INTRODUCTION;

Syphon is a cross drainage work, i.e a structure which is

constructed at the crossing of a canal and a natural dam.
So as dispose of drainage water without interrupting the
continuous canal super piles. In whatever way the canal
is aligned, such drainage work generally become
unavailable. In order to reduce the cross drainage work,
the artificial canals are generally aligned along the ridge
lines called water shed. When once the canal reaches the
watershed, line across drainage work are generally not
required, unless the canal aligned is deviated from the
watershed line. However before the watershed is
reached, the canal which takes off from the river has to
cross a number of drains, which drove from the
watershed towards the river.
A Cross drainage work is generally a costly construction
and most be avoided as far as possible, Since the
watershed canal crosses minimum number of dams.
The number of cross drainage work may also be
reduced by diverting one dam into another and also by
the alignment of canals. So that it crosses below the
junction of the drains.

PURPOSE OF DESIGNING SYPHON

The purpose of siphon is to drain liquid from the

reservoir by liquid flow that passes over a higher level
than the liquid surface in reservoir.
A canal conveying water from the hand work has to run
for large distance and has to maintain the water levels
appropriately as designed along its length.
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

It has to run through terrains which generally

would have a different slope than the
canal. The surrounding areas would invariably have its
own discharge system ranging from small stream to
large rivers.
The has to carry the water across these water bodies
as well as artificial obstacles like railway or roads.
Hence to prevent the hindrance of mobility of water as
well as mobility of people or vehicles. We prepare a
design for a structure known as Siphon.
FUNCTIONS OF SIPHONS;
The siphon has been recognized for ages. A siphon is
created by a tube or other type of conduit filled with
the liquid to be siphoned, thereby creating a
continuous and closed path.
In any siphon the discharge end of the conduct must
be lower than the level of the fluid in the source
reservoir. Atmospheric pressure of the reservoir surface
becomes the driving force pushing the fluid through
the tube to the lower point of the discharge.
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

TYPES OF SIPHON;

Depending upon the level of discharge it is of following

types;

Aqueduct Siphon Aqueduct

Aqueduct;- When the high flood level(HFL) of the

drain is sufficiently below the bottom of the canal such
that the drainage water flows freely under gravity, then
the structure is known as Aqueduct.
Siphon Aqueduct;- In siphon aqueduct the high flood
level(HFL) of the drains is much higher above the canal
bed and the water runs under siphonic action through
the aqueduct i.e. known as siphon aqueduct.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
AQUEDUCT AND SYPHON AQUEDUCT;-
In these works, the canal is taken over the natural drain,
such that the drainage water runs below the canal either
freely or under siphoning pressure. When the HFL of the
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

drain is sufficiently below the bottom of the

canal, so that the drainage water flows freely
under gravity, the structure is known as the aqueduct.
However, if the HFL of the drain is higher than the canal
bed and the water passes through the aqueduct barrels
under syphonic action, the structure is known as siphon
aqueduct.

In this type of works, the canal water is taken across the

drainage in a through, as shown in fig. An aqueduct is
just like a bridge except that instead of carrying o road or
a railway, it carries a canal at its top. An aqueduct is
provided when sufficient level difference is available
between the canal and the natural drainage the canal
bed level is sufficiently higher than the torrent level. In
Sirsa, a city near Roper in Punjab, an excellent aqueduct
having 20 spans of about 13m each have been
constructed to carry a canal having a bed width of 28
meters and a discharge of about 4300 cumecs. A
difference of 3.3meters was available between the bed
level of the canal and that of torrent in this case.
In this case of a siphon Aqueduct, the
drain bed is generally depressed and provided with a
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

pucca floor as shown in figure on the upstream

side, the drainage bed may be joined to the
pucca floor either by a vertical drop (when the drop is of
order of 1m) or by a glacis of 3.1m (when the drop is
more).The down-stream rising slope should not be
steeper than 5:1.
In this type of cross-drainage work, the canal
remains open to inspection, and the damage caused by
floods are rare. However, during heavy floods, the
foundation of the work may be susceptible or waterway
of the work may be chocked with debris, trees etc.

SUPER PASSAGE AND SYPHON;-

In these works, the drain is taken over the canal such

that the canal water runs below the drain either freely or
under siphoning pressure. When the FSL of the canal is
sufficiently below the bottom of the drain through. So
that the canal water flows freely under gravity, the
structure is known as super passage. However, if the
FSL of the canal is sufficiently above the bed level of the
drainage through, so that the canal syphon or syphon.
A super passage is thus the reverse of an
aqueduct, and similarly, a siphon is reverse of an
aqueduct, and similarly, a siphon is reverse of an
aqueduct syphon. However in these type of cross
drainage work the inspection road cannot be provided
along the canal and separate bridge is required for the
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

road way. For effective economy, the canal may

be flumed, but the drainage through is never
flumed. In the case of siphon, the canal bed is depressed
and a ramp is provided at the exist so that the trouble of
silting is minimized.

VARIOUS TYPES OF AQUEDUCTS AND SYPHON

AQUEDUCTS;-

These are mainly divide into three types;-

TYPE-I TYPE-II TYPE-III

TYPE-I ;-
In this type, the sides of the aqueduct are earthen banks
with complete earthen slopes. The length of the culvert
through which the drainage the water has to pass under
the canal should not only be sufficient to accommodate
the water section of the canal but also the earthen banks
of the canal with aqueduct slopes

TYPE-II ;-
In this type, the canal continuous in its earthen section
over the drainage, but the outer slopes of the canal
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

banks are replaced by retaining walls, thereby,

reducing the length of the drainage culvert by
that much extent.

TYPE-III ;-
In this type, earthen section of the canal is discontinuous
and the canal water is carried in a masonry or a concrete
though. The canal is generally flumed in this case, so as
to find economy in the construction. The culvert length or
width of aqueduct is maximum in type-I and minimum in
type-III. An intermediate value exists in type-III.

SELECTION OF SUITABLE TYPE;-

The selection of a particular type out of three types of
aqueducts or siphon-aqueducts lies on the consideration
of economy. T he cheapest of three types at a particular
place shall be the obvious choice.

SIGHT LOCATION FOR SYPHON

The following points should be considered while selecting

the site of a cross-drainage work:

At the site, the drainage should cross the canal

alignment at right angles. Such a site provides good
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

flow conditions and also the cost of the

structure is usually a minimum.

The stream at the site should be stable and should

have stable banks.

For economical design and construction of

foundations, a firm and strong sub-stratum should
exit below the bed of the drainage at a reasonable
depth.

The site should be such that long and high

approaches of the canal are not required.

The length and height of the marginal banks and

guide banks for the drainage should be small.

In the case of an aqueduct, sufficient headway

should be available between the canal trough and
the high flood level of the drainage.

The water table at the site should not be high,

because it will create De-watering problems for
laying foundations.

As far as possible, the site should be selected d/s of

the confluence of two streams, thereby avoiding the
necessity of construction of two cross-drainage
works.

The possibility of diverting one stream into another

stream upstream of the canal crossing should also
be considered and adopted, if found feasible and
economical.
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

A cross-drainage work should be combined

with a bridge, if required. If necessary, the
bridge site can be shifted to the cross-drainage work
or vice versa. The cost of the combined structure is
usually less. Moreover, the marginal banks and guide
banks required for the river training can be used as
the approaches for the village roads.

SELECTION OF SUITABLE TYPE OF CROSS-

DRAINAGE WORK

The following factors should be considered while

selecting the most suitable type of the cross-drainage
work.

1. RELATIVE LEVELS AND DISCHARGES:

The relative levels and discharges of the canal and of the

drainage mainly affect type of cross-drainage work
required. The following are the broad outlines:

1. If the canal bed level is sufficiently above the H.F.L. of

the drainage, an aqueduct is selected.
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

2. If the F.S.L. of the canal is sufficiently below

the bed level of the drainage, a super-
passage is provided.

3. If the canal bed level is only slightly below the H.F.L.

of the drainage, and the drainage is small, a siphon
aqueduct is provided. If necessary, the drainage bed
is depressed below the canal.

4. If the F.S.L. of the canal is slightly above the bed level

of the drainage and the canal is of small size, a canal
syphon is provided.

2. PERFORMANCE:
As far as possible, the structure having an open channel
flow should be preferred to the structure having a pipe
flow. Therefore, an aqueduct should be preferred to a
syphon aqueduct. Likewise, a super-passage should be
preferred to a canal siphon. In the case of a syphon
aqueduct and a canal syphon, silting problems usually
occur at the crossing. Moreover, in the case of a canal
syphon, there is considerable loss of command due to
loss of head in the canal. The performance of inlet-outlet
structures is not good and should be avoided.

3. PROVISION OF ROAD:
An aqueduct is better than a super-passage because in
the former, a road bridge can easily be provided along
with the canal trough at a small extra cost, whereas in
the latter, a separate road bridge is required.

4. SIZE OF DRAINAGE:
When the drainage is of small size, a syphon aqueduct
will be preferred to an aqueduct as the latter involves
high banks and long approaches. However, if the
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

drainage is of large size, an aqueduct is

preferred.

5. COST OF EARTHWORK:
The type of cross-drainage work which does not involve a
large quantity of earthwork of the canal should be
preferred.

6. FOUNDATION:
The type of cross-drainage work should be selected
depending upon the foundation available at the site of
work.

7. MATERIAL OF CONSTRUCTION:
Suitable types of material of construction in sufficient
quantity should be available near the site for the type of
cross-drainage work selected. Moreover, the soil in
sufficient quantity should be available for constructing
the canal banks if the structure requires long and high
canal banks.

8. COST OF CONSTRUCTION:
The cost of construction of cross-drainage work should
not be excessive. The overall cost of the canal banks and
the cross-drainage work, including maintenance cost,
should be a minimum.
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

9. PERMISSIBLE LOSS OF HEAD:

Sometimes, the type of cross-drainage is
selected considering the permissible loss of head. For
example, if the head loss cannot be permitted in a canal
at the site of cross-drainage, a canal syphon is ruled out.

10. SUBSOIL WATER TABLE:

If the subsoil water table is high, the types of cross-
drainage which requires excessive excavation should be
avoided, as it would involve De-watering problems.

11. CANAL ALIGNMENT:

The canal alignment is sometimes changed to achieve a
better type of cross-drainage work. By changing the
alignment, the type of cross-drainage can be altered. The
canal alignment is generally finalized after fixing the sites
of the major cross-drainage works.

DATA-REQUIREMENT

6.1- For any type of cross drainage work some data is

required which is common to all types of cross drainage
works. A location map for the work with results of
subsurface exploration conducted at site, cross sections
of the stream, upstream and downstream of the
proposed site, should be prepared, as given in 6.2 to
6.9.
6.2- An index map to a suitable scale showing the
recommended location of the cross drainage structure,
the alternative sites of crossings investigated and
rejected, the existing communications, the general
topography of the country and the import?& habitations
in the vicinity. . J 1
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

6.3- A catchment area map to a suitable scale,

with contour markings at suitable intervals
showing the main drainage channel front its sources
together with all its tributaries. The map should also
show the various locations of rain gauge stations,
gauging sites, etc, as also the general soil types and
land use (that is forests, cultivated and uncultivated
areas). The hydrological observation sites should also
be marked. Existing, under construction or proposed
embankments and flood management measures should
also be shown.
6.4 A detailed survey plan of the drainage channel to
suitable scale showing important topographical
features extending considerable distances, downstream
and upstream, of the proposed site of crossing and
either of its banks. I
6.5- A site plan to a suitable scale showing & details of
the site selected and extending upstream and
downstream, of the centre line of the proposed crossing
and covering its approaches to sufficient distances, so
as to demarcate levels, cadastral survey plot numbers,
important topographical features like depressions near
the proposed alignment of canal, general sub-soil water
levels (with slope, if possible), etc.
6.5.1- The other requirements for the plan at 6.5 are: a)
b) 4 d j e) 0 g) reference to the position of the bench-
mark used as datum with its full description and
reduced level; the lines and identification numbers of
the cross sections and longitudinal sections of drainage
channel taken within the scope of site plan and exact
locations of their extreme points; the locations of the
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

various trial pits and/or. Borings with tilter

identification numbers; The contour of the
drainage channel at intervals between 05 m to 15 m
depending upon the terrain. This interval region be
greater in mountainous regions; The direction of flow of
water; The angle of direction of crossing; and Cross
alignment of canal further upstream for some distance
beyond the limits of cross drainage works.
6.6- A cross section of the drainage channel at the
proposed site of the crossing to appropriate vertical and
horizontal scales indicating the following information: a)
Cross section covering the bed and banks of the
channel portion and the ground levels beyond the
banks covering the entire flood plane, or from ridge to
ridge at close intervals to sufficient distances on either
side showing all uneven features and habitations, if
any; b) Nature of the soil in bed, banks and approaches,
with trial pit or bore-hole sections showing the levels
and natures of the various strata down to stratum
suitable from foundation considerations and front
considerations of safe bearing capacity of soil; c); Low-
water level; and d). &High flood level.
6.7- Longitudinal section of the drainage channel
covering a reasonable reach to suitable scale, showing
the location of the cross drainage work, with levels of
the observed flood, the low water and the bed levels at
suitably spaced intervals along the line of the deep
water channel. 6.8 A note giving the salient features
relating to the catchment area, the meteorological
conditions experienced thereon, besides the following
other points: a) b) 2 Any predictable (future) alteration
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

in the land use; Storages in the catchment

(artificial or natural)
6.8- A note giving the salient features relating to the
catchment area, the meteorological conditions
experienced thereon, besides the following other
points: a) b) 2 Any predictable (future) alteration in the
land use; Storages in the catchment (artificial or
natural).
and embankment breaches that have occurred in the
past; Short duration intensity and frequency data in
respect of rainfall in the catchment; Liability of the site
to seismic disturbances; Likelihood of heavy sediment
charge or floating timber, Particulars of foundation
exploration data incidental to design requirements; and
Recuperation tests, where foundation depth is more
than 3 m below the water table and where the strata
are pervious.
6.9- A note giving the salient design features of
structures existing upstream or downstream of the
proposed site. 63.1 Presence of dams, barrages, weirs,
etc, on the natural drainage channel in the vicinity
either upstream or downstream, may affect the
hydraulic characteristics of the natural drainage
channel, like obliquity and concentration of flow, scour,
silting of bed, change in bed levels, flood levels, etc.
These effects should be considered in the design of the
cross drainage work.
6.10- For preparing the design of a cross drainage
structure, the following specified hydraulic data should
-- also be made available.
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

6.10.1 Canal 1. 2 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Full

supply discharge, Q; Bed width; Full supply
depth; Water surface slope; Bed level; Bed slope; Full
supply level; Top of bank level; Cross section of canal
showing Natural Ground Level; Subsoil water level; and
Nature pf bed material and value of n (rugosity
coefficient in Mannings formula). i 6.10.2 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. IS 7784 (Part 1) : 1993
Drainage Channel Extent and nature of drainage area
(catchment area); Maximum annual rainfall and the
period (years) of data; Maximum intensity of rainfall
with year; Maximum observed flood discharge at the
site; Maximum flood level; Water surface slope; Site
plan of proposed crossing including contours; Log of
borehole or trial pit data; Type of bed load of drainage
channel; Longitudinal section of the stream for suitable
distance upstream and downstream of the canal
depending upon site conditions; Cross section of the
drainage channel for a distance 100 m to 300 m
upstream and downstream, at intervals of 10 m to 50
m; Waterways provided in road and railway bridges or
other hydraulic structures on the drainage channel;
Spring water level at the crossing site in May and
October; and Silt factor.
7 DESIGN FLOOD FOR DRAINAGE CHANNEL
7.1 Design blood for drainage channel to be adopted for
cross drainage works should depend upon the size of
the canal, size of the drainage channel and location of
the cross drainage. A very long canal, crossing a
drainage channel in the initial reach, damage to which
is likely to affect the canal supplies over a large area
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

and for a long period, should be given proper

weight age.
7.2- Cross drainage structures are divided into four
categories depending upon the canal discharge and
drainage discharge. Design flood to be adopted for
these four categories of cross drainage structures is
given in Table 1.
Category of Canal Estimated Frequency of
structure discharge in drainage design flood
cumec/sec discharge in
cum/sec
A 0-0.5 All discharge 1 in 25 years
B 0.5-15 0-150 1 in 50 years
Above 150 1 in 100
years
C 15-30 0-100 1 in 50 years
Above 100 1 in 100
years
D Above 30 0-150 1 in 100
Above 150 years
As Note 2

STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF SYPHON

A simply supported one-way siphon of effective span 4 m
is supported on masonry wall of 230 mm thickness.
2

Design the siphon. Take live load equal to 14.715 KN/m

2

and floor finish equal to 1KN/m . The materials are M 20

grade concrete and HYSD reinforcement of grade Fe 415.

SOLUTION
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

Assuming o.35% steel, a trial depth can be

found out by using deflection criteria.
y
Service stress = 0.58 f

= 0.58 415
2

=240 N/mm
span
d
Modification factor = permissible ratio

= 1.4 20 = 28
4000
required
28
d
=142.85 mm.
required
D=d +cover+dia of bar/2
10
2
=142.85+15+ (assume 10 # bar)
=162.85 mm.
Assume an overall depth =170 mm.

Self weight/dead load = D 1 unit weight of RCC

=0.17 1 25
2

=4.25 KN/m
2

Floor finish = 1.00 KN/m

2

Live Load = 14.715 KN/m

Total Load = 4.25+1.00+14.715
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

=19.96 KN/m

Factored Load=19.96 1.5
2

=29.94 KN/m
W L2
8
Maximum moment =
29.94 4 2
8
=
=59.88 KNm.
W L
2
Maximum shear =
29.94 2
2
=
=59.88 KN.

DESIGN FOR FLEXURE

Assume D=170 mm
Effective depth (d) =D-clear cover-diameter/2
D=170-15-5
=150 mm
M u 59.88 10 6

bd 2 1000 150 2

=2.66
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

4.6 M u
1 1
fck bd 2
t 50
fy

f ck
p
4.6 59.88 10 6
1 1
20 1000 150 2
415
20

=50
=0.910
pt b d
streq uired 100
A =
0.910 1000 150
100
=
2

=1365 mm
Provide 10 mm bar

pt b dia 2
4
Astrequired
So spacing =

0.910 1000 10 2
4
1365
=
= 50 mm.
Provide 10 mm# 50 mm c/c
Half of the bars are bent up

0.1L =0.1 4000
= 400 mm
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

Remaining bars provide =785.4 mm area

100 As 100 785.4

b d 1000 170

= 0.462 > 0.12.ok

I.e. remaining bars provided minimum steel, Thus half of
the bars may be bent up.
0.12 1000 170
100
Distribution steel =
2

=204 mm
2

Provide 8 mm# @ 240 mm c/c =209.43 mm

CHECK FOR SHEAR
Depth = 150mm
100 As 100 1413.71

b d 1000 150

= 0.94
From IS code
0.75 0.56
1.00 0.62
By interpolation
0.62 0.56
1.00 0.94
1.00 0.75
0.56 +
c 2

=0.5744 N/mm
For 170 mm thick slab
c
K =1.26 0.57
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

=0.72
59.88 10 3
1000 170
Actual shear =
=0.352 < 0.72 (Safe)
CHECK FOR DEVELOPMENT LENGTH
0
Consider L = 8 # for continuing bars
st 785.4mm 2
A .
1 st u max
Assume, Mu =0.87 fy A (d-0.42 x )
xu xu max

=0.48 d
150
=0.48 =72 mm.
u1 415 785.4 150 0.42 72 10 6
M =0.87
=33.96 KN.m

u 59.88
V KN
M u1
L0 Ld
Vu
1.3
33.96 10 6
1.3 8
59.88 103
i.e. # 47

39 # 737.27

# 18.90 mm . (O.K.)

CHECK FOR DEFLECTION

span
d
Basic ratio =20
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

100 1570.8
t
1000 150
p
=1.04
1365

Service stress =0.58 415 1570.8
2

=209.16 N/mm
Modification Factor=1.42
span
1.42
Permissible d ratio= 20

=28.4
span 4000
Actual d ratio = 150

=26.66<28.4 (O.K.)
CHECK FOR CRACKING
Maximum spacing permitted for main reinforcement =3
160
=480 mm or 300 mm, i.e. 300 mm
Actual spacing =170 mm (O.K.)
Maximum spacing permitted for secondary reinforcement
160
=5 =800 mm or 450 mm, i.e. 450 mm
Actual spacing = 240 mm .. (O.K.)
For trying the bent up bars at top, provide 8 mm # @ 240
mm c/c.
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

CONCLUSION

The comparative study for the project reveals that

not only the selection of type of CDs for a particular
crossing plays a vital decisive discriminatory role,
but also the design of the structural with various
alternatives with respective to (i) suitability of
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

foundation vis--vis various foundation

strata, (ii) transitions (iii) u/s and d/d
protection works (iv) post construction operation and
maintenance etc. does equally challenge the
hydraulic engineers exposure to the veracity of the
jobs complex nature.

The aqueduct which we have designed is found to be

the most stable and economical structure as
compared to the any other cross drainage work.
Here we have not provided any inspection road but
in future, if required, then we can design and provide
an inspection road.

References

Irrigation Engineering
 DRAINAGE SYPHON

By Prof N N Basak

Tata Mcgraw-Hill

Irrigation Engineering & Hydraulic Structures

By Prof. Santosh Kumar Garg

Khanna Publishers
For Designing

By Prof. H. J saha

Internet Websites

http://www.uap-bd.edu/

Lecture Notes By: Dr. M. R. Kabir

Professor and Head, Department of Civil Engineering

Department ,University of Asia Pacific (UAP), Dhaka