Use of the SETRIC Model for Examining the Functioning of an Irrigation Canal Carrying Sediment-laden Water

Abstract

Agriculture is vibrant for the economy of many countries worldwide. Optimal performance in terms of reliability, efficiency, and adequacy of the irrigation system plays an important role in the economic uplift of a country. Sediment accumulation in a canal significantly affects its morphology as well as the water supply for agriculture. This study comprises the application of a numerical model to study this highly important and challenging issue of the sediment transport process in Upper Chenab Canal (UCC), Pakistan. The SETRIC model has been applied to investigate the sediment transport in UCC. Manning’s formula is used to deal with the roughness in governing equations. The Ackers and White equation is adopted for estimating the sediment load. Data regarding the discharge, sediment concentration, gradation curve for sediment, and geometry of the canal were collected from Marala Head Office, Sialkot. The condition of the canal, for which the data has been collected, was investigated, and found that its performance is not optimal. Outlets of the upper reach of the canal draw more water, whereas the delivery performance ratio (DPR) of the tail outlets is not up to the mark. The model has been applied to determine the non-silting and non-scouring concentration of sediment flows through a hit-and-miss approach until the DPR values of the outlets at the upper and tail reaches of the canal converge, indicating uniform supply. Canal efficiency can further be improved by allowing non-silting and non-scouring sediment. The results of this study will be highly useful for canal operation and management.