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Workshop On Design Of Siphon

Design Procedure and Example
Design of Siphon
Design Procedure Of Siphon
General Considerations:
 After the hydraulic design is completed (see other hand-out) with the
dimensions and (appurtenant) structures determined, the structural
design is carried out.
 Depending on the size of the design discharge conveyed in the canal,
inverted siphons can be constructed with pipe or with rectangular
(‘box’) sections. From a financial point of view, the barrel opening
(internal diameter or dimensions) may be reduced if higher head-losses
are acceptable. Rectangular single or multiple barrel box sections are
often used for short siphons when the head is 9.0 m or less on the inside
top of the box.
 Where barrels are constructed in situ (= on site) on a soft foundation, it
is advisable to provide first a 0.15 m thick lean concrete bedding.
Design Procedure Of Siphon
 Box sections are preferably also procured from reputable concrete
factories. Casting box sections in situ, however, may be needed because
transport of the sections is difficult, but require adequate supervision in
construction. Precise placement of steel, placing of formwork correctly
and checking that the appropriate concrete mix is used is very important.
RCC (reinforced cement concrete) of Mark 200 (M 200) is usually
applied for which a design mix is determined in a laboratory prior to
starting construction. The reinforcement design is complex as the box
section is a rigid structure. Design forces may be dominant from outside
(in case there is no internal hydrostatic pressure) or from inside
(maximum hydrostatic pressure with the siphon standing in a dry river
bed) and soil reactions from the foundation are not uniform.
Overall Diagram
Design Procedure Of Siphon
Mobile River Bed
 The barrel section in the riverbed should be placed in material that will not be
transported as bed load during high floods. If exposed to moving bed material, the
concrete is scoured and will loose thickness by abrasion, particularly when velocity of
the sandy/gravelly bed load exceeds 2.0 m/s. The depth of riverbed scour needs to be
calculated. For alluvial rivers flowing in flat areas, Lacey’s equation can be used for
normal scour depth R in cohesionless bed material:
R = 1.35 (q2/f)1/3
Where:
 R is depth of scour measured from the high flood level (‘HFL’)
 q is maximum flood discharge in m3/s per m width of the river
 f is silt factor: f = 1.76 (d50)
 d50 is average particle size in mm (50% of the sample by weight)
Structural Design
 The inclined barrels are subjected to saturated earth load.
The adjoining barrels are subjected partly to earth lad and partly water load and
moments transferred through retaining wall.
The middle barrels are subjected to uniform water load only.
Since the barrels are subjected to different loadings considerable differential
settlement may occur.
The differential settlement shall be resisted by collars at the joints.
The barrels are designed in longitudinal direction connected through joints.
The collars should be designed to resist the imposed load moments.
In transverse direction monolith comprising three barrels are analysed for different
loading conditions.
The following are the critical conditions to be considered.
Condition I :-Canal is running at F.S.L, drain dry and barrels dewatered for repairs.
Condition II:-Canal dry and drain running at H.F.L (including afflux).
Design Procedure of Siphon

As we see Fig (1), shows the contraction and expansion transitions.

The contraction starts at section 1—1 and ends at section 2—2.
The canal section remains flumed from section 2—2 to 3—3.
The expansion transition starts from section 3—3 and ends at section 4
—4.
Let D and V, with appropriate suffixes represent depth and velocity at
different sec.
Design Procedure of Siphon
Design Procedure of Siphon
The design is done in the following steps:
Step 1. Let the bed level and cross-section of the canal at section 4—4
be completely known.
Let the total energy level at any point be abbreviated as T.E.L.
Water surface elev. At section 4 = bed level at section 4 + D4 and
T.E.L at section 4 = water surface elev. At section 4 + V4/2g

Step 2. Energy loss due to expansion between section 3 and 4 may be

taken as
= 0.3 (V23 – V24 / 2g)
The friction loss between 3 and 4 is generally small and may be
neglected.
Since trough dimensions at 3 are known, V3 is known.
Design Procedure of Siphon
Step 3. T.E.L at section 3 = T.E.L at 4 + 0.3 (V23 – V24 / 2g)
Water surface elev. at 3 = T.E.L. at 3 –(V23/2g)
Bed level at section 3 = water surface elev. at 3 –D 3

Step 4. The channel section between 3 and 2 remains constant.

The only loss of head in the trough is due to friction and can be worked
out from
the Manning’s formula:
Q = 1/n AR2/3S1/2

T.E.L at 2 = T.E.L at 3 + head loss

Water surface elev. at 2 = T.E.L at 2—V22/2g
Bed level at 2 = water surface elev.at 2—D2
Design Procedure of Siphon
Step 5. Energy loss due to contraction between section 1 and 2 may be taken
equal to 0.2 (V22 – V21 / 2g). The frictional loss may be neglected.

T.E.L at 1 = T.E.L at 2 + 0.2 (V22 – V21 / 2g).

Water surface elev. at 1 = T.E.L. at 1 –(V21/2g).
Bed level at section 1 = water surface elev. at 1 –D1

Step 6. The bed level, water surface level and total energy level at all
the four sections are known.
The total energy line may be drawn straight between adjacent sections.
The bed line is also drawn straight if the fall in level between the adjacent
sections is small, and the corners can be rounded off. In case the drop in the
bed is more, the sections are joined with a smooth reverse curve tangential to
the bed.
Design Procedure of Siphon
Step 7. The drop in the water surface levels between any two adjacent sections
will be due to (i) drop in the energy line between the two sections, and
(ii) Increased velocity head for contraction (or decreased velocity had for Expansion).
This drop is achieved by two smooth parabolic curves, first convex and
second concave upwards, meeting the water surface tangentially, as shown in fig(1)

2X1 = Lf
1 Origin of Parabola 2

Water
y1
Surface

2y1
X1
1 2
Water Surface

Fig (1) Water Surface Curve for Contraction Transition.

Design Procedure of Siphon
Let 2X1 = Lf = length in which fluming has been done.
2Y1 = total difference in water levels between 1 and 2.
The distance of the middle point of transition will be X1 and drop in water
surface will be Y1.The equation of parabola, with origin at water surface of
section 1, is given by:
y = Cx2
When x = X1, y = Y1
C = y/x2 = Y1/X21
Hence the equation reduces to y = (y1/x12)x2
This is the equation of the first parabolic curve, which can now be plotted
Similarly, the second parabola can be plotted by taking the origin at section 2.
Similarly, the expansion transition water surface between section 3 and 4 can be
Plotted.
There will be rise in the water surface.
Design Procedure of Siphon
Step 8. After having plotted the water surface profile over the whole length,
the velocity head ha can be found by measuring the vertical distance
between the T.E.L. and water surface line at any point.
The velocity head can then be converted into equivalent velocity by the
Relationship.
V = √2gha
Thus the velocity at each point can be known.

Step 9. The cross-sectional area at any point, required to the given discharge is
Given by
A = Q/V
In trapezoidal channel, with water depth D, bed with B and side slops
S : 1, the area is given by
A = BD + sD2
Example (Design Procedure of Siphon)
Design a Siphon with the following data:

Canal:
Discharge 40 cumec
Bed width 18 m
Full supply depth 2.1 m
Bed level 250.0 m

Drain:
Catchment area 60 sq.km
Bed level 251.80 m
Slope 1/600
Hydraulic Design
(1) Flood discharge of the drain
Using Dicken’s formula
Q = CA3/4
Assuming C = 4.5 and substituting, we have
Q = 4.5x(60) ¾ = 97.01 cumec.
Adopt Q = 100 cumec.

(2) Section of the drainage channel

According to Lacey’s formula,
P = 4.83√Q
P = 4.83√100 = 48.3
Provide bed width of the drain at the crossing = 44.50 m
High flood level of drain = Bed level + water depth
= 251.80 + 1.45 = 253.25m
Hydraulic Design
(3) Canal Waterway:
Bed width of canal = 18.0 m
Normal section area (A) of the channel = BD + (D2/2)
Where, B = 18m and D=2.1m
Substituting, we get
A = 18x2.1+(2.12/2) = 40 sq.m
Velocity in the normal section = Q/A = 40/40 = 1 m/sec.
Let the canal waterway be reduced from 18m to 6.3m such the two barrels each 3m wide are provide with an
intervening wall 0.3m thick (as shown in fig)
Let the height of the barrel be 2.5m
Velocity through the barrels = 40/(2x3x2.5) = 2.67m/sec
The velocity is within the recommended range.
The size of the barrel is therefore okay.
It should be checked that the flow is sub-critical in the barrel that is,
Froude number (F) should be less than unity.
Now, F = V/√gd
where, V is the velocity in the barrel = 2.67 m/sec
g = 9.81m/sec; d = depth of flow = 2.5m
Substituting in the above equation, we have
F = 2.67/√9.8x2.5 = 0.54
Since the value of F is less than 1, the flow will be sub-critical in the barrel.
Hydraulic Design
(4) Head loss and bed levels at different sections (see fig).
Width of canal in the flumed portion = 6.3m
Provide 2 in 1 splay in contraction and 3 in 1 splay in expansion transition.
Length of concentration transition = (18-6.3)/2 x2 = 11.70 m
Length of expansion transition = (18-6.3)/2 x3 = 17.50 m
Length of barrels in the flumed portion = 70m
(approximately assumed)
In the transitions, the side slopes of the section shall be warped from 1 1/2 : 1 to vertical.
1 4
Contraction Transition Flumed Portion Expansion Transition

2 3
18.00

18.00
6.30

Canal Flow

2 3

11.70 70.00 17.50

1
4
Hydraulic Design
At section 4--4
Area of section (Normal channel section) = 40 sq m
Velocity = 40/40 = 1m/sec
Velocity head = V2/2g = 1/(2x9.8) = 0.051 m say 0.05m
R.L of bed = 250.0m (given)
R.L of water surface = 250 + 2.1 = 252.10m
R.L of T.E.L = 252.10+0.05(velocity head) = 252.15m
Hydraulic Design
At section 3--3
Water depth at the entry and exit of the barrel should be kept slightly higher than the depth of the
barrels so as to keep the ends of the barrel submerged for proper siphoning.
Provide water depth equal to 3m.
Area of section = 3x6.3 = 18.90 sq m
Velocity = Q/A = 40/18.20 = 2.2m/sec
Velocity head = V2/2g = 2.22/(2x9.8) = 0.246 m say 0.25m
Loss of head in expansion from section 3—3 to section 4—4 = 0.3x (2.2 2-12/(2x9.8)) = 0.059
Hence elevation of T.E.L at section 3—3 = 252.15 + 0.059 = 252.209
R.L of water surface = 252.209 + 0.230(velocity head) = 251.979 m

R.L of bed = 250.0m (given)

R.L of water surface = 251.979 -3.0=248.979
From section 3-3 to section 4-4 area and velocity are constant.
Head loss through barrels
Head loss through barrels is given by (1+f1 + f2L/R) V2 /2g
Hydraulic Design
Where f1 = 0.08 for bell mouthed syphon

And f2 =a(1+b/R)
For cement plaster a= 0.00316 and b=0.10
R=A/P= 3*2.50/2(3+2.50)=0.682m
Hence, f2 =0.00316(1+0.10/0.682)=0.00362

Assume length of barrels=70m

Head loss of h= (1+0.08+0.00362x70/0.682)x2.672/2x9.81=0.53m

Hence loss of head in barrels=0.53m
Hydraulic Design
At section 2--2
R.L of T.E.L = T.E.L at section 3—3 + head loss through barrels
= 252.205 + 0.53 = 252.735

R.L of water surface = 252.735 – 0.25(velocity head as at section 3—3)

= 252.485 say 252.50m

R.L of bed = 252.50 – 3(water depth at entry)

= 249.50m
Hydraulic Design
At section 1--1
Loss of head in contraction transition from section 1—1 to section 2—2
= 0.2x (2.122-12/(2x9.8)) = 0.036

R.L of T.E.L = T.E.L at section 2—2 + head loss in contraction transition

= 252.735 + 0.036 = 252.77m

R.L of water suface = 252.77 – 0.05(velocity head as at section 4—4 )

= 252.72m
R.L of bed = 252.72 – 2.10 = 250.62m
Hydraulic Design
(5). Transitions:
As the water depths in the transition vary from 2.10m to 3.0m.
From the formula as they are used.

1 2

1 2
Hydraulic Design
(a) Contraction Transition:
Y1 = water level at section (1—1)—water level at section (2—2) / 2
= (252.720—252.50)/2 = 0.11m
X1 = Length of contraction transition / 2
= 11.70/2 = 5.85m
C = Y1/X12 = 0.11/(5.85)2 = 0.00321
y = 0.00321 x2 (equation of water surface profile in contraction transition)

(b) Expansion Transition:

Y1 = water level at section (1—1)—water level at section (2—2) / 2
= (252.10—251.975)/2 = 0.0625m
X1 = Length of contraction transition / 2
= 17.55/2 = 8.775m
C = Y1/X12 = 0.0625/(8.775)2 = 0.00081
y = 0.00081 x2 (equation of water surface profile in contraction transition)
Hydraulic Design
(6). Invert level
Bed level of drain = 251.80m
Provide 0.3m thick concrete slab and 0.6m thick earth fill over the slab.
Invert level of the concrete = 251.80—(0.60+0.30+2.50) = 248.40
Invert level at the entrance and exit of the barrel shall be the same as the bed
Levels. Already worked out at sections (2—2) and (3—3) respectively.
Thus the invert level at the entry = 249.500m
Invert level at the exit = 248.975m
(7). Pucca Floor
Provide pucca floor in half the transition length in the upstream and 3/4 th
The length of expansion transition in the downstream.
Length of pucca floor upstream = 11.70/2 = 5.85m say 6.0m
Length of pucca floor downstream = ¾ x 17.55 = 13.20m say 13.0m
Hydraulic Design
(8). Uplift pressure on the barrel floor and pucca floor
(a). Static uplift – at bottom of barrel floor
Deepest invert level of the barrel = 248.40
Assuming the thickness of the barrel as 0.3m, the bottom level of the barrel
floor = 248.40—0.30 = 248.10m
At the down stream end of barrel
Floor level at the downstream end of barrel=248.975m. Assuming floor thickness at this point 1.50m the
bottom level of pucca floor = 248.975-1.50=247.475
Static head = 250.00-247.475=2.525m
(b) Seepage head
The seepage head will be maximum when the drain is running full and
there is no flow in the canal.
Thus total seepage head = H.F.L in the drain – bed level of canal
= 253.25—250.00 = 3.25m
At bottom of barrel floor
The residual seepage head at point “a” in the center of the first barrel (fig.)
has been calculated by Bligh’s theory.
The seepage line would follow the path indicated by the line.
x a b y. It’s total length (neglecting floor depression or thickness) is the sum
of the following:
Hydraulic Design
(i) Half the barrel span = 1.5m
(ii) Length of barrel in indicated portion = 8.0m
(iii) Length of pucca floor = 13.0m
Thus total creep length = 22.5m and creep length upto point.
‘a’ i.e. center of first barrel = 1.50m, Residual seepage head at point
a = (1-1.50/22.5)x3.25=3.03m
Thus total uplift in the barrel=1.90+3.03m=4.93m say4.95t/m2
At the down stream end of barrel floor
Total creep length upto the end of barrel floor.i.e at point b =1.5+8=9.50m
Residual seepage head at this point = (1-9.50/22.5)x3.25=1.88m
Thus total uplift = static uplift+ Residual seepage head
=2.525+1.88=4.405m
The thickness required =4.0405/2.22=1.984m say 2.0m
Provide 2.0m thick c.c floor and reduce it 0.80 m at the end of flooe
Structural Design of syphon
Design the barrels of the canal siphon in the previous example as
monolith
Reinforced concrete box.
The relevant data is given below:
(i) Number of barrels =2
(ii) Size of barrel = 3m x 2.5m
(iii) Bank level = 254.0m
(iv) Drain H.F.L. = 253.25m
(v) Uplift at base of barrel = 4.5 ton/m2
(vi) Unit weight of dry earth = 1.60 ton/m3
(vii) Unit weight of saturated earth = 2.0 ton/m3
(viii) Weight of submerged earth = 1.0 ton/m3
(ix) Angle of internal friction in all = 300
Structural Design of Siphon Barrel
Design
(1) Critical section of the barrel
The barrel shall be subjected to maximum loading under the bank at the lowest
possible level of the barrel as indicated by section B—B, (marked on fig)
The cross-section of the barrel B—B is shown in fig.
Structural Design of Siphon Barrel
(2) Design features
Following considerations have been made in design of barrels:
(i) Bottom slab. This design is for uplift pressure and reaction from soil resulting
from the loading on the foundations. Theoretically, the soil reaction is not
uniform but for simplification it is assumed uniform.
(ii) Side walls: Side walls would be tested in the following two critical
conditions.
(a) High flood in the drain while barrels are empty.
(b) No water in the drain while barrels are full.
(iii) Partition walls: the partition walls are subjected to equal pressure on
either side, and therefore, no reinforcement is required.
Nominal reinforcement is, however, provided to take care of contingency.
due to unequal pressures resulting from chocking up of any of the barrels.
(iv) Top slab: The loads considered for design of top slab are:
(a) Earth load.
(b) weight of water below saturation line.
Structural Design of Siphon Barrel
(3) Design
As the barrels are rigidly joined, they should be designed as a continuous
structure. Hardly cross method of moment distribution shall be used for design.
Assume the thickness of the frame 30cm all through so that the effective lengths
Horizontal and vertical members are 3.3m and 2.8m respectively as shown in (fig).
Distribution factors
At joint A
for member AB = 2.8/(2.8+3.3) = 0.46
for member AD = = 0.54
At joint D
for member DA = = 0.54
for member DC = = 0.46
Structural Design of Siphon Barrel
(i) Dead loads
Consider one meter length of barrel
Depth of dry earth over barrel = 254.00—253.25 = 0.75m
Depth of saturated earth = 253.25—251.40 = 1.85m
Weight of dry and sat. earth = (0.75x1.6+1.85x2) = 4.9 t/m2
Weight of top slab(0.3m thick) = 0.3 x 2.4 = 0.72 t/m2
Weight on the top slab including it’s own weight = 4.9 + 0.72 = 5.62 tm 2
Wight of the barrels per meter of length = (4x3.3+3x2.8) x 0.3x2.4 = 15.55 t
Total dead load/m length of barrels = 15.55 + 4.9x6.9 = 49.36t
Uplift/m length = 4.5x6.9 = 31.05 t
Net vertical load acting on foundation = 49.40—31.05 = 18.35t
Pressure on foundation soil = 18.35/6.9 = 2.66 t/m2
Pressure acting on the base slab= (soil reaction + uplift) = 2.66 +4.5 = 7.16 t/m 2
Net upward pressure on the base slab = (7.16—0.72) = 6.50 t/m2
Structural Design of Siphon Barrel
(ii) Earth pressure
The earth pressure shall comprise of the following:
(a) Dry earth pressure above saturation line (from R.L 253.25 to R.L 254.00)
(b) Saturated earth pressure from R.L 253.25 to R.L 248.45
Corresponding to Ф = 300
Cp = (1-sin Ф)/(1+sinФ) = 1/3
Thus pressure at A = Surcharge due to dry earth + surcharge due to saturated
earth
= Cp x w0.75 + Cpxws(253.25—251.25) + w(253.25—
251.250)
= 1/3 x 1.6 x 0.75 x +1/3 x 1 x 2 + 1x2 = 3.07 t/m2
Pressure at D = 3.07 + Cp x ws(251.25—248.45) + w(251.25—248.45)
= 3.07 + 1/3 x 1 x 2.8 + 1 + 2.8 = 6.80 t/m2
Structural Design of Siphon Barrel

m2

m2
Structural Design of Siphon Barrel
(iii) Fixing moments
(a) on span AB= wl2/12 = (5.62x3.32)/12 = 5.1tm
(b) on span CD= wl2/12 = (6.50x3.32)/12 = 5.9tm
(c) on span AD fixed end moments in the wall at each end due to
rectangular portion.
= wl2/12 = (3.07x 2.82)/12 = 2.01tm
Fixed end moments due to triangular portion
MAD = (3.73x2.82)/30 = 0.975tm
MDA = (3.73x2.82)/20 = 1.462tm

total fixed end moments at A = 2.01+0.975 = 2.985tm

total fixed end moments at D = 2.01+1.462 = 3.472tm
Structural Design of Siphon Barrel
(iv) Distribution of Moments

Joints C D A B
Distribution
0.46 0.54 0.5 0.46
factors
Fixed end
moments -5.9 5.9 -3.472 2.985 -5.1 5.1
Balance -1.115 -1.31 1.14 0.97
Carry over -0.5574 0.57 -0.655 0.485
Balance -0.2622 -0.3078 0.353 0.301
Carry over -0.1311 0.177 -0.1539 0.151
Balance -0.081 -0.096 0.083 0.071
Carry over -0.041 0.042 -0.048 0.035
Balance -0.019 -0.023 0.026 0.022
-6.63 3.73 -3.73
Total
4.423 -4.423 5.771
Structural Design of Siphon Barrel
(v) Net moments at center and face
Span AB
Sagging moments at face = (5.62x3.3)/2 X 0.15—(5.62x0.152)/2 = 1.33tm
Fixed moments at face = 3.73 + (3.15/3.3)x(5.771—3.73) = 5.68tm
Net fixing moments at face= 5.68—1.33 = 4.35tm
Sagging moments at center = (5.62x3.32)/8 = 7.65tm
Fixing moments at center = (3.73+5.771)/2 = 2.9 tm
Span CD
Sagging moments at face = (6.5x3.3)/2 x 0.15—(6.5x0.15 2)/2 = 1.54 tm
Fixing moments at face = 4.423 + (3.15/3.3)x(6.63—4.423) = 6.5297 tm
Net fixing moments at face = 6.5297—1.54 = 4.98 tm
Sagging moments at center = (6.5x3.32)/8 = 8.85 tm
Fixing moments at center = (6.63+4.423)/2 = 5.53 tm
Net sagging moments at center = 8.85—5.53 = 3.32 tm
Structural Design of Siphon Barrel
Span AD
Sagging moments at face
(a) Due to rectangular portion = (3.07x2.8)/2 x 0.15—(3.07x0.152)/2 = 0.61 tm
(b) Due to triangular portion = (3.73x2.8)/2 x 1/3 x 0.15—
(0.2x0.15)/2x0.1=0.260tm
Total sagging moments at face = 0.61 + 0.260 = 0.87 tm.
Fixing moments at face = 3.73+(2.65/2.8)x(4.423—3.73) = 4.4 tm.
Net fixing moments at face = 4.4—0.87 = 3.53 tm.
Sagging moments at center
(a) Due to rectangular portion = (3.07x2.82)/8 = 3.01 tm.
(b) Due to triangular portion = (3.73x2.8)/2 x 2.8 x (1/7.81) = 1.872tm.
Total sagging moments at center = 3.01+1.872 = 4.882 tm
Fixing moments at center = (4.423+3.7)/2 = 4.06 tm
Net fixing moments at center = 4.882—4.06 = 0.822 tm
Structural Design of Siphon Barrel
The net moments at face and center of the different spans are tabulated bellow:
Moments
Span
At face At center

AB 4.35 tm(hogging 2.90 tm(sagging)

CD 4.98 tm(hogging) 3.32 tm(sagging)

AD 3.53 tm(hogging) 0.822 tm(sagging)

(moments causing tension on water face shall be known as sagging)

(vi) Thickness of members
The maximum moment in the barrels is 4.98 tm. The minimum
effective
thickness (d) required for bending moment.
d = √(M/bQ) = √(4.98x105/100x9.81) = 23.29 cm
Adopt 27.5cm effective and 30cm overall thickness of all the members.
Structural Design of Siphon Barrel
The reinforcement required at various points is given below.
(vii) Reinforcement
Span AB & BE
Moments in tm Reinforcement required
At face 4.35(hogging) At = 13.062cm2. Provide 16mm [email protected] c/c
At center 2.90(sagging) At = 10.20cm2. Provide 12mm [email protected] c/c
Span CD and CF
At face 4.980(hogging) At = 17.60cm2 Provide 16mm [email protected] c/c
At center 3.369(sagging) At = 11.90cm2 Provide 16mm [email protected] c/c
Span at AD & EF
At face 3.531(hogging) At = 12.50cm2 Provide 16mm [email protected] c/c
At center 0.776(sagging) At = 2.74cm2 Provide 16mm [email protected] c/c.
Structural Design of Siphon Barrel
End of Workshop On Design Of Siphon

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Attention