Failure of concrete canal lining on fine sandy soils: a case study for the Saveh Project

Abstract

AbstractThis paper presents the results of an investigation conducted on the causes of failure of concrete linings in the Saveh Irrigation Project. Firstly, a detailed field survey was performed and all previous technical reports on this subject were studied. Then, several test pits were dug at 500 m intervals along the canal embankment as well as its centre line and soil samples were taken from different depths at 50 cm intervals. All samples were tested for their chemical, physical and mechanical properties. The results of the tests showed that most samples were sandy and classified as chemically non‐dispersive. However, the results of pinhole tests showed that some samples are physically medium to highly dispersive. Based on the overall results of the field and laboratory investigations, the main causes of the damage to the lining were related to three groups, i.e. design parameters, construction quality, and geotechnical properties of the foundation soil. Among these, the latter was mainly responsible for the damage. Based on the nature of damage, few remedial measures have been suggested. The canal was monitored for the last four years and no further indication of damage has been observed since then. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.