Glacis Type Of Canal Drop

• This is also known as hydraulic jump canal drop.

• Glacis means smooth gliding of water from upstream
to downstream.
• This is the modern type of construction, in which a
raised crest is constructed across the canal and a
gentle straight inclined surface is provided from
raised crest to the downstream.
• The water coming from the upstream crosses the
raised crest and falls on inclined surface with
sufficient energy dissipation.

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The following are the different type of canal falls that
may be adopted according to the site conditions:

1) Ogee fall:
This type of fall is provided when the
natural ground suddenly changes to a
steeper slope along the alignment of
the canal.

2) Rapid fall:
This type of fall is provided when
the slope of the natural ground
surface is even and long.
3/12/2019 2
3) Stepped fall:
This fall is suitable in places
where the sloping ground is
very long and requires long
glacis to connect the higher
bed level with lower bed
level.

4) Vertical drop fall:

This type of fall is provided when
the water flows over the crest of the
wall. A water cistern is provided on
the downstream side which acts as a
water cushion to dissipate the
energy.
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5) Trapezoidal notch fall:

In this type of wall a body wall is

constructed across the canal. The
body wall consists of several
trapezoidal notches between side
piers and the intermediate piers. The
sill of notch is kept at the upstream
bed level of the canal.

6) Glacis fall:
In this type of fall the hydraulic
jump is made to occur on the
glacis, causing sufficient energy
dissipation.
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 Glacis fall
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The glacis type falls may be divided into two categories:
1. Straight glacis type
2. Parabolic glacis type

1 . Straight glacis type:

This fall consists of a straight sloping ramp at

downstream. This is also known as Inglis fall.

2. Parabolic glacis type:

This fall consists of a parabolic sloping ramp at
downstream. This is also known as Montague type fall.
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 Straight Glacis fall
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 Parabolic Glacis Fall
3/12/2019 8
 GLACIS TYPE OF CANAL DROP
1. Design a glacis type of drop with the
following hydraulic particulars.
Description Upstream Downstream
Full supply discharge 7.5 cumecs 7.5 cumecs
Bed width 6.0 m 6.0 m
Bed level +10.00 +8.00
Full supply depth (F.S.D) 1.50 m 1.50 m
Full supply level (F.S.L) +11.50 +9.50
Top of bank level (T.B.L) +12.50 +10.50
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Design:
Broad-crested weir is proposed.

The discharge over the weir is

𝑄 = 1.84 𝐵t 𝐷 3/2

where, Bt =Throat width

Q =Discharge
D =Depth of flow over weir

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Fluming Ratio:
The ratio of the actual width of weir provided to the canal
bed width upstream of the drop is known as Fluming Ratio.

The CWPC recommends the following ratios depending

upon the height of the drop
Height of drop Clear throat width
Upto 1.20 m 65%
Over 1.20 m & upto 3m 75%
Above 3m 85%

For the present case the throat width Bt may be fixed.

Taking a fluming ratio of 75%.(since height of drop=2m)
Bt = 75% of bed width of canal
=0.75*6
3/12/2019 =4.5 m 11
Fixing the crest level:
The depth of flow over the weir “D” is now calculated.
𝑄 = 1.84 𝐵t 𝐷3/2
where, Q = 7.5 cumec
𝐵t = 4.5 m
therefore, D = 0.94 m
The crest level is given as
T.E.L on upstream -D
𝑝 𝑣2
= +z+ -D
𝛾 2𝑔
= 1.5 + 0 + 0.028 – 0.94
= +0.58
i.e., the crest of the throat will be at a height of 0.58 m
above the upstream canal bed level +10.58 m
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Check:
Crest should not higher than 0.4*d
where, d=Full supply depth in canal (u/s)
= 0.4*1.5
=0.6 > 0.58
Therefore the rise of the weir crest is within the stipulated
limit.
Therefore the level of the crest of the throat is fixed at
+10.58 m.

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Length of the weir crest (Lt):
This is measured along the axis of the canal, it is
the width of weir crest .

The recommended value is 2/3 of the depth of

flow over the weir crest (D).
2/3 * 0.94 = 0.60 m

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Upstream Side Glacis:
1
The upstream slope of the glacis is to be :1 (H to V)
2
joined tangentially to the weir crest with the radius D/2
=0.94/2
=0.50 m
The upstream slope has to rest on a curtain wall of
0.6m width.
1
Since the u/s slope is :1
2
𝜃 1
tan = 1
2
2
𝜃 = 63°26′
𝜃
tan = tan 31 °43′
2
Tangent length with radius of curve as 0.50 m is
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 𝜃
𝑅 tan = 0.50 ∗ tan 31°43′
2
= 0.50* 0.618
=0.30 m
Downstream Side Glacis:
2
The downstream slope of glacis is to be :1 joined
3
tangentially to the weir crest at top and to the baffle
platform at the bottom with a curve of radius (D).
2
Side slope = :1 (H:V)
3
1
tan 𝜃 = 2
3
𝜃 = 56°19′
𝜃
= 28°10’
2
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 𝜃
tan = tan 28°10′
2
=0.535
𝜃
Therefore tangent length = 𝑅 ∗tan
2
= 0.94 * 0.535
=0.5 m
Baffle Platform:
Reduced level of baffle platform = downstream F.S.L – d’x
d’x is the subcritical depth of flow in the channel
below the point of formation of standing wave for
expanding downstream sides.
d’x = HX + dX - HL
where, HX = calculated height of drop
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HL = actual height of drop
HL = [u/s F.S.L – d/s F.S.L]
= 11.50 – 9.50
=2.00
dX = 0.985 * q0.52 * HX 0.21
where, dX is the subcritical depth of flow in the canal d/s
side after the formation of standing wave for parallel sides
in meters.
q is the discharge in cumec/m
q = Q/4.5
= 7.5/4.5 =1.67 cumec/m
HX = HL
𝐾0.152
Bed width of canal downstream 6
K= = = 1.33
Fluming width of weir 4.5
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 2
HX = 0.152 =1.91
1.38

dX = 0.985 * q0.52 * HX 0.21

= 0.985 * 1.670.52 *1.910.21

dX = 1.47

d’x = 1.91+1.47-2
= 1.38

Reduced level of baffle platform = d/s F.S.L - d’x

= 9.50 – 1.38
= +8.10
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Height Of Baffle Wall:

hb = dc – d2
1 1
𝑞2 3 1.672 3
where, dc = Critical depth = =
𝑔 9.81
=0.66

d2 = hypercritical depth
=0.183 * 𝑞0.89 ∗ HX−0.35
=0.183 * 1.670.89 ∗ 1.91−0.35
= 0.23
hb = 0.66 – 0.23
=0.43 or say 0.45

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Top level of the baffle wall =8.10+0.45
= +8.55

2
Thickness of baffle wall generally taken as of hb
3
2
* 0.45 =0.3 m
3

Length of baffle platform (𝐿𝐵 ) is generally taken as

=5.25 * hb
=5.25 *0.45
=2.36 say 2.40
The baffle platform is joint to the baffle wall with a curve of
2
radius of ∗ ℎ𝑏 i.e., 0.30 m.
3
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Design Of Cistern:
The platform below the baffle wall upto the
deflector wall is known as cistern. Generally, this will be at
a level lower than that of the baffle platform and canal
bed level downstream of drop.

The depth of the cistern is adopted as 0.1 𝑑3

below the canal bed level, where 𝑑3 is the full supply
depth of the downstream of the drop subjected to a
minimum of 15 cm in minor channels and 30 cm for main
canals and branches.

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Cistern depth = 0.1 * 1.50
= 0.15 m
Reduced level of cistern = 8.00 – 0.15
= + 7.85
The top of deflector wall is kept at the canal bed down
stream i.e., + 8.00
The cistern floor will be joined to the top of the deflector
wall with a slope of 1 in 5.
The length of cistern 𝐿𝑓 is generally taken as 5 times of 𝑑𝑥
=5 *1.474
=7.37 m
If canal bed soils are of erodible nature, the length
of the cistern may be increased upto 6 times 𝑑𝑥 .
The second criterion that fixes the length of the
cistern
3/12/2019 is the splay of the downstream wings. 23
 The wings are splayed from the baffle wall with a
splay of 1 in 5, such that the distance between the returns
at the end of the splay is equal to the full supply width of
the canal water way.
Assuming 1 to 1 canal cutting, the width of water
way at canal F.S.L
= 6+2*1.5
= 9m
4.5
𝐿𝑓 = ∗5
2
=11.25 m
This fixes the length of the cistern from the baffle wall
upto end of deflector wall.

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Upstream Canal Transition:
The upstream canal wings are splayed at 1 in 1.
4.5
The length of transition = *1 = 2.25 m
2

Protective Works:
Revetments And Bed Pitching:
• Upstream side of the drop:
The length of side revetments is taken as 3
times the upstream side full supply depth, i.e., 3*1.5 =4.5m
Bed pitching is generally restricted to half
4.5
the length of the side revetments, i.e., =2.25 m
2
3/12/2019 25
• Downstream side of the drop:
The length of side revetments is taken as 3 times the
downstream side full supply depth, i.e., 3*1.5 =4.5m
Bed pitching is generally restricted to half
4.5
the length of the side revetments, i.e., =2.25 m
2

Upstream Side Curtain Wall:

The depth of the curtain wall at the end
of the upstream end of the sloping glacis is given as 1/3
of the upstream side full supply depth.
1
i.e., ∗ 1.5 = 0.5 m below the upstream
3
canal bed.
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 Downstream cutoff wall below Deflector Wall:
This is generally taken down to a depth of ½
the full supply depth below the canal bed level downstream.
i.e., +8.00 – 0.75 = +7.25
Scour Depths:
The depths of curtain walls u/s and d/s of the
drop are governed by Scour depth.
While the u/s curtain wall is taken down to 1.00
to 1.25 times the scour depth, the d/s curtain wall is taken
down to a depth of 1.5 times the scour depth.
Scour depth is given by the formula
1
𝑞2 3
𝑅 = 1.374 ∗
3/12/2019 𝑓 27
Where, R = depth of scour below the maximum water
level
q = discharge per meter run in cumecs
f = silt factor usually taken as 1.00
• Checking the upstream curtain wall for scour depth:
Assuming the length of the curtain wall , same as that of
the weir crest, i.e., 4.5 m.
7.5
Discharge per meter run = = 1.67 cumecs
4.5
2
R = 1.374 ∗ 1.673

= 1.374 * 1.408
= 1.934
1.25 times R = 1.25 * 1.934
3/12/2019
=2.42 m 28
 Reduced level of the bottom of the curtain wall
= +11.50 – 2.42 = +9.08
• Checking the downstream curtain wall for scour depth:

The length of the curtain wall is equal to the length of the

deflector wall i.e., 9 m.
7.5
discharge per meter run = = 0.833 cumecs
9.0
2
𝑅 = 1.374 ∗ 0.833 3

= 1.374 * 0.8855
= 1.22 m
1.5 * R =1.5 * 1.22 =1.83 m
Reduced level of the bottom of the d/s cutoff wall
=+9.50 – 1.83 =+7.67
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Exit Gradient:
The length of floor should be such that with
the two curtain walls at the upstream and downstream
ends , as fixed above should give a minimum exit gradient
of 1 in 3 in case of clayey soils and 1 in 4 to 1 in 5 in case of
pervious soils, like fine to course sand.
𝐻 1
𝐺𝐸 = ∗
𝑑 𝜋 ⋋
1+ 1+𝑎2
Where , ⋋=
2
𝑏
a=
𝑑
b = Length of the impervious floor
3/12/2019
d = depth of the downstream cut-off wall 30
H = Total head which is taken to be the difference between
the crest level and downstream bed level.

In this case, the length of the impervious floor is 17.90m.

The depth of downstream curtain wall is (+8.00-7.25)
=0.75m.
𝑏 17.90
 Therefore = = 23.87
𝑑 0.75
 a=23.87

1 + 1 + 𝑎2 1 + 1 + 23.872 1 + 23.89
= = = 12.45
2 2 2
⋋= 3.53
3/12/2019 31
H=(+10.58-8.00)=2.58m
d=(+8.00-7.25)=0.75m

𝐻 1
𝐺𝐸 = ∗
𝑑 𝜋 ⋋

2.58 2.58
= = = 0.31
0.75 ∗ 3.142 ∗ 3.53 8.318
1
against a safe value of 0.33 or .
3

So, increase the depth of downstream cut-

𝑏 17.90
off to +7.00, we have =
𝑑 1

3/12/2019 α=17.9 32
 1 + 1 + 𝛼 2 1 + 1 + 17.92
= = = 9.46
2 2
2.58 1
Therefore 𝐺𝐸 = ∗
1 3.142∗ 9.46

2.58
=
3.142 ∗ 3.076

= 0.27

1
This is less than and hence may be adopted.
3

3/12/2019 33
Energy dissipation Arrangements:

The C.W.P.C recommends the following arrangements.

a) In case of a vertical fall, for discharges exceeding 10
cumecs, two rows of friction blocks staggered in
plan may be provided in the cistern so that the
downstream side edge of the downstream side row
𝐿𝑓
is at a distance of from the end of the cistern
3
floor.
b) Glacis fall(without baffle): Four rows of blocks may
be provided in the case of flummed falls only. These
may be staggered in plan. The suitable dimensions
of the blocks are as follows:
3/12/2019 34
 𝑑3
Height, h=
8
Length, = 3ℎ
Distance between rows=h
c)Glacis fall (with baffle): Two rows of friction blocks may
be provided only when the drop exceeds 2m. The
upstream side edge of the upstream side row may be at
𝐿𝑓
a distance of from the end of the cistern floor. These
3
are staggered in plan.

2
Height, ℎ = ∗ 0.85−1 ∗ 𝑑𝑥 = 0.262𝑑𝑥
9
Length = h
2
Top width = ∗ ℎ
3
Distance
3/12/2019
between rows = h. 35
d)Glacis blocks:
The effect of these is to reduce the turbulence in flow
which in turn reduces wave wash, thus ensuring uniform
flow. A single row of glacis blocks of the same dimensions
as friction blocks may be provided in the case of falls with
drop more than 2m.

e)Deflector wall:
𝑑3
The deflector wall of height provided at the
10
downstream end of cistern helps in piling up the bed
material against the curtain wall, which ensures the safety
of the curtain wall. The minimum height should be 0.15m.
The top of deflector wall is joined to the cistern floor with a
gentle
3/12/2019
slope of 1 in 5. 36
 Design of Baffle wall and Friction Blocks

a)Baffle wall:
The baffle wall is designed as an R.C. cantilever wall, well
keyed into the baffle platform and cistern platform. The
projected length above the platform will be the length of
the cantilever.

b)Friction blocks:
Each block is taken as a separate entity. The design is the
same as that in baffle wall. The reinforcement of the block
must be sufficiently anchored into the platform concrete.37
3/12/2019
 Checking the Thickness of baffle platform, cistern
and the glacis:
The Maximum uplift head acting on the floor of the structure
is, when the canal is empty with upstream water level at weir
crest and downstream water level at canal bed level.
i.e., the uplift head = +(10.58-8.00)
= 2.58m
The Key points where residual uplift pressures are to be
determined are:
 Under the toe of Glacis
 Under the baffle wall
 Center of the cistern
 Downstream end of the cistern ,i.e., just upstream of
the end curtain wall
3/12/2019 38
 Under the toe of the glacis:
13.95
20 + 60* = 20 + 46.8 = 66.8%
17.90

Taking 75% as effective, the percentage of pressure is:

= 0.75 ∗ 66.8% = 50.1%

50.1∗2.58
Uplift head = = 1.29𝑚
100

1.29
Thickness Required = = 1.03m or say 1.05m
(2.25−1)

3/12/2019 39
 Under the baffle wall:

11.55
Uplift pressure = 20 + 60 ∗ = 20 + 38.7
17.90
= 58.7%

Taking 7% as effective, the pressure =

0.75 ∗ 58.7% = 44%
44∗2.58
Therefore Uplift Head = = 1.14𝑚
100

1.14
Thickness required = = 0.91 𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑎𝑦 0.95𝑚
(2.25−1)
3/12/2019 40
 At the center of cistern:

5.63
Uplift Pressure = 20 + 60 ∗ = 20 ∗ 18.9 = 38.9%
17.90

Taking 75% as effective, the pressure = 0.75*38.9%= 29.2%

29.2∗2.58
Uplift head = = 0.75𝑚
100

0.75
Thickness required = = 0.60𝑚
(2.25−1)

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 At the end of Cistern:
Pressure is 20%

Taking 75% as effective, the pressure is 15%

2.58∗15
Uplift head = = 0.40𝑚
100

0.40
Thickness required = = 0.35𝑚
(2.25−1)

Generally, it is custom to take 10 to 15 percent thickness

extra as obtained by Bligh’s theory.

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The thickness arrived by Bligh’s theory is tabulated as
Follows:

Particulars By Bligh’s Theory

Under the toe of the Glacis 1.50m

Under the baffle wall 1.25m

Under the center of the cistern 0.80m

Under the end of the cistern 0.40m

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 Abutments and Wings

a) Upstream wings:

 The Top is kept at T.B.L., i.e 12.50.

 The foundations are taken down to +7.40(Hard soil

available below +8.00).

 These wings are splayed at 450 and keyed well into

the canal banks upstream as in plate.

3/12/2019 44
 The wing has a vertical face, at junction of the abutment
while it has a face batter changing from vertical at the start
to 1 in 12 at the end of the transition.
3/12/2019 45
 b) Abutments:

 The foundations of abutments are

taken down to +6.50.

 The top level is kept at

+12.50(T.B.L).

 The abutments have a vertical face

batter and are taken straight so
that the distance between faces of
abutments is kept same as the
length of the weir.

3/12/2019 46
c) Sloping wing:

The Section of wing at junction of abutment is the same

as the abutment taken down to level at foundation +6.50
with top level +12.50. The face batter is vertical in
continuation of the abutment.
The Section of wing at the end of slope and the
junction with level wing also is taken down to
+6.50(foundation).

The Top of level wing is kept at T.B.L. downstream. i.e.

at +10.50.

The level wing also has a vertical face till the end of
3/12/2019 47
the baffle wall.
d) Level Wing and return :

 The level wing and return beyond the baffle wall

are taken down to a level of +6.50(at foundation).

 The Top level is kept right through at +10.50.

 The wing wall is warped with the face batter

changing from a vertical face batter at the baffle
wall, to a face batter of 1 in 12 at the end of the
splay, i.e., at the deflector wall.

 The returns have a face batter of 1 in 12 right

through and are well keyed into the canal banks
downstream of the drop.
3/12/2019 48
Specifications:
a) Foundations, glacis, downstream cistern apron and
upstream and downstream cut-offs:

 The foundations of upstream and downstream wing

walls and abutments are all laid in cement concrete
1:4:8.

 The Sloping glacis in between the abutments is

however laid in cement concrete 1:3:6(M100).

 Economy can be effected by replacing 20 percent of

cement with fly ash.
3/12/2019 49
3/12/2019 50
 The Top 15 cm thick coat(wearing coat) on the
crest and sloping glacis and the cistern and
apron is laid in a rich mix, i.e.,either in CC
1
1:1 : 3 or in CC 1:2:4 to withstand the super-
2
critical velocities developed due to the drop.

b)The baffle wall and the Friction blocks:

 These two items will be in reinforced concrete

1
1:1 :3 or 1:2:4 matching with proportion of
2
the wearing coat.

3/12/2019 51
c) Abutments, Upstream and
downstream wings and returns:

 All these walls can be in stone

masonry with cement mortar 1:6
well plastered in cement mortar
1:4.

 In case coursed stone masonry is

adopted, plastering is not
necessary. Pointing the masonry
in cement mortar 1:3 will do.

3/12/2019 52
Causes For Failure:

Improper energy dissipation below the drop, creating

super critical velocities beyond the solid apron.

This creates scours at the downstream end of apron,

consequently under mining the solid apron and the
returns and downstream Talus. Therefore, providing
sufficient solid apron, as per the suggested principles in
the design is imperative.

3/12/2019 53
 The thickness of solid apron has to withstand the
impact of the falling water and also withstand the
uplift pressures.

Care should be taken to see that there is no residual

uplift pressure at the end of solid apron.

In case it is not possible to reduce the residual uplift,

inspite of providing long length of apron, a cutoff
pile at the end of solid apron may be provided,
limiting the exit gradient to less than 1/5 or 1/7.

3/12/2019 54
3/12/2019 55