream of the Drain is kept closed and canal
water is allowed to flow as usual.

 In rainy season, Drainage water is allowed to mix and with help

of Regulators constructed on Downstream sides of Canal and
Drain. Water flow in both is regulated by the gates provided
between the piers.
 CROSS DRAINAGE WORKS

Inlet and Outlet

 When irrigation canal meets a small stream or drain at same
level, drain is allowed to enter the canal as an inlet. At some
distance from this inlet point, a part of water is allowed to drain
as outlet which eventually meets the original stream as shown
in enclosed figure.

 Stone pitching is required at the inlet and outlet. The bed and
banks between inlet and outlet are also protected by stone
pitching.

 This type of CDW is called Inlet and Outlet.

 CROSS DRAINAGE WORKS

Inlet and Outlet

CROSS DRAINAGE WORKS
CROSS DRAINAGE WORKS
 CROSS DRAINAGE WORKS
Design Features of Cross Drainage Works (CDWs)
A) Hydraulic Design
i. Determination of Maximum Flood Discharge (Q) and the High
Flood Level (HFL).
ii. Fixation of waterway of the Drain.
iii. Construction of Canal waterway.
iv. Head loss through Syphon Barrels.
v. Determination of uplift pressure on the roof of Trough.
vi. Determination of uplift pressure on the floor.
vii. Design of connections.
B) Structural Design
i. Designing of Cross-section of the Syphon Barrels and the
aqueduct trough.
ii. Design of piers and Abutments.
iii. Design of Foundations.
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Thank you