MAINTENANCE OF CANALS AND PIPE SYSTEMS

MODULE 9

FOOD SECURITY AND SUSTAINABILITY IN

FRAGILE SITUATIONS (FSSFS) PROJECT;
PUNTLAND SOMALIA
INTRODUCTION

o The irrigation network is perhaps the costliest element of an irrigation scheme

and is designed to last a long time. However, all too often one finds that
irrigation schemes not long constructed bear little resemblance to the original
construction and design
o Silt deposition, weed infestation, malfunctioning of structures and other
undesirable situations make it practically impossible to control the flow in these
canals. As a result, the system is unable to deliver the necessary water and
distribute it equitably
 MAIN TYPES OF MAINTENANCE

o Routine or normal maintenance which includes all work necessary to keep the irrigation system

functioning satisfactorily and is normally done annually;

o Special maintenance including repairs of damage caused by major disasters, such as floods,

earthquakes or any adverse weather effects.

o Deferred maintenance any work necessary to regain the lost flow capacity in canals, reservoirs

and structures when compared to the original design. It often includes large modifications to the

canal system and structures arising from important changes

 MAIN PROBLEMS AND MAINTENANCE OF CANALS
1. Seepage
◦ The single biggest problem caused by unlined
irrigation and drainage canals is water loss due to
seepage.
◦ All soils are somewhat porous due to the gaps
between individual soil particles.
◦ unlined canals can lose 50% of more of their water
supply to seeping alone
◦ Seepage is corrected by reinforcing the canal bank or
sealing or lining the canal bed and sides
2. Leakage
Leaks can develop in several ways:
◦ Burrowing animals like rat or termite holes in a
canal bed or sides;
◦ Eroded and washed canal bank;
◦ Small tunnels started by seepage water in a
badly compacted or sandy section of a canal
bank;
◦ Seepage around structures, leading to severe
leakages.
◦ Gates which are not tightly sealed;
◦ Cracked concrete canal linings,
LEAKAGES

◦ Leakage often starts on a small scale, but develops to a tunnel, becomes larger and the canal
bank may be washed away at a certain moment.
◦ Leakages can be avoided when the canal system is inspected frequently and when repairs are
carried out immediately. The longer a hole or crack is left, the larger it will become.

Repair cracks and leaks as soon as they are

observed
PLANT GROWTH AND WEED INFESTATION

Vegetation within the canal prism can:

◦ Make inspection of the canal difficulty
◦ Restrict flow and allow sediment to settle within the canal bed
◦ Decrease the canal’s ability to carry water or to make deliveries through turnouts
◦ Attract and provide habitat for burrowing animals
◦ Roots can create seepage paths for water to escape the canal.
◦ Vegetation can move into cracks and control joints, creating more damage and displacing
concrete lining as it grows.

Clear vegetation near and around the canal, by use of herbicides, burning, biological
control, cutting or mowing grass
PROBLEMS OF VEGETATION AROUND THE CANAL AREA

Vegetation crowds the canal prism. Vegetation on bottom of canal restricting flow
PROBLEMS OF VEGETATION AROUND THE CANAL AREA

Vegetation on bottom of canal embankment restricting Vegetation roots causing seepage paths
inspection
 FREQUENT OVERTOPPING AND BANK BREACHING

Water in a canal may rise unexpectedly due to several reasons:

• The incoming flow through the canal offtake may be much
greater than the canal capacity;

• Obstacles such as stones, blocks or plant growth in the

canal may dam up the water;

• Outlets from a canal may be closed which should be open;

• Rain or other water may be draining into the irrigation

canal; or

• Farmers may make temporary weirs to raise the water

level.
Proper operation of the system should help deal with the
problem of overtopping
LIVESTOCK AND BURROWING BY ANIMALS

Animals seeking a drink, are often drawn to irrigation canals since they’re located far from busy residential or
industrial areas. Even relatively small animals, like rats, can do a lot of damage to the banks of an unlined canal

Livestock also destroy the canal banks and can get stuck in deep canals and mud

Livestock trail breaking down the canal walls Effects of burrowing animals
 MAINTENANCE OF LINED CANALS

Many times, concrete is considered maintenance free, but it is not.

Concrete structures and canal linings are exposed to harsh conditions as they deliver water. This
can result in damage to the concrete. Therefore, diligent monitoring and routine maintenance or
repair on concrete structures and canal linings is paramount to keep facilities in good
operating conditions.

The major problems of concrete lined canals are:

◦ damaged joints and cracked sections
◦ siltation,
◦ Uplift, bulging and buckling
◦ Abrasion erosion of canal banks
 MAJOR PROBLEMS OF CONCRETE LINED CANALS

Canal lining maintenance requires

To prevent buckling the location and spacing of expansion joints should
prompt repairs of cracks and leaking
Additional expansion joints can be added after construction by saw cutting. An
joints usually done by Shotcrete, or
engineer should be consulted prior to adding additional joints.
sprayed concrete
 ABRASION EROSION OF CANAL BANKS
Concrete structures that transport water containing silt, sand, gravel, or rock, or water at high
velocities, are subject to abrasion damage. Abrasion-erosion damage results from the grinding action
of silt, sand, and rock.

Reduce debris that may cause erosion by:

◦ Using screens or settling basins at inlet structures.

◦ Providing retaining walls to protect flowing water from rockslides.

◦ Providing fences to keep people from throwing rocks and debris into the water.

Abrasion-erosion of concrete surface leading to exposed and

polished aggregate
 MAINTENANCE OF PIPE SYSTEMS
Intake
◦ Flushing out the accumulated silt regularly
by opening the valves for the scour pipes and
flush gate;
◦ Stir up the accumulated silt until all the silt
is washed downstream through the provided
gates;
◦ Clean the flush screens and sluice gates;
◦ Replace the damaged stop logs and screens
◦ Grease the movable metal parts;
◦ All the concrete and steel parts with defects
should be repaired
Sedimentation basin
◦ Daily cleaning of the fine screens;
◦ Open the wash outs regularly until clear water
comes out of the basin. Stir up the
accumulated silt;
◦ Repair or replace the worn out or damaged
valve, wash outs, rubber seats and screens;
◦ Repair the concrete structure and metal parts
where damaged;
◦ Tighten all the loose movable parts.(e.g. cover
hinges)
 MAINTENANCE OF PIPE SYSTEMS

Pipe network
◦ Regular flushing out of the pipe system by opening all washouts and end caps.
◦ Repair leakages and bursts promptly. It is recommended to remove a short length of pipeline on each side of the
damage since the defects may be extended. If in doubt, replace the whole length of pipe;
◦ Replace the missing, damaged or vandalized pipes;
◦ Tighten the leaking joint and replace the damaged coupling/fittings.
◦ Avoid over tightening of steel couplers;
◦ Repair damaged thrust/anchor block
◦ replace vandalized or damaged posts;
◦ Set the pressure as per the design and
◦ Replace damaged pressure regulating devices;
◦ Repair damaged chamber covers and frame.
 MAINTENANCE OF PIPE SYSTEMS
Valves and valve boxes
◦ Repair malfunctioning valves and replace the worn out or damaged valves;

◦ Remove dirt and mud from valve boxes. Add gravel to the bottom if necessary

◦ Clean all valves regularly for blockage and repair all worn out parts;

◦ Grease bolts and other movable joints;

◦ Tighten the bolts;

◦ Bolts and nuts should be cleaned, greased and replaced if damaged or worn out;

◦ Flush the pressure reducing valves by pulling the easing lever up;

◦ Remove and clean strainers on diaphragm type valves;

◦ Repair any damage on the chamber walls, covers and frames

◦ Repair of meters should not be done by farmers. It is best to seek the guidance from the qualified technician if
the meters are not working properly. Replace the meters if need be.
MAINTENANCE OF PIPE SYSTEMS
Infield system
◦ Repair leakages along the service lines, hydrants and repair them promptly;

◦ Replace the missing, damaged control valves;

◦ Ensure that loose connections are tightened;

◦ Flush the system at the beginning of the irrigation;

◦ Clean the clogged nozzles;

◦ Replace nonperforming accessories e.g. springs, clips, seals, bed head arm;

◦ Broken or missing sprinkler head or drip lines must be replaced..