User:Jrose21/SmartDitch

SmartDitch is a "corrugated plastic water management system" that is designed as a low-cost water transportation system. Developed by Penda Corporation in 2005, SmartDitch is a UV resistant high density polyurethane plastic.

According to the SmartDitch technical manual, SmartDitch is offered in two different designs: trapezoidal and semi-circular. The trapezoidal design is available in 12 or 24 inch depth series, while the semi-circular design is only available in a 12 inch depth series. To make it easy to transport, SmartDitch is delivered in sections and then connected using a joint system. Because SmartDitch is meant for outdoor use, it has been engineered with mechanical properties relating to weather resistance such as high impact resistance and low thermal expansion. Applications include drainage, erosion control, and irrigation

Product Specifications
Below is a table with the physical dimensions of the three different design series offered.

To increase workability and application to many different water pathways, the following special fittings are offered: straight bulkheads, left/right bulkheads, multi-directional tee sections

Engineering Properties
Because SmartDitch is used primarily outdoors, it must be engineered to resist weather and other environmental factors such as acidic/alkaline soil and ground water. As the SmartDitch technical manual states, "SmartDitch is manufactured from HDPE--one of the most chemically inert materials available".

SmartDitch has a tensile yield strength of 3000 psi and an ultimate elongation of 500% which provide both strength and ductility. To combat weather related deformation and failure, SmartDitch is engineered with a high brittleness temperature of 131°F, an impact resistance of 2060 lbs-force/ft, and a coefficient of linear thermal resistance equal to 0.00007. The low coefficient of liner thermal resistance makes SmartDitch ideal for areas that have freeze/thaw cycles because concrete is susceptible to cracking and failure due to such cycles.

SmartDitch has an expected lifespan of at least 20 years.

Applications
SmartDitch has multiple applications due to its flexibility, strength, and resistance to temperature change. "This virtually maintenance-free product has been specified for numerous roadside DOT jobs, irrigation/agriculture, land development, and landfill maintenance/restoration projects."

Drainage
Drainage is a major problem for engineers due to the destructive nature of water. SmartDitch is ideal for drainage because of its consistent hydraulic properties over time and resistance to abrasion.

Common Applications: The struggles of Goldsboro, NC public works are documented in the article Preparing for the Fight in Erosion Control Magazine. The town was having difficulty sufficiently draining rain water and considered installing concrete lining in swales. However, "the swale was not really deep enough to get any size of concrete pipe in." Goldsboro public works then decided to install SmartDitch and has been pleased with the results.
 * Municipal stormwater systems
 * Road drainage
 * Edge and slope drainage
 * Site drainage for mine run-offs
 * Drainage overflow channel

Erosion Control
Erosion is caused by flowing water that carries with it soil and sediment. SmartDitch is designed to act as a barrier between the soil and water. Other materials such as plant life and rocks have a shortened life span and can be expensive to replace.

Common Applications:
 * Roadside drainage ditch stabilization
 * Slope and terrace drains
 * Stream restoration and stabilization
 * Jobsite sediment containment
 * Private dam spillways and low flow channels
 * Rehabilitation of concrete and/or earthen channels

Irrigation
Many people depend on constant water flow for agriculture and normal daily activities. SmartDitch offers a dependable solution to worn down irrigation channels because it can be quickly cleared of debris and will not leak any water if installed correctly.

Common Applications: A March 2006 article in Erosion Control titled Streambank Stabilization discussed the problems faced by New Mexico towns who were trying to minimize water lost due to leakage in their irrigation channels. They decided to install SmartDitch and were very pleased with the results. Here is an excerpt: "In terms of cost, 1 linear mile of SmartDitch installed runs at about $220,000, compared to more than $600,000 per mile of installed concrete ditch. More importantly, though, the Pueblo could save close to 200 million gallons of water on an annual basis by converting all its ditches."
 * Irrigation channels
 * Flood Irrigation
 * Drainage channels

Installation
The SmartDitch technical manual takes a step-by-step approach to explaining installation, including how to address the problem of unstable soil. Installing SmartDitch involves many steps such as excavation, land prepartation, backfilling and finally placing and connecting the SmartDitch sections. "A crew of four can install 500 feet of SmartDitch in one day, allowing for minimal environmental disturbance and quick completion times," said Scott Burmeister, Penda vice president of research and development. "Only hammers and drills are required to successfully install SmartDitch."