vertically down a joint in the upstream face of a dam, the view below
shows typical spalling.

Seeps, at left below, produce spalling which may develop into the gen-
eral condition, at right, on the downstream face.

Instances have also been noted where severe expansion by the alkali-
aggregate reaction has caused major cracking in the face of the dam and
admitted quantities of water to the interior. Here limiting the access of
the water into the dam is essential. This would also be expected to

18


METER CARRYING RACK

Prior to the design and fabrication of the rack shown in the
photographs below, it was general practice to haul the irrigation meters
about the Delta~-Mendota
Unit of the Central Valley
Project, California, in
the bed of a pickup truck.
The meters are too long
to lie flat in the bed of
a pickup truck so this
meant the end of the
meter extended beyond
the bed over the tail
gate.

There was danger
of losing the meter or
of damage to the deli-
cate gears, bearings,
etc. , due to jolting.
With the rack suggested
by Morgan H. Kenner,
Meter Maintenanceman
on the project, the
meters are safely
transported in indi-
vidual rubber lined
brackets free from
excessive shock and
jolting.

In addition to
the meters, the rack
provides for the car-
riage of a ladder
necessary for the in-
stallation of the meters in the meter wells. The ladder can also be
locked to the carrier when not in use.

Details of construction of the carrier are shown in the lower
photograph. Materials common to most project shops were used in
fabrication. Note that the rack can be easily and quickly placed on or
removed from the pickup truck bed.

OK OK KK

12


may be scrubbed and washed with brushes and a water jet. Oily deposi-
tions should be cleaned with solvent and rags, Efflorescence may be
removed by scrubbing, but it is best removed with dilute hydrochloric
(muriatic) acid followed by additional scrubbing and washing. The so-
lution should be prepared by adding 1 part of acid to 4 parts by volume
of water, and this solution may also be used for roughening (etching) a
concrete surface.

Deteriorated concrete can be chipped out either by hand or
using small chipping hammers. It is often found that this work is not
carried far enough to reach fully sound concrete, Extreme importance
is attached to a thorough job in this respect when high cost materials,
such as neoprene, are employed in order to withstand a rugged expo-
sure. Maximum stability of the concrete base is a prime requirement
with this type of coating. Details of both removal of deteriorated con-
crete and patching are discussed extensively in the Concrete Manual.
Completed work should be allowed to age at least 1 month before coat-
ing. The photograph below shows completed repair of the vertical joint
like that previously shown in a badly spalled condition.

When the alkali in concrete will affect the coating to be applied
(such as oil based paints), the surface should be neutralized with a zinc
chloride-phosphoric acid mix (2 percent zinc chloride and 3 percent
phosphoric acid) if the concrete is less than 1 year old. This pretreat-
ment need not be rinsed from the surface.

22


As time went by, the District began considering making the in-
stallation fully automatic. They again called upon the radio technician,
Electrodes were installed in the standpipe to create an operating dif-
ferential of approximately 6-inches. In other words, the upper electrode
was set slightly lower than the overflow point so that when it became im-
mersed it would, through
arelay, start a timing
device. The timing de-
vices and relays are
shown in the lower photo-
graph, The timing device
makes one revolution per
minute, and its contacts
may be set to be closed
anywhere from zero to
30 seconds of each rev-
olution, depending upon
requirements. When the
contacts of the timer
are closed, the trans-
mitter transmits a tone
back to the receiver
which detects that the
tone is a "lowering"
tone and begins lowering the gate. The gate is powered by a1/2H.P.,
3-phase, 220 volt gear-motor. This will continue for the duration of the
setting on the timer, at which time it will stop until the timer returns
to the position where the contacts are closed again, Of course, it may
be discontinued if the upper electrode is, in the meantime, no longer
immersed,

The opposite situation, of course, would be when the lower
electrode is no longer immersed, It then starts another timer, through
a relay, which operates the transmitter when the timer contacts are
closed. The receiver
receives the transmitted
tone, discriminates it
as a "raising" tone, and
through relays raises the
gate to allow more water
into the line. A sche-
matic diagram of the
electronic components is
shown in Figure No. 1.
Basically, the electrodes
operate either one, but
not both of the timers
simultaneously, through
its relay. The timer
contacts close and the
circuit is set up for
the transmitter to



retard progress of the deleterious alkali-aggregate reactionto some de-
gree and thus contribute to the fundamental soundness of the structure.

If the condition of the concrete is not so bad that complete re-
surfacing is necessary, a coating may serve a useful purpose. The
function of a coating would be to provide a membrane with a negligible
moisture transfer rate on the dam face. Such a membrane must ac-
commodate slight movement in and around construction joints, effectively
sealing against seepage. A neoprene brushing compound applied at
Gerber Dam to certain upstream joints only, as shown below, so reduced
seepage deposits on the downstream face that coating work was extended
to other parts of the face in later years. This neoprene is available

from several manufacturers and the application instructions vary
slightly with the various manufacturers. In general, an "accelerator,"
mixed into the paint, hastens the setting and shortens the curing period
required to produce the necessary tough and rubbery, well-bonded film.
Different combinations of primers and body coats, usually totaling between 4
and 6 coats, produce a minimum final dry film thickness of 30 mils.
Strong emphasis is placed upon exact adherence to the manufacturers
instructions for the application of the neoprene materials since failure
to do so will markedly increase chances of a coating failure. In plan-
ning for this coating, the curing period available must conform to the
manufacturers requirements both as to temperature and duration since
a marked reduction in the curing rate occurs with decreased tempera-
ture.

Equally important are the vigorous surface preparation stand-
ards. Deteriorated concrete must be chipped out and patched, then old

19


more efficient. These silicones penetrate deeply into the surface, and,
when the solvent evaporates, leave the pores and crevices coated with
the water repelling compound. This material will not resist any ap-
preciable water pressure; also, masonry once impregnated can only be
coated with oil based paints thereafter. Copious application to surfaces
free of foreign matter should be made in one coat; this is especially true
if the water based material is selected, since no further absorption will
occur when the first coat dries.

Dampproofing

Dampproofing of a concrete wall below grade is usually per-
formed during the construction phase before backfilling operations com-
mence and is done to prevent dampness from penetrating through to in-
terior spaces. Occasionally this work may be required later when it is
discovered that the dampness causes interior paint to peel or is other-
wise objectionable. Asphalt emulsion when the concrete is damp at the
time of painting, or coal-tar paint CTP-3 if it is dry, are suitable damp-
proofing compounds. Either of these should be applied to concrete from
which dirt and other contamination has been scrubbed. Before applica-
tion of the first coat of asphalt emulsion the surface should be watered
down with a spray hose and free water allowed to drain off.

Surface Preparation

In the above we have mentioned surface preparation briefly to
describe the kind of surface necessary for proper adhesion and per-
formance of the coatings discussed. Ideally, any surface to which a
coating is to be applied should be:

1. Free of all dirt, efflorescence, oil or any
other foreign substance or contamination.

2. Free of any deteriorated concrete and patched
to bring the surface to its original smoothness.

3. Free of any pits or depressions.

4. Aged sufficiently to eliminate excessive
free alkali in the concrete.

5. Roughened to an extent suitable for the
particular coating.

Rarely do we approach this ideal in all respects. Actually,
good results are often obtained by meeting only a few of these condi-
tions, as was outlined with each coating discussed; however, the No. 1
condition above should always be met.

Several kinds of contamination are objectionable and different
methods of removal are required for each. Dirt and loose materials

21


MAINTENANCE PAINTING OF CONCRETE

Concrete, among the most durable of all construction materials,
slowly yields to the ravages of time. Cracks open, erosion begins, seep-
age increases, the structure begins to look forgotten and the time has
arrived for maintenance. We note increasingly frequent references in
inspection reports to structures where major maintenance action will
soon be required to minimize future extensive damage. New construc-
tion also requires coating in some cases, usually for dampproofing,
waterproofing, or decorative purposes. One method of slowing the proc-
ess of deterioration of concrete is to coat the surface with a material
which reduces the amount of moisture entering the concrete. Paint can
be used for this purpose under some conditions, and the types of expo-
sures and the appropriate coating selection are being discussed in this
article.

Intended primarily as a guide, the Bureau's Paint Manual should
be consulted for full treatment of individual coatings and procedures.
The Denver office will be pleased to supply additional details and assist.
with any special problems which may arise.

Atmospheric Exposure

Concrete in the atmosphere of our northern states is exposed
to the same severe freezing and thawing action that slowly erodes nat-
ural rock and similar effects observed on concrete in both large and
small structures should therefore not be surprising. Generally, many
years pass before the first small cracks appear in concrete structures,
usually along parapets, posts and thin sections exposed to moisture from
spray in the cold months. Occasionally, the attack will be accelerated
by other forces such as alkali-aggregate reaction in the concrete. This
reaction, being in turn aggravated by the increased supply of moisture
available, is well illustrated below. Prompt action to seal the surface

16


WIRE ROPE SPLICING

A pipe vise and attachments used by, and also designed andcon-
structed by, riggers at Hoover Dam Power Plant to make eyes in wire
rope, is shown below and in the photographs on the facing page. The vise
and interchangeable blocks which can be easily attached to the vise are
used to splice wire rope from 1/4-inch to 1-inch in size.

In the photograph above, one man is about to splice the eye
in a 1-inch wire rope by use of the pipe vise, whereas the work involved
in forming the eye in the rope without the device would normally require
the services of an assistant. The device also enables the riggers to
make a better splice because the strands of the rope are held in more
exact alignment as shown in the photographs on the next page.


‘or stop log from floating up

and friction keeps the plank
‘ond out.

This end springs agaist the
check plank guide or groove

(0)

--6X6 H25 stop plank guides

~--Pin in released posi tion-~—-~—



transmit the tone. The transmitter is always on, but will not transmit
the tone until it receives the impulse through the timer. The tone is
received in the receiver, discriminated, and the impulse is sent to the
gate motor controls to raise or lower the gate depending on which tone
it received.

An added feature in this system are the two indicator lights
in the end of the box containing the relays and timers. These are visi-
ble in the photograph of the transmitter installation on page 1. The
function of these lights is to indicate which direction the gate last
moved, For example, if the lower light is on, that means that the gate
was going down the last time it moved, The reason for this is that
there is some slack in the gate. If the ditchrider is on his way to
close the gate manually and the lower light is on, then he knows he need
not allow for the slack. If on the other hand, the upper light is on,
he knows that in order to close the gate he must first crank a few turns
to take up the slack.

This automatic control has proven extremely reliable and rel-
atively trouble free. The entire cost was near $1, 500 installed, and
it is anticipated that its life span will be 10 years, One may readily
see that this step towards automation is definitely economically
feasible.

OK KKK
STOP LOG HOLD-DOWN DEVICE

A device for holding stop logs in place in a check structure
is shown in the drawing on the facing page. The check structures on the
Courtland Canal, a part of the Missouri River Basin Project in Kansas,
consists of a 12-foot wide radial gate and six bays of stop logs with
the stop log bays being approximately five feet in width. The logs in
these bays tended to float either resulting in a discharge of water
through the openings between the logs, or in some cases, loss of the
logs.

Randall W. Cleveland, Watermaster on the project unit, con-
structed the log wedging device shown, and it has performed in excellent
fashion. The device is inexpensive, simple to construct and install,

It also is simple to operate in the field, and makes the setting and
pulling of the logs a less time consuming job. The device should last
indefinitely.

Construction
Installed in one of the upper stop logs, the 1/2-inch rod is

bent at an angle of 90 degrees so that the sharpened end of the rod
lodges against the stop log guide.



against absorption of water is desirable in these circumstances. It is
not intended to imply that a coating will halt progress of the alkali-ag-
gregate reaction. Painting here will reduce the rate of deterioration
on the surface and, insofar as it prevents permeation of water to the
interior, will probably retard the reaction to some extent. In addition
the appearance of the structure may be enhanced.

One method of coating concrete that has proved highly success-
ful in reducing deterioration in atmospheric exposure is known as the
Oregon State Highway (OSH) system. This treatment has been employed
widely both by the Bureau and other agencies. It consists of one coat
of raw linseed oil, thinned with equal parts of turpentine, applied at
175° F during a period when the weather is warm and the concrete as
dry as possible. These conditions are most conducive to securing max-
imum penetration of the paint into the concrete and they apply also to
the second coat of undiluted raw linseed oil applied at 175° F. Areas
which by visual examination are very porous should be given an addi-
tional application of linseed oil. Two coats of a mixed pigment exterior
oil base paint (such as required by Federal Specifications TT-P-102)
complete the treatment. The first of these should be thinned with 2
quarts of turpentine and 2 quarts of boiled linseed oil per gallon and the
second with about 1 quart of boiled linseed oil per gallon so as not to
get a heavy pigment coat that will be susceptible to curling and peeling,
but which will be heavy enough to brush out uniformly. Both coats may
be tinted with lampblack and raw sienna ground in oil to give a concrete
matching color if this is desired.

Concrete preparation for the OSH treatment requires removal
of any contamination. Obviously, unsound concrete provides an unsuit-
able base for this preservative and must be removed and patched prior
to painting. Cracks should also be repaired.

Roadways on the crest of dams often suffer the same exposure
damage, but aggravated by traffic. Since the paint coatings mentioned
above will not effectively withstand traffic damage, an asphalt sealcoat
with chips embedded has been satisfactory when maintained in the same
manner as any asphalt road surface.

Upstream Faces of Dams

The upstream face of a concrete dam can present a variety of
problems. First, certain portions of the dam are constantly under high
hydrostatic head and slow water permeation may be objectionable. An-
other portion is alternately submerged; thus, during the atmospheric
exposure, the scene is set for the most active wetting and drying, and
freezing and thawing attack. Incidental ice and other abrasion may
sometimes exist. And finally, small movements in the structure may
create or increase seepage along construction joints. These joints con-
stitute the most evident points of failure in northern areas. Looking

17


Construction

The trailer was constructed particularly for a Ford wheeled
tractor and a Clark "airborne" track laying tractor. However, with
modification of the bed the trailer can be adapted to any small tractor.

KR RRR

Details of construction
are shown in the photographs
at left. The 1/4-inch steel
stretch plate used for the
running strips of the trailer
eliminated the accumulation
of mud, etc. The hold down
loops welded to the frame and
the arrangement of the com-
bination tail, stop and turning
signal light are well designed
and neat in appearance. The
light circuits are provided
with a connection to cor-
responding circuits of the
towing vehicle. Note thatthe
lights have been hooded with
a piece of 4-inch pipe to pre-
vent damage and breakage.

The quick acting "lock-
down" latch which holds the
tilting portions of the trailer
in position for travel is shown
in the lower photograph. The
latch has been so constructed
to eliminate the possibility of
its slipping from the slotted
metal bracket. However,
when the latch is released with
the trailer empty, the bed is
so balanced on the pivoting
axle so that is tips automati-
cally, ready for loading.

For further details,
contact the Fresno Operations
Field Branch, Bureau of
Reclamation, Fresno, Calif.


Small pits and slight depressions will not be objectionable for
most painting, however, where appearance is a strong consideration as
in decorative painting, filling may be inorder. A 1:1 sand-cement mor-
tar, applied after the wall has been dampened, is suitable for this work.

Roughening very smooth masonry surfaces as part of the sur-
face preparation will have the effect of lengthening the life of coatings
applied to them. A smooth, glazed surface will provide poor tooth for
mechanical adhesion. The degree of roughness should be fitted to the
coating selected. Thin film coatings such as oil paihts require only the
slight texture provided by the zinc chloride-phosphoric acid etching to
anchor the paint and promote appearance, while thick coatings like neo-
prene require a deep profile for maximum adhesion in severe service.
Sandblasting is the most satisfactory and economical means for accom-
plishing this except on very small areas where chipping and vigorous
wire brushing can be employed.

In general, much concrete painting will be limited to small
areas for which hand cleaning methods will suffice, however, when any
considerable areas must be treated, it may be economical to use sand-
blasting as the method of surface preparation. The advantages are two-
fold. First, large areas can be covered rapidly, and second, highly
effective removal of surface contamination and deteriorated concrete
can be accomplished along with roughening the surface. Thus, in nearly
all large jobs and when equipment is at hand for small jobs, sandblast-
ing should be considered as a most effective cleaning method.

Concrete curing compound merits special mention among the
problems of concrete painting. Usually gone after a few years weather-
ing, it may nonetheless hang on in sheltered locations. It should be
removed before any painting will be satisfactory. Various methods in-
cluding steam cleaning have proved unsatisfactory and sandblasting re-
mains as the most effective method.

xR RK
CARE OF STORAGE BATTERIES

Most, but not all, of the stationary type of storage batteries
in use by the Bureau of Reclamation are installed in power generating
plants or other power facilities, for emergency use. We also have a
number of storage dams, without power generating facilities, where
storage batteries are installed to provide emergency power. It is of
the utmost importance that these batteries receive proper care and
maintenance so that they will be in operable condition when an emer-
gency arises and they are needed.

With proper care a heavy duty storage battery of this type
should remain in good serviceable condition for up to 20 years. These

23



Department of the Interior

Bureau of Reclamation

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES
RELEASE NO. 22

October, November and December 1957

(ST COPY - DO NOT REMOVE

1A
Li

LAST COPY - DO NOT REMOVE

Se
=
fated
CONTENTS SS
Electronically Controlled Distribution System S
Stop Log Hold-Down Device 4
Tilt Bed Trailer S>
Wire Rope Splicing c—)
ae ek 5 e
Driving Self-drilling Shells into Concrete ae
Meter Carrying Rack QQ.
sS
brow
he)
—

Safety Steps and Hand Grips for Dump Trucks
Screw Jack for Electric Drills
Maintenance Painting of Concrete

Care of Storage Batteries


DRIVING SELF-DRILLING SHELLS INTO CONCRETE

The tool shown in the photograph, and the sketch shown on the
opposite page, was suggested by John A. Sublett, Pumping Plant Oper-
ator, Tracy Pumping Plant, Central Valley Project, California, for
driving Phillips Self-drilling shells into concrete with a pneumatic
chipping gun.

Ordinarily the shell is driven into the concrete with a hammer
and one misdirected hammer blow may seriously injure the hand holding
the shell. The tool has been used with very satisfactory results, both
in time saved and in avoiding serious injury. Setting cinch anchors in
concrete under water has also been simplified with the tool.

A discarded pneumatic chipping gun bit was modified to hold
the shell as shown in the photographs and sketch.

*
*
EG
*
*

10


The block attachments and the manner in which these blocks
are fastened to the pipe vise are shown below. The blocks are con-
structed of a piece of steel plate and cable clamps of the desired size.
The clamps have been cut into two pieces with one piece being welded to
each of the steel plates. A single screw in the block recess of the pipe
vise makes changing the attachment blocks from one cable size to another
possible in a matter of minutes.

The vise and blocks can be used in any rigging loft or shop
where slings and cable splicing is required, and they make it possible
to accomplish the task rapidly and efficiently.

HORROR Ok


TILT BED TRAILER

The trailer shown on the cover and below was constructed of
scrap materials on hand and an extra pair of 16-inch wheels from an
old house trailer by Clyde C. Wilson, Foreman, and Leland Willingham
of the Lindsay Unit of the Central Valley Project, California. The
loading of either a track laying or wheeled tractor is simplified and
safe.

Formerly a tractor was loaded either into a dump truck or on
a flatbed truck from a ramp inthe project warehouse, and then unloaded
at the job site wherever a suitable bank could be found to serve asa
ramp. This was both unsafe and time consuming, as well as being more
costly, including operation of a heavier dump or flatbed truck; the 1/2-
ton pickup shown easily pulls the trailer.

The trailer also contributes to more job efficiency. The trac-
tor can be quickly loaded and unloaded, and moved from place to place
with a minimum amount of delay and with a minimum amount of field
assistance.



and new surfaces roughened and cleaned of all surface contamination by
sandblasting. Less thorough treatment will invite early failure.

Erosion of concrete has also been mentioned in recent annual
inspection reports. Where such action threatens the soundness of a
structure, and repair with concrete is not contemplated, neoprene may
be applied as an erosion resistant coating. A special problem in some
locations may be found in drying the concrete long enough to obtain the
excellent adhesion mandatory in this exposure. Heat lamps or other
means of accelerating curing may be practical for small areas.

Decorative Painting

It is sometimes desired to paint interior concrete walls to im-
prove their appearance. Three types of coating materials are avail-
able for this purpose. Where the surface is aged and thoroughly dry,
a varnish based paint permits a choice of flat, semigloss or gloss fin-
ish. Walls that are continuously slightly damp will show blistering and
peeling of an oil base paint at an early age and selection of a latex
based paint is indicated, Ease of application (a roller can be used) is
a principal advantage of this latex base paint which conforms to Fed-
eral Specification TT-P-29. Also, it is not noticeably affected by al-
kali in the concrete, hence, removal of surface contamination (after
filling pits if desired) is sufficient surface preparation.

A paint which has served well for lighting recesses is the VR-3,
vinyl resin paint. The first of three coats should be thinned with equal
parts of the special thinner provided by the manufacturer.

Exterior concrete may be painted with either oil based or port-
land cement paint. The former provides greater resistance to moisture
absorption but preferably should be used where the concrete has aged.
The cement paint can be applied to relatively new concrete, say 1 month
old, with which it is perfectly compatible. Cement paint performs best
on a rough surface and is often selected in order to provide a smoother
appearance. Both paints require removal of surface contamination.
The Paint Manual should be consulted for more detailed information.
"Recommended Practice for the Application of Portland Cement Paint to
Concrete Surfaces" (ACI-616-49, Title No. 46-1) discusses cement
paint. "Guide to Painting Concrete" (Title No. 53-46), reported by ACI
Committee 616, gives a comprehensive treatment of painting primarily
for decorative purposes and is worthy of review where this type of painting
will be performed.

Water Repellancy

It is sometimes desired to reduce the moisture absorption of
exterior masonry such as building blocks, concrete, stucco, etc., with-
out changing the appearance. Solvent and water based silicone solutions
have been found to be quite effective. The latter is suitable only where
a slight darkening will not be objectionable, but is believed to be slightly

20


Normally Open

f
i
oe i
Differential." .
pos ene] Timers & Relays
|
Trengeitter
&
Tone Generator
i
|
i j
| Receiver =
| |
| |
Tone
Discrim-
Lover | nator
a

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS

Figure No. 1

PROFILE OF RADIO OPERATED GATE

sun
Friant-Kern Canal Netorized date fon
Sta. L665+45.20 Receiver gunction Box
Ne va + EL. - 12.47 Sta. 121-31
jormal Pe cekt5e0 33 58"
atts Junction Box
\ Sta. 173+L0

Bottom Grade El. 396.17
Bottem jrade El. 391.75

G
Bottom Grade El. - 363.2

BP oy
Pottom Grade El. 3L9..
Figure No. 2 m sade F-39630



SAFETY STEPS AND HAND GRIPS FOR DUMP TRUCKS

An accident, fortunately not a serious one, on the Central
Valley Project, California, led to the addition of safety steps, hand
grips and splash plates to dump trucks, to eliminate future and more
serious injury to the truck drivers. Canal maintenanceman Jack
Thompson, of the Delta-Mendota Canal Unit, shown in the photograph
below, suggested the safety devices, which are also shown.

The lower step and splash plate were made of 1/4-inch steel
decking. The upper steps and hand grips were made of 5/8-inch or 3/4-
inch reinforcing steel bars. The cost of installation is minor, espe-
cially if constructed of waste material, as those shown were. About

$20.00 per truck was the estimated cost of the safety features on the
Delta-Mendota Canal unit.


~sprill '/2' hole for fastening
1 to electric drill.

Machine %g' Bolt from 3% tool steel
leave square as shown, taper |" on
bottom as shown-~.

Drill jg hole in frame for
) feed screw.

a |
i=: y-Use 3"x 6" x !/e'flat mild
{_ \ steel. Drill tapered holes
Use steel pin in nut for adjustments-----~ ~— T \, to fit taper on feed
(A discarded valve makes an y \ screw.
excellent pin) A wrench may c }
also be used if needed. /
E
E J
as
ie \
/ \
/ Y
‘ _— =
Cut 2 pieces 13/4 long from { Butt weld heavy duty nut or
3"x 5"X3/e angle. Make butt } \ make nut from "long piece
weld with arc welder for frame” \ of 1% square key stock.
_ \
ri /
toy /
ot /
i 44 a
'
bit |
a

SCREW JACK FOR ELECTRIC DRILL

15


ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

The Lindmore Irrigation District Distribution System of the
Central Valley Project consists of 123 miles of gravity pipe lines
which are comprised of four main feeder lines. The four main feeders
receive their water from the Friant-Kern Canal through moss screen
structures located adjacent to the canal, and from there the water is
distributed through a network of junction boxes, laterals and sublaterals.

On a closed pipe gravity system it is imperative that the amount
entering the line almost exactly match the amount being delivered out of
the line. If this condition is not met, it of course would mean wasted
water overflowing somewhere, causing damage or inconvenience, or
there may be a shortage of water to one or several of the farmers on
the line.

As is generally the practice, the ditchrider observes the
level indicators on the standpipes, then drives up the line to make valve
adjustments accordingly. This can be, and is, very time consuming,
The Lindmore Irrigation District has solved the greater part of this
problem on the First Avenue line which is most important to them, as
they have no means of using spills from this line. The electronically
controlled distribution system providing for better control and in-
creased economy is described by the Bureau of Reclamation Engineer
William G, Myer, Fresno Operations Field Branch, Central Valley Proj-
ect, California.

A local electronics technician installed a radio transmitter
on Junction Box No. 1, as shown in Figure No. 2 and the photograph be-
low. In the initial installation, there was a 3-position toggle switch
with "Off," "Raise," and "Lower" positions on the transmitter, The
operator merely observed the level indicator, then put the switch to
the raise or lower position, This keyed the transmitter to transmit a
tone to the receiver
upstream which re-
ceived the tone, ac-
tuated relays, and
thereby, operated
the gate motor.
When released the
switch returned to
the "Off" position.
The receiver install-
ation is shown in the
upper photograph on
page number 3. In
general, the motor
was "jogged" until
the desired operating
conditions were ob-
tained. This saved
a great deal of time.



batteries are guaranteed by the manufacturer to deliver 80% of their
original capacity after 14 years of service if they have been properly
cared for. In buying the batteries we buy extra capacity so that the
full required voltage will be available when the capacity of the individ-
ual cells has been reduced to 80% of the original.

On some of the newer Bureau installations nickel-cadmium
storage batteries are being specified and they should be cared for in
accordance with their specific instructions. However, nearly all of
the batteries presently in service in the Bureau are of the lead-acid
type and the following comments are applicable primarily to these in-
stallations.

There are indications that in some past instances the detailed
instructions for caring for the storage batteries have not reached the
hands of the individuals who are actually responsible for carrying out
this work on the job. It is not surprising then that some of our batter-
ies are being mistreated, unknowingly, by the individuals caring for
them. Also, that being the case, we should not be surprised if the bat-
teries fail under emergency conditions or if we are faced with an expen-
sive replacement long before it is due.

In a number of respects the care of heavy duty stationary bat-
teries is different from that of the ordinary automobile battery so that
special instructions are required. Lack of space prevents our dealing
adequately with the details of the subject here but listed below are the
names of two documents which tell how to take proper care of this type
of lead-acid storage battery. They are:

Bureau of Reclamation Power O&M Bulletin No. 12,
entitled, 'Lead-Acid Storage Battery Principles."

and
"The Storage Battery, its Fundamentals, Use and Main-
tenance, " available from The Electric Storage Battery
Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

eR KKK

GPO 851275

24


OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES

Release No. 22

October, November and December - 1957

INTRODUCTION

"Maintenance Painting of Concrete" is the subject of the
second article prepared by the Bureau's Paint Laboratory in the series
of maintenance painting articles currently being published, and is in-
cluded in this release of the bulletin.

This bulletin, published quarterly, is circulated for the
benefit of irrigation project operation and maintenance people, Its
principal purpose is to serve as a medium of exchanging operation and
maintenance information, Reference to a trade name does not constitute
the endorsement of a particular product, and omission of any commer-
cially available item does not imply discrimination against any manu-
facturer. It is hoped that the labor-saving devices or less costly
equipment developed by the resourseful water users will be a step toward
commercial development of equipment for use on irrigation projects in
a continued effort to reduce costs and increase operating efficiency.

ok Re

Division of Irrigation Operations
Commissioner's Office
Denver, Colorado,



This part of the tool is made
from broken chisel that fits
the chuck of a chipping gun)

This tool was designed to be used with the va
Phillips self-drilling shell and a pneumatic rs
chipping gun for drilling in concrete. “

“a
yar
ber
— y7Squared at this point to

/ accomodate the spanner

We wrench

Drilled and tapped for one
/ inch at this point to
Le” accomodate 3/e steel

3g Jom-nut->_

["~---Phillips type self-drilling
expansion shell.

SPANNER WRENCH DRILLING TOOL
For turning tool to keep
from sticking

Sketch of Pneumatic Chipper for

installing Phillip's self-drilling shells

11


SCREW JACK FOR ELECTRIC DRILLS

To facilitate drilling in awkward positions where it is dif-
ficult and tiresome to exert pressure on the drill, the screw jack
shown in the photograph below and in the schematic diagram on the
facing page, is a useful idea. With it, overhead drilling and drilling
in restricted and close quarters is made easier, less tiresome,
faster, and more efficient.

The screw jack was designed and constructed by H. C. Lange,
Equipment Operator Foreman on the Ysleta Branch of the Rio Grande
Project, Texas-New Mexico. The jack can be constructed in any machine
shop and is easily attached to an electric drill by one bolt.

In the photograph, the device is in use in drilling overhead
holes in concrete for bolts to hold a top seal for stilling basin sluice
gates. Much time and effort were gaved in this operation.

OK OK KK

14