Innovative Solution

roughness coefficient, Irrigation channel

technical

It appears that one of the most important applications of Nano technology in civil engineering is the use of nano-particles in the production of cement and concrete. SiO₂ is in mixture of  a regular concrete and the results of studying concrete at nano scale is that using silicate nano-particles one can increase the density of particles and decrease micro holes. This causes raise density and the nano-structures will improve the mechanical qualities of the concrete. For this reason, an experimental research carried out in a hydraulic flume in Water Research Institute in Iran in order to evaluate the feasibility of nano-concrete made by adding nano-silicate. A series of hydraulic tests were designed and did in the flume  The results of the flow hydraulics tests at different flow rates show a decrease from 16 to 38% of the calculated roughness coefficient in the concrete containing silicate nano-particles. The reduction of roughness coefficient not only could decrease sedimentation in irrigation canals but also would prevent huge embankment and excavation operations on constructing of irrigation networks.

ASIA- PACIFIC REGION   INVITED COUNTRIES- (IRAN)

 This Idea first motivate in hydro-environment department in Water Research Institute by the researchers.  Also, we had closely relationship with Jazika  nano-company(www.jazika.org) in order to choose the nano-material.  Farmers, people living in the rural area and all the stakeholders involving water irrigation systems use the benefits of this project directly. Water Research Institute was going to carry out a pilot research project related to this subject and we are in primary stage now. The laboratory results are in an acceptable range according to this idea. We prepare a comprehensive research proposal for ministry of energy in Iran and try to do it as soon as possible.

The project is in primary stage and we passed a laboratory tests. We are going to implement this idea on a comprehensive research proposal in a large scale hydraulic flume. Finding other applications and case studies are also in our plan and investigate environmental issues of using nano-cement for coating in irrigation channels is one of the most important subjects for us in the future works.

The results of our research can answer the following questions:

- Can we reduce the roughness coefficient in irrigation channels?

- Can we decrease the slope in the irrigation channels for preventing huge embankment and excavation operation on constructing stage?

- Can we reduce the maintenance cost in irrigation channels by decrease the manual dredging process?

Our research is based on the laboratory tests in a small case now. For implementing in the real case for instance in a real irrigation network, we need more investigations on different concepts such as environmental issues, cost- benefit analysis, water quality problems,  etc. This nano-material can apply for coating on exist channels, and this is a brilliant attitude for using this material for any cases. By reducing roughness  coefficient in the irrigation channels, we can economize on the fees of maintenance and also,  it is a key factor for designing an optimized irrigation network for the future plans. 

We expect to change an ordinary management on hydraulic structures especially on operations. We are going to enhance the application of  nano- concrete on water industry. Of course we are in the first stage and need more and more investigations for applying this idea in the real cases.

Farmers, people living in the rural area and all the stakeholders involving water irrigation systems use the benefits of this project directly. For the first stage, we suppose using this material in irrigation channels but we have plans to use it for different hydraulic structures cases. For implementing this idea on real case we have to get support from ministry of energy, ministry of agriculture, environment agency  and some local organizations.    

At present, we are in primary stage and we have to get more scientific results. A key factor on this research is highlighting the application of nano-material on water industry.  

Water Research Institute is affiliated to ministry of energy and supports this idea.

1- Tayebeh Sangchoulie, Coordinator  Project, Email: T.sangchouli@gmail.com, Address: Water Research Institute,           P.O. Box: 16765-313, Shahid Abbaspour Blvd,Tehranpars, Tehran, Iran, Phone: ++98(0)21 77304248

2- Yousef  Khalaj Amirhoseini, Manager  Project, Email: yousefkhalaj@yahoo.com, Address: Water Research Institute,     P.O. Box: 16765-313, Shahid Abbaspour Blvd,Tehranpars, Tehran, Iran, Phone: ++98(0)21 77000500

3- Shervin Faghihirad, Adviser Project, shervin.faghihirad@gmail.com, Address: Water Research Institute,                  P.O. Box: 16765-313, Shahid Abbaspour Blvd,Tehranpars, Tehran, Iran, Phone: ++98(0)21 77000500