Victorian Irrigation Areas - Recent Hydraulic Developments and use of New Materials in Small Hydraulic Structures

One of the current technical aims in the management of Victorian irrigation systems is to achieve within the existing systems better and cheaper control of water distribution by the use of new materials and methods. Research and development has been directed at improving control and measuring devices for more rapid and finer control of flows; reduction of wastage; reduction of head losses and measuring increased flows onto farms. To do these, new materials are being used not previously applied in these irrigation systems. Some areas in which work has been done are as follows. The Dethridge Meter has had its capacity increased by nearly 100% and as well aluminium and glass reinforced plastic are being tested for the wheel with fibre-reinforced concrete for the emplacement. Efficient pipe end transitions are being developed using fibre-reinforced concrete. Small wasteful channels have been replaced by large diameter nylon reinforced PVC 'hose pipes'. Vertical lift regulator gates are now made to fine tolerances using steel bridge decking with polyethylene runners sliding in glass-reinforced cement guides. Automatic regulators have been installed in the limited winter shutdown period using precast reinforced concrete emplacements and transitions.