LAYOUT AND LINING OF
CANALS
Appropriate technology for micro hydroelectric power schemes
INTRODUCTION
The use of small hydroelectric plants is an alternative for the development of
thousands of isolated areas without any hope of being connected to the national
electricity grid.
However, some important difficulties need to be overcome if the plants are to be
a valid alternative, such as costs, the availability of equipment, technology,
training on the maintenance and repairs of facilities, and so on.
Costs are naturally related to the availability of a local and appropriate
technology. In an effort to make the use of Micro Hydroelectric Power
Schemes a viable alternative for poor rural sectors, on this occasion ITDG is
publishing an interesting canal construction method referred to as the
“CERCHAS” [WOODEN FRAMES] METHOD.
ITDG has used this method to build canals in micro hydroelectric power
schemes implemented in various parts of the country, reducing costs by 50% on
materials and 30% on manpower, compared to the traditional formwork method.
This handbook is written in a simple language and contains guidelines for
applying the above mentioned method, from the layout and excavation work to
the lining and curing of the mix, guaranteeing the quality of the finished work.
The use of this handbook is not limited to hydro power, as we believe its
dissemination could be of help to other fields such as irrigation.
The IT-PERU Hydro Power Programme believes this publication will be a
valuable contribution to the efficient use of water for the benefit of rural people.
Intermediate Technology
(Soluciones Prácticas)
This booklet was originally produced by ITDG – Programa de Hidroenergía, Perú (now
Soluciones Prácticas) in 1993, ISBN 1 85339 164 6. It was translated by Doreen Fisher and
Edward Stevens for Practical Action in 2008.
2