Design and practice of pipeless drainage systems: a review

摘要

Although draining heavy clay soils poses special problems, a reasonable solution can be found based on soil conditions and local factors. Pipeless drainage systems have proved much more efficient and economical than pipe/tile drainage systems in heavy clay and loamy soils, and in highly decomposed peats. A number of results and guidelines for ameliorating heavy soils exist worldwide. However, most practices are site-specific and require local practical experiences. This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of the pipeless drainage system. Firstly, the drainage problem and its solution for heavy soils are succinctly discussed, followed by a widely accepted theory and practice of pipeless drainage systems. Finally, a comprehensive review of thepipeless drainage system, covering its various aspects, is presented. This study revealed that a wellestablished package and practices of the pipeless drainage system are available in some parts of Europe, New Zealand, and Australia, however the same isunavailable in Asia. Experiences gained in this area in clayey soils of Thailand, together with experiences worldwide could help develop feasible practices for the pipeless drainage system in Asian countries. More field-oriented studies (with and withoutcrops) in this direction are required to be carried out in different parts of Asia.