Structures for Irrigation Diversion and Distribution

Since the beginning of national reclamation in the United States there have been 50 years of growth, as illustrated by the construction of works for diverting and distributing large volumes of water. Concrete weirs or overflow dams involve problems similar to those on major structures, but on a smaller scale. Economy in building large canals has followed the development of costly plant for continuous operation in excavating, compacting earth, trimming slopes, and placing concrete lining. To a lesser extent, asphalt and cement mortar linings are also used to prevent seepage losses. Special structures of concrete, in the form of large siphons or conduits, are sometimes needed, with economy derived especially from movable metal forms. Throughout, designers, construction engineers, and contractors have worked in h::mnony to produce maximum results at minimum cost.