Two nonlinear optimization models were formulated—one corresponding to a rectangular canal shape and another to a trapezoidal shape. The main objective of both models is to reduce cost of construction per unit length. These models were handled using Microsoft Excel’s Solver; incorporating the necessary variables and constraints to determine the minimum construction cost and the most suitable canal dimensions. For the entire canal system Rectangular section is found to be most optimized canal section which leads to a minimum construction cost of Rs. 33,50,98,824.4 (Thirty three crore fifty lakh ninety eight thousand eight hundred twenty four point four); in contrast, a trapezoidal section costs Rs. 46,05,11,223.5 (Forty six crore five lakh eleven thousand two hundred twenty three point five).

In case of Rectangular Section; the optimum cost of construction for M1, M1S1, M1S2, M1S3, M2, M2S1, M3 is projected to be 13550.68, 7236.61, 4911.48, 5730.05,11416.07, 6438.99, 9536.01 Rs. per running metre respectively . In case of Trapezoidal Section; the optimum cost of construction for M1, M1S1, M1S2, M1S3, M2, M2S1, M3 is projected to be 18084.72, 9842.87, 6889.69, 7933.79, 15410.02, 8833.97, 13040.66 Rs. per running metre respectively. By comparing both the sections for the entire canal system Rectangular section is found to be most optimized canal section which leads to a minimum construction cost of Rs. 33,50,98,824.4 (Thirty three crore fifty lakh ninety eight thousand eight hundred twenty four point four); In contrast, a trapezoidal section costs Rs. 46,05,11,223.5 (Forty six crore five lakh eleven thousand two hundred twenty three point five). The Trapezoidal Section costs 37.42 % more than rectangular section. The present work focuses on rectangular and trapezoidal canal section models because these shapes are simple to construct on site. Future studies may examine other forms, such as oval or compound sections, while still aiming to keep construction costs low for similar discharge in different open canal designs. Optimal dimensions for these additional canal shapes could also be determined, allowing a comparison of the lowest construction cost and section sizes across multiple canal types. In this study, it is considered that there is a abrupt shift in canal dimensions when moving from Major to Minor Canals. However, it may be more realistic during field practice to assume a gradual shift in section dimensions when moving from Major to Minor Canals.

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