Performance of Gunite Brow Ditches
Publication: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 120, Issue 5
Abstract
The main advantages of gunite brow ditches are cost, ease of construction, durability, and simple flow‐capacity equations. The main disadvantages are weakness due to shrinkage cracks; rigidity, which makes them vulnerable to soils movement; susceptibility to chemical attack; aesthetics; and maintenance, which is required to keep them clear of obstruction that can clog pathways. The standard specifications require a setback from the top‐of‐slope of 0.3 m (12 in.). This setback should be adequate for slopes in rock and for compacted sands and gravels. But slopes composed of compacted clay will creep if the slope face is wet to saturated. The three parameters that determine the primary zone of creep for this condition are shear strength, slope height, and slope inclination. An empirical equation [(1)] can be used to estimate the gunite brow ditch top‐of‐slope setback distance for compacted‐clay slopes.
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References
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
Volume 120 • Issue 5 • September 1994
Pages: 957 - 963
Copyright
Copyright © 1994 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 4, 1993
Published online: Sep 1, 1994
Published in print: Sep 1994
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