Two-Stage Ditch
How a Two-Stage ditch differs from the conventional trapezoidal shaped ditch and why the Ditch Doctor method is a superior choice.
Conventional trapezoidal one channel
Modern Two-Stage ditch
What is a
Two-Stage Ditch?
This image shows the conventional trapezoidal one channel shape of a ditch for surface water drainage. This shape suffers from premature erosion of material in to the ditch and poor drainage during high and low water volumes events.
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A Two-Stage ditch shown in this cross section is a modification that introduces a lower main channel and a bench within the upper channel. The lower main channel transports water during low flow events more effectively while the upper channel is for when there are high flow water events.
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The Ditch Doctor® method
The unique Ditch Doctor® method can create, restore and maintain a Two-Stage ditch with a rounded shaped First Stage (Lower Main Channel) that transports water more effectively during low flow events. The Ditch Doctor® method does not disturb the vegetation on the benches or slopes that help reduce erosion back in to the lower main channel. As a result the Second Stage (Upper Channel) is better able to manage the high flow events.
ARTICLES AND CASE STUDIES
Two-Stage Ditch. Dalhousie University, Bible Hill, Nova Scotia
The Ditch Doctor® was faster, more cost effective and kinder to the local environment. More land was accessible sooner with higher crop yield the same year. The Two-Stage ditch has great advantages over conventional ditching.
Benefits of Two-Stage Ditches, Prof. El Naggar
A scientific article by Prof. Hany El Naggar, Ph.D., P.Eng , Department of Civil and Resource Engineering , Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia. This is an extensive study commissioned by Ditch Doctor® of the finite elements to investigate the stability of Two-Stage ditch channels under different hydraulic conditions.
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