Components of Hydraulic Structures
Components of Hydraulic Structures
Cross regulator is otherwise called canal regulator. It crosses the canal. Support part for small canals is called a culvert. In cross regulator there are piers (pillars) in between. For all hydraulic structures there are 3 mandatory components to hold the hydraulic structures with the embankment.
1) Abutment – which holds the hydraulic structure
2) Wing wall – a tapering component usually of masonry or concrete
3) Return – that which connects wing wall with the embankment
Since embankment is sloping downwards, embankment also must slope downwards. Return will be levelled. Slope is incline angle with respect to horizontal axis. Angle with respect to vertical is called splay. When you draw the top view of the structure you see the splay and when you see the front view you see the slope (elevation).
Usually, velocity under the road through the opening tunnels will be restricted to 2.5 m/s. Discharge in metre cube per second is area times velocity.
Water needs to be regulated. You have a road and a raised portion on the side of the road which will facilitate operation of the structures. Initially it was made of timbre now to steel shutters. Shutter regulates water flow to the downstream and facilitates maintenance operation of downstream.
The type of bridge inclined to the road is called the skew bridge. Head regulator which will allow only excess water. Sometimes you do not need a regulatory arrangement for head regulator. Head regulator facilitates overflow of excess water to the river. Check dams are very small dams (1 to 1.5 metres high) made of masonry sometimes we have temporary check dams by piling up of sand facilitating upstream water supply or irrigation.