Discussion
The project involves the design of three channels: a primary channel running east to west, and two
secondary channels running south to north alongside rice fields.
The lengths of the channels are 585 m for the primary channel, and 1277 m and 1274 m for the
secondary channels.
Frequency analysis of rainfall patterns over a 14-year period (2008-2022) showed significant
variations in rainfall, with the highest recorded rainfall occurring in December 2008, causing
intense flooding in the area.
An Intensity-Duration-Frequency curve (IDF Curve) was developed to assess the capability of the
channels to handle runoff from storm events of various return periods.
Topographic surveys revealed a flat topography with minimal changes in elevation along the
channels.
The slopes of the primary and secondary channels were reconstructed to ensure proper water flow.
GPS surveys were conducted to determine the overall rice field area and runoff areas for each
channel. The analysis showed that the secondary channels had higher runoff rates due to the larger
runoff areas compared to the primary channel.
The channels were designed using the Rational Method of Channel Design and Manning's
Equation to prevent overtopping due to rainfall.
Trapezoidal cross sections were used, and the channels' slope was set at 1V:1.5H.
The secondary channels were designed with invert levels higher than the primary channel to
maintain the intended flow directions.
The redesign aimed to minimize land material removal along the channel shoulders.
When comparing the volumes of the design and existing channels, it was found that the storage
capacity of the 2 design secondary channels were approximately 9 times larger than the 2
corresponding existing channels, highlighting the inadequacy of the current infrastructure.
Similarly, the design primary channel had a volume approximately 3.4 times larger than the
existing channel, indicating its insufficient capacity.
Overall, the study focused on channel design and the results highlighted the need for improved
channel capacity to mitigate flooding risks during extreme rainfall events.
Conclusion
In summary, we successfully achieved all of our project objectives, gaining valuable skills and
knowledge along the way.
Our focus on the drainage system in a section of Plantation Foulis highlighted the existing
challenges and provided recommendations for improvement.
We emphasize the need for continued research by future students to thoroughly analyze the entire
Berbice drainage network and address the area’s drainage and flooding issues.
We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this project and remind everyone of their
responsibility to maintain drains regularly to prevent floods and support agricultural growth.
Through collective efforts, we can establish a sustainable and resilient drainage system for the
benefit of our communities.
Recommendations
In order to effectively mitigate flooding in the catchment region, several recommendations based
on our research are:
Regular maintenance tasks, including desilting, should be conducted to keep the drainage channels
clear and functioning optimally.
It is crucial to construct and maintain slopes at the recommended angle to prevent any potential
collapse, particularly for channels with soft clay.
It is important to conduct canal surveys before and during excavation operations to verify depths
and volumes, while also taking into account weather patterns to avoid working during heavy rains.
Proper management of equipment and materials is vital, such as designating specific routes and
keeping stockpiles away from the drainage system, to prevent any obstructions and ensure smooth
water flow.
By implementing these recommendations, we can significantly reduce the risk of flooding and
ensure the efficient functioning of the drainage infrastructure.
Discussion:
The project involves the design of three channels: a primary channel running east to west, and two
secondary channels running south to north alongside rice fields.
The lengths of the channels are 585 m for the primary channel and 1277 m and 1274 m for the
secondary channels.
Frequency analysis of rainfall patterns over a 14-year period showed significant variations, with
the highest recorded rainfall causing intense flooding in December 2008.
An Intensity-Duration-Frequency curve (IDF Curve) was developed to assess the channels'
capability to handle runoff from various storm events.
Topographic surveys revealed a flat topography with minimal changes in elevation along the
channels.
The slopes of the primary and secondary channels were reconstructed to ensure proper water flow.
GPS surveys determined the overall rice field area and runoff areas for each channel, showing
higher runoff rates in the secondary channels due to larger runoff areas.
The channels were designed using the Rational Method of Channel Design and Manning's
Equation to prevent overtopping from rainfall.
Trapezoidal cross sections were used, and the channels' slope was set at 1V:1.5H.
The secondary channels were designed with higher invert levels to maintain flow directions and
minimize land material removal.
The redesign highlighted the inadequate storage capacity of the existing channels, emphasizing the
need for improved infrastructure to mitigate flooding risks.
Conclusion:
The project successfully achieved all objectives, gaining valuable skills and knowledge.
The focus on the drainage system in Plantation Foulis addressed existing challenges and provided
recommendations for improvement.
Continued research is needed to analyze the entire Berbice drainage network and address drainage
and flooding issues.
Drain maintenance is crucial, and responsibility lies with everyone to prevent floods and support
agriculture.
Collective efforts can establish a sustainable and resilient drainage system for the communities.
Recommendations:
Regular maintenance tasks, including desilting, should be conducted to keep the drainage channels
clear and functioning optimally.
Construct and maintain slopes at the recommended angle, especially for channels with soft clay,
to prevent collapse.
Conduct canal surveys before and during excavation, considering weather patterns to avoid
working during heavy rains.
Proper management of equipment and materials, such as designated routes and keeping stockpiles
away from the drainage system, is vital to ensure smooth water flow.
Implementing these recommendations will significantly reduce the risk of flooding and ensure
efficient drainage infrastructure.