Geotechnical and Hydraulic Stability Assessment of Retaining Wall Failures at Doho Irrigation Scheme Intake for Design Improvement
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Date
2026
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Busitema University
Abstract
The Doho Irrigation Scheme intake, a key structure supporting rice production in Eastern Uganda, has experienced retaining wall failures that threaten its operational reliability. This study assessed the geotechnical and hydraulic conditions at the intake to identify the governing failure mechanisms and develop practical design solutions. The methodology combined field soil sampling with laboratory tests, including shear strength and grain size analysis, and hydraulic evaluation of hydrostatic pressure, water currents, and scour effects. Stability analyses using Rankine and Coulomb earth pressure theories, supported by numerical modeling, showed that inadequate backfill drainage increased hydrostatic pressure, while toe scour reduced foundation support, resulting in factors of safety below the recommended 1.5.
The study recommends installation of improved drainage provisions and enlargement of the wall base to enhance stability. These measures provide a practical basis for rehabilitating the intake and improving long-term reliability of water delivery within the scheme.
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Undergraduate Research Report
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Citation
Musiimegye, I. (2026). Geotechnical and Hydraulic Stability Assessment of Retaining Wall Failures at Doho Irrigation Scheme Intake for Design Improvement. (Research Report).Busitema University.