C. B. Dandekar
Papers # 2018 Las-Vegas
Agriculture is the major occupation practiced in India, and irrigation is therefore a vital part of the entire water budget of the country. India possesses only 4% of the total world’s fresh water resource, of which, more than 80% is consumed solely in the Agriculture Sector (Dhawan, 2017). Canal based distribution systems have been used widely in India for irrigation purpose. However, the obvious problems associated with these systems, such as evaporative losses, theft and seepages due to structural damages in canal walls, growth of biologicals and siltation have compelled the authorities and designers to consider alternative options for canal systems. This lead to the formation of certain government resolutions recommending closed distribution systems or piped distribution system for irrigation water supply. The alternative materials being used in field for Piped Distribution Network (PDN) include Precast Concrete (PCC), Prestressed Concrete (PSC), Bar Wrapped Steel Cylinder Concrete (BWSC), Mild Steel (MS). Each of these options have their inherent advantages and shortcomings. Spirally Wound Profiled PE / PP pipes are being proposed as an alternative which combines the positives in all the above pipe systems while negating the limitations in the same to a maximum extent possible. The present paper provides an insight on the actual field conditions and available options as well as a technical comparative analysis of the available alternatives.
