construction and refurbishment of earthen irrigation channel banks

During the course of this project, it became apparent that the irrigation industry is rapidly loosingknowledge and expertise in earthen channels, due to organisational changes and the generationof staff involved in channel design and construction leaving the industry. The Guidelines havetherefore endeavoured to capture as much of the existing knowledge base as possible, as well asextending this through the research project.Channel bank design, construction and refurbishment practices of some Australia irrigationauthorities have not changed significantly for many years and the industry has developed somefixed views. Changes to a number of established practices and standards are proposed, and forthese changes to be understood and put into practice by the industry, the reasons for the changesand supporting discussion have been incorporated in the Guidelines. It is important thatpractitioners keep themselves informed and retain an open mind on new ways of doing things.Finally, critical comment from readers will be most welcome, as will the notification of errorsand omissions, so that the Guidelines can be improved in subsequent editions.Ian MoorhousePrincipal InvestigatorManager Irrigation Technical ServicesGoulburn-Murray WaterConstruction and Refurbishment of Earthen Channel Banks August 2002 – Edition 1.0 v