Introduction

Introduction to CanalNET Software

Well come!

CanalNETWORK is a software product that offers targeted solution to the design, analysis and documentation of a system of gravity canal networks. It is a product of a committed work to understand the practice of irrigation systems design in the local context, as well as governing theory in open channel hydraulics.

This introcution will give basic knowledge about the key problems that the software solves, and different tools available to solve them. It focuses on key features of the software, and is NOT a comprhensive document containing all the details.

Organization of the Documentation

The structure and flow of each section is designed to provide a sequential learning experience to users. Howerver, each section is also independently organized, to provide adequate guidance and detail on the topic of interest. Below is the general flow of topics:

Setup and Evaluation:

  • Step by step guidance to install CanalNet product, and configure AutoCAD environemnt.
  • A quick guide for users who want to evaluate canalNet with a ready data, we have included a fast-track experience guide.

Typical workflow in CanalNet

Project Preparation

  • Design Criteria and Network/project Preferences
  • Importing network and related data
  • Network resolution (geometric)
  • Network sizing (Hydraulic)

Design and Analysis

  • Longiudinal designs
  • Exploring solutions
  • Visualizations
  • Quality Audits and QA/QC

Design production

  • Generating quantity estimates
  • generating Technical drawings

Collaboration

  • Exchaning data with teams

Uses and applicaiton of CanalNETWORK software

CanalNETWORK software is an all-in-one solution, that allows to design, analyse and document the planning and design of canal irrigation systems. It allows to process data from start to end, allowing production of reach graphic and tabular documents to AutoCAD, as well as other text presentation software.

CanalNETWORK software for use in:

  • A system of open canal irrigtion network (supply only)

  • Canal network connectivity analysis, and automatic generation of labels /tags for entire network

  • Complete and detailed Longitudinal design of individual canal routes

  • Automated generation of detailed and summary bill of quanity

  • Automated generation of different drawing products

  • Collaboration between enginners and team leads to tackle large scale projects

  • Compact saving and sharing of design data

  • ... and more.

Software Operating Limits

CanalNETWORK software has the following operating limits while in use for any network formulation and analysis.

  • Manning's equation, and the Critical Tractive Force method of analysis are available for flow analysis and canal sizing
  • Maximum of two branches to a node are allowed
  • Flattest slope possible 1/10,000
  • Steepest slope possible 1/100
  • Maximum allowable canal side slope 5H:1V
  • Thineest canal lining 0.001M, Thickest Canal Lining allowed 50Cm thick
  • Maximum number of Canal Generations 10 Gens
  • Minimum length of canal routes acceptable is 25m.
  • Minimum acceptable curve radius is 20m.

Important System Related Notes

CanalNETWORK application has the following minimum system requirements.

  • Machine: Core i7, 9th Gen, X64 (SSD highly Recommended)

  • RAM: 8GB

  • GPU: 4GB

  • Screen resolution 1080x1980 (FHD). Two monitors recommended for working with AutoCAD side by side.

Working with different AutoCAD versions is possible.

  • iCAD and CanalNETWORK products are fully tested on AutoCAD 2018 version. However, users have applied them using AutoCAD 2020, 2022, 2023 versions. This include Civil3D products, started as AutoCAD apps.

  • If there are multiple versions of AutoCAD installed on a machine, CanalNETWORK product links to the current open version, and retains this version through out the session. It will not work with other versions opened after this. To connect with other versions, restart the CanalNETWORK application.

Data and Software required for use with CanalNETWORK

Working with CanalNETWORK software requires the following tools:

  • iCAD software (a related product)

  • AutoCAD 2018 and latter

In addition, text and spreadsheet applications are also helpful to export and/or import data to and from.

CanalNETWORK software handles detailed design task for an system of irrigation canals, whose layout has been well prepared. It does NOT include solution for creating layout of canals. The following data are required to start using the software:

  • A canal layout drawing on AutoCAD: This provides the basis for the design of network of canals as a system.

  • Topo cloud data (from surveying or other source): that is used to generate profile data for longitudinal design

  • a design criteria for the project: that provides detailed values of reference criteria and other governing factors (e.g., duty, slope, limiting velocity...)

WelcomeSetting up and Licensing CanalNET