Canal Design and Regulation MCQ with answer and solution

Concept

Capacity Factor

Formula

Capacity Factor = Mean Supply Discharge / Maximum Discharge Capacity

Step-by-step solution

Divide the mean supply discharge by the maximum discharge capacity to calculate the capacity factor.

Explanation

Capacity factor is defined as the ratio of the actual average flow (mean discharge) in a canal over a given period to its maximum designed carrying capacity. It indicates how effectively the canal's full capacity is being utilized over time.

Shortcut

Remember "Capacity = Mean / Max" (C = Mean/Max). Think of Capacity as how much of the maximum capacity is utilized on average (Mean).

Common mistake

Students often confuse capacity factor with duty (area irrigated per unit discharge) or time factor (ratio of actual operating days to the crop period).