Chapter 3

Dr. Nor Azlina

NONUNIFORM FLOW IN
WEEK OPEN CHANNEL
4-8
Course Contents
3.1 Specific Energy
3.2 Determination Of Critical Depth Using Various Method
3.3 Control Section
3.4 Rapidly Varied Flow (RVF)
3.5 Gradually Varied Flow (GVF)
Course outcome :
Define and analyze the uniform and non-uniform
flow in open channels.
 Non-uniform Flow in Open Channel
BAA2723

Objectives:
1. Describe the basic principle of non-uniform flow in open
channel
2. Define and calculate the specific energy and the alternate
depth
3. Compute the critical depth by using various methods
4. Define the control section phenomenon Analysis of open
channel controls, upstream and downstream controls
5. To analyze the non-uniform flow in open channels.
6. To identify and analyze the rapidly varied flow (RVF)and
gradually varied flow (GVF) phenomena in open channels
The study of non-uniform flow is primarily concerned with the
analysis of Surface profiles and Energy Gradients.
 Contd
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There are 2 types of non-uniform flow

Steady non-uniform flow
A flow in an open channel is called as steady non-uniform
when the discharge in the channel is constant with time, but
the cross sectional area varies with distance.
Unsteady non-uniform flow
While for the unsteady non-uniform flow, both the cross
section and discharge vary with both time and distance. This
is the most complex flow to analyse.
 Contd
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For non-uniform flow, the velocity varies at each section of the

channel. Then non-uniform flow may be caused by
Differences in depth of channel
Differences in width of channel
Differences in the nature of bed
Differences in slope of channel
Obstruction in the direction of flow

For steady non-uniform flow, flow may be either a Rapidly Varied

Flow (RVF) or Gradually Varied Flow (GVF). Both types require the
application of energy principles. Thus, this chapter explained in
details the application of energy principle for non-uniform flow.
 Non-uniform Flow
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Developed mainly at hydraulic structures.

Most of the non-uniform flow problems can be solved by using:
1. the continuity equations provided that the energy losses are known
2. energy principles
3. momentum principle losses are unknown

Net force= rate of change of momentum

The momentum equation used to solve RVF will be introduced in

the context of the HYDRAULIC JUMP

(an important phenomenon in open

channel flow and an example of RVF)
 3.1 SPECIFIC ENERGY FOR STEADY FOR
NONUNIFORM FLOW
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The energy grade line, water surface and channel bottom are not
parallel that is, S f S w S o where; Sf = slope energy grade line,
Sw= slope of the water surface
So= slope of the channel bed

Schematic diagram of Non

Uniform Flow
 Application of Energy Equation
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Consider the flow interrupted by a raised bed level below.

2
v1
2
2g v2
2g Where
y1
Q y = depth
z2 y2 Q = discharge
H A = Cross-sectional area of flow
z z = z2 z1 : change in bottom
elevation from cross section 1 to 2
z1

The upstream depth and discharge at section 1 are known.

The energy equation together with the continuity equation can be
used to derive the velocity and depth at section 2.
 Contd
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Neglect the frictional energy losses and apply the energy equation
to sections 1 and 2 :
. v2 v
2

y1 1
y2 2
z
2g 2g

The continuity equation implies:

.Q A1v1 A2 v2
Q A1v1 A2 v2

b b b Where
b : width of the channel (assuming rectangular cross
q y1v1 y 2 v2 section)
Q : discharge per unit width
 Contd
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Substituting the continuity equation into the energy equation :

2 2
. q1 q2
2
y1 2
y 2 z
2 gy1 2 gy2
Rearrange :
. 3 q 2

y 2 2 gz 2 gyy1 2 q2 0
2
2 gy2
y1

The cubic equation with the downstream

depth y2 being the only unknown

Thus, Specific energy concept is needed to solve the above

problem
 Specific Energy
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Specific energy denotes by Es defined as the energy of the flow

referred to the channel bed as the datum.
Specific energy = energy of water per unit weight (water) at cross
section which is measured from channel bed)
Total of Energy =energy of velocity + depth of flow + height
v2
E. y z .(1)
2g
where
z = potential head (distance from the datum to
channel bed)
y = depth of flow
 Specific Energy
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If bed of channel given as datum, Equation (1) may be written as;-

v2
.E y ..(2)
2g

As v Q A , thus
.
Q2
E 2
y ..(3)
2 gA
where
: Coriolly coefficient (non uniform velocity
correction coefficient, = 1.0 - 1.36)
 Contd
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Considered square channel (prismatic and straight) from equation

(3), divide with 2the given width b, thus
Q
E. 2
y
2 gA
(Q / b) 2
E 1 2
y
by
2g
b
q2
E 2
y ..(4)
2 gy
where
q = flowrate per unit width (m/s/m)
= 1.0
 Contd
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Prismatic channel : the cross section is uniform and the bed slope
is constant.
Non-prismatic : either the cross section or the bed slope or both
change
As q is constant,
.. q2
E s y y
2
constant, or E s y
constant
2g y2
This is cubic equation in y for Es. It has three solutions but only two
are positive. Considering the positive solutions, then the equation
is a curve with two asymptotes.
.y 0, E s
y , E s y
 Contd
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The curve used to solve problem of uniform flow interrupted by a

smooth hump. Alongside is a specific energy graph Es versus y.
All points between section 1 and 2 must lie Point A correspond to
between specific energy curve between A specific energy at section 1
and B or B

Either point B or
B correspond to
specific energy at
section 2

Depths represented by B or B are alternate

depth (depth with same specific energy)
 Contd
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The maximum size of the hump corresponding to a given discharge

and approaching specific energy can be determine by finding the
difference between the approaching specific energy and minimum
specific energy associated with the discharge.
Now the Bernoulli equation can be written as :
..E s1 E s 2 z
 Contd
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If the height of bottom step is bigger than the maximum value,

either the discharge or the approaching specific energy has to be
modified. may be defined in 2 conditions as below;-
E and y if q is constant
. When the discharge is kept
Constant Q
constant (specific energy
associated with the discharge
does not change; so does the
minimum specific energy), the
approaching specific energy
has to rise in order to provide
a larger limit for the maximum
step.
 Contd
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q and y if E is constant
.
Constant Es

When the approaching specific energy remains unchanged, the

discharge has to fall in order to obtain a new specific energy curve
and thus a new minimum specific energy to accommodate a bigger
maximum step.
 Example 3.1
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A rectangular channel of small slope has a channel width = 6.00 m;

Construct a family of specific energy for Q1 = 5 m3/s , Q2 = 10

m3/s , Q3 = 15 m3/s.
Draw the locus of the critical depth point on these curves.
Plot a curve of critical depth against the discharge
 Contd
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Q3
Critical depth

Q2
Q1
 Example 3.2
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Water flows in a rectangular channel with 5 m width and 8m/s

flowrate. Depth of channel is 1m. Determine the specific energy for
this channel.
 Example 3.3
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The discharge in a rectangular channel of width 5 m and maximum

depth 2 m is 10 m3/s. the normal depth of flow is 1.25 m.
Determine the depth of flow downstream of a section in which the
bed rises by 0.2 m over a distance of 1 m.
 3.2 DETERMINATION OF CRITICAL DEPTH
USING VARIOUS METHOD
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When specific energy is minimum and only a single depth is occur,

the flow is termed as critical.
Critical flow is the flow that occurs when the specific energy is
minimum for a given discharge.
The flow which the depth is less than the critical (velocity is greater
than the critical) is called supercritical flow
Flow which the depth is greater than critical (velocity is lesser than
the critical) is called as subcritical flow
 Characteristics of Critical Flow
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Critical flow occurs when the specific energy is minimum for a

given discharge. The depth for this condition may be determined
by; Q2
E
2gA2
dE Q 2 dA
1 3

dy gA dy

However, dA B dy where
B : top width
Q 2 Bc
With
dE
0 critical flow condition , thus 3
1
dy gAc
2
Ac Q2 vc
2

Bc gAc g
 Characteristics of Critical Flow
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Ac
If the channel is of rectangular, then B is critical depth and
2 2 c
Q q
2
2 hence, the critical depth become :
Ac yc . 1
q 3
2
y c
g

However, critical depth solutions have been made for both circular
and trapezoidal channels and produced in graphical and design
chart form. 1
q 3
2
q2
Having known that y c rearrange gives 3
1
g gyc
 Characteristics of Critical Flow
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Then, v at critical conditions .The Froude number =1

1
v gyc
gyc

This is known as the Froude Number, Fr

.
If Fr = 1, y = yc and flow is critical.
If Fr < 1, y > yc and flow is subcritical.
If Fr > 1, y < yc and flow is supercritical.
Fr is independent of the slope of the channel, yc
dependent only on Q.
 Critical Velocity
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Q2B v2
The general expression such as 3
,or are used to determine
gA gD
the state of flow.
Critical state condition v2
Fr 2 1
gD
Critical velocity for the general cross section; vc gD

2
vc D
Velocity head at critical conditions;
gD 2
2
In wide or rectangular section, thus; vc gyc and v c y c
2g 2
 Critical Depth
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For a certain section and given discharge, the critical depth is

defined as the depth of flow requiring minimum specific energy.
An algebraic method
for a simple geometric channel section, the critical flow can
be determined by an algebraic computation using the basic
equation. Q2B
1
Graphical method gA 3

For a complicated or natural channel section, a graphical

procedure for critical-flow computation is generally
employed. By this procedure a curve of y versus Z is
constructed. The value of Q g is then computed.
Method of Design Chart
The design chart for determining the critical depth is given.
 Graphical method
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Curve of y versus Z
 Method of Design Chart
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Curves determining the critical depth for both Circular and Trapezoidal cross
section.
 Critical conditions for channels of
various shape
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Channel elements and properties

 Example 3.4
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A wide and straight river was flows with 3.5m/s/m flow rate. What
is the value of critical depth? If normal depth is 4.6m, calculate the
Froude number for this flow rate and state the flow state ie; sub
critical or supercritical. Calculate the critical slope if Mannings
Coefficient is 0.035.
 Example 3.5
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A rectangular channel with 3m width flows water at 12m/s flow

rate when Froude number is 0.8. Determine the depths (y1 and y2)
for the same flow rate and specific energy.
 Exercise
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A trapezoidal channel designed with 6 m width and side slope 1:2,

calculate the critical depth when the flow rate is 17 m3/s using ;
Trial and Error
Graph
Design Chart
A trapezoidal channel with side slope of 2 horizontal to 1 vertical is
to carry a flow for 16.7 m3/s. For the bottom width of 3.6 m,
calculate:
critical depth
critical velocity
Trial and Error
Design Chart
 3.3 : CONTROL SECTION
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A section where a certain relationship can be established between

flowrate, Q and water level, h.
Controls the flow so that it can prevent the changes of flow types
from happening (critical flow, subcritical & supercritical).
The control point = A point where depth of steady flow can be
determined due to grade change.
Examples;
The change of slope from mild to steep
Free drop
Entrance point from reservoir to steep channel
Outlet point from steep channel to reservoir
Flow over weir
 Control section : presence of broad crested
weir/hump
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Taking the presence of Broad Crested Weir as control point,

where rectangular channel with width b (constant along the
channel) flows with q m/s/m. Assume this channel's slope is 0
degree (flat) and no roughness coefficient.
.
 Control section : presence of broad crested
weir/hump
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Thus, below is the specific energy curve with the presence of broad
crested weir.
.
 Control section : presence of broad
crested weir/hump
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.E E z
1 2 note:- Z = height of Broad crested weir
2 2
v v
y1 1 y 2 2 z or E 2 E1 z
2g 2g

From that Figure, depth of water flow become lesser from point A
to point B,
Specific Energy at point A, E1 > E2 (at point B),
If y 2 y c ; E2 Emin therefore z z c
(critical flow and this broad crested weir
represent as control point)
 Control section : presence of broad
crested weir/hump
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If the weir increase more than before, specific energy will be

decreased and water depth, y2 become lower until one point
(point C). Specific energy, E2 become minimum and y2 turn to yc. At
this point, z = zc, flow is critical and weir known as control point.
If the height of weir increase greater than , E-y curve for same q
can not be used because minimum point for this curve is achieved
and E2 < Emin. Therefore, for E2 and water depth above weir is
constant, yc so z move to right side from point C. At this point, E1
not enough for same q.
E1 = Emin + z
 Example 3.6
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The discharge in rectangular channel of width 5 m and maximum

depth 2 m is 10m3/s. The normal depth of the flow is 1.25 m.
Determine the depth of flow downstream of the section in
which the bed rises by 0.2 m over the distance of 1 m.
Evaluate the maximum step that the bed can raise for the given
flow conditions.
.
 Control section : change of channel
width/narrowing section
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Flumes are usually design to achieve critical flow in narrowest

section.
Figure below shows the channel width is contracted to choke the
flow. The specific energy curves used to demonstrate the critical
flow produced.
.
 Control section : change of channel
width/narrowing section
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To force critical depth to occur in the throat, Es in throat must be

minimum.
Neglect the energy losses, the Es must be the same in the
upstream, Es1
Downstream the throat, the width expands and the flow rather
returning to subcritical flow, continues to accelerate and becomes
supercritical
.
 Control section : change of channel
width/narrowing section
BAA2723

To calculate ideal discharge through the flume (flow may not be

critical at the throat).
Applying the energy equation on two sections will estimate the
amount of discharge through a flume.
2 2
V1 V2
.E s y1 y2
2g 2g
where
v1 Q By1 and v 2 Q By 2

Substituting energy equation gives:

2 2
y. 1 Q
y2
Q Rearranging this gives:
2 g By1 2 g By 2
2 2

Q. By1 2 g y1 y 2
By1 By 2 1
2
 Control section : change of channel
width/narrowing section
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When the critical flow condition is achieved at throat (section 2)

2
y. 2 y c E s and v 2 vc gy c
3
And so,
2 2g
.Q bE s
1 .5

3 3
 3.4 : RAPIDLY VARIED FLOW
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Hydraulic Jump Types and Uses

Momentum Principle, Conjugate Depths, Dissipated
Energy and Power
Length and Location of hydraulic jump
 3.4.1 Hydraulic Jump
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Hydraulic jump analysis : the most common application of the

momentum equation in open channel flow.
An abrupt change in depth from supercritical to subcritical flow,
always is accompanied by a significant energy loss.
Primarily serves as an energy dissipator to dissipate the excess
energy of flowing water downstream of hydraulic structures.
Spillway Sluice gate.
 3.4.1 Hydraulic Jump
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Hydraulic jump
 3.4.1.1 Types of Jump
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Hydraulic jumps on horizontal floor are of several distinct types.

Those types are classified according to the Froude number, Fr.
Fr Flow state Jumps type Energy
dissipated

1 flow is critical and no jump

hence can form.
1-1.7 water surface Undular jump <5%
undulations
 3.4.1.1 Types of Jump
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Fr. Flow state Jumps type Energy

dissipated
1.7 to series of small Pre-jump stage or Weak With little
2.5 rollers develop on jump. active
the surface of the turbulence.
jump, but the Energy
downstream water dissipation
surface remains about 5-
smooth. The 15%
velocity throughout
is fairly uniform,
and the energy lost
is low.
 3.4.1.1 Types of Jump
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Fr Flow state Jumps type Energy

dissipated
2.5 to an oscillating jet Oscillating jump. 15-45%
4.5 entering the jump (Jump is not fully
bottom to surface formed)
and back again with
no periodicity. Each
oscillation produces a
large wave of
irregular period (very
commonly in canals).
 3.4.1.1 Types of Jump
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4.5 to the downstream The jump is well- The energy

9.0 extremity of the balanced (perform at dissipation
surface roller. The its best) ranges from
high velocity jet tends Steady jump. 45 to 70%.
to leave the flow at
practically the same
vertical section.
> 9.0 the high-velocity jets Strong jump. the energy
rolling down the front dissipation
face of the jump and may reach
generates waves 85%.
downstream. The
jump action is rough.
 3.4.1 The used of Hydraulic Jumps
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Practical Applications of the hydraulic jump are many, eg :

To dissipate energy in water flowing over hydraulic structures
(weirs, dams), thus prevent scouring downstream from the
structures.
To raise the water level on the downstream side (of a
measuring flume) and thus maintain high water level in the
channel for irrigation or other water-irrigation or other water-
distribution purposes
To increase the discharge of a sluice by holding back tailwater,
since the effective head will be reduced if the tailwater is
allowed to drown the jump
 3.4.2 Momentum Principles, Conjugate
depth, Dissipated energy, Power
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For RVF, the momentum equation will be introduced in the context

of the HYDRAULIC JUMP
Relationship between hydraulic jump equation and momentum
equation.
Assumptions :
Flat channel bed
Uniform channel cross section
Uniform velocity and water depth
Ignore the stress at channel surface
Frictionless
 3.4.2 Momentum Principles, Conjugate
depth, Dissipated energy, Power
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Jump is a mechanism for the water surface to join

ES

ES
Jump in extremely turbulent that caused
large lost of energy
Because of energy loss, Es (unknown ) cannot be neglected, thus
Specific energy equation and momentum principle have to be
used.
 Momentum Principle
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The momentum equation can be expressed as:

F M (1) Where
F : external net force acting on the control volume
M : change of momentum

Hydraulic jump is assumed to be inside the CV. Curve is

produced by
The net force in x-direction plotting the
F1-F2 depth (y)
Momentum change against force
and
M=M2-M1 momentum
(F+M)

The depth after the jump (sequent depth) can be directly read from
the force momentum diagram.
 Momentum Principle
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Force acting on the CV in flow direction are hydrostatic pressure

force upstream and downstream of the jump, F1 and F2
respectively.
Ignoring the boundary friction, and assuming horizontal bed:
The net force in x-direction F1-F2
Momentum change M=M2-M1
Rearranging gives:
.F1 F2 M 2 M 1
For constant discharge:
..F1 M 1 F2 M 2 constant
For a stable hydraulic jump:
..F M constant
 Cont
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For a rectangular channel:

y1 y2
1.
F g y1b 2
F g y2b
2 2
Q Q
M 1 Qv1 Q y b M 2 Qv2 Q y b
1 2
1 y2 y 2 v1
2

Substitute into equation (1): 1 Fr1

2

. 2 y1 y 1 gy1

A quadratic
. equation with respect. to y2/y1, the positive solution is:
y1 y2
y 2 1 8Fr1 1 y1 1 8Fr2 1
2 2

2 OR 2
Negative solution is meaningless
This is also called as Hydraulic Jump Equation
 Cont
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The Energy Loss through the jump :

.E E E y v1 2 y v2 2
1 2 1
2 g
2
2 g

Combining with the hydraulic jump eqtn, the energy loss equation :
. y 2 y1 3
E
4 y1 y 2
 Example
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A sluice gate with an opening of 0.67 m produces a downstream jet

depth of 0.40 m. The gate is installed in a long rectangular channel
5.0 m wide conveying a discharge of 20.0 m3/s. Assuming that the
flow downstream of the gate eventually returns to the uniform
depth of 2.5 m;
Verify the hydraulic jumps occurs
Calculate the head loss in the jump
 3.4.3 Length and Location of Hydraulic
Jump
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Height of the jump (Figure 3.3 & 3.4)

The different of height before & after hydraulic jump
.y j y 2 y1
Relative jump is the ratio of the height of jump to the initial
specific energy.
. h j y 2 y1 1 8 Fr1 3
2

Fr1 2
2
E1 E1 E1
Where:
y1/E1 : Relative initial depth
y2/E1 : Relative sequent depth
 3.4.3 Length and Location of Hydraulic
Jump
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Length of jump (Figure 3.5)

Distance measured from the front face of the jump to a point on
the surface immediately downstream from the roller.
The length is not easily determined theoretically but is investigated
experimentally.

Location of jump (Figure 3.6)

Jump occur if the initial and sequent depths and the approaching
Froude number satisfy the normal hydraulic jump (NHJ) equation.
This theoretical condition is generally used to locate the position of
a jump, however for a closer estimate of the jump location, the
length of jump should be considered.
 3.4.3 Length and Location of Hydraulic
Jump
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Length of jump (Figure 3.5)

Distance measured from the front face of the jump to a point on
the surface immediately downstream from the roller.
The length is not easily determined theoretically but is investigated
experimentally.

Location of jump (Figure 3.6)

Jump occur if the initial and sequent depths and the approaching
Froude number satisfy the normal hydraulic jump (NHJ) equation.
This theoretical condition is generally used to locate the position of
a jump, however for a closer estimate of the jump location, the
length of jump should be considered.
 Example
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A rectangular channel 3m width carries water at 12m3/s. At one

point, the slope changes abruptly from 0.015 to 0.0016. The
Mannings coefficient, n = 0.013. Determine:
Is the hydraulic jump occurs?
The position of the jump (if its occurred)
Power dissipated
 3.5 : GRADUALLY VARIED FLOW (GVF)
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The theory for GVF was developed practically based on the

following basic assumption:
Flow is steady
Streamlines are parallel
Uniform flow formula used to evaluate the energy slope of GVF
at a given channel section
Channel is prismatic
Velocity distribution in channel section is fixed
The roughness coefficient is constant along the channel.

63
 3.5 : GRADUALLY VARIED FLOW (GVF)
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There are several method to obtain surface water profile or the

flow depth in a GVF.
Direct Integration
3.5.1 Numerical Integration
3.5.2 Direct Step Method
3.5.3 Standard Step Method (computational method)
Graphical Integration
Numerical/Computer Methods

Those method can identified:

Depth (y) at some distances/lengths (L/x)
Distances/lengths from one point to one point when both
depth are known
64
 General equation of GVF
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Due to changes of slope or cross section, the general equation of

GVF must first be derived. Equation is derived by assuming that for
the GVF, the change of energy with distance is equal to the
frictional losses: dH d v 2
y z S f
dx dx 2g
Where Sf is the friction slope

Rearranging gives:
d v 2
dz
y S f or dEs S S

0 f
dx 2g dx dx
Where
dz
S0 is the bed slope
dx

v2
Es y is the specific energy
2g
 General equation of GVF
BAA2723

y
Q A
2

Considering E s 2g for a steady flow, the above equation

can be also rewritten as;
dy S 0 S 2f
dx 1 Fr
Where
S f n 2 Q 2 P 4 3 A10 3

provides the general formula for GVF (a differential equation

relating depth to distance).
 GVF Profiles
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It is difficult to obtain a direct solution to the general equation of

GVF, an understanding may be gained by qualitative analysis. For a
given discharge, and Fr 2 are function of depth (y).
2
2
n Q P2 43 Q B
Sf Fr 2
A10 3 gA3

Both Sf and Fr 2 decrease with increasing A

For a uniform flow, Sf = So when y = yn . It follows that Sf > So when

y < yn ; Sf < So and y > yn .

It is also evident that Fr 2 >1 when y < yc ; Fr 2 <1 when y > yc

 GVF Profiles
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Figure below shows a channel of mild slope with the critical and
normal depth of flow marked. For a GVF, surface profile may
occupy the three regions as illustrated in the figure and the dy/dx
can be found for each region.
.
 GVF Profiles
BAA2723

Region 1 :
y > yn > yc , Sf < So and Fr 2 <1 hence is positive
The water surface profile is termed as M1 profile which developed
upstream and is known as back water curve

Region 2:
yn > y > yc , Sf > So and Fr 2 >1 hence is negative
The M2 known as drawdown curve developed and normally occurs at
a free overfall

Region 3:
yn > yc > y, Sf > So and Fr 2 >1 hence is positive
The M3 is impossible ans in practice a hydraulic jump will form before
y = yc
 GVF Profiles
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Classification of GVF profiles

 3.5.1 : Numerical Integration
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For this method, all equation before can rewrite in finite diference.
For any prismatic channel
dy

y
S

1 K K 2



o
dx x
o
1 Q 2 T gA3

x

y 1 Q 2 T gA3

So 1 K o K 2

For rectangular channel
dy y S 1 K o K
2

dx x
o
c
1 y y3

x


y 1 y c y
3

S o 1 K o K

2
 BAA2723

For very wide rectangular channel

1 y y 3
y
3

x 1 y c y Chezy
s o
y 1 y y 3
x 1 y y
c
Manning
s
10 3
o

If the channel length (L) divide by several small distances /lengths,

it can call reach (x), therefore
x= length for each reache
= L / no of reaches
y= the change of water depth in each reach (yi+1 yi)
y = average for water depth in each reach (yi+1 yi)/2
 Example
BAA2723

The very wide rectangular channel carry the water at 2.5 m3/s/m
with channel bed slope, 0.001 and n = 0.025.
Find the length of back water which is happened from one dam
and obtained the 2 m water depth at the dams back. The
calculation must from the dam to upstream until the water
surface is 1% higher than normal depth.
Show your calculation until level 4 only.
Solve using Numerical integration
 3.5.2 : Direct Step Method
BAA2723

In general, a step method is characterized by dividing the channel

into short reaches and carrying the computation step by step from
one end of the reach to the other.
The direct step method is a simple step method applicable to
prismatic channel.
 Cont
BAA2723

The governing equation can be derived by referring to the diagram

below

Equating the total head at the two end section 1 and 2, the
following may be written; Where
v12 v 22 E 2 E1
y1 z1 y 2 z 2 hL x
2g 2g S 0 S f v 2
E1 z1 z 2 E 2 hL Specific energy, E = y
2g
E1 S 0 x E 2 S f x 2 2
Slope EGL, Sf = n v v2
xS 0 S f E 2 E1 R4 3
2
C R
 Cont
BAA2723

A step method is characterized by dividing the channel into short

reaches.
Computation is carried out step by step, from one end of the reach
to the other.
Table below is the example to do the iteration in calculating the
GVF profile using Direct Step Method.

 Cont
BAA2723
 Example
BAA2723

Determine the backwater profile by the Direct Step Method for the
following condition.
Q = 600 m3/s, S0 = 0.002, n = 0.04.
The channel is rectangular with a width b = 50 m. The discharge
over the weir can be calculated from Q = 1.705 Cdby3/2 where
the Cd = 0.88. the sill height Ps = 2.5 m.
 Cont
BAA2723
Y(m) A (m2) P (m) Fr (1-Fr2) mean Sf (So-Sf) Mean X (m)

6.5 325 63 0.2312 0.0006 0

0.9439 0.0014

6.3 315 62.6 0.2423 0.0007 -139.1

0.9383 0.0013

6.1 305 62.2 0.2543 0.0007 -284.4

0.9319 0.0012

5.9 295 61.8 0.2673 0.0008 -437.7

0.9246 0.0011

5.7 285 61.4 0.2815 0.0009 -601.3

0.9163 0.0010

5.5 275 61 0.2970 0.0010 -779.2

0.9066 0.0009

5.3 265 60.6 0.3140 0.0011 -977.5

0.8954 0.0008

5.1 255 60.2 0.3327 0.0013 -1207.1

0.8823 0.0006

4.9 245 59.8 0.3532 0.0015 -1491.2

0.8669 0.0004

4.7 235 59.4 0.3760 0.0017 -1890.8

0.8488 0.0002

4.5 225 59 0.4014 0.0019 -2695.6

 Example
BAA2723

The very wide rectangular channel carry the water at 2.5 m3/s/m
with channel bed slope, 0.001 and n = 0.025.
Find the length of back water which is happened from one dam
and obtained the 2 m water depth at the dams back.
The calculation must from the dam to upstream until the water
surface is 1% higher than normal depth.
Show your calculation until level 4 only.
Solve using Direct Step Method
 3.5.3 : Standard Step Method
BAA2723

Applicable to natural or non-prismatic channels.

In non-prismatic channel, the hydraulic elements are no longer
independent of the distance along the channel.
Channel cross-sections vary from section to section.
The hydraulic characteristics (such as depth of flow) are
determined from section to section by trial and error procedure.