( Reaffirmed 1997 )

lS:6330-1971

Indian Standard
RECOMMENDATION FOR
LIQUID FLOW MEASUREMENT IN OPEN
CHANNELS BY WEIRS AND FLUMES-END
DEPTH METHOD FOR ESTIMATION OF FLOW
IN RECTANGULAR CHANNELS WITH A FREE
OVERFALL ( APPROXIMATE METHOD )

Fluid Flow Measurement Sectional Committee, BDC 17

Chairman
DR A. N. KHOSLA
15 Jangpwa ‘ B ‘, New Delhi 14

Vice-Chairman
SWI N. D. GULUTX
N-l 11 Pancha Shila Park, New Delhi

Members Refiresenting
ADVI(IER Central Board of Irrigation and Power, New Delhi
DR BWARAT Smuts University of Roorkcc
CHIEF ENGINEER( FI & T ) Central Water & Power Commission, New Delhi
DIXEIXOR ( CSMRS ) ( Aliemate )
DmECTOR Andhra Pradesh Engineering Research Laboratory,
Hyderabad
DIRECTOR Central Water & Power Research Station, Poona
D~RECXOR Xrrigation Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh
DIRECTOR Land Reclamation, Irrigation and Power Research
Institute, Government of Punjab
Srnu K. K. FRAMJI In personal capacity [ Conrultinp Engineering Services
( India ) Put Ltd, M/124 Greater Kailash, New
Delhi 48 ]
SHRI 0. P. Gh~a Ganga Basin Water Resources Organization
( Ministry of Irrigation & Power )
SHRXN. K. GHOSH National Instrument ( Private) Ltd, Calcutta
PROFN. S. GO~INJJARAO In personal capacity (89 Diagonal Road, Visvesvara-
@ram, Bangalore 4 )
HYDRAULICENGINEER Bombay Municipal Corporation
Smu V. D. DESA~( AIfemate )
Jornr D~Ec~~R (BRIDGES & ReseaLr~~~ol$igns and Standards Organization,
Fnoons )
DEPUTY Drancrro~ ( Alternafe)
( Continued on page 2 )

INDIAN STANDARDS -INSTITUTION

MANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG
NEW DELHI 110002
 Mambers Re&ressnting
DR R. C. MALHOTRA Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi
METEREOLOGIST India Metereolo ical Department, New Delhi
SHRIH. R. PRAM- River Research Qnstitute,Government of West Bengal
SHRI P. B. ROY ( Alfemate )
SHRI B. B. RAO Roads Wing (l&&try of Transport & Shipping )
Snm N. C. SAKSENA Mmktry. of Irrigation & Power
Snar V. N. NAGARAJA ( Altemafs )
SECRETARY Central Board of Irrigation and Power, New Delhi
PROPK. SEETXARAMIAH Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
PROP N.S. LAKSHMANARAO (Alternate)
SHRIG. S. SHIVANNA Public Works Department, Government of Mysore
SUPERINTENDING ENGI~NEER Irrigation Department, Government of Tamil Nadu
(DESIGNS & MARXNE Woags
(--)
DEPuTv CEIIHI ENQrNlum
(I&D) (&rnats)
SW D. AJITHASnsrx~, Director General, IS1 ( Ex-ofio Membn )
Director ( Civ Engg )

&eY
- BHRI K. RAQHAvmD~
Deputy Director ( Civ Engg ), IS1

Notches, Weirs and Flumes Subcommittee, BDC 17 : 2

!&RI C. V. GOLE Central Water:& Power Research Station, Poona

MmrbCrS
DR B. K. A~ARWALA National Physical Laboratory ( CSIR ), New Delhi
DR BHARATSWGH University of Roorkee
SHRI S. V. CHITALE Central Water & Power Commission, New Delhi
DIRECXOR Andhra Pradesh Engineering Research Laboratory,
Hyderabad
DIRECTOR Irrigation Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh
RESEARCHOPFKCER ( Altcmate )
DIRECTOR ( HYDROLOCJY
) Central Water & Power Commission, New Delhi
Srnu K. K. FRAMJI In Persona! capacity [ Consulting EngineeringServiru
( India ) Pvt Ltd, M/I24 Greater Railash, New *
Delhi 48 ]
PROFN. S. GO~WDA RAO In personal capacity (89 Diagonal Road, Visvesvara-
@ram, Bangalore 4 )
SHRXH. R. PRAM.- River Research Institute, Government of West Bengal
SHRIP. B. ROY ( Altemcte )
SHRIN.C.SAESENA Ministry of Irrigation & Power, New Delhi
JOINTCOMMMONER( IRRIGATION
1
( Alternate )
PROF K. SEETHARAM[A= Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
PROFN. S. LAKSHMANARAO ( Alternate)
ENGINEER
SLIPERIXTZNDING Irrigation Department, Government of Tamil Nadu
DEPIJW CHIEFENGINEER (I & D )
( Alfmte )

2
 lSt&#o-197l

RECOMMENDATION FOR
LIQUID FLOW MEASUREMENT IN OPEN
CHANNELS BY WEIRS AND FLUMES-END
DEPTH METHOD FOR ESTIMATION OF FLOW
IN RECTANGULAR CHANNELS WITH A FREE
OVERFALL ( APPROXIMATE METHOD )

0. FOREWORD
0.1 This Indian Standard was adopted by the Indian Standards Institution
on 26 November 1971, after the draft finalized by the Fluid Flow
Measurement Sectional Committee had been approved by the Civil
Engineering Division Council.

0.2 Free overfall occurs in many hydraulic structures when the bottom of
flat channel is abruptly discontinued. Such an overfall forms a control
section and offers an approximate means for the estimation of flow.
The flow at the brink is curvilinear and therefore, the depth at the drop
or end is not equal to the critical depth as computed by the principle
based on parallel flow assumption. However, the ratio between the end
depth and the critical depth ( as per the assumption of parallel flow ) has
a unique value for each condition of the nappe, namely, confined and
unconfined. Therefore, from the depth measured at the end, the flow at
the drop may be estimated.

0.3 Assistance has been rendered by the researches conducted by the

Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
c
0.4 This standard is one of a series of Indian Standards on notches, weirs
and flumes. Other standards published so far in the series are:
IS : 1193-1959 Methods for measurement of flow of water in open
channels using notches, weirs and flumes
IS : 6059-1971 Recommendations for liquid-flow measurements in
open channels by weirs and flumes - weirs of finite crest width for
free discharge
IS: 6062-1971 Method of measurement of flow of water in open
channels using standing-wave flume-fall

3
I6 t 6339.1971

IS : 6063-1971 Method of measurement of flow of water in open

channels using standing wave flume.
0.5 In reporting the result of a test or analysis made in accordance with
this standard, it’ the final value, observed or calculated, is to be rounded
off, it shall be done in accordance with IS : 2-1960*.

1. SCOPE
1.1 This recommendation deals with the estimation of flow of clear water
in smooth, straight, rectangular prismatic open channels with a vertical
drop and dischargmg freely. Using the measured depth at the end, the
flow in rectangular channels ( horizontal or sloping ) with confined nappe
and in rectangular horizontal channels with unconfined nappe may be
estimated.

2. TERMINOLOGY
2.1 For the purpose of this standard, the definitions given in
IS : 1191-1971t and the following shall apply.
2.1.1 ConfinedNappe - It is the nappe of the flow downstream of a drop,
confined within the sides of a straight channel extending downstream
without change in width (see Fig. 1A).
2.1.2 UnconJined Nappe - It is the unrestrained form of the flow down-
stream of the drop ( see Fig. 1B ).

3. UNITS OF MEASUREMENT
3.1 The units of measurement used in this standard are metres and
seconds.

4. GENERAL REQUlREMENTS
4.1 Selection of Site - A preliminary survey should be made of the
physical and hydraulic features of the proposed site, to check that it
conforms ( or may be made to conform ) to the requirements necessary
for measurement by the end depth-method.
4.1.1 Particular attention should be paid to the following features in
selecting the site and ensuring the flow conditions:
a) An adequate straight length ( at least 223, where y# is the end
depth corresponding to the maximum discharge anticipated ) of
channel of regular cross-section should be available;

*Rules for rounding off numerical values f rrtised).

tGlossary of terms and symbols used in connection with the measurement of liquid flow
with a free surface ( fir.36retiion ).
 Isr633Q- 1971

POINT OF MEASUREHENT
V Al THE RROP 8V
OF A POINT GAUGE

HORIZONTAL BOTTOM-/
(OR SLOPING)

WHICH DOES NOT CAUSE

SECTIONAL VIEW SUPPRESSION OF NAPPE

1A CONFINED NAPPE
(NAPPE TO BE AE~~ATED)

OF MEASUREMENT
LV AT THE DROP BY
S OF A POINT GAUGE

TWO ALTERNATIVE
FORMS OF NAPPE

OVERALL BRINK

18 UNCONFINED NAPPE

FIG. 1 END DEPTH WEIRS

5
 b) Velocity distribution seen by inspection or measurement should
be uniform;
4 The channel bottom may be horizontal, or sloping ( adverse, mild
or steep ) ;
4 The side walls as well as the bottom should be smooth as far as
possible ( in this standard a smooth surface shall correspond to a
neat cement finish ) ;
4 The end of the channel shall have a vertical drop;
f) In the case of confined nappe, the downstream side walls should
be extended to a distance not less than six times the maximum
end depth. In the case of unconfined nappe, the side walls
should end at the drop; and
g) The nappe should be fully aerated.

5. COMPUTATION FLOW
5 .l Measurement of Depth - The depth shall be measured exactly at
the end ( drop ) with a point gauge.
NOTE -The flow at the drop is fully curvilinear and any small error in the location
of the gauge will result in large errors in measurement of discharge.

5.2 Horizontal Channel

5.2.1 Conjned Nappe - Computation of Flow from the Measured Depth at the
Drop ( see Fig. IA ) - The ratio of measured depth at the end ( drop ) y6
to the critical depth yc computed on the basis of parallel flow assumption
has a value of 0.715. After calculating the critical depth ye from ye the
following formula may be used for computing the discharge:

q= JPZ/~ . ..(I)
where
q = discharge per unit width of the channel;
c
yC = critical depth; and
‘0~ = acceleration due to gravity.

5.2.2 Unconjined Nappe - Computation of Flow fro& the Measurement at the

Drop ( see Fig. IB ) -The ratio of measured depth at the end ys to the
crrtlcal depth yC computed on the basis of parallel flow assumption in the
case of unconfined nappe (both continuously enlarging nappe and the
converging nappe after the initial enlargement) has a value of 0.705.
After calculating the critical ~depth ye by the above ratio, the discharge
may be computed by using Equation 1.

6
53 Sloping Channels - Codned Nappe ( seeFig. 2 )

5.3.1 Computation of Flow Using Measurement at the End- The ratio of

measured depth at the end ( drop ) ys to the critical depth y. computed
on the basis of parallel flow assumption varies continuously with SO/S,,
where SO is the bed slope and S, is the critical sIope ( Fig. 3 ). Knowing
S,JS,, the value ofyJyo may be read from Fig. 3 after calculating the value
ofyc fromy, it may be used in Equation 1 for computing the discharge.

5.3.2 Computation of SO/S, -To use Fig. 3, the value of SO/S, should be
known. S, may be computed using the following formula:

SO=& . ..(Z)

where

8 = acceleration due to gravity, and

C = Chezy’s coefficient.

CDL -Critical depth line

NDL - Normal depth line

Fro. 2 CONPINED FREE OVERFALL IN

SLOPING RECTANGULAR CHANNELS

7
iS 16336- 1971

$~:~~
‘-&04 - ‘1&l
-4IWERSE SLOPES+ +lEEP SLOPES-
0.2 - I I

01 ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’
-10 0 *IO
SO/SC
FIO. 3 _VARUTION OF y&C, WITH SC/SC

53.3 Computation of Chczy’s Co&cient, C- The value of ‘ C ’ may be

computed using the following formula:

c =- 1R?
n 0 *$ Ye1 ..
where
n = Mannings roughness coefficient. The values of ‘ n ’ for
different types of channels may be taken from
IS : 4745-1968*,
RhC = hydraulic radius at the critical section, and

YCl= critical depth ( first assumption ).

5.3.3.1 The values of yCr to be used in Equation 3 are as follows, in
terms of measured yC:
a) For adversely sloping channels,

YCl -&
b) For mildly sloping channels,

*Code of practice for deign of cross-section of lined canalr.

8
 IStfi330- 1971

c) For steeply sloping channels,

Ye1 =&
5.3.3.2 By using the appropriate value ofy,, in Equation (3) we get
C, the first approximation for C and using C, in Equation (2) we get S,,
the first approximation for S,. For this value of 8 we get the value of
Cl
-$- from Fig. 3 and hence the value ofy, which may be designated as ycr
and used in Equation (3) to get C’s and hence S,,. For this value of
S0 we get the value of * from Fig. 3 and hence the new ya which
s,, YC
may be designated as yes. This process is repeated till we get a nearly
constant value of -& l

YC
5.3.3.3 Appendix A provides an example for calculation of discharge.
NOTE -As the study is based on observations in wide channels, that is, the ratio of
width to depth greater than 5, the depth itself is taken as hydraulic radius and the
results are given accordingly.

6. LIMITATIONS
6.1 For the application of the method, following limitations shall apply:
a) Drop, d- The drop should be >, 2 ye;
b) Width of Channel, h - The width should be greater than 0.3 m;
c) Critical Depth, yc -Although a value smaller than 0.03 m would
give a good agreement with the formula it his preferable to use
the method when yc is greater than 005 m; and
d) Ratio SO/S, - These methods are applicable for the range of S,,,L!$
values from -10 to $12.
7. ACCURACY
7.1 The relative accuracy of flow measurement by this method depends
on the accuracy of the measured value of the end depth. The tolerance of
the discharge measurement may be &5 percent, within 95 percent
confidence limits.
IS : 6330 - 1971

APPENDIX A
( Clause 5.3.3.3 )
EXAMPLE FOR CALCULATION OF DISGIIARGE

A-1, Consider a rectangular free overfall with the following data and find
the discharge:
Channel width, b = 38.10 cm; Bed slope, S, = 0.005 4; Mannings
coefficient, a = 0’010; End depth,y, = 7.010 cm; and flow is supercritical
in the approach channel.
A-2. The discharge may be estimated from the end depth in the following
manner:
a) First A#nmimation - Assume y.i~~~ = 0.52 ( from 53.3.1)
7*010
Then, yoz = - = 13.48 cm
0.52
. c = &x (0*1348)“a=71*6Q
..
9.81
Sc = (71.60)s =@001914

&llSc= 0$05 4/0~001914 = 2.821,

From Fig. 3,
Y&C = 0.637 corresponding to S,/S,, = 2.821
7010
Ye2 e-tllcm
0.637
q= hv%? - =~9.8lx(O.ll)s =0’1143m3/s
b) Second Af$woximation -Repeating the above procedure with the
value ofyce got in the first approximation:
C c 69.21
S c = 0’002 047
&IS, = 0.005 4/0+02 047 = 2.637.
From Fig. 3,
Y&JO= 0640 corresponding to SJS, = 2.637
Hence
7.010
Yea = z = 10.95 cm

-
Q= 4sY3cz = 0.113 5 m2js
The value of the discharge is 0’ 108 5 ma/s measured by a more
accurate method.
NOTE-Further approximations may be continued if more accuracy is desired.

10