The University of Alabama Water Resources Engineering Laboratory

Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering Flow Over a Broad Crested Weir
Prepared by Redahegn Sileshi

FLOW OVER A BROAD CRESTED WEIR

Prepared by Redahegn(Redi) Sileshi
January, 2009

1. Outcomes

T2: Select and conduct civil engineering experiments to meet a need, and analyze and evaluate
the resulting data.
P2: Organize and deliver effective written, verbal, graphical and virtual communications.

2. Objectives:

• Observe flow patterns over a broad-crested weir.

• Become familiar with the equation that quantifies the discharge over a broad-crested weir.
• Determine the discharge coefficient Cd on a broad-crested weir.
• Analyze and discuss about the results.

3. Theory

Weirs are elevated hydraulic structures used to measure flow and/or control the water elevation
at outflows from basins and channels [1]. Broad-crested weirs operate under the theory that
critical flow conditions are created above the weir [1]. That means that the depth of water above
the weir is equivalent to the critical depth (yc). Critical condition is obtained when the relationship
between the inertial forces and the gravitational forces of the flow is equal to 1.0; therefore, the
velocity of the flow, V, is equal to the velocity of the wave (or celerity), c = gy ;. This
relationship is known as Froude number (F). F=1 when the flow is critical.

V
F= (1)
gy
where,
V= average velocity of the flow (m/s)
y = depth of water (m). y becomes yc if critical flow is present.
2
g = Gravity (m/s )
Figure 1 shows the profile on a broad-crested weir.

EGL V2/2g

h1
H HT
yc
yo
FLOW
P

Air cavity Broad Crested Weir

Figure 1: Profile on a broad-crested weir with rounded entrance transition [2]

1
The University of Alabama Water Resources Engineering Laboratory
Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering Flow Over a Broad Crested Weir
Prepared by Redahegn Sileshi

The following equation represents the actual flow rate over a broad-crested weir,
3/ 2
2 
Q = Cd g ⋅ b H  = C d ⋅ 1.705 ⋅ b ⋅ H 3 / 2 (2)
3 
where,
3
Q = Actual flowrate (m /s)
Cd = Discharge Coefficient
g = Gravity (m/s2)
b = Breadth of weir (m). b = 0.076 m (3 in)
yo = upstream water depth (m)
yc = critical depth (m). In this case is the depth relative to the top of the weir.
h1 = Upstream head relative to the top of the broad-crested weir (m).
H = Total energy head (m) of upstream flow measured relative to the weir-crest elevation.
2
V
H = h1 + o .
2g
HT = Total energy head (m) of upstream flow measured relative to the base of the flume (m).
2
Vo
H T = yo +
2g
Vo= average upstream velocity (m/s). Vo =Q/Ao
P = Broad-crested weir height (m)

In real application it is more convenient to use h1 in the equation instead of H. Therefore, the
equation 2 is affected by a coefficient of velocity, Cv .[4].
3/ 2
2  3/ 2
Q = Cd Cv g ⋅ b h1  = C d ⋅ C v ⋅ 1.705 ⋅ b ⋅ h1 (3)
3 
Finally, a proper operation of a broad-crested weir is achieved when flow conditions are restricted
to an operation range of 0.08< h1/L <0.33, (French, 1985) [1]; where L is the length of the weir
(m).

4. Experimental Procedure

The experiment has the following procedure:

The broad-crested weir will be installed in the flume, which has to be leveled.

One vernier is located upstream of the weir and the zero is set up with the base of the
flume. This vernier will measure yo.

The other vernier is located in the center of the broad-crested weir and the zero is set up
with the top of the weir surface. This vernier will measure yc.

Set the initial flowrate at 0.5 L/s (approximately) and determine both the upstream water
depth and the depth on the weir (critical depth). Determine the accurate flowrate using
the volumetric indicator and the stop watch. Increase the flowrate by increments of 0.2
L/s and repeat the measures until it get to 2.0 L/s. This means that sixteen (8) runs are
required.

Use the following tables as guide to record the experimental data.

2
The University of Alabama Water Resources Engineering Laboratory
Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering Flow Over a Broad Crested Weir
Prepared by Redahegn Sileshi

Experimental data
Trial Volume Time Flowrate Flowrate Upstream head Critical depth
3
(L) (sec) (L/s) (m /s) (mm) (mm)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

5. Calculations

Calculate Vo, h1, and H for each trial.

Calculate Cd for each trial using the equation 2.

Calculate Cv for each trial using the equation 3.

Calculate the Froude number for each trial using the yc (depth on the weir-crest elevation)
and the equation 1.

Calculate the relationship h1/L for each trial.

Analyze the results.

6. Analysis and discussion of the results

Compare the results of h1/L with the operational range explained above. Comment on the
results.

Comment on the Froude numbers calculated at the weir.

Does the magnitude of the flow rate affect the discharge coefficient Cd?

Does Cd increase or decrease with increasing flow rate?

What is the pattern of the water as it passes over the weir?

Does the magnitude of the flow rate affect the coefficient velocity Cv?

Does Cv increase or decrease with increasing flow rate?

Would you expect the length of the weir crest to affect the discharge coefficient Cd and the
operation of the weir? Explain.

7. Content of the report

It is required to submit a formal report by next class. The report should cover the following:

Introduction and objectives

Theory: definition and/or description of the hydraulic structure, equations and explanation of
the variables, examples about in which cases the hydraulic structure is used, explanation of

3
The University of Alabama Water Resources Engineering Laboratory
Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering Flow Over a Broad Crested Weir
Prepared by Redahegn Sileshi

the Froude number and its types of flow conditions. Sources should also be
included.

Experimental procedure

Experimental data

Calculations: Explain in detail the procedure and include the Excel tables.

Analysis and discussion of results

References

8. References used for this guide

nd
[1] Chin, D.A. Water Resources Engineering, 2 edition, Prentice Hall, 2006.

[2] Sutley, David. An Instruction Manual of Open Channel Hydraulic Experiments for
Water Resources Engineering. Thesis. The University of Alabama, 2005.

[3] Mays, Larry. Hydraulic Design Handbook, McGraw Hill. New York. 1999.

[4] Armfield, Instruction Manual for C4 Multi Purpose Teaching Flume.

[5] Humberto Avila. Water Resources Engineering laboratory files for Open Channel
Hydraulic Experiments . The University of Alabama, 2006-2007.