EFFECT OF SEDIMENT LOAD ON CHANNEL • DIMENSIONS - A CASE STUDY OF CHATARA CANAL IN NEPAL

Abstract

The present study deals with effect of sedimentation in canals. For the efficient functioning of a canal system, it is essential that channels carry required discharge and sediment load without any maintenance problem. Number of studies are available for the design of such an efficient channel for given discharge and sediment load. On the basis of these available methods, the performance of Chatara main canal has been examined as a case study. This canal has been found to draw large quantity of sediment load from the river Kosi from which it draws water. The reasons for drawing such large sediment load have been identified. The adequacy of the present channel dimensions is also examined using available methods. I't is found that with its present dimensions, Chatara canal -is not capable of taking high sediment concentration which enters into it during monsoon months. In order to increase its sediment carrying capacity, modifications in the channel have been suggested. These modifications along with other measures as proposed in this study will help in minimizing the problem...