Hydraulic modelling of drip irrigation systems used for grass establishment on steep slopes

Erosion damage to railway embankment and cutting steep slopes (batters) causes a significant cost of remediation within the coal railway network of Central Queensland, Australia. It has been established that grass cover of 60% reduces erosion by over 90%. Given that water is a scarce commodity in the semi-arid environment, a more efficient water use cost-effective drip irrigation system is imperative. The hydraulic modelling of drip irrigation systems design is presented. It takes into account the velocity head change and a proper selection of the friction coefficient formula based on the Reynolds number. Fittings and emitter insertion head loss are incorporated into the hydraulic model. A case study of the use of the hydraulic model to analyse the drip irrigation systems is presented.