ABSTRACT
Canals function in a variable manner; the situation of their levels along their lengths and the changing flow rates they transport at any given moment at the various points are not at all easy to predict; and even less is known about how they are going to react with respect to variations in the canal elements, for example, due to the modification of gate apertures or type of feedwater flow rates or those demanded by secondary canals. It is a good idea, we would say necessary, to have a mathematical model
available, which will permit each situation to be simulated and at any given time, in order to establish how the canal is going to react to these modifications. If an already constructed canal is now in the operational phase, such a model would be of great assistance to the canal operations team by helping them to establish whether a specific operation that is to be carried out is going to achieve its objective without any problems or, on the other hand, is it going to lead to overflowing or a lack of water at certain points along the canal. This requires a mathematical model with a fast response in order to provide this information in real time and, where necessary, allow the operations manager to put into place any other measures that are considered necessary. However, if the canal is still in the design phase, a provisional mathemat-
ical model can be used to establish the advantages or otherwise of two or more different solutions that may be adopted for the canal gates or other installations, its level of use can then be enormous. The amount of understanding gained by those responsible for the oper-
ation of the canal should not be underestimated either. Putting the model to work under varying situations can provide a great deal of information about its operation. The subject of mathematical models for canals is highly specialized and
complex. It has lead to huge numbers of books being produced and has occupied the time and energy of experts in theoretical hydraulics, engineering, mathematics and software programming (10), (11), (12), (40), (61),
We cannot venture as deeply in this subject, in a book intended to provide a general overview of canals, as many readers might feel is necessary. But, since engineers working on canals, in all their variations of design, construction and operation, will very probably become involved with some form of mathematical model, we feel it is essential to provide at least some general information.
