Design of Weir and Conditions for

Stability & Maximum stress

In any hydropower projects the diversion structures occupies the key

position. Among these diverging structures weir is the most commonly
used structure, because of its simple design and operation. Different types
of weir can be used as diverging structures some of them are given below:

Also See: Components of Weir

1. Sharp crested weir

2. Broad crested weir
3. Ogee weir
4. Tyrolean weir
5. weir with lateral intake etc

Lets consider a general case of weir design.

Forces on Weir
The forces acting on a weir built on a impervious foundation may be static
or dynamic. The static forces include:

1. Normal water pressure on the upstream face of the weir.

2. Normal water pressure on the downstream face of the weir.
3. The weight of the water supported by the crest and the weight of
the weir.

Dynamic forces

The dynamic forces acting on weir includes:

1. Erosive or the scouring forces on the downstream side of the weir

produced either by high velocity or by the impact of water pouring
over the weir.
2. The force of impact of floating matter against the crest on the
upstream side of the weir.

Conditions for Stability of Weirs

There are some conditions that are required to be satisfied for the stability
of the weir. These includes:

1. There must be no tension in the masonry or in the contact plane

between weir and the foundation.
2. There must be no overturning.
3. There must be no tendency to slide on the joint with the foundation
or any horizontal plane above the base.
4. The maximum toe and heel pressures in foundations should not
exceed the prescribed safe limits. Failure by crushing is not
considered here, as it generally does not occur, being a low
structure.
Also See: How to Design a Barrage

Condition of Maximum Stress on Weir

In the case of a dam the condition for maximum stress is when the water
level above the base is maximum. i. e. when the head is maximum. But in
case of a weir design, when the discharge increases the near water level
also builds up and the difference between them will become less and less.
So, the weir is subjected to maximum head when the water level on the
upstream side is maximum and no water passes over the crest.