Chapter 2. Uniform Flow in Open Channel Chapter 2.

Uniform Flow in Open Channel

Learning Outcomes: • Uniform flow is considered to be steady only, since unsteady

uniform flow is practically does not exist.
1. Understanding of the concept of uniform flow,
2. Computation of uniform flow in variable cross section of • Steady uniform flow is rare in natural streams, only happens in
open channel using Chezy equation with Ganguillet- prismatic channels.
Kutter or Bazin formula and Manning equation, and
3. Best hydraulic (hydraulically-efficient) section design for
• We adopt / assume uniform flow for most flow computations
because uniform flow calculation is simple, practical and provide
variable cross section of open channel. satisfactory solution.

Chapter 2. Uniform Flow in Open Channel Chapter 2. Uniform Flow in Open Channel

The 132 km long All-American Canal links California's Imperial Valley to the Colorado River. This
new concrete-lined section saves about 3.8 million of water a year over its leaky earthen forerunner The concrete channel of Los Angeles River (NGM, 2010)

Chapter 2. Uniform Flow in Open Channel Chapter 2. Uniform Flow in Open Channel
Criteria:
1. Water depth, area, velocity and discharge at every section of the channel
are constant.

2. Energy line, water surface and channel bottom are parallel, i.e. the slopes
are equal Sf = Sw = So = S.

Energy line grad

ient Sf

V2
Water surface
Sw 2g

yo

Bottom slope S
o

The Klang River, Kuala Lumpur & Selangor

1
1.1 Velocity distribution 1.2 Uniform flow computation
- depends on the geometry of the channel and wetted boundary roughness Two (2) most common equations used in the uniform flow computations are:
y
1 1

Vmax 1. Chezy formula V = CR 2So2 C = Chezy roughness coefficient

Vmax 0.2yo
Vmax 2 1
1 3 2
0.84 0.53 2. Manning formula V= R So n = Manning roughness coefficient
0.82 0.6yo n
0.80 yo 0.52 yo
0.76
Vaverage
0.70 0.50 Thus, the general uniform flow equation: V = constant R x Sox
0.62 0.45
0.48 0.40
0.35
V 1
1 6
Difference between Chezy and Manning formulae C= R
Natural channel Rectangular channel Velocity distribution n

Factors determining the roughness are surface roughness, vegetation,

channel irregularity, channel alignment, silting and scouring, obstruction, size
and shape of channel, stage and discharge, seasonal change, and suspended
material and bed load.

1.3 Chezy equation 1.3 Chezy equation

The Chezy two assumptions are:
KV 2PL = γ ALsinθ
1. The force resisting the flow per unit area of the channel bed is
proportional to the square of the velocity. Ff = KV 2PL 1 1
V = CR 2So2 where C = Chezy coefficient
2. The effective component of the gravity force causing the flow must be
equal to the total force of resistance. This is also the basic principle of
uniform flow where uniform flow will be developed if the resistance is
balance by the gravity forces. Fg = γ ALsinθ Energy line grad
ient Sf

KV PL = γ ALsinθ
2 V2
Water surface
Sw 2g
KV 2PL = γ ALSo W sinθ
W cosθ A
γA θ yo
V =2
So
KP KV2PL W Bottom slope S
1 θ o

γ 
1 1
2 P
V =  R S 2 2 L
o
K 
1 1 Datum
V = CR S2 2
o where C = Chezy coefficient

Example 2.1 Example 2.2

Water flows in a triangular channel with side slope 1.5(H) : 1(V), bottom slope
A rectangular channel 2.0 m wide carries water at a depth of 0.5 m. The
0.0002 and Chezy coefficient of 67.4. The depth of flow is 2.0 m. Find the flow
channel is laid on a slope of 0.0004. The Chezy coefficient is 73.6. Compute
rate and average velocity. Based on Froude number, determine the state of
the discharge of the channel.
flow.

Given B = 2.0 m, y = 0.5 m, So = 0.0004 and C = 73.6 Given y = 2.0 m, z = 1.5, So = 0.0002 and C = 67.4
and A = By = 1 m2, P = B + 2y = 3 m, R = 1/3 m and A = zy2 = 6 m2, P = 2y 1 + z 2 = 7.211 m,
R = A/P = 0.832 m
y 1 y
Q = AC RSo
V = C RSo z
B
1
Q = 1× 73 .6 × 0.0004 V = 67.4 0.832 × 0.0002
3
V = 0.869 m/s
Q = 0.850 m3 /s
V
Fr =
and Q = AV gy
Q = 6 × 0.869 0.869
Fr =
9.81× 2
Q = 5.217 m3 /s
Fr = 0.196 → subcritical flow

2
 Table 2.1 Values of Manning roughness coefficient n (1 of 2)
Surface characteristics Range of n
(a) Lined channels with straight alignment
1.3.1 Chezy resistance factor C Concrete
i. formed, no finish 0.013 - 0.017
ii. trowel finish 0.011 - 0.015
The following two equations can be used to determine Chezy coefficient:
iii. float finish 0.013 - 0.015
iv. gunite, good section 0.016 - 0.019

0.00155 1 v. gunite, wavy section 0.018 - 0.022

23 + + Concrete bottom, float finish, sides as indicated
So n
1. Ganguillet-Kutter C= n = Kutter coefficient (also i. dressed stone in mortar 0.015 - 0.017
 0.00155  n known as Manning
1 +  23 + 
 ii. random stone in mortar 0.017 - 0.020
 So  R coefficient) iii. cement rubble masonry 0.020 - 0.025
iv. cement rubble masonry, plastered 0.016 - 0.020
v. dry rubble (rip-rap) 0.020 - 0.030
Tile 0.016 - 0.018
87
2. Bazin C= m = Bazin coefficient Brick 0.014 - 0.017
m
1+ Sewers (concrete, asbestos-cement, vitrified-clay pipes) 0.012 - 0.015
R
Asphalt
i. smooth 0.013
ii. rough 0.016
Concrete lined, excavated rock
i. good section 0.017 - 0.020
ii. irregular section 0.022 - 0.027
Laboratory flumes-smooth metal bed, glass or perspex sides 0.009 - 0.010

Table 2.1 Values of Manning roughness coefficient n (2 of 2)

Surface characteristics Range of n
(b) Unlined, non-erodible channels
Earth, straight and uniform
i. clean, recently completed 0.016 - 0.020
ii. clean, after weathering 0.018 - 0.025
Manning roughness coefficient iii. gravel, uniform section, clean 0.022 - 0.030
n = 0.020 - 0.022 iv. with short grass, few weeds 0.022 - 0.033
Channels with weeds and brush, uncut
i. dense weeds, high as flow depth 0.050 - 0.120
ii. clean bottom, brush on sides 0.040 - 0.080
iii. dense weeds or aquatic plants in deep channels 0.030 - 0.035
iv. grass, some weeds 0.025 - 0.033
Rock 0.025 - 0.045

(c) Natural channels

Manning roughness coefficient
n = 0.020 - 0.022
Smooth natural earth channels, free from growth, little 0.020
curvature
Earth channels, considerably covered with small growth 0.035
Mountain streams in clean loose cobbles, rivers with variable 0.040 - 0.050
section with some vegetation on the banks
Rivers with fairly straight alignment, obstructed by small 0.060 - 0.075
trees, very little under brush
Rivers with irregular alignment and cross-section, covered 0.125
with growth of virgin timber and occasional patches of
bushes and small trees

Manning roughness
coefficient n = 0.11 Grassed swale

Table 2.2 Values of Manning roughness

coefficient for grassed swale
Surface cover Manning n
Short grass 0.030 - 0.035
Tall grass 0.035 - 0.050

Manning roughness
coefficient n = 0.20

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 Example 2.3
Compute the velocity and discharge in a trapezoidal channel having a bottom
width of 20 m, side slopes 1(H) : 2(V), and a depth of water 6 m. Given Kutter's
n = 0.015 and So = 0.005.
Table 2.3 Proposed values of Bazin coefficient m
Description of channel Bazin coefficient m
Very smooth cement of planed wood 0.11
Given B = 20 m, y = 6.0 m, z = 0.5, So = 0.005 and n = 0.015
Unplaned wood, concrete, or brick 0.21 and A = By + zy2 = 192 m2,
Ashlar, rubble masonry, or poor brickwork 0.83
Earth channels in perfect condition 1.54
P = B + 2y 1 + z 2 = 46.833 m,
1 y
Earth channels in ordinary condition 2.36 R = A/P = 4.10 m z
Earth channels in rough condition 3.17
0.00155 1 B
23 + +
So n
Ganguillet-Kutter C =
 0.00155  n
1 +  23 + 

 So  R
0.00155 1
23 + +
C= 0.005 0.015

1 +  23 +
0.00155  0.015

 0.005  4.1
C = 76.727

Given B = 20 m, y = 6.0 m, z = 0.5, So = 0.005 and n = 0.015 Example 2.4

and A = By + zy2 = 192 m2, Find the equivalent Bazin coefficient m for the question in Example 2.3 and
compare the Chezy coefficients.
P = B + 2y = 46.833 m,
R = A/P = 4.10 m Known A = 192 m2, P = 46.833 m, R = 4.10 m
C = 76.727 Assume that for concrete with Kutter n = 0.015, Bazin m = 0.21

Chezy velocity V = C RSo 87

Bazin C=
m
1+
V = 76.727 4.1× 0.005 R
V = 10.986 m/s 87
C=
0.21
1+
4. 1
Discharge Q = AV
C = 78.825
Q = 192 × 10.986
Q = 2109.25 m /s 3 C = 78.825 (from Bazin) ≈ 76.727 (from Ganguillet - Kutter)

Example 2.5 Example 2.6

A trapezoidal channel is 10.0 m wide and has a side slope of 1.5(H) : 1(V). The In the channel of Example 2.5, find the bottom slope necessary to carry only 50
bed slope is 0.0003. The channel is lined with smooth concrete n = 0.012. m3/s of the discharge at a depth of 3.0 m.
Compute the mean velocity and discharge for a depth of flow of 3.0 m.
Given B = 10 m, y = 3.0 m, z = 1.5 and n = 0.012

Given B = 10 m, y = 3.0 m, z = 1.5, So = 0.0003 and n = 0.012 and A = 43.5 m2, P = 20.817 m, R = 2.090 m

and A = By + zy2 = 43.5 m2, 2 1

1
P = B + 2y 1 + z 2 = 20.817 m, Manning discharge Q = AR 3So2
1 y n
R = A/P = 2.090 m z 1
2 1
50 = × 43.5 × 2.09 3 × So2
2 1 B 0.012
1
Manning velocity V= R S 3 2
o
n So = 0.0000712
2 1
1
V= × 2.090 3 × 0.0003 2 So = 7.12 × 10 −5
0.012

V = 2.359 m/s

Discharge Q = AV = 43.5 × 2.359 = 102.625 m3 /s

4
 Example 2.7
A triangular channel with an apex angle of 75° carries a flow of 1.2 m3/s at a A triangular channel with an apex angle of 75° carries a flow of 1.2 m3/s at a
depth of 0.80 m. If the bed slope is 0.009, find the roughness coefficient of the depth of 0.80 m. If the bed slope is 0.009, find the roughness coefficient of the
channel. channel.

Given y = 0.80 m, So = 0.009, θ = 75°, and Q = 1.2 m3/s Given y = 0.80 m, So = 0.009, θ = 75°, and Q = 1.2 m3/s
θ   75o  θ   75o 
z = tan  = tan  = 0.767 z = tan  = tan  = 0.767
2  2  2  2 
1 75° y 1 75° y
and A = zy2 = 0.491 m2, P = 2y 1 + z 2 = 2.017 m, and A = zy2 = 0.491 m2, P = 2y 1 + z 2 = 2.017 m,
z z
R = A/P = 0.2435 m R = A/P = 0.2435 m
2 1 1 1
1
Using Manning equation Q = AR S3 2
o Using Chezy equation Q = CAR 2 So2
n
1 1
2 1
1. 2 =
1
× 0.491× 0.2435 3 × 0.009 2 1.2 = C × 0.491× 0.2435 2 × 0.009 2
n
C = 52.197
n = 0.0151

Example 2.8
A trapezoidal channel of bottom width 25 m and side slope 2.5(H):1(V) carries a 1.4 Conveyance of a channel section
discharge of 450 m3/s with a normal depth of 3.5 m. The elevations at the
beginning and end of the channel are 685 m and 650 m, respectively. Conveyance K of a channel section is a measure of the carrying capacity
Determine the length of the channel if n = 0.02. of the channel section per unit longitudinal slope. It is directly proportional to
discharge Q.
Given B = 25 m, z = 2.5, yo = 3.5, n = 0.02, and Q = 450 m3/s
A = By + zy2 = 118.125 m2 P = B + 2y 1 + z 2 = 43.848 m
1 1 1
R = A/P = 2.694 m 1. Chezy formula Q = CAR 2So2 → K = CAR 2
2 1
1
Manning equation, Q= AR 3So2 1
2 1 2
n Q= 1
2. Manning formula AR 3 So2 →K = AR 3
1
2 1 n n
450 = × 118.125 × 2.694 3 × So2
0.02

So = 0.00155
∆z
So =
LV

0.00155 =
(685 − 650 ) 1 y
LV z
LV = 22601.13 m B

Example 2.9
1.5 Section Factor in uniform flow computation A trapezoidal channel 5.0 m wide and having a side slope of 1.5(H) : 1(V) is laid
on a slope of 0.00035. The roughness coefficient n = 0.015. Find the normal
Section factor Z in the Manning formula is AR2/3, which is a function of the depth depth for a discharge of 20 m3/s through this channel.
of flow.
2 1 Given B = 5.0 m, z = 1.5, So = 0.00035, n = 0.015, and Q = 20 m3/s
1
In Manning formula Q= AR 3 So2 A = By + zy2 = 5y + 1.5y2 P = B + 2y 1 + z 2 = 5 + 2 3.25 y
n
R = A/P = (5y + 1.5y2)/ (5 + 2 3.25y )
2 2 1
Qn 1
Therefore, AR 3 = 1 Manning equation, Q= AR 3So2
2
n
So

Arranging Manning equation as a function of section factor,

2
Section factor AR2/3 is normally used to compute the normal depth yo when the Qn
AR 3 = 1
discharge Q, bottom slope So and Manning roughness coefficient n are provided.
So2
Computation of yo could be through either direct trial-and-error computation, 2
 5 y o + 1.5 y o2  3 20 × 0.015
based on graph, or through provided design chart.
(5y + 1.5 y o2 )  =
 5 + 2 3.25y o 
o 1
1 y
0.00035 2
z
B

5
 Graphically,

(5y + 1.5 y o2 )3
2 5
 5 y o + 1.5 y  20 × 0.015
(5y + 1.5 y o2 )
2 3

 = = 16.036
o o

 5 + 2 3.25y o  (5 + 2 3.25y o )3
o 1 2
1 y
0.00035 2
z
(5y + 1.5 y o2 )3
5

(5y + 1.5 y o2 )3
5
o
= 16.036 B o

(5 + 2 3.25y o )
2 yo (m) 2.5
(5 + 2 3.25y o )3
2
3

2 yo = 1.82 m
Mathematically, i.e. trial-and-error method: 1 5.391
1.5 11.198 1.5
(5y + 1.5y )
5

yo (m)
2 3
o o 1.7 14.115
yo (m) 1
(5 + 2 3.25y )
2
3 1.8 15.706
o
1 5.391 1.9 17.387 0.5

2 19.159 16.036
2 19.159 0
1.8 15.706 0 5 10 15 20 25
AR 2/3
1.820 16.035

Therefore, yo = 1.820 m Therefore, yo = 1.820 m

And if Design Chart is available,

Rectangular (z = 0)

y y 0.37
and
B do Circular

B
0.2194

2 2
2 AR 3 AR 3
and
AR 3 = 16.036 8 8
y
2
B 3
d 3
o
= 0.37
B
AR 3 16.036
8
= 8
= 0.2194 y = 0.37 × 5
B3 53 Therefore, yo = 1.85 m