Improvement stability of earth canal banks using geo-technical approaches

Abstract

ABSTRACTSplash erosion is one of the common erosional features, which is happening in the steep slope of sidewall of earth structures. Accordingly, it is necessary to use erosion control procedures in some sections of the route, especially in the intersection with other structures or in the intervals of channel route in the vicinity of access road or agricultural lands. Application of bio-mulches and well-known natural modifying agents are being used to control erosion. This research aimed to control splash and rill erosion processes along the steep slope of sidewall of earth structures and to find out the best modifying agents and bio-mulches to enhanced stability of soil profile. The research method was formulated to use experimental methods to simulate rainfall in different intensities and durations using rain simulation laboratory of soil protection and watershed management research institute. In addition, modifying agents and bio-mulches were applied in order to discover optimum compounds to improve stability of soil resistance parameters on the sidewalls of irrigation and drainage channels. Further, geometry of the irrigation and drainage channels (Khuzestan Province, Southwestern of Iran) was use to setup experimental procedures. In total, 290 tests were conducted using 15 types of modifiers and bio mulches. The resultant data have emphasized on effectiveness treatments using bio-mulches and groups of cements such as sulfate, slurry and lime, and soil mixture with a confidence level of 95 percent. For instance, bio-mulches were increased soil resistance upon to 89% rate of erosion along the sidewalls of drainage channels. Sulfate resistant cement slurry treatment has represented the best performance among other soil-modifying agents with a rate of 98%. The present research has introduced applicability methods of the bio-mulch and soil-modifying agents in soil erosion control.