Prepared by the Task Committee on Recent Advances in Canal Automation of the Irrigation Delivery and Drainage Systems Committee of the Irrigation and Drainage Council of the Environmental and Water Resources Institute of ASCE Canal Automation for Irrigation Systems focuses on the technical aspects of modernizing irrigation systems through use of automated canal control systems. Canal automation has always offered an opportunity to save water and improve the efficiency of irrigation water supply projects or irrigation district operations. Recent technological and engineering advances now enable more accurate control of water deliveries throughout all parts of an irrigation project. Using information collected from irrigation systems around the world in conjunction with new advances in control theory research, this Manual of Practice examines how and when to implement canal automation within the context of canal modernization. Topics include: the modernization process, constraints, and concepts; survey of irrigation physical infrastructure; SCADA systems; control operation concepts; canal hydraulic properties; control methods; verification of controller performance; and implementation of control systems. MOP 131 is an essential reference for professionals in agricultural and irrigation engineering, as well as owners, managers, and operators of irrigation water delivery systems.

Introduction about what this manual is covering concentrating on Large Scale Irrigation (LSI), diversion barrage or weir, intake (with auxiliary structures), and most common conveyance structures suitable for LSI. A very brief overview of an approach to match water needs with water availability (demand vs supply) with references and links to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) literature that is covering the topic in detail. A brief reference to the most common methods to obtain necessary hydrological parameters for IRR scheme design. A very brief overview of the importance of knowledge of geological conditions and the investigation needed to obtain geotechnical design parameters (including the most common geotechnical tests to obtain design parameters). Planning phase considerations regarding diversion and intake structure, discussing the role of the main components. More technical discussion on each component of the weir or intake, including formula and worked examples (hydraulic and structural computations). Conceptual, hydraulic, and structural considerations of main conveyance components, with emphasis and more detail on most used components (such as canals, siphons, aqueducts, retaining walls, etc.). A very brief overview of the approach to irrigation water management and Operations & Maintenance (O&M), with references and links to FAO literature that is covering the topic in detail. Standard specification for irrigation construction material.