Chapter 3 CONSTRAINTS, TRADEOFFS, AND STANDARDS

3.1 Design Constraints

Constraint is defined as a constraining condition, agency, or force that limits the systems’ performance
in a given context/ environment. Constraint describes the relationships between objects and processes.
Constraints have to be managed. Practically, in all cases the constraints’ limiting impact can be reduced or
eliminated.
The project, in order to meet and achieve the requirements of the client must be design in line with the
needs and necessities given by the client and also the judgement of the designer. These factors, often divided
into Quantitative Constraints - are those constraints that can be measured using engineering methods
(estimation). Outlined and discussed on the following are the constraints faced by the designers in the
“Design of Irrigation System in Barangay Laog, Angat, Bulacan.

3.1.1Quantitative Constraints
3.1.1.1Economic Constraint (Cost)
Economic constraint can have significant effect on the design outcome of the project. This constraint accords
with the fact that in creating a project, quantity and quality of the materials must be acknowledged, which are
also dependent to the cost of the entire project. As designers, it is a requirement to create a project that will
meet the desired design strength and durability of the design outcome, economically. Regardless of the fact
that irrigation was known to have a high initial cost, for this project, the designers will assess the total costs
of the project to come up with the best and most economical design.

3.1.1.2 Environmental Constraint (Penalty Cost)

Economic constraint can have significant effect on the design outcome of the project. This constraint accords
with the fact that in creating a project, quantity and quality of the materials must be acknowledged, which are
also dependent to the cost of the entire project. As designers, it is a requirement to create a project that will
meet the desired design strength and durability of the design outcome, economically. Regardless of the fact
that irrigation was known to have a high initial cost, for this project, the designers will assess the total costs
of the project to come up with the best and most economical design.

3.1.1.3 Constructability Constraint (Construction Duration)

One of the factors that highly contribute to the costs of a project is the duration of the construction due to its
mountainous region and rough terrains. Topography is also the most common problem in designing and
installing of an irrigation system. Longer project duration corresponds to higher amount of cost that will be
added to the total cost of the project which will make the project expensive.

3.1.1.4 Sustainability Constraint (Lifespan)

Due to unpredicted weather condition, volume of water that are collected for irrigation varies from time to
time. Irrigation for agriculture traditionally consumes large amounts of water and energy, resources that are
becoming increasingly scarce. There is a strong need for irrigation methods that can provide adequate
hydration for crops even with a limited supply of water, without requiring significant energy input.

3.2 Tradeoffs
Tradeoffs is a technique or method of decision making that compromises different designs by balancing
their factors and analyzing which gives more return or has a better effectiveness given certain
circumstances or cases.
The designers came up with three different trade-offs. These trade-offs are Types of Pump, Types of
Irrigation Canal, and types of canal weir. It will be measured through its different quality and aspects to
come up with the best resolution for the design of irrigation system.

3.2.1 Types of Pump

The heart of most irrigation systems is a pump. An irrigation pump is used to move water from the water
supply to the specified area of dry land. Water irrigations pumps are usually used to assist in crop growing
and the maintenance of lawns, vegetation and fields.

1. Centrifugal Pumps - Centrifugal pumps are used to pump from reservoirs, lakes, streams and
shallow wells. They also are used as booster pumps in irrigation pipelines. These pumps must
have water in the intake pipe and the casing before starting the pump. It is imperative that you
prime these pumps before the first use. This is done by filling the case with water, then quickly
turning the pump on.

2. Reciprocating Pumps - Displacement pumps force the water to move by displacement.

Displacement pumps are used for moving very thick liquids, creating very precise flow volumes, or
creating very high pressures.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Pumps

Table Error! No text of specified style in document.-1 Comparison of the advantages and
disadvantages of Pumps
Types of Pump Advantages Disadvantages
Centrifugal Pumps  It requires minimum space for  The pump will not work, if the
installation as it is compact in chamber is not full of water.
design. So, the priming should
 It can be installed for high always be done before
speed driving mechanism. starting the pump.
 The working is simple and
there is no valve in the pump,

Reciprocating Pumps
hence it is reliable and
durable.
 It is suitable for large
pumping units.
 It gives constant discharge.
 The pump will not work of
there is any leakage in the
suction side.
 It requires large space for
installation.
 It is suitable for pumping
water containing high
sediment.

3.2.2 Types of Irrigation Canal

The conveyance system assures the transport of water from the main intake structure or main pumping
station up to the field ditches. Conveyance system can be classified as lined and earthen canal.

1. Earthen Canals - are simply dug in the ground and the bank is made up from the removed earth.
They are inexpensive, but require high maintenance expenditure.

2. Lined Canals - Earthen canals can be lined with impermeable materials to prevent excessive
seepage and growth of weeds. Lining canals is also an effective way to control canal bottom and
bank erosion. The materials mostly used for canal lining are brick or rock masonry and asphaltic
concrete.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Irrigation Canal
Table Error! No text of specified style in document.-2 Comparison of the advantages and
disadvantages of Irrigation Canal
Types of Irrigation Canal Advantages Disadvantages
 Easy to construct  The low velocity of flow
 Low cost type of construction maintained to prevent
 It takes less time to complete erosion necessitates
the project work larger cross-section of
channels
 risk of the side slopes
collapsing and the water
Earthen Canal loss due to seepage
 Requires continuous
maintenance

 Maintenance is reduced for
lined canals.
 It reduces the loss of water due
to seepage and hence the duty
Lined Canal is enhanced
 It eliminates the effect of
scouring in the canal bed
 It controls the growth of weeds
along the canal sides and bed.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Lined Canal Materials
Material Tradeoff Advantages
Cement Concrete  Long Lifespan
 Durability
 impermeable and hydraulically
efficient
 requires least maintenance
 The smooth surface of the
lining increases the
conveyance of the channel
Stone Masonry  Easy to install compare to
reinforce concrete
 Long Lifespan
 increase the hydraulic
efficiency of the irrigation canal
 very effective in reducing
seepage losses
 Durability
 Low material cost
 Favorable conditions for
weed growth which further
retards the velocity.
 Construction cost is
much higher than for
earthen canals.
 It takes too much time to
complete the project
work
 It involves many
difficulties for repairing
the damaged section of
lining
Disadvantages
 Longer construction
period
 High form cost
 The initial cost of the
canal lining is very high.
So, it makes the project
very expensive with
respect to the output.
 It involves many
difficulties for repairing
the damaged section of
lining.
 It takes too much time to
complete the project
work.
 Table Error! No text of specified style in document.-3 Comparison of the materials used for Lined
Canals

3.2.3 Check Structure

Checks serve to help regulate the water level in a canal reach. They can also be used to limit the amount
of water leaving the canal if there is a failure. Checks have two parts: Gates can make small adjustments
for more flexible operations and can provide for automation of the check structure.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Check Structure

Table Error! No text of specified style in document.-4 Comparison of the advantages and
disadvantages of Check Structure
Advantages Disadvantages
 Easy to construct  The low velocity of flow
 Low cost type of construction maintained to prevent
It takes less time to complete erosion necessitates
the project work larger cross-section of
channels
 risk of the side slopes
collapsing and the water
loss due to seepage
 Requires continuous
maintenance
 Favorable conditions for
weed growth which further
retards the velocity.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Check Structure Materials

Material Tradeoff Advantages Disadvantages

Cement Concrete  Long Lifespan  High form cost
 Durability
Wood  Low cost  Shorter lifespan compared
 Light in terms of weight and easy to others
to construct  Weak compared to steel
and reinforced concrete
Table Error! No text of specified style in document.-5 Comparison of the materials used for Check
Structure