What is Dowel in Canal | Purpose and Functions of Dowel

What is Dowel in Canal?

The dowel is a short raised edge on the side of a service road. They are present between the service road and the waterway or channel. In irrigation systems, these dowels are mostly used to support the stress of moving water. Sometimes it is also known as Dowla.

Purpose of dowel in the canal

The main purpose of Dowel bars in an irrigation system is following:

1. To hold full supply level of canal between banks.
2. To increase driving safety.
3. To avoid slope erosion from rain and other factors.
4. To lessen corner cracking and joint faulting.
5. To enhance the functionality of pavement joints.

Also read: Diversion Headworks

The function of Dowel in Canal 

Here are the major justifications for using them in the canal.

Tolerate  Water Stress

Usually, concrete contracts when it is cold and expands when it is heated. As a result, the pavement will expand in the summer and compress in the winter. The temperature causes changes in the concrete slabs of the canal. So, Dowel bars evenly transfer heat. These bars bear the stress of water movement without any limitation.

Provides Driving Safety

Dowels keep water supply between them. So, it provides a safe drive for automobiles. Transportation becomes possible just because of these dowels.

Dowel Reduce Joint Faulting and Corner Cracking

Dowels enable to bear some of the strain. They make a saturation line inside the bank. Corner cracking is prevented by them. Joint deflection and stress are reduced by using dowels in a canal.  In this way, dowels prevent damage to the water supply of the canal.

Act as kerbs on the side of the roadway

Dowels are forming an edge between the road and the water supply of the canal. This edge makes it possible for people living, transportation, etc. So, the level of water remains inside the canal.

Also Read: Different Types of Dams

FAQ

Conclusion

So, this article fully explains the function of dowels in an irrigation system. Dowels play a significant role in irrigation projects. Make sure the method you design these dowels controls the water supply of the canal.

Also read: Inundation canals