Farmers are well aware of the need to boost productivity. In the face of the greater competition for domestic and overseas markets, the farmer who wants to succeed has to tak a business approach to increasing efficiency, reducing costs and improving output. In this environment, water becomes an economic factor and its provision a matter for careful deliberation.
Farmers are well aware of the need to boost productivity. In the face of the greater competition for domestic and overseas markets, the farmer who wants to succeed has to tak a business approach to increasing efficiency, reducing costs and improving output. In this environment, water becomes an economic factor and its provision a matter for careful deliberation.
This book is designed as a guide for dam owners, engineering students, government agencies, developers, and earthmoving contractors who are responsible for designing, building and using the majority of farm water storages. It is also designed for engineers who have not specialised in small earth dam design for agricultural hydrology who need to design small water storage schemes.
'Small Dams' provides a practial approach and guide to determining catchment yield and the amount of water required in a dam. It also advises on working with engineers and contractors, and outlines the causes of dam failures and how to remedy problems quickly. It further covers relevant legislation, environmental and ecological issues from a global perspective, with explicit reference to various countries around the world.
By employing the principles in this volume, in conjuction with the advise of suitably experienced engineers and contractors, small dam builders, such as farmers and land owners, will reduce the risk of failure and ensure long-term success of their dams. An invaluable reference resource for anyone who owns or plans to own a dam, and a useful reference for agencies, contractors and engineers.
CONTENTS
1. Planning
Assessing water needs
Assessment of catchment yield
Dam site selection
Types of farm storages
Dam storage size
Using a dam in drought
Fire Fighting
2. Investigation
Soil testing
Site selection criteria
Foundation materials
Embankment materials
Site investigation of materials
Analysis of soil
Location of soil
Unsuitable material
3. Design
Items that need to be considered
Flood flow estimation
Outlet structures
Pipelines through embankments
Earth and water computations
Estimate of costs
4. Documentation
Collation of plans and specification
Collecting basic design data
Assembly of data
Construction documents and drawings
Final review and approval
5. Construction
Approval for dam building
Selecting your dam builders
How to build a dam
Steps in constructing a dam
Compaction
Soil moisture
Allowance for settlement
Equipment
Installation of outlet pipe
Checking for compliance with standards
Final inspection and measurements
6. Maintenance
Safety surveillance
Inspection procedures
Causes of dam failures
Dam Leakage
7. Water
Water quantity
Water quality
Water treatment for human consumption
Algae in farm water supplies
Salt in dam water
8. Ecology
Wildlife and plants in dams
Water plants in dams
Using herbicides near water
Vegetation on and around dams
Yabbies
9. Commercial
Fish farming
Yabby farming
Native fauna and total ecosystem management
Licensing process
10. Legal
Legal and policy aspects in Australia
Liability
Responsibility of dam owners
Dam failure
Designer and earthmoving contractor(s)
Property insurance
Appendix 1 A glossary of terminology
Appendix 2 Engineering specifications for an earth-fill farm dam
Appendix 3 Metric and imperial conversion tables
References and suggested further reading