fl.

OW IRRIGATION
610

PROBLEMS

. 1. Explain various types C'f canals, according to various classification

systems.
.
2. Explain. various consideration for alignment of a canal.
3: Distinguish between a contqur canalElnd a ridge canal.
3. Write a note on inundation canal.
5. DeM:ribe the Bandhara irrigation system.

Irrigation Channels :
Silt "Fheories
,,

.I

14.1. GENERAL
I

The canal which .takes off from a river has to draw a fair
share of silt flowing in the river. This silt is carried either in suspension
or along the bed of the canal. The silt load carried by the canal
imposes a difficult problem in a channel design oh alluvial soils.
The veiocity to be allOWed in a channel design should be such that
the silt flowing in the channel is not dropped on the bed. In case
a channel silts up, its capacity redu~ and so it will irrigate less
area. Also the, velocity should not be large enough 10 erode away
the bed and sides of the channel. If the sides and bed of a channel
are eroded away, the cross-section increases and besides other damages
b~use of scour, 'its full supply depth :d~reases ; it can, therefore,
command much less area, A velocity whicbwill just keep the silt
in suspension, with,out sa"Juring the channel is known as non-silting
and non-scouring velocity.
. I
Many inyestigators have worked un varioUs eXisting channels
towards .the design ofnon-silting-non-,scouring channel section. Notable
amongst \hem are works done by Mr. R.G.KennedyofPunjab Irrigation
Department and Mr. Gerald Lacey, Chief Engineer Irrigation Department V.P. The ideas p{bpagated J:>y them have rome to be known
as, kennedy's theory and Lacey's, theory respectively.
'.
.
For the design of an irrigation channel, . the design discharge
Q, and the surface and soil properties such as the rugosity coefficient
N and silt factor f are ' known. The problem consists in determinatiqn
of the four unknowrts : (i) Area ,o f cross- section (.4), (ii) hydraulic
(611)'

, 612

IRRIGATION CHANNELS: SILTTI-lEORIES

mean depth (R), (iii) velocity of flow, an~ (iv) the bed slope (S).
To start with, following two equations are available :
Q = A x V (Continuity equation)
... (1)
and
V = f(N, R, S) (Flow equation)
... (2)
The flow Eq. (2) may be Manning's equation, or Kutter's
equation or any other similar equation. However, since there are
four unknowns, two more equations must be available for the complete
~nd unique solution. The additional two eqatlons may be obtained
from the following criteria :
(i) Providing channel of b.est discharging section thus gettinf
another equation between A and R.
(ii) Limiting equation ofv.elocity from considerations of scouring
and sitting.
(iii) Governing the slope by ' the availagle ground slope.
(iv) Fixing a !iuitable BID ratio on experience.
Criterion (i) is not good (or alluvial soil where a non-silting
non-scouring velocity is a must. Criterion (ii) and (iii) are utilised
by Kennedy's method of design of channels. Wood's table gives a
table of suitable BID ratio for various discharges. However, Lacey's
theory furnishes four equations for the complete determination of
the four unknowns, without depending upon the earlier flow equation
by Manning or Kutter.
.

14.2. KENNEDY'S THEORY

Kennedy selected.a number of sites on Upper Bari Doab Canal
'System, one of the oldest in Punjab (Pakistan) for carrying out investigations about velocity and depth of the channel. The sites selected
by him did not require any silt cleaance for more than thirty years
and were thus supposed to be flowing with non- silting non-scouring
velocity.
Kennedy's study revealed the following :
1. The flowing water has to counteract some amount of friction
against the bed of the' canal. This gives rise to vertical eddies rising
up gently to the surface. These eddies are responsible for keeping
most of .the silt in suspension. Some eddies may start from sides
but these are for most of its part horizontal and so d~ not have
any silt supporting power. The silt supporting power is, therefore,
proportional to the bed width of the stream and not to its wetted
41 perimeter.
.
2. He also defined critical velocity as non-silting-non-scouring
velocity and gave a relation between critical velocity to the depth
of flowing water. The relation is
'

IRRIGATION CHANNELS: SILT THEORIES

613

Vo
[or
In general
where

= 0.55 DO.64

Vo = O.84Do.

64

Vo =CD"

... (14.J)
in F.P.S~ units]

... [14.1(0)]

...,;

V ='Critical velocity, in metres/second

D

= Depth

of water over ' bed portion" of

a channel in metres'

n = any index number.

Since the equation has been derived on the basis of observations
on one canal only, it is applicable to only those channels which
are- flowing in sandy silt of the same quality or grade as that of
Upper
Doab Canal system.
.

Ban

~ennedy later realised the importance of silt grade on critical

velocity and .introduced a factor m known as critical velocity ralio
(C.V.R) in his equation. The equation is then written as
V = 0.55 m DO. 64
... (14.2)
.where
V
m = C.V.R. = PO
... (14.2(a)l
Sand coarser than the standard were assigned value of m from
1.1 to 1.2 and tbose finer than the standard from 0.9 to 0.8. Generally,
in a system of canal, higher C. V.R. is assumed in head reaches
and lower value of C.V.R. is assumed towards its tail end.
The value of constant C in Eq. (14.1) for various grades of
material may be assumed as folloM :
TABLE 14.l ,
VALVE OF C
T1PUt1{~

14ht Sandy ailt

Coarser light silt

ValMeojC

0.53

0.59

Sandy loaql
Coarse silt

0.65
0.70

The value of m in Eq. 14.2 for differeD{ types of silts are

given in table 14.2.

IRRIGAnON CHANNELS: SILT TIlEORIES

IRRIGATION yHANNELS: SILTnlEORlES
.

614

'

Yalueo/'"

T,pu/sir

~
--.
o.t!.,

1.10

2. Somewhat coarser light sandy sill

c;

'I)

l-

.."

fi

1.00

1. Light sandy silt in the riven of Norther1l India

.,..
.,..
.,..
v
'"S; ~~
0~ ..,.cO~ ....00 '"00 8....00 ....00 ~cO '"
_0
00
cO

~
--..

TABLE 14.2
VALUE OF ..

....
...;

~
...;

"1

~
00

......;

.~

~
....

'I)

....

1.20

3. Sandy. loamy silt

1.30 .

4. Rather coarser silt or debris of hard soil

. ~

0.70

..,.
.,..

S. SUt of rivel)ndus in Sind

C!

....

~ + 0.~155

. 0.00155

~.~/

..
RS ".,...(14.3)

1+(23:.. s )TR /

....

.~

~f'i

00
0-

~~
_0

.."

~ r.,..-- ~ ~~

Thus the limitations of Kutter's equatiOn beCOme incorporated

in Kennedy's design procedure. Kennedy. did npt give any equation
for any -slope of the canat The stope is decided according to the
slope of ihe ground available. From the ploUed longitudinal slOpe
of the alignment, there is always a certain range of slOpe, that can
be given to a channel at the site. For every such slope; a separate
channel can be designed to suit a given discharge. For example,
when Q = 2 cumecs, N =0.0225 and !1J = 1, we get the following
channel dimensions, for various slOpes :
'.
Slope

. 1 jn SOOO
1 in 4000

1 in 2000
,

B
("')

.;

3.2

l.S

0.68

1"'\

....C!

1.07

1.4

Unfortunately, Kennedy's theory provides no clue to which

of ;hannels wilr be best suited for a particular discharge and type
of soil available. Hence some guidance is necessary to find out as
to which channel would suit the need beSt. To provide this guidance,
suitable .BID ratios were fixed in various state departments on' the
basis of experience. Wood'S normal table is one such a;iterion which.
was prepared in Punjab and is very much in
An extract of
Wood's table, alongwith its metric conversiqn . is given in Table .14.3.

us~.

C!

00

-..,.

C!!

...

...;

~
....

.,..

~M

~~

....N

.,..
....
t'l

t"i

t-:

.,..
..,.
.,..~ .,..-.D ~

06

~ '.6
oi06

't:.

~
....

~
00

<"I

VI

~
...;

.,..
E.

'II;
....

.,..
....
M

... ...
M

..,.

0
..,. ....
-.D

<"I

.,..
r--

~.

.::;

~
~

.g

0-

~.

...

c>
~
~ "l..,..... 8~ ~8 .,..
c>

~
00

'"

vi

r-.-i

i Q

;;;

0
.,..

gg

r--

- --

":
~

.."

laM

8....

~ .

<'!

~IQ

....

3.8

0.85

<"I

0-

BID

10.8

i i

("')
./

fOI

--

~ ~ ~
'.

"

(in metric units)

~~

0-

Kennedy made use of Kutter's equation for finding the mean

velocity of flow in the channel:

23 t
V=

- - ... ~

....

VI

&;

'I)

'II;
....

'

."

c>

t-:

'"

r--

.,..
-.D
.,..
Q

c>

~~

"'0
Q-

~~

'"
~

.."

06
....

.,...... .,..c>
....
..,..... ~~
.,.. ....

VI

<"'l

,...;

8.,..

... ~ .,...
....

~~

-...

00
'"

.,..

00
."

"l

'.()

l -I

IRRIGATION CHANNELS: SILTnlEORIES

616

IRRIGATION CHANNELS : SILTTIlEORIES

' ....

Thus, if BID ratio is ~f::lected from the recommended valud,

one more equation will be available. Hence unique design of the
channel can be ~one, including tbe bed slope using Kennedy's theory.
This has been illustrated in case- 2 of 14.3 and in example 14.2.

The Irrigation Department of Uttar Pradesh adopts the follliwing

value of N :

Discharge (cumecs)
upto 14

PROCEDURE
For the design of channel, the fonowing equations are used:
Q=AXV

V=

+ 0.0015:+ 1.
N
'S
000155

_ 1+ (.23 + . s

.-

N vRS

JTR

TABLE 14.5
VALUE CF N

... (2)

... ( 3) .

The value of rugosity coefficient N for earthen channels of

N~rth India, as given ~y Buckley are as follows :
Channel of conditions
Value of N

2. Good

0.02~
0.025

3:- Indiffernt

0.0275

4. Poor
Table 14.4- gives the Central Water and Power Commission
(CWPC) practice
selecting Kutter's roefficient N fQr the canals
taking off from reserviors carrying silt free water.

0'

.Good

Fair

bad

1. Alluvial Regime

0.077

0.02

0.0225

0.02.5

2. Loose gravel

0.OC7S

0.030

0.033

0.035

3. Rock cut, smooth and regUlar

0.025

0.030

0.033

0.03.';

4. Rock cut, irregular

0.03S

0.040

.0.045

0.050

5. With cobble bed and eanhen

banks

0.025

0.030

0.035

0.040

0.030

0.033

Soil

1. SOU other than rock

2. Rocky cuts
'.

f
'

- (I) When rock portipn at

least 1S em above the
excavatl'd bed level is left out
iD workiDI Oilt - crossIeClioDaI area
(iI) When no portioD above
bed level is left out

,
\
--~

2. Calculate the velocity V from Eq. (3),

VGIu gfN

= 0.55Do.64

3. Get area of section A from Eq. (1).

0.025
~

0.035

1. A'isume a trial value of D in metres.

OJJ3

tlpto 0.14

-----

Case 1. Gillen Q, N, m and S ({'rom L-section)

(CfUIIS)

0.14 to 1.4
14 to 14
Above 14

0.015

--

DESIGN PROCEDURE

TABLE 14.4
CWPC ,PRACTICE FOR N

T,,,. of

ValiI'ofN

P~M

6. With earthen bed and rubble

sides

0.03

Ccu..t DiscItGrI.

NaIJ4n of clullfrul srufau

---r--~

V = 0.55 mD~M

1. Very good

0.0225
above 14
0.020
In should be noted that the value of N also depends upon
the nature or 'COndition of the channel surface, as is clear from
Table 14.5.
I

14.3. KENNED\Y1S MEtHODOF CHANNEL DESIGN

23

617

A=~

0.0225
0';020

4. Knowing D and A, calculate the bed wi jth B.

0.035';' O.OS

0.05 - 0.080

be

The side slope of the canal in alluvial soil is assumed to

~. : 1 when the canal has run for some time.

,
i

--

A =8D+

D2
2
....

IRRIGATION CHANNELS: SILTTI-lEORIES

618

From which B can calculated.

5. Calculate the perimeter and the hydraulic mean depth from
the following re.lations :

P=B+DVS
A BD +D2/2 '
R = P = -B-+-D-"-Y5""-

/rRRIGATION CHANNELS : SILT THEORIES

619

Substitute the values of V and A in the continuity equation

and solve for D. Thus

=A x V = D2(X + 0.5) x 0.55 m DO.64

Q = 0.55m (x + O.S)D2 , 64
Q

or

Hence D - [

6. Calculate the actual mean velocity of flow from Kutter's

equation (Eq. 3.). If this value of velocity is the same as that found
in step 2, the assumed depth is correct. If not,. repeat the calculations
wilh ... a changed ~alue of D till the ~o velocities are the same.

]2.64
0.55~(x + 0.5)
Q

In the above relation Q, m and x are known. Hence D is

determined.
3. Knowing D, calculate B and R from the following
relations
B =xD

R == BD + D2/2
B+DVS
4. Calculate the velocity V from Kennedy's equation
V;" 0.55 m DOM
5. Knowing: V and R, determine the slope S from Kutter's
flow equation. The equation can be solved by trial and error.
and

I--

-4

_&

FIG. 14.1. CHANNEL SECTION.

Thus we get the solution for a given value of S. Case 1

is the most common one and its solution is normally done with
the help of Garret's diagram. Garret's diagrams [Plate 6(a), (b)],
provide solution of Kennedy's regime equation and Kut.t er's flow
equation for various values of slopes and have been explained in
Chapter 15.
Case ~. Given Q, N, m And BID ratio from Wood's table

14.4. SILT SUPPORTING CAPACITY ACCORDING;,

TO KENNEDY'S mEORY
According to Kennedy's theory. the amount of silt held in
suspension is proportional to the upward force of vertical eddies.
and varies as the bed 'width (B) and some power of the velocity
of flow in the channel.
Let
Vo = critical velocity in the channel

(1) Calculate A in terms of D.

B
Let
D =X

or
(2) The value
Kennedy's equation.

Qt

= quantity

,Q

= discharge

or

,
D2'
2
D2
A=BD+T = ...D +T

where

A =D2(x + O.S).
of velocity V is known in t{:;rms of D by

Let

=%

Qt =aBVO'

..
V

= 0.55 m DO.

in the channel.

Qt ex BV8

B = Dx

64

of silt transported by the channel

...(i)

some constant.

Qt=pQ.

of silt in water

=~

IRRIGATION CHANNELS: SILT THEORIES

620

IRRIGATION CHANNELS : SlU TIlEORlES

Assuming a wide channel with vertical slopes,

Q

=BD.vo

Q/

=p.BD.vo

5. Perimeter

(approx.)

P=B+DVs

= 30.3 + 1.8Vs = 34.32

... (ii)

Equating (i) and (ii), we get

aBV 8

,R

=pB.D.vo

6.

v,o,,-1_1.D
--p.

Vo

or

= (; )

/I -

T"
'-0

Dn:T

= CD ;;-::-r

... (tit...)

= CDY = CD0 64

"
=

(iv)

1
--=0.64

= 2.56:::: 5/2.

Kennedy did not determine the value of the constant

Il.

Example J4.1. Design an irrigation channel to carry a discharge

45 cumecs. Assume N = 0.0225 amj m = 1. The channel has
bed slope of 0.16 metre per kiloml tre.
SolutioI' :

3.
4.

From which

= 0.55 mL 0.64
= 0.55 x 1 x 1.8.64 = 0.8
Q

45

= V = 0.8 = 56.2 m
V=BD = D2/2
56.2 = B(1.8) + (1~)2
A

B .= 30.3 m.

vi

1.64 x O.i6
1000

::::: 0.793 = 0.991::::: 1.

0.8
Hence, the assumed D is satisfactory.

Example 14.2. Design an irrigation canal to cany a discharge

0.0225 , m = 1 and BID = 5.7.
Solution
B
1.

of 1.4 cumecs. Assume N

D =5.7

1. Assume a trial depth D equal to 1.8 m

2.

+ 44.4 + 9.7 = 49
1 + (23 + 9.7)~

7. Ratio of velocity found in steps (6) aM (2)

... (14.4)

Q/=aBV o

1000) ,/t.64

= 0.793.

Hence. the quantity of silt transported is given by

S/ 2

23

r" = 49

n-1

"f

23- + - L + 0.00155 x 1000

0.0225
0.16
1 + (23 + 0.00155
0.0225

0.16

EqJating the indices of both these equations, we get

1000

This equation is similar to Kennedy's equation

Vo

56.2

= 0.16

or

= P = 34.32 = 1.64

V=CYRS

where
I

621

A :: BD
m/sec

k.

+ ~1 = D2 [~ + 0.5

= D 2(5.7 + 0.5) = 6.2 D2

V = 0.55 m DO 64
= 0.55
Q

=A

x 1x

x V

Dl!.64

= (6.2 D2 ) ( 0.55 D O.64 )

IRRIGATION CHANNELS: SILTlliEORiES

/

622

IRRIGATlON CHANNELS: S!LTTHEORIES

= [0.55~ 6.2]264
_ (
14
- 0.55 x 6.2

= 1.705 :::: 1.71

1
)2. 64

BD + D2/2
R = B + DVS

and

= 1.37
V

4.

= 9.73

(9.73 x 1.71) + ~(1.71)2

= --9-.-73-+-1-.7-'1{5=-=5--

=0.55m DO.64 = 0.55 X

=0.775 misec-.

V=

5.

(1) Ken'nedy did not notice the importance of BID ratio:'

(2) He aimed to find out only the average regime conditions
for the design of a channel.

m.

(4) Silt grade and silt charge were not defined.

(5) Kennedy did nqt give any slope equation.
(6) Kennedy used Kutter'S equation for the determination of

1.. +

(1.71)64

the mean velocity and, therefore, the limitations of Kutter's equation

got incorporated in Kennedy's theory of channel design.

Further Work on Kennedy's Theory

0.00155

YRS

1 + (23 + Q.(0155) N

23 +
0.775

or

=1 +

TR

--L +

0.00155

0.0225
S
(23 + 0.00155 ,0.0225 ..fl.37 x S

or

TABLE 14.6
VALVES OF C AND

55

+ 44.5 + 0.OOi
1 + 0.44 + ' 2.98
x
-r x 10- 5

SeriolNo.

23

1.17 x

S1I2

which reduces to

0i~:; ( 1.44 +

2;8

x 10- 5 )

or

S3/2

+ 2.29 x 10- S S1/2 -

= (67.5 + 1.~S

x 10-

3
.) SlI,2

= 1.98 X 10-5
7
1.41 x 10- 2 S = 2.93 X 10-

67.5 S312 + 1.55 X 10-3 S1I2

Kennedy's equation could not be made universally applicable

even after the introduction of critical velocity ratio. Regional formulae
were thereafter developed to suit the requirements of different
canal system by different investigators. In this formula both
the coefficient of C as will as power of D varied. A..general feature
'o f these formulae indi~ted a lower value of C for finer soils. The
value of C and n in Eq. 14.1 (b) for different canal systems are
as follows:

{!ITf

0.775

(3) No account was laken of silt concentr:ation and bed load,

and the complex silt carry.ing phenomenon was inCorporated in a
.
single factor m.

m.

23 +

= 5100'

]4. S. DRAWBACKS IN KENNEDY'S THEORY

B = 5.7 D = 5.7 x 1.71

3.

623

Canal system

11

"

0.391

0.55

Godavari Della

Krishna Western Delta

0.530

0.52

Lower Chenab Canal

0.567

0.57

gyptlan Canals

0.283

0.73

0.954 S

Solving this by trial and error, we get

Lindley's jTonnulae
It has already been emphasised that depen<Jing upon a slope
available, many channels can be designed which have different cross-

IRRIGATION CHANNELS: SrLT TI-lEORlES

624

section. As to which of these. channels will suit the requirement

can not be found out from Kennedy's theory. In order to make
channel design more definite, Lindley of Punjab irrigation proposed
his formulae in 1919. He proposed the following two formulae
one relatmg V and D; similar to Kennedy and the other relating
V and B.

= 0.567 D057
V = O.274If~5

... [14.5(a)]

... [14.5(b)]
By eliminating V from Eq; [14.5 (a),(b)J, another relation as
originally proposed by Lindley can be obtained. This is given by
B = 7.80 D1.61
... (14.6)

and

14.6. LACEY'S REGIME THEORY

"Dimensions, width, depth and slope of a regime channel to
carry a given discharge loaded with a given silt charge are all fixed
by nature. This idea was first put forward by Lacey. Lindley's thclJf)'
is also based on the same con~pt. Lacey succeeded in evolving
more generally applicable equatiOns based on his own experiments
and the experiments of the past . investigators.
Regime channel. Lacey defined regime channel as a st,,:ble
channel transporting a regime silt charge. A channel will be in
regime if it flows in coherent unlimited alluvium of the same character
as that transported and the silt grade and silt charge are all
constant
Incoherent alluvium. It is a soil composed of loose granular
graded material which can be scoured with the same ease with which
it is deposited.
Regime silt charge. It is the minimum transported load consistant
with ful!y active bed:
Regime silt grade. This indicates the gradation between the
small and the big particles. It should not be taken to mean the
average mean diameter of a particle.
Regime conditions. A channel is said to be in regime when
the following conditions are satisfied.
1. The channel is flowing in unlimited incoherent alluvium
of the same character as that .transported.
2. Silt grade and silt charge is constant.
. 3. Discharge is constant:

IRRIGATION CHANNELS: SILTTIfEORIES

625

If the above three conditions are met with fully, then the
channel is said to be in true regime. However, it is seldom that
the above conditions are realized in field. Hence, Lacey g:J\'l,! the
idea of initial and final regime for actual channel.
Initial regime. One of t~e conditions of attaining regime of
a channel is that there should be freedom for the channel to form
its own section. Initial regime is the state of channel that has formed
its section only and yet not secured the longitudinal slope.
Final regime. When a channel is constructed with defective
slope, it tries to throw off the incoherent silt on the bed to increase
their slopes. To altain the final regime the channel forms its section
first before the final slope. The channel after attaining its section
and longitudinal slope, will be said to be in final regime.
Permanent regime. When a channel is protected on the bed
and side with some kind of protecting material the channel section
cannot be Scoured up and so there is no possibility of change of
section or longitudinal slope: ; the channel will then be said to be
in permanent regime. Regime theory is not applicable to such
channels.
There is only one section and only one longitudinal slope
at which the channel will carry a particular discharge with a particular
silt grade. Natural silt transporting channels have a tendency to
assume a semi-elliptical section. The coarser the silt; greater is the
waterway of such a channel and narrower the depth. The finer the
silt, greater is the depth and the channel closely approximates a
semi-circle.

,
I

I
I

,,

,,

FIG. 14.2. CHANNEL SECfION ACCORDING TO LACEY'S TI-lEORY.

62.6

IRRIGATION CHANNELS: SILT THEORIES

IRRIGATION CHANNELS : SILTTHEOR!ES

627

vi

If a channel is constructed with too small a cross-section for

~ particular discharge and the slope steeper th.an required, scour
will occur till final regime is attained. Similarly silting will occur
in a channel till final regime is attained in a channel with a wider
cross-section and flatter slope than requi!'ed.

Eqs. 14.7, 14.8 and 14.9 are known as Lacey's fundamental

equations from which other flow equations can be derived as shown

L,~ey also states that the silt is kept in suspension due to

the force of vertical eddies. According to him, the eddies are generated
from bed and sides, both normal to surface of generation. Hence,
vertical component of eddies generated from sides will also support
the silt. Lacey, therrore, assumed hydraulic mean depth (R) as
variable, unlike Kennedy who assumed depth D as variable. Since
Lacey assumed a semi-ellipse as the cross-section of ~ regime channel
assumption R as a variable seem to more logical.

By combining Eq. 14.7 and Eq.14.8 a rcldllonship between

P and Q can be obtained.

below.

1. Perimeter Discharge (P-Q) Relation

Raising both sides of Eq. 14.7 to the fourth power. we get

V4

[2:;4 J =

A [ __25~]
4R-

or

t4U.O V 5

= 140 V

Multiplying both sides of this equation

25A

by A, we get

- y = 140VA = 140 Q

below :

area of the channel section and V

4R

...(14.7)

= Y~fR
5
Af2 = 140.0V
V

But

... ( 14.8)

velocity of flow

or

Regime Flow Equation

By plotting a large mass of data from a number of different
sources, Lacey obtained the relationship

or

A2

R2

=r

P2

= 4 x 140 Q
25

in it.

where

Eliminating [2 between this equation and equation 14.8, we

get fr.om equation 14.8

Lacey's Regime Equations

On the basis of arguments mentioned above, Lacey plotted
a large mass of data to obtain a relationship between (i) V vs. R
and (ii) A vs. V. Lacey recognised the importance of silt grade
in the problem and introduced a function f known as silt factor
i'1 the regime relationship. The first two equations, originally suggested by Lacey in F.P.S, units , converted in M.K.S ., units, are given

where A

= 25
~f2R2

= lo.8R 213 5 1/ 3

.. . (4.9)

Ri

... (14.10)

Equation 14.10 is a very imporlant equation in as much as

it is universally true. Power of Q docs not vary, though the coefficient
4.75 varies between certain range.

2. JI-Q1 Relation

slope of water ~urface

This equation is very 'useful for finding velocities during high

flood&. A beginner has not to worry himseIr to find out the exact
values of N in order to apply Manning's and Kutter'S formulae.
Equation 14.9 contains no sill factor and rugosity coefficient. Such
variables were considered to be implicit in the actual depth and
slope adopted by the channel in loose alluvium.

P = 4.75

A relation between V-(J-f can be obtained from Eq.

14.8.

Multiplying Eq. 14.8 by V on both sides, we get

A VJ~ = -140.0 V 6
Or

Qf'!.

= 140.0 V 6

v= [~1~ /6
_

140.0

-'.

... (14. 11)

IRRIGATION CHANNELS: SILT THEORIES

6~

IRRIGAnON CHANNELS : SILT TI-lEORrES

628

But

~,

P =4.75VQ
S = (2/5)5/3[5/3 (4.75) 113 QI /6

This relation is utilized in channel design by Lacey's theory.

The value of Q of [ in a channel design are known. The value
of V can, .therefore, be. readily found from Eq.14.11.
3. Rt>gime.Slope Equations
(5 - Q -

f.) I (R -

From Eq.14.9, cubing both sides of the equation

V3

= 1260 R2 S

= (215)3/2[3/2 R3/2
(2/5)3/2[312 R 312 = 1260 R2 S
3/2
s- [ ' 1/2

Hence,
or

R = '4

R="2/
From Eq. 14.11, we get

- 4980R
Equation 14.12 can also be written as
1
V 2 )5/3
(
5 = R
1260 (RJI)1/3

where q

... (14.13)

RV=q

= (~) 5/3

[5/3

discharge.
Rewritting equation 14.14,
V2 )5/3
1
(
S= R
1260 (RV)1t3
we get

V 2 \ 5/3
(
S = If" J

IV

2,5/3

= \ If ;
...

9 140 J /
= 0.47 (q/f)l/l
Since
q =RV
Substituting for R from Eq. 14.7,
,
5 v3

... (14.17)

=~ .!.[~]3/6
2' f
140

... (14.15)

Putting

1/31

Substituting y from Eq. 14.11, we get

The above equation can also be represented in terms of total

=AlP,

2= [~]lt3
140

1="2/

/3

= 0.000178 173

R=-5[Q'21
W_

Hence
... (14.14)

discharge per unit width.

or

..

= ~[

V 1R

/2

5 y2

V3

From Eq. 14.7,

---.::.J_-r=

From Eq. 14.7 as alrea4y derived

2
25 y2

... (14.12.)

From Eq. 14.7 'cubing both sides of the equation

,.

(5/3

... (14.16)

334OQI/6
4. Regime Scour Depth Relation

and (5 - [ - q) relationships.

5 - f)

1260 Q 1/3

1.

'[A ]1/3
1260 P V

= 0.21 Qlt2
...(14.18)
.
.,
Substituting for Q =
in equation 14.17, we get

(n!r

126(l (Q)1 / 3

=0.47 fll/j [O.~I]213

= 1.35lllfJll3
...(14.19)
5. fAcey's Non.Rejime Flow Equatio~
Eq. 14.9 is applicable only for regiine flow. The equation to
be derived now will be applicable fQ.r bot,h regime and non regime
channels.
I.
'
From Eq. 14.12,
3

,V 1=: 1260 R 2S

pI/3

--

or

V = 35.5 (R/V)J/2VRS '

... {14.20(a)I

IRRIGATION CHANNELS: SlLTTIlEORIES

630

IRRIGATION CHANNELS: SILTTHEO~ES

63]

Equation 14.20 is similar to Chezy's equation.

TABLE 14.7

Now putting

v = KVjR

VALUES OF

C _ 35.5 R1I4
- K lt2 1l4

Chezy's

Again putting
35.5

we get

Typ. 01 soil

..

Value

Fine silt

0.50

Medium siil

K'

Kl/2/1/4

.. l14.7.0(b)]

= NtJ

where Na = Lacey's absolute rugosity coefficient. Lacey called

N .. as absolute rugosity coefficient to emphasize that this No depends
only upon grade and density of boundary material and'is independent
upon channel condilion.<;. T ,. reason could not be supported by
observations.
Eq.14.20 can now be written as
T; _
~

K'oR 3/4 S1/2

Na

--

... (14.21)

\.omparing it to Manning's equation

V

= .! R2/3 5 112
N

... (14.22)
I

K' = 1 if N = No and R
We grt
Thu5 Lacey's flow equation will be

v = L~

= 1.
... (14.23)

)R3/4 SI (,2

No -{ relation
As already derived from Eq. t4.~O(b)

K'
No

35.5

... [14.23(b)1.

= K1I2/1i~

,This means
No ex: flt4
For standard grade of silt, f = t
No = O.0225f 1l4

and Na

= 0.0225
... (14.24)

6. Silt }'actor-Grain
Size Re1atioQship
If m, is the mean particle diameter of silt in mm, the silt

factor f = 1.76..rm;. A fairly correct valu~ of f may be arrived at

by averaging the v.alues obtained from various equations listed above.
Some values of f for various soils are Igiven as under.

011
!o

0.70

0.85

Slandard sill

1.00

Medium san ...

1.25

Ccarse sand

1.50

The use of a single f value for correlating variolls regime

equations has been objected to by various authors. According to
Mr. T. 'Blench, the use of a Single f value for the entire perimeter
is inadequate. This amounts to averaging out the relative importance
of side and bed. Ningchien on the other hand propagates that the
silt factor also depends upon now conditions on one hanJ and concentration of silt on the other.
The Idea of .Shock'
Lacey recomm,ended the value of absolute rugo"ity coefficient
to ~e independent of channel conditions. This variatiorl was observed
in practice. In order to explain the variation of ab! olute rugosity
coefficient with channel conditions, Lacey gave a new idea and introduced the concept of shock lones.
, In case of movable bed channels ripple formation takes place
on the bed. When now takes place over these rippks, the pressure
on the fr:ont on these ripples is mure than ,Jressure "n their rear.
The resistance to flow caused by these dl"rBrences of ~ cs.sure is
known as form resistance. The value of shock lossr
dup to
irregularities roughly coincides with f.)rm rlsis . 'Ice. The t"tal rcsista'lce
imparted to the now of water is ' due If' fric ;onal res; tance of the
'shock losses' due to irregularities.
ACC:Qrding to Lacey, therefore, the valu '~ of No should remain
constant for all l~taannel condition, but the s.ope should be divide J
inrwo ,parts-one to encounter 'shock losses' a,: J the othci to overcom.!
friction. If s denotes the slope required to "'ithstand 'shock losses.
l3,q. (14.23) can .then be written in the form
V

;tJ

3/4

(S - s)1I2

...(14.25)

IRRIGATION CHANNELS: SILT 11-lEORIES

IRRIGATION CHANNELS : SILT THEORIES

632

.~

..;j

...
..,..... :q.., ......

'~
...;
~
~

~ .

....

.. ..

...;

;J
til

.......

~
."

....
;::;

~
M
~
-""t

....
f'\

....
-

..;j

.....

;;;--E'

"

....;f

~~

'11'

~
~ 001<">

"

N.....

II

'"

."
'-'....

CfII')

a..

ICI

... .... 0.,.

'-;:
VI

CC: .

'IS

11:1

f""'\I

-Iz ... I:tt --D

I.

......

f"""

n..;j

"":.....11

....00

Y
n

<:>
N

."

~~~Q"

<:)

or

...

...

I~

. . \-01c:> CI

.......

;;;

......

'"

....

::::.

~ ~;:;......

c:>
H

~~
~
N
~

"
~

cc: cc:

II

,J.

cl:I -~
:::.
I

.&::

...,
~.r:.
VI

.~

::..
9
.:: a..

~ ~
~

J,

.!

,J,

sx

't."

i5.
u

~ 0
S I

.....
I

= _1_R3/4 (S _

0.0225
= 0.9 S1/2

= 0.19 S

Lacey's idea of 'shock' was unique. as the same brought the

idea of form resistance coming into play in flowing 'mass of water.
However, shock losses cannot be actually found out and, hence, equation
14.25 c.1nnot be used in practice and, therefore, different value of
NIJ has to used 'for different channel conditions.

The channel section can be designed on Lacey's theory. The

design procedure involves no trial and error procedure. For the channel
design, the discharge Q and mean diameter of silt particles me or
silt factor f should be known.

Channel design procedure

1. Calculate the silt factor f= 1. 76Vni;

't'
~

11-

1'\

'VI

-c

....

00

0-

.... N.....

...

... (14.26)

This means that for a channel in good conditions, 19% of

slope is accounted for by shock losses and 81% is available for
frictional resistance. Similarly the shock losses for different and poor
conditions of a channel can be calculated. The value of shock losses
. for these channels account for 33.1 % and 43.7% of slope available.

2. Find out veloq~ty V

S)1/2

14.. 7. LACEY'S mEORY APPLIED TO CHANNEL

DESIGN

.
OJ
'E

.~

or

;:;.....

cc:cc:~

.!;!

'0'

II

;::;

~ ;:;<:ro

..,

II

.u
. . .

cc:

.... 0

II

."

~
e

((l

II

.,..

____ I cc:
..........
~L;
cc:

~R3/4 S1/2
'0.025
(S - s)1I2

Hence

....

~'" $"'!~;;;~

..

'Z;'

...

r:(

~
~

II

.....

s ~y~-~ ~~~.CI -~~ ;:;c::

N'

~~::..

0..

..;j

........

~
~

;:;

...

I-

The value of N" in the above equation remains independent

of channel condition and has a value congruent to the value of
N for a channel in 'very good' conditior.. Buckley reeommends following
value of N for earthen channels :
Channel condition
N
Very good
0.0225
Good
0.025
Indifferent ,
0.0275
Poor
0.03
Th'e value of slope for these channel con4itions can b'e computed
from Eq. 14.23 and 14.25. For a channel in good condition
No = 0.025.

..
.~

-c

~ ~

... ...

...
...

-.i
.....

II

'""

~ ~f

~j l,a~

1'\

.~ ~L" ~L.. ~..,,,

II

<:>

....

....

,....

."

~,

_,

..;j

"..

-..
."

.,...

... ....

..;j

...;:;

..."
..,~

<:>

I-

633

= Q/V
perimeter P = 4.75VQ

3. Find out area'A

....

.....

4. Find out

= ( Sfici2)1 /6

IRRIGATION CHANNELS; SILT THEORIES

63~

IRRIGATION CHANNELS; SILTTIiEORIES

I;
5. Find out bed width B and depth D of the channel section
since A and P are known. The side slope of an irrigation channel
D2
is usually
1. Hence, Area A = BD + T

5 V2
R=-2 f
51

i:

= "2 x 1 (0.773) 2 = 1.49

P=B+DVs

P-

"p2 -

Also

6.944A

=
3.472
B = P- 2.236D

Hence

and

=2: 7

Also cal :ulate

+ D2/2
= BD
-=-:..--=---=
B + 2.23D

Hence, checked.
7. Slope

= 3340Q 1/ 6

Example 14.3. A channel section has

[ollowing data :
Q= 30 cumecs
Discharge
[= 1.00
Silt factor

10

be designed [or the

= 0.;~3 = 38.S

4.

p = 4.75.fQ

5:

sq.m

=: 4.75 V30 = 26 m
p':"
6.994A
D

= 26 -

5900 .
Hence, the channel has a bed width B = 22.26 m and a depth
of 1.67 m. The longitudinal slope S = 1/5900.

THEORY

Find also the longitudinal slope.

Solution
1. The value of [ is given as 1.00
30 x 1 ]1/6
V = -w>
= 0.773 m/sec
2. Velocity
[

= _ _1 _
3340 (Q)I~t; 3340(30)1/6
[5/3

14.8. COMPARISON OF KENNED\"'S AND LACEY'S

= ~:1

3. Area

S=

= 3340(1.764) =

f5/3

Side slope

R _ BD+D2/2
- B+DVS

38.8 149
= 26.0
=. m.

Both the values of R should be the same; this will provide

a numerical ch ~ck from steps 1 to 5.

7. Find the slope S

m.

_ 1.67 (22.26) + 1.672/2

22.26 + 1.67 VS

5 V2

6. Calclllate

635

"p2 -

3.472

Y'-6-76---6-.94-4-x-3-S.-g
1.67 m.
3.472
B = P - 2.236 D = 26 ~ 2;236 x 1.67 = 22.6 nt.
6 .. Hydraulic mean radius.

1. Kennedy introduced the term C. V.R. (m) in his equations

to make it applicable for channels of different grades of silt, but
he did not give any idea to measure the value of m. Lacey introduced
the concept of silt factor f in equations and suggested a method
of determining the value of [ by relating it with particle size.
2. Kennedy assumed that silt is kept in sUlopension because
of eddies generated from the bed only, and so he proposed a relation
between V and D. Lacey assumed that silt is kept in silspension
because of the normal components of eddies generated from the
entire perimeter and so he proposed a rel~tion between V and R.
3. Kenned} assumed Kutter's formula for finding the value
o"mean velocity where in the value of N is to be assumed arbitrarily.
Lacey gave his own formula for the velocity and thus a designer
has not to choose anything arbitranly.
4. Kennedy gave no formula for determination of longitudinal
slope of the canal. The slope to be given to the canal is based
on experience or on Wood's table. Lacey gave a formula for the
longitudinal slope of a regime channel.
5. Lacey pro'posed that .he shape of a regime channel should
be a semi ellips~ince the channel section is l trapezoidal in shape,

636

IRRIGATION CHANNELS: SILTTI-IEORIES

IRRIGATION CHANNELS: SILTTIiEORlES

6TI

it can never attain final regime. Kennedy simply gave the idea 'that

a non-silting and non-scouring channel will be a regime channel.

6. Lacey's theory as applied to channel design does not involve
any trial and error proCed!.ue whereas Kennedy's theory i!1volves'
a trial procedure for design of channel.
7. Lacey made a distinction between two types of resistance
in alluvial channels, one determined by grain size and the other
due to irtegularities of the channel. Kennedy did not make any such
distinction.
8. Basic concept of the theorie!, is the same that the silt
remainS in suspension due to the force of vertical eddies.

14.9. DEFECfS IN lACEY'S mEORY

1. The theory does not give a clear description of physical
aspects of the problem.
2. It does not define what actually governs the characteristics
of an alluvial channel.
3. The derivation of various formulae depends upon a singli!
factor f and dependence on single factor f is not adequate. There
are different phases of flow on bed and sides and, hence, different
values of silt factor for bed and side should have been used.
4. Lacey's equations do not include a concentration of silt
as variable.
5. Lacey did not take into account the silt left in channel
by water that is lost in absorption which is as much as 12 to
15% of t~e total discharge of channel.
6. The effect of silt attrition was also ignored. The silt size
does actually go on decreasing by the process of attrition among
the rolling silt particles dragged along the ~ed.
7: Lacey did f10t properly define the silt grade and silt
charge.
8. Lacey. however, considers that a regime channel is inherently
free from external restraint and shock and has, therfore, a constant
Na for a given size material. In so far as regime channel is a sediment
transporting channel and will normally have a changing pattern of
bed ripple formation. this statement is unliJ{ely , to be correct.
9. Lacey introduced semi ellipse as ideal shape of a regime
channel which is not correct.
10. Strictly speaking an artificial channel is not a regime channel,
and regime theory is not applicable to it.

14.10. SEDIMENT TRANSPORT

The quantity of solids enteriog the channel is an important
factor which controls the cross- section and shape of a true regime
channel. Regime theory does not consider this important factor in
channel design. However, it ,has now been realised that the channel
design will not be successful unless a detailed study of sediment
transport has been made.
The sediment mOving in a fluid can be broadly divided in
parts :
1. Bed load
2. Suspended load.
Bed load
two

Bed load may be defined as the load of bed mat~rial in the

layer where suspension is impossible for fluid dynamic reasons. Sediment grains in the bed layer are not vertically supported by the
flow, but rest on the bed almost continuously, while sliding, rolling
and jumping along. Their weight is supported by the static grain
particles in the non-mOving bed. They move regularly exchanging
places with the similar particles in non-moving bed.
Suspended Load
In case of suspended load the weight of the particles is suported
by the surrounding fluid. Since the particles..Ontinuously settle with
its settling velocity Vr, in relation to the surrounding fluid , it is
kept in suspension soley because the flow provides an upward motion
due to turbulent exchange due to which a fluid is continuously exchanged over definite distances beJween horizontal layers. The rising
flUId originates frorti Jower layers of higher concentration and des~
cending fluid originates from higher layer of lower concentration
so that a surplus of upwdrd moving sediment particles over downward
moving sediment particle occurs. This surplus provides an upward
motion of particles which counterbalances the general settling of
sediment. Suspended load cause an additional hydrosatic pressure
on the bed.
The. concentration of suspended load C at a height y abov( ,
the bottom can be determined in terms of known concentratior
Ca at a reference point at a hight a above the bottom by the (ollowin!
equation :

.=
CD

where

[D-y_a_]KV;
y D-a
w

... (14.27)

w =:= fall velocity of grain in still water

IRRIGATION CHANNELS: SILT THEORIES

!RRIGATION CHANNELS: SILT rnEORIES

638

= Depth

= Van

V.
'ro

of water
Karman's conl'tant

639

So . the above equation can be written as

= 0.4

3/2

= 4700 f Tb ( : ' ) 3/2 - 'a }

= Shear' velocity = ~

gs

n -

where

... (14.29)

_lks )I/6

Intensity of shear stress at bottom.

kg/m/hour

24

'

Rate of bed load transport

The initiation of bed load movement is caused by the drag
force exerted on it by moving water. Many investigators have worked
o.n the correct estimation for the rate of bed transport but none
of the ideas extended so far could be wiedly accepted.
We shall di$cUSS herein two most widely used equations, that
are due to Meyer peter and Einstein.

EINSTEIN'S EQUATION

MEYER PETER'S EQUATION

. Meyer Peter gave a dimensionless equation based, for the first
time, on rational laws. His equation can be reduced in a simple
form as given below :

Einstein's equation is based on the principle of probability

law. It also involves a number of assumpticns and experimental coefficients. The equation correlates two dimensionless parameters
<1>. and 'P . According to Einstein, the probability p for motion
of sediment particle is :

Q(n')
n

. (b

3/2

y... S D = 0.047 (y - y..,) d

(Y )!/3 (gS)'"1"3
+ 0.25;

= depth of water
= slope of channel
= grain diameter
gs = rate of bed load

D
S
d

p= 1 -

= actual discharge
= specific weight of

= specific weight of
~ = take into account
Yw

and
as

So bed share
and
and

= [~] YwS D
n' 3/2
( It )
= Measure of
T(7

= 0.047 (y -

."'. -111]0

-B.W.

~
Tjo

and

e -/ dt

A 'I'
1

+ A.ct>.

... (14.30)

are universal constants with a values

-!P... -!P.. [ 9t

where

water
correction for sides

effective stress

Yw) d

4>. - .lb <1>-.Ib

sediment particle

Tb

Tb

v""

of 44.5, 0.143 and 2.0 respectively.

Yw R S = shear stress T = Yw DS
R z D for a wi<:1e channel

1
.f-"

where A. , <1> B.

transport per unit

width of channel
n I = Manning's n for plane bed
n = actual value of Manning's n on rippled be
Q = discharge if sides were frictionless

Q..
y

Effective grain diameter in mm

l'cr = critical tractive force in kg/m 2

Critical tractive force is the minimum value of tractive force
at which the gains start moving.

... (14.28)

where

ks

For uni[oml soils

as ( a - P )

1/2
.

_1
(3)
gd

1/2

. . ~14.31)
f

gp =rate al which bed load moves through

the unit width of cross-section
d = diameter of sediment particle
ip = fraction qp which is of diameter d

a = mass density of sediment particle

P = mass density of water
ib = proportion of grains of diameter d
in the bed.

<i)

ip

(if)

'1'.

= ib

and Ill.

= lJl =

= <1>

(J; e R~S

... (14.32)

Where R' represents the hydraulic mean depth that would exist in the
channel if the bed were u~rippled. When N reprcscnL~ granular roughness
only, Manning's equation can be used for determining R.

IAAIGATION CHANNELS: SILTnlEORIES

IRRIGATION CHANNELS: Sn..TlliEORIES

640

SoluUon
Let the depth of the channel be D
Let width B of the channel be 7.6 D .
Velocity in the cbann~l
V 0.55 m DO. 64

W.

relationship bas been plotted by Einstein in the

form of a graph shown in Fig. 14.3. If the value of '1'. is known,
Ill. can be found oul and so q~ can be calculated from Eq. 14.14.
The Ill, 'I' relation could be expressed for uniform bed material by
<I>
_1_ e - 0.39111'
0.465
Ill. -

Keeping m= I,

.
40

11.

30

O!ol

'0

I 1

20

,I

2'0

,1'0
.0'8

.1

ill
111

~1

III

-"A'

0.4

I .A -;/

lXV I

I
III I I I I I
III II I '--j
--.

o,LI.ld" II I I 1I1111
~1111 T
0 '0

..

. D 2.01 m
. B = 15.3 m
Hydraulic mean radius R AlP

BD +D2/2

B+V'5D

rir~L

0.:5

0'1-'

Z,8 '_ 628

DiM.'=4'.46
- .

1.....-1

..

8.1.02
7.6D + 2.23D
D = 2.01 m
R = 1.66 m
m = 1,

Keeping
we get
Keeping

'

+ D2/2 = 8.1 D2

28 ~ (8.1 Ir)(0.55 Do.64 ) = 4.46 D 264

-1
vY 1/ 1I

i :1

Q =;A V .

~
L..Ll-

0"

..; 7."6 D2
Since

I'

I 1I
1

... (14.2)

=BD +D2/2

.
~,

= 0:55 d 64 .,

Area A of . the channel . section having a side slope

-,

"

\1

0-0001

0;001

,7'._

:07'

o.,

~.,II Ll H'

~,'
~

... 1

0-01;-7 c>-OO?1 1

8.3

11 \ \ 1
0'00\1

641

v =0.55 (2.01)64 = 9.86

By applying Kutter'S formula

V=CYRS

FIG. 14.3. EINSTEIN'S BED LOAD FUNCTION.

Example 14.4. Design a channel section by Kennedy's theoT),

given the following data
Q 2828 cumecs
Discharge
Kutter's
N = 0.0225
Critical velocity ratio m = 1
Side slope
= ~ :1
BID = 7.6
Find also the bed slope of the channel.

23

where

+ .1 + 0.00155
N

C=
1 + (23

23

or

+ 1.. + 0.00155
N

1+ ( 23+

S
000155) N

TR

1
or (23+__+ 0.00155)SII2
0.0225
S

+ 0.00155) N
S
TR

... (14.6)

_r.:;;:;
vRS = 0.86

=0.674 [1 +

(23

+ 0.00155) 0.0225J
S

1.659

64~ ,

IRRIGATION CHANNELS: SILT THEORIES

IRRIGATION CHANNELS: SILT THEORIES

_ 0.885 S + 0.00155 SI/2 - 1.42 x 10 - s = 0

__
,- - ' 1
By trial and error S = 6250 .

or ' 67.4 S3/2

_
75.15 X 0.885 DI/2
- (1 + 0.781 D."I/~)70.7
Equating L.H.S. and R.M.S. we get
64
70.7 x 0.55 DO. + 0.55 X 0.781 x 70.7 D.l4

Check

1 ) 3,,2
'
( 1 ) ., ,
( 1 ) \/2
-5
,_ ,~?.4 ( 6250
-~5 6250 +tf.QQl5S 6250 -1.42 X 10 =0
13.65 X 10- 5 - 14.18 X 10- 5

-+ 1.96)( '10-

- 1.42 X

10- =0

=
=

Hence,

= 6250

V = 0.55 x 1 x (1.7),64
= 0.773 mlsec

B:::: 15.3 m
D = 2.01 m.

Example 14.5. Find the channel section and discharge Q that

i~

can be aI/OWed to flow in

if BID = 5.7 , Bed slope

= 5~

= 0.781 D.

= c..fiiS by Kutter'S formula

23
Hence,

+ 1.. + 0.00155
, N 0001;5

(23+ . S

)V1f

+ [23 + 0.00155 x
1

=1+

=! :

_r~ ],116 _

15 x
140
- [ 140
= 0.69 m/sec.
2. Area A of the channel section

-l

=~ = Q~~9
3. Hydraulic 'mean radius, R

x 5000
5000] 00225

V'o'.781 15

,.--75 . 15
30.75 x 0.0225 vO.78WS

0.885 :.;t5

Full supply discharge = 15 m J I sec

Lacey's silt factor = 1.0
Channel side slopes
1.
Solution
1. Velocity V in the channel

= 21.75 m2.

= 0.0225
1
-23 + o:o22s
+ 0.00l~5

Q =A V= 17.91 x 0.773 = 13.85 cumecs.

VRs

Putting
R.H.S.

~+

'2
=6.2
D = 6.2 (1.7) 2
= 17.91 m2

EJample 14.6. Desig7: an irrigation channel in alluvial so~1 according

to Lacey's silt theory, given Jhe following data :

Assume critical veloctiy ratio m 1.

Then velocity
V 0.55Do . 64 by Kennedy's formula

0.55 DO.64 =

A =BD+D212

Discharge

R _~ _ B D + D2/2 _ 5.7 D2 + 0.5 d

- P - B + V5 D - 5.7 D + 2.23D

or

and

N = 0.0225. Use Kennedy's theory.

Solution
BID =5.7
Hence,
B = 5.7 0
. For a channel with side slope ~: 1

0.2D2
= 7.93 D

= 66.5 Dli2

38.88Do,64 - 66.5 D.s + 30.31 VO. 14 = ,0.

Solving the above equation by ' trial and error, we get .
D 1.7 m
,Hence,
B 5.7 x 1.7 = 9.69 m

15.61 - 15.60:::: 0-

643

... 5 V 2 _ 5.(0.69)2
-27- ' 2,'
=: 1.19 m.

Yo.781 DS

4.

= 1.19~, B +AD..fS.

1.1 i 16

'

'

IRRIGATION

IRRJOAnON CHAmmU: mLT1HEoRIBS

AI
Q
312 '

(l{ANNIiu :SILT ntEORrnS

... B+D{S

or '

and

_~

Also,
' P = B+ D..rs == 18.25.
Note. In example 14.3, first A and P were foun~ out from
which 'B and D were determined. A check was made 6y finding
out the value of R by Lacey's formul~ as well as from the values
of Band D. In this example, first A and R were found out' in
the order to determine Band D. A numerical check has been made
in step (5) by finding values of p ' from the calculated values of
Band D and from that of Lacey's formula. Both the methods are
follow any procedure.
correct and students

can

4. Slope
.<\.

1
5 = 3340 (Q)1/6

= 3340 (15)1 /'"

1
=,5'260'

Example 14.7. The slope of channel in alluvium is 5=1/5000;

Lacey's silt [actor = 0.9. Channel side slope = ~ : 1. Find the channel
section and maximum discJWrge which can be aUowed to floW in it
Solution
Using Equation (14.6)

SO

But

...~O

~-~v

~.\):v

~ Q0 ,~() ~

"

Q'

' I./'

",.

The bed material c'ottsists of uniform grain size of 0.3 mnb

and having a fall velocity 0.03 mlsecin still water. IHtermilu the
quantity of bed l()(ld moved by 1M challMl according to
(1) Einstein nuthod
~ :J-..y - (2) Mqu-Peter's equation. ,
g
?
Tau K, = 1.5 mm (representative roughnus of size of bed).
Also determine 1M concenlTa(ion of suspended load 1.0 m above the
channel bed if the co/Icentration at 0.3 m above the bed is 400 ppm.
Take specific gravity of pat'tides' as 2.67.
4}00

Solution

[S/]

(;~

ql = 4~

<:;:)-y

\0'

"y
I

V
<Jo.

:'t"-1 , x,}' " ,

,

flO

- (3340 5)6

so

x (0.9)10

=3.98 m3/sec

Q'

p~.bv ,J' ?
~ J7 "y. - \""
m derp has a slope of

.Quality of bed load moved in tile channel according to M~r"

,

Q - l3340 5

0/

(,~.(iit Q
~
~ ,

/
.}..

Q::I 3.9i ..'/-=.

"

... (i)

Peter's equatioli (Ref. Eq... 14.22) :

_rL16 _
Using equation 14.13

B-7.54.
D = 0.87.

.,

Example 14.8. .A wUU' cJuuuael3

'V'

sq.m

X 0.736 =6.95

-= BD + fil12 .. 6.95
P =B + Vs D =9.84
equations <,) and (u), we get

'V

and ' ,
Q

- .

9.84

=0 736

SOlving

3340 Ql!6

x 4~

Using equation 14.10

P = 4.75 V3.98
A = P R,= 9.48

5=~-~

or

= (0.9)3 X 5000 x 5000

4980

B = 15.1 m
D = 1.38 m
P=4.75VQ
.. 4.75{f5 = 18.3

f3
(4980 $)2

... (U)

Solving equation (1) and (it), We get

5. Check

R=

y~,~v "

... (i)

21.75

+ D v 5 = 1.19 = 18.25 I
A = BD + D2/ 2 = 21.75

Nf

4980R1/i

-...!

21.75

.:r

s=-.&-f-........

0"

644

64S

so

, 3/2

'f.- (~)'

d lt6

n' ... 24 and

n' ) 3/2

n'

'",'
'1'6
t.

==

ll/.,
Ie.

II

'( d

=;

==

}3t2
-

kglmlhour

'fer

'

(k.,)1/6
24

( '0.3 ) 1t4,
1.5

"
~ y..,Ds - lal x 3 x

'

- 0.668

1 '

4iii

------

--

IRRIGATION CHANNELS: SILTrnEORIES

"";.":
....

lSRIGATION CHANNELS: SILT ntEORIES

646

-=--

:: -.!lL' (_1 )1/2

=0.681 kglm2
fer

Gr...

= 0.047 (y - y...) d

= 0.047 (1.67) x 103 x 3 x ' 10- kg/

m2

q,

=0.0235.

qs = 4700 [0.681

Hence

=1330 kg/m/hour.

= =
= (Q=.!)L
1
R'S

G = alp.
But R' is given by the formula
n'
R'=R ( -n
where n' , and n are ;IS denned in Eq. 14.28 and R'

where

R' = 2.004 m

is as

. - 0.0668 mlsec

'" , 3/2
.( n)
=0.668

312

=: 3 x

gd

=q~ (~)1I2 (_1 )1/2

0, G - 1

..,From q.

14.27..

= 1.121.

fQ::..f.
_ a ] V:K
y
d-a

C C;
. '

0- P

K 0.4::0 Von Karman's COnstant

W
0.03
V.I( = Q.0668 0.4

0.668

From Einstein curves. (Fig. 14.3)

'P. = 'I" 1.085, we get
'P. = IP = 8.0
_q~ ( U )1/2 ('- 11 )1/2
IP-- 0,

9.81x2.004
4000

= 1.085.

AlsO.

V. -

=,2.004 ' m
'I' = 2.65 - 1 x 3 x 4400 x 10 - 4
.
1
2.004 x 1

For

= 1330 kg/m/hour.
= 1595 qlJnlhour.

=~
=";gR'S
P

defi-,ed in Eq.14.32.
For wide channel
R = D =3 m

x 10 - 12/7

.= 0.4kg/m2
W = Fall velocity
=0.03 m/sec.
V. = Shear velocity

)3/2

=R (~)

=400 X 10- 6 X 103

For uniform soils .

a-D d
'1'. 'I' . : :,p
:--L-R'S

as . calculated previously.
R'

112

By ' Einstein equation

Concentration of suspended load .
C. = 400 ppm at 0.3. m above bed

[Ref. Eq. 14.29 and 14.3O} :

and

(_1
)
gd

= 8.0 x 2.65 x 103"; 1.65 x [9.81 x ,32t

= 1595 ~g/m/hour.

By Meyer-Peter equation

Quantity of bed load moved according to Einstein equation

Since

G- 1

Hence. rate of bed load transport :

0.668 - 0.0235)3/2

641

gd3

3 - Y 0.3] 1.12~.
.y

0.7

C = 0.0342 [3/y - 1)1.121

.: 0.0342 x [3 - 1)1.121

'. = 0.0342 x 2.175

= 0.0745

=74.5 .I,ppm.:

IRRIOATION CHANNELS~ SlLTnlEQIU1!S

+48

PROBLEMS
.. ' . 1. Describe t~s .5I1t iheory. 'A cbannel is siltin8 badly in the
~cb. How. woukl you proceed to determine its cause and wbat remedics
would you &ugest.
2. Explain the procedure .of dcsigninl a channel with ICCnocdy's theory.
3. For a cbannel, the discharge (Q), rugo&ity (N), critiCal velocity ratiO.
(m ) and the bed widtb~eptb ratio (BID) are JiYCD. &plain boW WO\lld you

usin& \Kennedy's theory

design the chanoel

,

~.

expression for tbc aiIt

Kennedy's theOry.

Derive an

'

~pporting c:apIdty of a cbaDnCl ,

Design Procedure for a~

Irrigation Channel '

~ , to
~ Yo &plain Lacey's silt tbeory. '

6. Deacribe the mCtbod of desipliDl a canal ~ 011 Llrey's theorY.

,
7. Compare ~s aod LICey's lilt tbCOicI. why.. II Lacey's
conceptio(l superior to that of Keaacdy'l ?
'
8. Wbatdo you U1MSentIDd by (eI) rqime c:hIDDCIs, (b) initial and
permanent regime of cbaDncts ?
.
9. U&ing LIccy'I theory, delip u ,irfi&IdOO ch8,ane1 (or the foIkJWing
data :
.

ImdJarIC Q - SO c:umeca
Sift r.;tor

f- 1

Side IIopeS -

!: 1

[AM _ 29:6 m ; D - 1.98 , S 1/6400)

expession

10 UW, I..IiCey'I t.ic reJime cquatklDS. derie' ..

Lacey'a ICOUf depth.
.
.
,
11. WIth tbe belp of a.ie rqimc cquatiODl JM5h by

for
.

La'cey, ~rive

tile ~-dilcbarF rdatiCJIIIbip.

. 12. 1bc IIope of a c:banDel1a . . . d II 1/5900. F~ the cbannct .
ICCtiOO and the maximum, dIIcbIrF
caD be aDoMd to' aow In it. Tate .
lJM#'I lilt rIctor
1be
aide
IIope&
1. l--- b %Z.3 m, ~ - 1.97 m, Q - 30 c:umec!I)

!:

13.
data :

,-~.

"'**

dIIIf!l~,~~'~ ....

uliDl Kamedy'l u.i"

deIinI i c:bIImd ~. (or tbe f0Q0wi08

Q 14 cumccs
Kutten
N O.021S
CrticII' wb:Ily raiio~ 1 '

DiIoI:M'F ..

Side

15.1. LONGInJDINAL SECfION OF CANAL

After baving fixed tbe alfgament of canal on sbajra sheet u

iDdicated in chapter '13, the longitudinal section of the alignment
is taken on the field. The lOngitud~ settlon should therafter be,
plotted to a borizontal scale of 1 an
160 m ' and to vertical
scale of ~ em = 1 m. Vertical scale sbould .be changed if desired
accordin, to tbe magnitude of faU available.
.
For drawing 'longitudinal section, following steps are generaUy
. followed :
.
. (1) Plot the ground level along the alignment of tbe channel
with the ~ference to convenient datum.

(2) Mark the fuU supply level (F.s.L.) and the bed level of
the parent channel just on the upstream of head regulator of the
oft'tating channel for reference purposes.
(3) Draw tbe F.s.L. of : ~e otr-taking channel keeping foUowing
i-<oints in view.
(a ) Keep the F.S.L. of tbe off-taking channel 15 an below

~ .!:1
' 1 '

Bed tIIDpe

-~

(AM. b.~ 9.7 m ; II. 1.711D)

. . ;!,

tbe parent channel. This is generally done (I) to provide

for the loss of head at ,the head regulator, (ii) to meet
the demand fOf enra 5uppHes, in the canal at a future
date, (iii) to maintain the flow eVen if the channels get'
silted upto' som: eXtent in its bead reacheS. ' For 'l8ain
caaals taldilg off from river, P.S.L istept about 1 III
lower' 'tban the pond' 1eYeI of the

resenoir.
- ",

(649)