Protection of Side Slopes of Drain in West Nile Delta: Case Study

Water courses (irrigation and drainage canals) are subjected to several side slope failures as a result of different reasons. These failures expose roads and facilities to damage and cause a great loss of water. This article introduces a case study of an agricultural drainage (Abu Homs drainage) which is located in the west side of the Nile Delta in Egypt. The length of this drainage is 21,600 Km running parallel to the Cairo-Alexandria road and railway track. The reasons behind the slope failures of the studied drain mainly lies in the illegal drainage carried out by farmers into the drain without using pipes, the mechanical dredging works deform the cross sections of the drains, the irregularity of the Water lifting stations in lowering the levels in an orderly manner, additional live loads, seepage forces, and erosion. Moreover, the poor quality of the dispersive soil forming the embankment was among the most important reasons of the slope failures. More than one protection method has been suggested, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. However, each site was studied separately and in details to find out the best way to deal with it even if it is on one derange.