Canal Bulkhead Design Preventing Blockage of River Flow: A Case Study in Bangah River, Sebangau National Park, Indonesia

Abstract

Vast tropical peat swamp forests in Sebangau, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, make it difficult for officials to fight forest fires. Peat swamp forest fires are a recurring occurrence caused by anthropogenic activities around the forest. This research aims to develop a new canal bulkhead design that prevents blockage of river flow. The approach employed involves enhancing current structures through engineering design in order to decrease the occurrence of structural breakdowns that impede the flow of rivers. The research yielded a new design for a canal bulkhead, featuring an enhanced one-meter-wide sluice gate in a "U" shape as well as an upgraded boat ladder for passage. The novelty of the present study resides in the design of the canal bulkhead dwelling, which incorporates a ladder, enabling the inhabitants to utilize the canal without obstructing its flow. As a result, there is an enhancement in environmental safety as there are now efficient methods to promptly suppress wildfires.

Keywords

• tropical peatland
• hydrology
• restoration techniques
• peat swamp forest
• watershed area