INTRODUCTION :
A check dam is a small, temporary obstruction in a ditch or
waterway used to prevent erosion by reducing the velocity of flow. A dam
placed in the ditch or channel interrupts the flow of water, thereby
reducing the velocity. Although some sedimentation may result behind the
dam, check dams do not
function as sediment
trapping devices and should
not be designed as such.
Check dams can either be permanent or temporary barriers tending to pond
water. The check dam interferes with the flow in the channel, dissipating
the energy of the flowing water, thereby reducing velocity and channel
erosion.
Checkdams are generally unremarkable structures: they are built to be practical, not
pretty. However, a carefully designed and located checkdam can have a remarkable effect on
livelihoods and transform the local environment from a barren wasteland to a lushly vegetated
oasis. You don’t have to be an engineer to understand how checkdams work. Simply put,
checkdams are small earthen or masonry barriers placed across streams or nallahs that capture
water as it flows downstream. The pressure created by the impounded water helps to improve
infiltration and raise the local groundwater table. Full wells, along with the availability of the
surface water for irrigation, benefit farmers and communities living around the checkdam long
after the monsoon rains have ended. But there is more to them than that. By helping to harvest
rainwater for domestic and irrigation purposes, checkdams are also helping to improve
livelihoods. A farmer who could only plant one crop per year can grow two or three, allowing
him to move from a subsistence living to one where he can sell his surplus at the market.
Women too benefit from access to more water. The time saved in fetching water from distant
sources is now spent pursuing other income-generating activities. A more stable income means
better nutrition and education opportunities for the children and an overall improvement in the
daily life of the entire family.
Economics of a Check dam:
Since checkdams are built using local labour and materials, therefore the much lower cost of
using checkdams makes this technology more accessible to rural farmers who would otherwise
be unable to afford more expensive options.
Environmental aspect :
The on-going debate regarding the sustainability of large-scale water development
projects such as canals and dams points to the need to explore alternative options which are
less disruptive to the natural and social environment. Because check dams work on a micro
level the effects they have on their environment are also more localized. Unlike large dams,
check dams flood only a small area and this sometimes for just a few months following the
monsoon. Consequently, check dams avoid the socially disruptive human displacement that
occurs with the construction of larger dams. A check dam not only helps local farmers to
increase the amount of water in their wells, but it also captures soil particles as they are washed
downstream from the farmers’ fields. The nutrient-rich sediment that accumulates behind the
check dam can be used as fertilizer during the dry season when the water level drops. The
ability of check dams to raise the depleted groundwater table has wider ranging effects for
local vegetation and animal populations. The riparian zone along the check dam is regenerated
and the lush vegetation creates habitat for birds, fish, insects and other animals. Check dams
can therefore be an integral part of any watershed development scheme that incorporates both
soil and water conservation and the restoration of local biodiversity.
Equitable Functioning :
Since check dams can be adapted to suit a variety of local conditions, their benefits can
reach a greater portion of the population. Remote areas that are usually by-passed by large
government infrastructure development programs can now enjoy access to water for only
minimal financial and labour input. The low cost of building and maintaining check dams
enables even the poorest farmer, regardless of caste or social status, to benefit from access to
irrigation water. The water harvested by a check dam is also available to other groups. Women
and children benefit from access to a nearby water source for domestic needs such as cooking
and washing. The time saved in fetching water can be used to pursue other income-generating
activities or education opportunities, which has a long-term impact on livelihood promotion
and sustainability. Local control of the check dam also enables either individual farmers or
community groups to optimize water and irrigation usage based on their immediate needs.
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Users' (farmers') participation
The efficiency of a tank or pond depends on the organization of its beneficiaries. This
organization of beneficiaries are required for each and every tank, especially for maintenance
and rehabilitation. The role of the water users' association (WUA) or farmers' organization
(FO) in general is as follows.
Planning including selection of site.
Construction.
Distribution of water in irrigation tanks fields
Maintenance of the structures.
Mobilization of resources for the work, management and maintenance.
Involving themselves in the work.
Resolution of the conflicts.
Linkages should be established between the farmers and various organizations. The
NGOs are required as a catalyst and to create awareness among the farmers about efficient
utilization of the resources.
Construction of Check Dams :
. Check dams can be constructed from a variety of materials, most commonly of loosely
placed erosion stone or riprap, or from stone filled gabions but can also be built from logs or
pea gravel-filled sandbags, but regardless of the material used, build the check dam carefully
to ensure its effectiveness. That is, do not simply dump the material into the channel. That
would be inappropriate, and it might actually increase erosion in the downstream and create
new problems.
Regardless of the type of check dam installed, the concept for controlling the flow is
the same. Check dams are not intended to control flows from large drainage areas. Typically,
the maximum drainage area to a check dam should be limited to approximately 10 acres
or less. Check dams should be used only in small open channels. The maximum height
of the check dam should be 2 to 3 ft. and the center of the dam should be at least six-
inches lower than its edges. This design creates a weir effect that helps to channel flows
away from the banks and prevent further erosion. Check dams should be designed to pass
the two-year storm without overtopping the roadway or side slopes of the channel. A weir
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equation can be used to determine the depth of flow over the structure if necessary. When
installing a series of check dams in a channel, install outlet stabilization measures below the
final dam in the series. Because this area is likely to be vulnerable to further erosion, the use of
other stabilization measures like riprap or geotextile lining is highly recommended.
Depending upon the type of construction material the check dams may be classified as
under:
(a.) Log Check Dams : These are constructed from logs and are more economical from the
standpoint of material costs, since logs can usually be salvaged from clearing operations.
However, log check dams require more time and hand labor to install.
4-6 in (102-152 mm) logs embedded
> 18 in (457 mm) into soil
1 SECTIONAL VIEW OF LOG CHECK DAM
Since log check dams are embedded in the soil, their removal will result in more
disturbance of the soil than will removal of stone check dams. Consequently, extra care should
be taken to stabilize the area when log dams are used in permanent ditches or swales Reduced
runoff speed reduces erosion and gullying in the channel and allows sediments and other
pollutants to settle out. They are inexpensive and easy to install. They may be permanent if
designed properly and can be used where it is not possible to otherwise divert flow and
stabilize the channel. Log check dams should be constructed of 4-6 in (102-152 mm) logs
salvaged from clearing operations on site, if possible. The logs should be embedded into
the soil at least 18 in (457 mm). The 6 in (152 mm) lower height required at the center
can be achieved either by careful placement of the logs or by cutting the logs after they
are in place. Logs and/or brush should be placed on the downstream side of the dam to
prevent scour during high flows.
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(b.) Stone check dams. A typical stone check dam is 2 feet high, with a 4-foot base and 2:1
side slopes. The crest of the check dam should be 6 inches lower than the sides to prevent
flows from going around the dam, and eroding the sides of the channel. These dimensions
are approximate, and may be modified based upon individual needs and for larger flows.
However, heights much greater than 2 feet increase the potential for scour on the
downstream side of the dam. For larger check dams, additional channel protection may be
required on the downstream side. The aggregate used should be large enough to prevent the
flows from pushing individual stones downstream. A 6-inch erosion stone is normally
sufficient.
(c.) Wood Board Check Dam : They are very similar to log check dams but in these dams
wood board (sleepers nailed together) are used.
PLAN OF TYPICAL WOOD BOARD CHECK DAM
(d.) Manufactured devices Triangular-shaped manufactured products should be designed and
installed according to their manufacturer’s recommendations. These products require anchoring to
the ground to keep them in place and may require the installation of a blanket of engineering fabric
below them.
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(e.) Gravel bag berms : Gravel bag berms should be placed and spaced in the same manner as
stone check dams. The berms should be placed on a layer of engineering fabric, and be limited
to a height of 24 inches. The crest of the check dam should be 6 inches lower than the sides to
prevent flows from going around the dam, and eroding the sides of the channel.
Design of a Check Dam :
There is no set design for a check dam. Each structure is adapted to the hydraulic
regime, topography and needs of the area, and varies widely in size and shape. The more
simple structures can be easily made with local material, and work well across shallow
streams where there is minimal flow and a feasible gradient.
In cases where overflow is likely or where stream flow is greater, stone or reinforced
cement concrete (RCC) structures are recommended. The inclusion of a spillway in the
design allows for excess water to flow harmlessly downstream. Understandably, these
structures require more technical and financial inputs, but have a much longer lifetime than
earthen check dams.
Check dam design varies greatly depending on location, climate and stream
hydraulics. However, in general these structures generally consist of a head wall, a toe
wall, and a spillway. Head wall extensions and wing walls on either side help to reduce
the chance of bank erosion.
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Site characteristics / information for a check dam
Stream size , estimated streamflow and gradient of the stream (The gradient should
-
be in between 50 to 300 .
- Maximum flood levels during the monsoon
- Presence of rocks or other natural barriers which can be incorporated into the design
- Presence of bed material for magnitude of infiltration
- Distance of fields to stream to prevent flooding
- Local need and demand for irrigation water during the year
Selecting a site is an iterative process that includes discussions with local farmers
and community leaders, references to maps and other technical data. However, choosing an
appropriate location also requires a good measure of intuition born from years of experience in
the region. The goal of our technicians and engineers is to optimize the amount of water stored
and increase the benefits to cropped areas.
After collecting the data following procedure should be adopted for construction
of a check dam :
select the site for the tank or check dam.
from the Topo sheet or village map, find out the correct catchment area of the watershed at
that location.
take the cross sections and longitudinal section of the stream or gully where the dam is to be
constructed.
based on the levels taken, prepare 50 cm contour for sufficient area to decide the water
spread area and the capacity of the pond based on the yield of the watershed.
Example:
Catchment Area X ha
Yeild from catchment Area Y m 3
Capacity ( 1/3 of the yield from catchment) Y/3 m 3
Deciding Maximum water level (MWL) :
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From the levels taken, draw the contour lines at every 50 cm interval between the bed
level and the highest ground level at the site. From these contour lines, the capacity of the tank
at 0.5 m, 1.0 m, 1.5 m and 2.0 m height above the bed level is calculated. The contour (level) at
which the tank can store Y/3 m3 is the required height of the weir. That is called full tank level
(FTL). For small tanks, the height of flow over weir is taken between 0.30 - 0.60 m and this
level is known as maximum water level (MWL).
Cascade of Check dams :
For long channels, check dams are most effective when used in a series, creating multiple
barriers to sediment-laden runoff. In the event of excess water during rains the surplus water
shall pass over the dam crest (weir) and may pass into the reservoir in the downstream. In a
series of check dams, the top center of the downstream check dam should be at the bottom of
the upstream check dam. Bottom of the upstream check should be at the same elevation as the
top of the downstream check. The spacing can be calculated by multiplying the height of the
check dam by the slope H:V or by dividing by the slope in %.
Achieving the proper spacing is the most important aspect of check dam design. The
spacing between structures is dependent on the height of the check dam, and the grade of the
waterway. The arrangement shown above protects the channel between the check dams by
allowing the water between the check dams to pond, resulting in a greatly reduced flow
velocity. As a thumb rule, check dams should not be spaced closer than 20 feet in order to
allow for proper maintenance.
Design of weir:
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Maximum Discharge Q = CIA/360
Where Q= Discharge in cumec
I = Intensity of rainfall (25 mm/hour)
A = Area of catchment in ha.
To decide the length of the weir
Q = CLH3/2
=1.67 LH3/2 (broad crested weir C = 1.67)
L = Q/CH3/2
Where C = Constant =1.67
L = Length of the weir
H = Flow height over weir
After deciding the length of the weir (L), other structural calculations may be made,
including the body wall, wing walls and apron. Finally the stability of the structure is checked.
Arch Dams :
In the arch dam, stability is obtained by a combination of arch and gravity action. If
the upstream face is vertical the entire weight of the dam must be carried to the foundation by
gravity, while the distribution of the normal hydrostatic pressure between vertical cantilever
and arch action depends upon the strength of the dam in vertical and horizontal direction.
When the upstream face is sloped the distribution is more complicated. The normal component
of the weight of the arch ring may be taken by the arch action, while the normal hydrostatic
pressure will be distributed as described above. For this type of dam, firm reliable supports at
the abutments are more important. The safety of an arch dam is dependant on the strength of
the side wall abutments, hence not only should the arch be well seated on the side walls but
also the character of the rock should be carefully inspected.
Maintenance of Check Dams
Check dams function on a year-round basis but require periodic repair and sediment
removal in upstream dam. Check dams should be checked / inspected for damage every seven
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days and after any 1/2 inch or greater rainfall. Sediment should be removed when it reaches
one-half of the original height or before. Regular inspections should be made to insure that the
center of the dam is lower than the edges. Erosion caused by high flows around the edges of
the dam should be corrected immediately. Check dams must be removed when their useful life
has been completed
Success Story :
It was under the able leadership of Mr. Naveen Raj Singh IAS, the then Chief
Executive Officer of Zilla Panchayat Bidar -Karnataka (2003 to 2005) the whole new concept
under the watershed development started. He himself being a Civil Engineer conceived the
design of first ever Inclined-Buttress check dam. He along with other engineers of Zilla
Panchayat started making these check dams in large numbers.
This idea further evolved into Multiple Arch Check Dam (M.A.C.D).The said check dam
was ½ the cost of conventional masonry check dam (C.M.C.D). The height of this
M.A.C.D was double the C.M.C.D.
Latest improvement in this technology is Single Arch Check Dam. This has been successfully
tried and tested in high rise big check dams across the globe , Mr. Naveen explains. Iddukki-
Dam in kerala (INDIA) is one such example. This technology at such micro level is probably
being tried for the first time.
Single Arch Check Dam has further reduced the cost by 20 %.In the words of Mr. Naveen if
this is adopted at large scale ( in terms of number) it can very effectively solve the water supply
problem of rural area which are dependent upon ground water resource ( open well or bore
well). Bidar is an example.
In 2003 before he joined , District administration Bidar had spent approximately 75 lakh rupees
on transportation of water to villages during summer season. This year i.e 2007 only one
village is being supplied water that is also because of reasons other than water scarcity.
1) Life expectancy of Arch Butress check Dam is 100 years.
2) Horizontal thurst of water is resisted by the arch action of the arches, which uniformly
transfer the load to the butresses.
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3)The butress are supported on the mat or a raft foundation. In soft soil foundation the
butresses are supported on a spread footing.
4) To prevent the flow/seepage underneath the check dam, a cutoff wall with miniumum
reinforcement is provided at the upstream edge of the foundation.
A 109 Years Old Check Dam Of Uttarakhand
A very interesting story has been passed down through generations about the building
of this check dam. According to the elders in the area, in the late 1880s, the water in the
Nal Damyanti Tal and its vicinity used to flow in the form of a rivulet across an area two
kilometers long and down the hills to Bhabhar and Tarai area. However, the water could
not be used whereas there was tremendous need for irrigation in the neighbouring regions.
During that period, Bhabhar area was in the process of being settled and water for
irrigation and drinking was necessary for the settlements. Robertson, the British
Commissioner at the time, had a dam constructed to retain the water in Bheemtal, so that it
would not be wasted and could be used when the need arose, especially during the
summer. But the dam broke down during the rainy season. Colonel Ramsay, who
succeeded Robertson, was a generous and intelligent officer who, at the request of
farmers, decided to do something to solve the problem of water shortage. He thought that
if a check dam was made, then the water from the natural source that was flowing away
could be collected in the valley and could then be transported through canals. Accordingly,
he put up a proposal and sent it to London through the Viceroy of India. The proposal was
accepted and Ramsay decided to construct a check dam.
As soon as Shri Padmadutt Balutiya came to know that Ramsey was going to build a
dam, he went to the site and checked the design of the dam. He felt that the design was
flawed and told Ramsey that it would not be able to withhold the water pressure. He
suggested that instead of the straight wall, if the dam could be constructed with a convex
shape it would resist the pressure of water, because the force of water would not
concentrate at a particular point but would be distributed evenly over the entire length,
thus minimizing the water pressure. Unfortunately, Ramsay did not heed his suggestions
and had the dam constructed ‘his way’. The dam was washed off in the first rain. Ramsay
tried three more times, but each time he met with the same results. He was, however; still
not ready to listen to Padmadutt Balutiya. The next time, Ramsay wrote to London,
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explaining his case and asking for a specialized engineer. The engineer came and started
the work with a new design. Again Padmadutt went to Ramsay and suggested that if this
dam could not withhold the water pressure, he should be allowed to build the dam the next
year according to his design. Ramsay agreed.
Padmadutt returned to his farm, but he was thinking all the time about the site of the
dam 25 kilometers away. Finally he sent one of his farm labourers to the work site and
asked him to report within the first week of rain. As he had predicted, the dam was washed
away in the first rain and his man reported this to Padmadutt Balutiya before the official
message came from Ramsay. Padmadutt immediately set out for Ramsay’s office and
waited outside his room. When Ramsay came out, Padmadutt told him that the dam has
been washed away. Till then, Ramsay had not received any official message from the work
site. Impressed by the interest and initiative taken by Padmadutt Balutiya, he called a
meeting and instructed every body to follow Padmadutt’s advice.
The 109-year old check dam in Bheemtal is
truly a modern day wonder. The dam,
designed by the late Padmadutt Balutiya in
1895 continues to stand strong and has not
required any repairs since its construction.
The check dam was designed based on the old
traditional method i.e. “lehria” method which
has been used to make bunds for rice fields since ancient times. The check dam is
constructed in the form of a canal shaped like an arc. Water is allowed to enter this canal
so that the force of the water inside the canal reduces the force exerted by the water from
the outer side. This enables the check dam to withstand the heavy force exerted by the
water. The pressure on the second wall of the dam is automatically reduced, as it is not in
direct contact with the larger volume of water. Several outlets are made on the second wall
of the dam so that water is discharged uniformly. These outlets are at different levels so
that water can be discharged in such way that it exerts minimum pressure in the process.
Among many reasons given for this dam to stand the test of time for so many years, one is
that the shape of the dam facing the flow of water is convex. Due to the presence of water
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on both sides of the dam, the pressure on the dam itself is lessened. In addition, instead of
only one sluice gate, the check dam has four gates that dissipate the water pressure on the
dam structure equally. The building material is unusual. Instead of cement, traditional
materials such as lime, flour, powdered pulses, and straw have been used.
A monumental achievement…
Shri Balutiya used local materials, designs and insights about the way to manage
stress in a difficult terrain. The resultant check dam has not only withstood all the vagaries
of nature but has also created an example worth emulating. One wonders though, whether
state institutions and architects of formal policy and projects would let a natural genius go
as far as Balutiya was let by the British officer.
This 109-year old dam has now become a tourist attraction and stands as a tribute to
the triumph of indigenous knowledge. Ironically, official credit for the development of this
dam which led to the prosperity of the Kumaon region is given to the British Colonel
Ramsay and not the grass root designer, Padmadutt Balutiya.
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