Evaluation of subsurface drainage performance with rice husk envelope (Case study: Ran drainage network, Behshahr)

By evaluating the performance of the current drainage systems and exploration of their strengths and weaknesses a comprehensive perspective can be given to designers and organizers for optimum design and implementation of drainage systems for future plans. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance of subsurface drainage systems using rice husk as envelope in Behshahr, a coastal region in the northern part of Iran. For this purpose, eleven piezometers were installed between two subsurface drains designated as S3PD14 and S3PD15. Subsurface drainage system was monitored during rainfall seasons in 1383 and 1385. Parameters such as daily water table fluctuations and drain discharge rate were recorded. The overall conclusion was that subsurface drainage system performance was not satisfactory due to poor control of water table depth and low water discharge, which was mainly because of the drain envelope clogging. Therefore, the Hooghoudt’s equation should not be used for evaluation of design parameters, due to the fact that this equation is only valid for normal conditions (envelope without clogging).