Canal Systems

Dr. Litan Kumar Ray

Assistant Professor
Civil Engineering Department
NIT Warangal
Mob.: 8265999740
Canals
 A canal is an artificial channel constructed to carry water
from the source to the fields.

 In general, the canals have trapezoidal cross-section. The

canals are usually designed to the purpose for which they
are constructed as irrigation canals, power canals,
navigation canals, etc.

 An irrigation canal is the one which carries water from the

source to the agricultural fields for irrigation.
• A power canal is the one which supplies water to a power
house for the generation of hydro-electric power.

• A navigation canal is a canal which is constructed to provide

navigation facilities. In our country, the development of
navigation canal is almost negligible.
Classification of Irrigation Canals
1. Classification based on the nature of source:
i. Permanent Canals: A permanent canal is the one which is
fed by a permanent source of supply.
a) Perennial canal: are those canals which got continuous
supply from the source throughout the year.
b) Non-perennial canal: are those canals which get their
supply only for part of the year.
ii. Inundation Canals: An inundation canal is the one which
gets its supply only when the water level in the river from
which it takes off, rises during floods.
2. Classification based on the function of the canal:
i. Feeder canal (Feeders): A feeder canal is the one which is
constructed only to feed another canal. No direct
irrigation is carried out from a feeder canal.
ii. Carrier canals: A carrier canal is the one which besides
being used for direct irrigation, carries water to feed
another canal. Ex. Upper Chenab canal in west Punjab
(Pakistan).
3. Classification based on size and capacity:
i. Main canal: It is the principle canal of a network of
irrigation canals. It is usually a large capacity canal which
supplies water to branch canals and major distributaries.
It is not used for direct irrigation.
ii. Branch canal: Branches are the irrigation canals which
take off from the main canal on either side. The main
function of branch canals is to supply water to major and
minor distributaries. Discharge is > 5 m3/s.
iii. Major distributaries: Major distributaries are the
irrigation canals which take off from the branch canals
and some times from the main canal. They also supply
water to the minor distributaries taking off from them.
Discharge ranges from 0.25 to 5 m3/s.
iv. Minor distributaries: Minor distributaries are those which
take off from major distributaries and branch canals.
They supply water to the field canals for irrigation.
Discharge is < 0.25 m3/s.
v. Field channels or water
course: Field channels or
water course are small
channels which carry
water from the outlets of
the major or minor
distributary or a branch
canal to the fields to be
irrigated.

Layout of an irrigation canal network

4. Classification based on canal alignment:
i. Ridge canal or watershed canal: A ridge or watershed
canal is the one which is aligned along the ridge or the
natural watershed line.
ii. Contour canal: A contour canal is one which is aligned
nearly parallel to the contour of the area.
iii. Side slope canal: A side slope canal is the one which is
aligned at right angles to the contours of the country.
5. Classification based on soil through which constructed:
i. Alluvial canals: are those canals which are constructed
through alluvial soils. Those canals can be seen in the
Indo-Gangetic plains in north India.
ii. Non-alluvial canals: are those canals which are
constructed through hard soils or disintegrated rocks.
This type of canals can be seen in the central and
southern India.
6. Classification based on lining being provided or not:
i. Unlined canal: Unlined canal is the one which has its
banks made up of natural soil through which it is
constructed and it is not provided with a lining of
impervious material.
ii. Lined canal: Lined canal is the one which is provided with
a lining of impervious material on its bed and banks to
prevent the seepage of water.
STABLE CHANNELS
• A stable channel is an unlined earth channel : (a) which
carries water, (b) the banks and bed of which are not scoured
objectionably by moving water, and (c) in which
objectionable deposits of sediment do not occur.

• An irrigation channel can have either a rigid boundary or one

consisting of alluvial material. These channels may have to
carry either clear water or sediment-laden water.

• Accordingly, there can be four different types of problems

related to the design of a stable channel.
(i) Rigid-boundary (i.e., non-erodible) channels carrying clear
water,
(ii) Rigid-boundary channels carrying sediment-laden water,
(iii) Alluvial channels carrying clear water, and
(iv) Alluvial channels carrying sediment-laden water.

• The design of a stable channel aims at obtaining the values

of mean velocity, depth (or hydraulic radius), width and
slope of the channel for known values of discharge Q,
sediment discharge QT, sediment size d, and the channel
roughness characteristics without causing undue silting or
scouring of the channel bed.
RIGID-BOUNDARY CHANNELS CARRYING
CLEAR WATER
• The design of rigid boundary channels is based on the
Manning’s equation combined with the continuity equation.

• Thus, -------- (1)

• Where, A is the area of cross-section of flow and the

hydraulic radius R= A/P. Here, P is the wetted perimeter.

• So, ------- (2)

• This means that for specified values of Manning’s n and the
slope S, the discharge Q is maximum for a given area of
cross-section A when the wetted perimeter P is minimum.

• A channel section with the minimum wetted perimeter for a

given cross-sectional area A is said to be the most efficient
hydraulic section or, simply, the best hydraulic section.

• However, the construction difficulties in having a circular

cross-section means the channel the problem reduces to
determining the geometric elements of the most efficient
hydraulic section for a specified geometric shape.
• Now for a rectangular section of width B and depth of flow
h, the most efficient rectangular section is as follows:
Geometric elements of the most efficient hydraulic
sections
• In India, lined canals of triangular section of the permissible
side slope and rounded bottom will carry discharges less
than 55 m3/s.

• A trapezoidal section with rounded corners is adopted for

lined channels carrying discharges larger than 55 m3/s.

• The side slopes depend on the properties of the material

through which the channel is to pass.

• To avoid damage to the lining, the maximum velocity in

lined channels is restricted to 2.0 m/s. Thus, the design is
based on the concept of a limiting velocity.
Fig. 1. Lined channel section for Q < 55 cumec

For triangular section, Fig.1,

Area,
In all these
expressions for
A, P, and R, the
Wetted perimeter, value of θ is in
radians.

Hydraulic radius,
Triangular Section
• For given Q, n, S, A, and R expressed in terms of h for
known Q, the Manning’s equation will yield, for triangular
section, an explicit relation for h as:

------ (3)
• Similarly, for trapezoidal section, Fig. 2,
In all these
expressions for
A, P, and R, the
value of θ is in
radians.

Fig. 2. Lined channel section for Q > 55 cumec

Trapezoidal section
• For trapezoidal section, Fig. 2, the design calculations
would start with an assumed value of velocity (less than the
maximum permissible velocity of 2.0 m/s) and the
expression for h will be in the form of a quadratic expression
as
• From the Manning’s equation, (Velocity is U)
• On substituting this value of B in the expression for area of flow
A, one gets,

• Therefore, in order to have a feasible solution,

--------- (4)
Suitable side slopes for channels excavated through different types of
material
Example 1. A lined canal (n= 0.015) laid at a slope of 1 in
1600 is required to carry a discharge of 25 m3/s. The side
slopes of the canal are to be kept at 1.25 H: 1 V. Determine the
depth of flow.

Solution: Since Q < 55 m3/s, a triangular section with rounded

bottom, Fig. 1, is considered suitable.
Here, cot θ = 1.25
∴ θ = 38.66° or 0.657 radian
Thus, from Fig. 1, A= h2(θ+ cot θ) = h2(0.675 + 1.25) =1.925h2
And, P= 2h(θ+ cot θ) = 2h(0.675 + 1.25) = 3.85h
R = (1.925h2 / 3.85h) = h/2
From the Manning’s equation,
Q = (1/n)*A*R2/3*S1/2
• Hence, 25 = (1/0.015)*(1.925h2)*(h/2)2/3*(1/1600)1/2

• h = 2.57.

Example 2. Design a lined channel to carry a discharge of 300

m3/s through an alluvium whose angle of repose is 31°. The
bed slope of the channel is 7.75 × 10-5 and Manning’s n for the
lining material is 0.016.

Solution: Since Q> 55 m3/s, trapezoidal section with rounded

corners, Fig. 2, is to be designed. Here,
Side slope θ = 31° = 0.541 radians
∴ cot θ = 1.664
∴ θ+ cot θ = 2.205
∴ A = Bh + 2.205 h2
P = B+ 4.41h
Adopting U = 2 m/s
A = (300/2) = 150 m2
∴ Bh+ 2.205h2 = 150
And R = (U*n/S1/2)3/2 = [2*0.016/(7.75*10-5)0.5]3/2 = 6.93 m
∴ 6.93 (B+ 4.41h) = 150
or B = 21.645 – 4.41h
∴ 21.645h– 4.41h2 + 2.205h2 = 150
or 2.205h2 – 21.645h+ 150 = 0

Obviously, the roots of h are imaginary. Using the criterion,

Eq. (8.4), one gets,
 3 3 1/4
1 −5 2
𝑄𝑆 2 300∗ 7.75∗10
𝑈≤[ ] ≤
4 ≤ 1.543 𝑚/𝑠
4𝑛3 (𝜃+𝑐𝑜𝑡𝜃) 4 0.016 3 2.205

Adopt U = 1.5 m/s

∴ A= 200 m2
1.5∗0.016 3/2
𝑅= = 4.50 m
√(7.75∗10−5
Now, 4.50(B+ 4.41h) = 200
∴ B= 44.44 – 4.41h
Again, using Bh+ 2.205h2 = A, one gets,
44.44h - 4.41h2 + 2.205h2 = 200
or 2.205h2 – 44.44h + 200 = 0
• h = 13.37 m or 6.784 m
• B = 44.44 – 4.41h
= 14.52 m for h = 6.784 m
Other value of h (= 13.37 m) gives negative value of B which
is meaningless.
∴ B= 14.52 m and h = 6.784 m. (Ans.)
RIGID BOUNDARY CHANNELS CARRYING
SEDIMENT–LADEN WATER
• These channels are to be designed in such a way that the sediment
in suspension does not settle on the channel boundary.

• The design is, therefore, based on the concept of minimum

permissible velocity.

• In general, velocities of 0.7 to 1.0 m/s will be adequate for this

purpose if the sediment load is small.

• If the sediment concentration is large, Fig. 3 can be used to ensure

that the sediment does not deposit.
Fig. 3. Relation for the
limiting concentration of
suspended sediment in
channels
• In Fig. 3,
Cs = The concentration of sediment in ppm (by volume)
fb = the friction factor of the channel bed
= , R is hydraulic radius, g is acceleration due to
gravity, U is velocity of water, S is bed slope
Do = The central depth
T = The top width
Sc = S/(∆ρs/ρ), ∆ρs = specific gravity of sediment
v = Kinematic viscosity of water
d = Diameter of sediment particle
w0 = Fall velocity of sediment
• If the designed channel section is not able to carry the
specified sediment load, the slope S of the channel is
increased.
ALLUVIAL CHANNELS CARRYING SEDIMENT-
LADEN WATER
• For alluvial channels, the channel surface consists of alluvial
soil which can be easily scoured and due to the low velocity,
silting can also occur simultaneously.

• Therefore, the alluvial channel should be designed such that

neither silting nor scouring occurs. The velocity at which this
condition occurs is called the critical velocity.

• An alluvial channel designed using critical velocity is a

stable channel.
• Several investigators have studied the problems related to
scouring and silting in alluvial channel and suggested
various theories.

• Those are known as silt theories.

• The following two theories are commonly used for the

design of canals in alluvial soils:

1. Kennedy’s silt theory

2. Lacey’s silt theory
Kennedy’s silt theory
• R.G. Kennedy gave the theory in 1895. Kennedy collected
data from 22 channels of Upper Bari Doab canal system in
Punjab.

• His observations on this canal system led him to conclude

that the sediment in a channel is kept in suspension solely by
the vertical component of the eddies which are generated on
the channel bed.

• On plotting the observed data, Kennedy obtained the

following relation, known as Kennedy’s equation.
Uo = 0.55h0.64 --------- (1)
• Kennedy termed Uo as the critical velocity (in m/s) defined
as the mean velocity which will not allow scouring or silting
in a channel having depth of flow equal to h (in metres).

• On recognising the effect of the sediment size on the critical

velocity, Kennedy modified Eq. (1) to
U = 0.55mh0.64 ------- (2)
Where, m is the critical velocity ratio and is equal to U/Uo.

• He suggested the use of the Kutter’s equation along with the

Manning’s roughness coefficient. The final results do not
differ much if one uses the Manning’s equation instead of the
Kutter’s equation.
• Kutter’s equation
1 0.0015
+(23+ )
𝑁 𝑆
𝑈= 0.0015 ∗ 𝑅𝑆 -------(3)
1+ 23+ 𝑁/ 𝑅
𝑆

Recommended values of B/h for stable channels

Example 1. Design a channel carrying a discharge of 30 m3/s with critical
velocity ratio and Manning’s n equal to 1.0 and 0.0225, respectively.
Assume that the bed slope is equal to 1 in 5000.

Solution: Assume h= 2.0 m. From Kennedy’s equation

U = 0.55 mh0.64 = 0.55 × 1 × (2.0)0.64 = 0.857 m/s
A = Q/U = 30/0.857 = 35.01 m2
For a trapezoidal channel with side slope 1 H: 2V,
ℎ2 22
𝐵ℎ + =𝐵∗2+ = 2𝐵 + 2 = 35.01
2 2
B = 16.51 m
R = 35.01/(16.51+2* 5) = 16.7 m
Therefore, from the Manning’s equation
U = (1/n)*R2/3*S1/2 = (1/0.0225)*16.72/3*(1/5000)1/2
U = 0.885 m/s
Since the velocities obtained from the Kennedy’s equation and Manning’s
equation are appreciably different, assume h= 2.25 m and repeat the
above steps.
U = 0.55 × 1 × (2.25)0.64 = 0.924 m/s
A= 30/ 0.924 = 32.47 m2
∴ B(2.25) + (0.5) (2.25)2 = 32.47
∴ B= 13.31 m
R = 32 47 / (13.31+ 5*2 25) = 1.77 m
U =(1/0.0225)*(1.77)2/3*(1/5000)1/2 = 0.92 m/s

Since the two values of the velocities are matching, the depth
of flow can be taken as equal to 2.25 m and the width of
trapezoidal channel = 13.31 m.
Example 2. Design an irrigation channel by Kennedy’s theory
to carry a discharge of 5 cumecs. Take m = 1.0, N = 0.0225,
and B/h ratio = 4.40.

Solution: A = h2(B/h + 0.5) = 4.9h2

Q = AU = 4.9h2(0.55*1*h0.64) = 5
h = 1.26 m
B = 1.26*4.4 = 5.54 m
𝐵ℎ + 0.5ℎ2 5.54 ∗ 1.26 + 0.5 ∗ 1.262
𝑅= = = 0.93 m
𝐵+ℎ 5 5.54 + 1.26 ∗ 5
U = 0.55*1.0*1.260.64 = 0.64 m/s
1 0.0015
+(23+ )
𝑁 𝑆
Now, U = 0.0015 ∗ 𝑅𝑆
1+ 23+ 𝑁/ 𝑅
𝑆
• Neglecting the term 0.00155/S,

23+1/0.0225
0.64 = 1+23∗0.0225/ 0.93
∗ 0.93 ∗ 𝑆
S = 2.288*10-4
Try the values of S greater than this value,
For, S = 2.30*10-4,
h = 1.26 m, B = 5.54 m, S = 2.3*10-4
Drawbacks in Kennedy’s theory

1. Kennedy did not give any equation for S or the B/h ratio,
without which it is not possible to obtain a unique design.

2. Kennedy did not give a flow equation of his own, and

used Kutter’s equation. Therefore, the limitations of
Kutter’s equation also got incorporated in the design of
channel.

3. Kennedy did not consider the silt charge concentration and

silt grade. He only used a factor m, called critical velocity
ratio to consider the complex phenomenon of sediment
transport.
4. The value of m cannot be determined by any rational
method. It has to be fixed arbitrarily, depending upon the
silt size.

5. The theory is not universally applicable.

6. The design of the channel by the Kennedy’s theory require

tedious trail and error procedure.
Lacey’s Method
• In 1939 Gerald Lacey, an engineer in the Irrigation
Department, Uttar Pradesh, gave a theory based on detailed
investigation on the design of stable channels in alluvial
soils.

• Lacey stated that the dimensions width, depth, and slope of a

regime channel to carry a given water discharge loaded with
a given sediment discharge are all fixed by nature.

• In an alluvial channel, the scouring or silting will occur, and

the width, depth and bed slope will undergo modifications,
till an equilibrium is reached by the channel. The channel is
then said to have become a regime channel (or stable
channel).
• According to Lacey, the fundamental requirements for a
channel to be in regime are as follows :
(i) The channel flows uniformly in incoherent alluvium.
Incoherent alluvium is the loose granular material which can
scour or deposit with the same ease. The material may range
from very fine sand to gravel, pebbles, and boulders of small
size.
(ii) The characteristics and the discharge of the sediment are
constant.
(iii) The water discharge in the channel is constant.

• The perfect ‘regime’ conditions rarely exist. The channels

which have lateral restraint (because of rigid banks) or
imposed slope are not considered as regime channels.
• In case of rigid banks, the width is not widened but the slope
becomes steeper. Lacey termed this regime as the initial
regime.

• If the continued flow of water overcomes the resistance to

bank erosion so that the channel now has freedom to adjust
its perimeter, slope, and depth in accordance with the
discharge, the channel is likely to attain what Lacey termed
the final regime.

• A channel which has attained final regime is called regime

channel. Lacey also suggested that for a regime channel the
roughness coefficient as well as the critical velocity ratio
should be dependent on sediment size alone.
• Lacey gave four basic equation:

• Silt factor, ------- (1)

• Relationship between mean velocity (U) and hydraulic

radius (R),
--------- (2)

• Relationship between cross-sectional area (A) mean velocity

(U),
--------- (3)
• Flow equation,
--------- (4)
Lacey’s derived equations
• Velocity equation
𝐴𝑓1 2 = 140𝑈 5
𝐴𝑈 𝑓1 2 = 140𝑈 6
𝑄𝑓1 2 = 140𝑈 6
𝑄𝑓1 2 1/6
𝑈= ( 140 ) --------- (5)
• Wetted perimeter equation
From equation (2) and (5)

- -------- (6)
• Hydraulic radius equation
From equation (2) and (3),

-------- (7)

For wide channels, RU equals the discharge per unit width.

Hence, q= 0.212 Q1/2
---------- (8)
• Slope equation
From equation (2) and (4)

---------- (9)
On substituting the value of R from either Eq. (7) or Eq. (8), in
Eq. (9), one obtains,

---------- (10)

Lacey’s regime relations, Eqns. (1) to (10), are valid for

regime channels and can be used suitably to design a regime
channel for a given discharge and sediment size.
• Lacey’s equations, commonly used for the design of alluvial
channels, are summarised below:
• Example 1. Design a stable channel for
carrying a discharge of 30 m3/s using
Lacey’s method assuming silt factor
equal to 1.0. Assume the final side slope
of the channel as 0.5H:1V(generally
observed field value).

• Solution:
P = 4.75 𝑄 = 26.02 m
𝑄 1/3
R = 0.48 =1.49 m
𝑓1
 5/3
𝑓
S=3∗ 10−4 𝑄11/6 = 1.702*10-4
2/3 1/3
U = 10.8𝑅 𝑆 = 0.781 m/s
• P = B + ( 5)h = 26.02 m
So, B = 26.02 - 2.24h
And A = Bh+ h2/2 = PR= 26.02 × 1.49 = 38.77 m2
So,

h = 13.28 or 1.68 m

The value of h equal to 13.28 m gives negative B and is,

therefore, not acceptable.

Hence, h = 1.68 m, and

B = 26.02 – 2.24 × 1.68 = 22.23 m

• Example 2. An irrigation channel is to be
designed for a discharge of 50 m3/s adopting
the available ground slope of 1.5×10–4. The
river bed material has a median size of 2.00
mm. Design the channel and recommend the
size of coarser material to be excluded or
ejected from the channel for its efficient
functioning.

• Solution:
𝑓1 = 1.76 𝑑 = 2.49.
5/3 1/6
𝑆 = 0.003𝑓1 𝑄 = 7.15*10-4
• The computed slope is much large than the available ground
slope of 1.5×10–4 which is to be adopted as the channel bed
slope. Therefore, the median size of sediment which the
channel would be able to carry can be determined by
computing the new value of f1 for S = 1.5×10–4 and the given
discharge and then obtaining the value of d for this value of
f1 using Eq. 1.
• Thus,
• So, d = 0.30 mm
• Therefore, the material coarser than 0.30 mm will have to be
removed for the efficient functioning of the channel.
• The hydraulic radius of this channel R is obtained from Eq.
(7) : R = 1.783 m
• From Eq. (6): P = 33.59 m
• Assuming final side slope of the channel as 0.5H:
1V(generally observed field value),
• B + ( 5)h = 33.59
• A = Bh + h2/2 = PR = 59.89 m2

• So,

• h = 17.32 m or 1.99 m
• Obviously, h = 1.99 m as the other root of h would result in
too narrow a channel section.
∴ B = 33.59 – 2.24(1.99) = 29.13 m.
Lacey’s general flow equation
• Equation (4) is Lacey’s flow equation applicable to only
regime channels. Lacey also gave a general flow equation
which is applicable to both regime and non-regime channel.

1
𝑈= 𝑅 3/4 𝑆 1/2 ------- (11)
𝑁𝑎
• Where, Na is Lacey’s absolute rugosity coefficient.

• Derivation of general flow equation:

From Eq. (4),
𝑈 3 = 1260𝑅 2 𝑆
𝑅
Or, 𝑈 2 = 1260 𝑅𝑆
𝑈
 𝑅 1/2 1/2 1/2
𝑈 = 35.5 𝑅 𝑆 ---------- (a)
𝑈
• The Eq. (a) is similar to Chezy’s equation 𝑈 = 𝐶 𝑅𝑆, in
which Chezy’s coefficient,
𝑅 1/2
𝐶 = 35.5 ----------- (b)
𝑈
• Eq. (2) can be written as 𝑈 = 𝐾 𝑓1 𝑅, ------- (c)
where, K is 0.632
1/2
𝑅
• From Eq. (b) and (c), 𝐶 = 35.5
𝐾 𝑓1 𝑅
𝐾′ 𝐾′ 35.5
Let us put 𝐶 = (𝑁 )𝑅1/4, where, = 1/4
𝑎 𝑁𝑎 𝐾 1/2 𝑓1

• Now, from Chezy’s equation,

• 𝑈 = 𝐶𝑅1/2 𝑆 1/2
𝐾′
• 𝑈= 𝑅1/4 ∗ 𝑅1/2 𝑆 1/2
𝑁𝑎
𝐾′
• 𝑈= 𝑅 3/4 𝑆 1/2 -------- (d)
𝑁𝑎
• Now, according to Lacey, the absolute rugosity coefficient
(𝑁𝑎 ) depends only on grain size of silt and is independent of
the channel condition. Therefore, if 𝐾 ′ is equal to 1, the Eq.
(d) will be
1 3/4 1/2
𝑈= 𝑅 𝑆
𝑁𝑎
Drawbacks in Lacey’s theory
1. The true regime conditions defined by Lacey are
hypothetical and may not be achieved in reality.
2. Most of the equations involve the silt factor (f1). The
derivations of the various equations by considering a single
factor is not satisfactory.
3. Lacey did not consider the silt charge.
4. Strictly considering, an artificial channel is not a regime
channel, and therefore, the regime theory is not applicable.
5. Lacey indicated that a true regime channel has a semi-
elliptical shape, but did not gave any equation for this
shape.
Tractive Force Theory
• Alluvial channels carrying clear water should be designed
such that the erodible material of the channel boundary is not
scoured. The design of such channels is, therefore, based on
the concept of tractive force.

• The movement of the sediments at bed is caused by a force

extracted on its grains by the flowing water. This force is
known as tractive force.

• In uniform flow, the average tractive stress, τ0 is given as

𝜏𝑜 = 𝜌𝑔𝑅𝑆 ------ (1)
Where, R is the hydraulic radius, and S is the bed slope.
• The shear stress is not uniformly distributed over the channel
perimeter. Figure 1 shows the variation of the maximum
shear stresses acting on the side, τsm and the bed, τbm of a
channel.

Fig. 1. Maximum shear stress on

(a) sides and (b) bed of smooth
channels in uniform flow
• For a particle resisting on a level or mildly sloping bed, on
can write the following expression for the incipient motion
condition :
𝜏𝑏𝑙𝑎 = 𝑊𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛 𝜃 -------- (2)
• where, Ws is the submerged weight of the particle, and a is
the effective area of the particle over which the tractive
stress τbl is acting, and θ is the angle of repose for the
particle. τbl is, obviously, the critical shear stress τc for the
bed particles.

• Since the aim is to avoid the movement of the movement of

the particles, τbl may be kept less than τc, say 0.9 τc.

• For a particle resting on the sloping side of a channel (Fig.

2), the condition for the incipient motion is
FIG. 2. Forces causing movement of a particle resting on a channel
bank
Or, --------- (3)

On combining Eqs. (2) and (3)

--------- (4)

𝜏𝑠𝑙 = 𝑘 𝜏𝑏𝑙 = 0.9𝑘 𝜏𝑐

For non-scouring condition, the design rules become

• Lane also observed that the channels, which are curved in

alignment, scour more readily. He, therefore, suggested some
correction factors which should be multiplied with the critical
value of tractive stress.
 • The values of critical shear stress (and also τbl) for bed and
sides of curved channels are given in Table 1.

Table 1. Critical shear stress and the values of τbl for curved channels
Example 1. Design a trapezoidal channel (side slopes
2H: 1V) to carry 25 m3/s of clear water with
following data:
a) slope equal to 10–4
b) side slopes 2H: 1V
c) channel bed and banks comprise gravel (angle of
repose = 31°) of size 3.0 mm.
d) permissible tractive stress of 2.185 N/m2

Solution: From Table 1, 𝜏𝑏𝑙 = 0.9 𝜏𝑐

𝜏𝑏𝑙 = 0.9 ∗ 2.185 = 1.97 N/𝑚2
So, 𝜏𝑏𝑚 = 1.97 N/𝑚2
• Now,

• So,

• Rest of the computations are by trial and can be carried out

as follows :
• Assume B/h = 10
• Therefore, from Fig. 1,

• Also from Fig. 1,

• Choosing the lesser of the two values of h
• h= 1.27 m
∴ B= 10h= 12.7 m

𝑑 1/6 (3∗10−3 )1/6

Now, 𝑛 = = = 0.0148
25.6 25.6
So,

Since this value of Q is less than the given value, another value
of B/h, say, 20.0 is assumed. Using Fig. 1, it will be seen that h
= 1.27 m.
• This value of Q is only slightly greater than the desired value
25.00 m3/s.
• Hence, B = 25.4 m and h = 1.27 m. The trial calculations can
be done in a tabular form as shown below:
Design Channel- IS:7112-1973
• Get the critical tractive force value using Shield, White
equation.
Shield equation
𝜏𝐶 = 0.98𝑑
White equation
𝜏𝐶 = 0.786𝑑 KN/m2
• Select bed slope S.
• Calculate R value using 𝜏𝐶 = 𝜏 = 𝜌𝑔𝑅𝑆
• Calculate U using Manning’s equation.
• Find area A =Q/U.