Numerical Investigation of Seepage from Earth Canals and Comparison with Field Measurements

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 1M. Sc. Student in hydraulic structures, Department of Water Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz-Iran

2 Associated Professor, Department of Water Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tabriz, Tabriz-Iran

Abstract

The seepage losses from the unlined channels are a major contributor to water losses in the agricultural sector. An understanding of the nature of seepage losses can help to improved water conveyance efficiency and provides solutions for solving water scarcity problems. In this research, numerical simulation was used to study the effective factors on seepage from earth channels. To verify the available information, some of the earthen channels in Zayandehrud irrigation network were used. A number of 246 numerical models including different sections of trapezoidal, rectangular and triangular earthen channels were performed using SEEP/W software. The results showed that, for numerical simulation a width of 15 times the width of the water surface in the channel would be required for the modelling of the left and right lateral boundaries. The comparison of seepage with empirical relationships showed that the empirical relationships reveal a large error in the seepage estimation, although Moritz’s relation with the coefficient of determination 0.373 was better than the rest. Linear and nonlinear multivariate regression relationships provide a suitable match for seepage discharge estimation. Linear relationship was preferable due to small root mean square error (RMSE) and its simplicity. Wetted perimeter has been distinguished effective parameter in seepage from channel, but channel side slope had low effect on seepage. It is suggested that in future studies, the effect of groundwater depth on seepage from the channel should be considered.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Amirkabir Journal of Civil Engineering
Volume 51, Issue 5
November and December 2019
Pages 843-864

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