UNIT-IV

Notches and Weirs

Notch: A notch is a device used for measuring the rate of flow of a liquid through a small
channel or a tank. It is an opening provided in in the side of the tank or a small channel in
such a way that the liquid surface in the tank or channel is below the top edge of the opening.

Weir: A weir is a concrete or masonry structure, placed in an open channel over which
the flow occurs. It is generally in the form of vertical wall, with a sharp edge at the top,
running all the way across the open channel. The notch is of small size while the weir is a
bigger size. The notch is generally made of metallic plate while weir is made of concrete or
masonry structure.

1. Nappe or vein: The sheet of water flowing through a notch or over a weir is called Nappe
or Vein.

2. Crest or Sill: The bottom edge of a notch or a top of a weir over which the water flows,
is known as the sill or crest.
Difference between Notch and weir:

S. No. Notch Weir

1. Waterflows through a notch Water flow over a weir

2. Notch is a small structure Weir is a big structure

3. It is generally made up of metallic It is made up of concrete or masonry

plate

4. The edges of notch are thin and sharp Crest of weir is wide in the direction of
flow

5. It measures small discharge from a It measures large discharge from a river

reservoir or an open channel

Difference between Orifice and Notch:

S. No. Orifice Notch

1. Orifice is a small opening provided Notch is provided at the side of a tank

at the side or at the bottom of a tank or a channel

2. The stream of liquid coming out of The over flowing stream of liquid in a
an orifice is called a jet notch is called nappe or vein

3. It is very small in size Its size is more than an orifice

4. It may be used to empty a tank It will not be able to empty a tank

completely

5. It can be used to measure very small It can be used to measure small

discharge discharge

6. Orifice is generally circular in shape Notches have different shapes

Classification of Notches and Weirs:

The Notches are classified as:

1. According to the shape of the opening:

(a) Rectangular notch

(b) Triangular notch

(c) Trapezoidal notch

(d) Stepped notch.

2. According to the effect of the sides on the nappe:

(a) notch with end contraction

(b) notch without end contraction or suppressed notch.

Weirs are classified to the shape of the opening, shape of the crest, the effects of the sides on
the nappe and nature of discharge. The following are the important classifications.

1. According to the shape of the opening:

(a) Rectangular weir

(b) Triangular weir

(c) Trapezoidal weir (Cipolletti weir)

2. According to the shape of the Crest:

(a) Sharp crested weir

(b) Broad crested weir

(c) Narrow crested weir

(d) Ogee shape weir

3. According to the effect of sides on the emerging nappe:

(a) weir with end contraction.

(a) weir without end contraction.

Discharge over Rectangular Notch or Weir:

Q =2/3 Cd x L √2g [H]3/2

Where, H = head of water over the crest

L= length of the notch or weir

Cd = co-efficient of discharge

Problem: Determine the height of a rectangular weir of length 6m to be built across

a rectangular channel. The maximum depth of water on the upstream side of the weir is 1.8m
and discharge is 2000 litres/s. Take Cd=0.6 and neglect end contractions.

Solution: Given.

Length of weir L = 6.0m

Depth of water H1 = 1.8m

Discharge Q = 2000 litres/sec. = 2.0 m3/sec.

Let H is height of water above the crest of weir, H2 = height of weir as shown in fig.
The discharge over the weir is given by the equation,

Q =2/3 Cd x L √2g x [H]3/2

2.0 =2/3 x 0.6 x 6.0 x √2 x 9.81 [H]3/2

2.0 = 10.623[H]3/2

[H]3/2 = 2.0/10.623

[H] = [2.0/10.623]2/3

[H] = 0.328 m.

Height of water, H2 = H1 – H = 1.8 – 0.328

H2 = 1.472 m. Ans.

Problem: The head of water over a rectangular notch is 900mm. The discharge is
300litres/sec. Find length of the notch, when Cd=0.62 (Do yourself)

Discharge over a Triangular Notch or weir:

Q =8/15 x Cd x √2g x[H]5/2 x tan ө/2

For right angled V- notch, if Cd = 0.6

Ө =900, tan ө/2 = 1

Q =8/15 x 0.6 x √2g [H]5/2 x 1

Q = 1.417[H]5/2

Problem: Water flows over a rectangular weir 1m wide at a depth of 150 mm and
afterwards passes through a triangular right-angled weir. Taking Cd for rectangular
and triangular weir as 0.62 and 0.59 respectively, find depth over triangular weir.

Solution: Given,

For rectangular weir length L= 1m

depth of water H = 150 mm = 0.15m

Cd= 0.62
 For triangular weir Ө =900

Let depth of triangular weir, = H1

Discharge over a Triangular Weir

Q =2/3 Cd x L √2g [H]3/2

Q =2/3 x 0.62 x 1.0x √2 9.81x (0.15)3/2

Q = 0.10635 m3/sec

The same discharge passes through a triangular right-angled weir,

Q =8/15 x Cd x √2g [H]5/2 tan ө/2

(H= H1)

0.10635 m3/sec =8/15 x 0.59 x √2 x9.81 [H1]5/2 x 1

0.10635 m3/sec =8/15 x 0.59 x 4.429 [H1]5/2 x 1

0.10635 m3/sec = 1.3936[H1]5/2

[H1]5/2 = 0.10635
1.3936

H1 = (0.07631)0.4 = 0.3572m Ans.

Problem: A rectangular channel 2m wide has a discharge of 250 LPS which is
measured by aright-angled V-notch. Find the position of the apex of the notch from the
bed of the channel if maximum depth of water is not to exceed 1.3m. Take Cd= 0.62.
Solution: Given,

Width of rectangular channel L=2m

discharge Q =250 LPS =0.25 m3/se

depth of water in channel = 1.3m

Let the height of water over V-notch =H

The rate of flow through V- notch,

Q =8/15 x Cd x √2g [H]5/2 tan ө/2

 0.25 =8/15 x0.62 x √2x 9.81 [H]5/2 x 1 (ө = 900)

[H]5/2 = 0.25x 15/8 x 0.62x4.429 = 0.1707m.

H = (0.1707)0.4 = 0.493m

position of the apex of the notch from the bed of the channel,

= depth of water in channel - height of water over V-notch

= 1.3 – 0.493 =0.807m Ans.

Discharge over a Trapezoidal Notch or Weir:

As shown in fig. a trapezoidal notch or weir is a combination of a rectangular and two

triangular notches or weirs. Therefore, discharge through a trapezoidal notch or weir will be
considered as the summation of the discharge through a rectangular notch or weir and
discharge through two triangular notches or weirs.
We have following data from above figure and these data are as mentioned her
Let H = Height of water above the notch
L = length of the crest of the notch
θ = Angle of notch 
Cd1 = Co-efficient or discharge for rectangular portion ABCD
Cd2 = Co-efficient or discharge for triangular portion FAD and BCE 

Discharge Q1 through rectangular portion ABCD

Q1 =2/3 Cd1 x L √2g x[H]3/2

Discharge through two triangular notches FAD and BCE is equal to the discharge through a
single triangular notch of angle Ө.  

Q2 =8/15 x Cd2 x √2g [H]5/2 tan ө/2

Discharge through a trapezoidal notch or weir FDCEF = Q1 + Q2

Q= Q1 + Q2 =2/3 Cd1 x L √2g [H]3/2 + 8/15 x Cd2 x √2g [H]5/2 tan ө/2

Problem: Find the discharge through a trapezoidal weir which is 1 m wide at top and
0.4 m at bottom and is 30 cm height. Th head of water on the notch is 20 cm. Assume Cd
of rectangular portion as 0.62 while for triangular portion, Cd = 0.6.

Solution: Given,
Top width, AE = 1m
Base width CD = L = 0.4m
Head of water H = 0.2
For rectangular portion Cd = 0.62
For triangular portion Cd = 0.60
From∆ ABC,

tan ө/2 = AB/BC = (AE -CD)/2

H
= (1.0-0.4)/2 = 0.6/2 = 1
0.3 0.3
Discharge through a trapezoidal notch

Q =2/3 Cd1 x L √2g [H]3/2 + 8/15 x Cd2 x √2g [H]5/2 tan ө/2

Q =2/3 x 0.62 x 0.4√2x 9.81 [0.2]3/2 + 8/15 x 0.6 x √2 x 9.81 [0.2]5/2 x 1

Q = 0.06549 + 0.02535

Q = 0.09084 m3/sec. = 90.84 litres/ sec. Ans.

Discharge Over a stepped Notch:

A stepped notch combination of rectangular notches. Therefore, discharge through a stepped
notch will be considered as the summation of the discharge through different rectangular
notches. 
Let us consider a stepped notch as shown in figure. 

Let H1, H2 and H3 = Height of water above the crest of notch 1, notch 2 and notch 3
respectively 
L1, L2 and L3 = Length of the notch 1, notch 2 and notch 3 respectively 
Cd = Coefficient of discharge of all notches. 
Total discharge through the stepped notch,
Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3 
Q =2/3 Cd x L1 x √2g [H13/2 – H23/2] +2/3 Cd x L2 x √2g [H23/2 – H33/2] + [2/3 Cd x L3 x√2g
[H33/2]

Problem: Fig shows a stepped notch. Find the discharge through the notch if Cd for all
section = 0.62

Solution: Given,
L1 = 40cm
L2 =80cm
L3 = 120cm
H1 = 50+30+15 =95cm
H2 = 80 cm
H3 = 50cm
 Cd for all section = 0.62
Total discharge through the stepped notch,
Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3 
Q =2/3 Cd x L1 x √2g [H13/2 – H23/2] +2/3 Cd x L2 x √2g [H23/2 – H33/2] + 2/3 Cd x L3 x√2g
[H33/2]

Q1 = 2/3 x0.62x 40 x √2x981 [953/2 – 803/2]

= 732.26[925.94 – 715.54] = 154067 cm3/sec.
Q2 =2/3 x 0.62 x80 x √2 x981 [803/2 – 503/2]
= 1464.52[715.54 – 353.55] = 530141 cm3/sec
Q3 = 2/3 x0.62 x 120x √2 x 981 [503/2]
= 776771 cm3/sec
Q = Q1 + Q2 + Q3 
= 154067 + 530141+776771 cm3/sec
= 1460979 cm3/sec
=1460.98 litre/sec. Ans.
VELOCITY OF APPROACH: Velocity of approach is defined as the velocity with which
water approaches or reaches the weir or notch before it flows over it. Thus, if Va is the
velocity of approach, then additional head ha equal to Va2 /2g due to velocity of approach, is
acting on water flowing over the weir or notch. The initial height of water over the notch
become (H +ha) and final heights becomes ha. Then all the formulae are changed taking into
consideration of velocity of approach.
The velocity of approach Va is determined by finding discharge over notch or weir
neglecting velocity of approach. Then dividing the discharge by cross sectional area of
channel on upstream side of weir, the velocity of approach is obtained. Mathematically.
Va = Q/Area of channel
This velocity of approach is used to find additional head (ha = Va2/2g). Again, the discharge is
calculated and above process is repeated for more accurate discharge. Discharge over
rectangular weir, with velocity of approach
Q =2/3 Cd x L x √2g x[(H +ha)3/2 – ha3/2]

PROBLEM: Water is flowing in a rectangular channel of 1 m wide and 0.75 m deep.

Find the discharge over a rectangular weir of crest length 60 cm, if head of water over
crest of weir is 20 cm and water from channel flows over the weir. Take Cd = 0.62.
Neglect end contractions but take velocity of approach into consideration.

Solution: Given,
Area of channel A = width x depth = 1.0 x 0.75= 0.75m2
Length of wear L = 60cm = 0.60m
Head of water H1 = 20cm = 0.20m
Cd = 0.62
Discharge over a rectangular weir without velocity of approach,
Q =2/3 Cd x L √2g [H1]3/2

Q =2/3 x 0.62 x 0.75 x√2 x9.81 (0.2)3/2

= 1.098 x 0.0894 = 0.0982 m3/sec.
Velocity of approach, Va = Q/A = 0.0982/0.075 = 0.1309 m/sec.
Additional head ha = Va2/2g = (0.1309)2/2 x 9.81) = 0.0008733 m
Q =2/3 Cd x L x √2g [(H1 +ha)3/2 – ha3/2]
Q =2/3x0.62 x0.6 x √2x x9.81 [(0.2 + 0.00087)3/2 – (0.00087)3/2]
Q = 1.098[0.09002 – 0.00002566]
Q = 1.098 x 0.09017 = 0.09881 m3/sec. Ans.

Problem: Find discharge over rectangular weir of length 100 m. The head of water over
weir is 1.5m. The velocity of approach is given as 0.5 meter per sec. Take Cd = 0.6. (Do
yourself.)

Cipolletti wear or notch:

Cipolletti weir is a trapezoidal weir which has a side slope of 1 horizontal to 4 verticals
as shown in fig. By giving the slope to the sides, an increase in discharge through the triangle
portions ABC and DEF of the weir is obtained. If this slope is not provided the weir would be
a rectangular, and due to end contraction, the discharge would decrease. In case of Cipolletti
weir the factor of end contraction is not required then,
The discharge through a rectangular weir with two end contraction is
Q = 2/3 Cd x (L – 0.2H) x √2g H3/2
Q = 2/3 Cd x L x √2g H3/2- 2/15 Cd x √2g H5/2
Due to end contraction, the discharge decreases by 2/15 Cd x √2g H5/2

Discharge through Cipolletti weir,

Q = 2/3 Cd x L x √2g H3/2
If velocity of approach is to be taken into account,
Q =2/3 Cd x L x √2g [(H +ha)3/2 – ha3/2]
Problem: A Cipolletti weir of crest length 60 cm discharges water. The head of water
over the weir is 360 mm. Find the discharge over the weir if the channel is 80 cm wide
and 50 cm deep. Take Cd = 0.6
Solution: Given,
Area of channel A = width x depth = 0,8 x0.5 = 0.40m2
Length of wear L = 60cm = 0.60m
Head of water H = 360mm = 0.36m
Cd = 0.6
Discharge over a weir without velocity of approach,
Q =2/3 Cd x L √2g [H]3/2

Q =2/3 x 0.6 x 0.60 x√2 x9.81 (0.36)3/2

= 0.2296 m3/sec.
Velocity of approach, Va = Q/A = 0.2296/0.40 = 0.574 m/sec.
Additional head ha = Va2/2g = (0.574)2/2 x 9.81) = 0.0168 m
Q =2/3 Cd x L x √2g [(H +ha)3/2 – ha3/2]
Q =2/3x0.6 x0.6 x √2x x9.81 [(0.36 + 0.0168)3/2 – (0.0168)3/2]
Q = 1.06296[0.2313 – 0.002177]
Q = 0.2435 m3/sec. Ans.

Discharge over broad Crested weir:

A weir having a wide crest is known as broad-crested weir.
Let H = height of water above the crest
L = length of the crest

If 2L › H, the weir is called a broad-crested weir.

If 2L ‹ H, the weir is called a narrow-crested weir.
Let h = head of water at middle of weir which is constant
V = velocity of flow over the weir
Applying Bernoulli’s equation to the still water surface on the up-stream side and running
water at the end of the weir,

p/ ῥ g + v2 / 2g+ z = p/ ῥ g + v2/ 2g + z
0 + 0 +H = 0+ v2/ 2g +h
v2/ 2g = H - h
v = √2g (H – h)
The discharge over weir,
Q = Cd x Area of flow x velocity
= Cd x L x h x √2g (H – h)
= Cd x L x √2g (Hh2 – h3) ------------------- (1)
The discharge will be maximum, if (Hh2 – h3)
d/dh (Hh2 – h3) = 0
2h x H – 3h2 =0
2H = 3h
or h = 2/3H
Qmax. will be obtained by substituting the value of h in equation (1)
 Qmax = Cd x L x √2g [H x (2/3H) 2 – 2/3H3)]
Qmax = Cd x L x √2g [H x (4/9H 2 – 8/27H3)]
Qmax = Cd x L x √2g [(12 – 8)/27 H3]
Qmax = Cd x L x √2g [(4/27 H3]
Qmax = Cd x L x √2g x0.3849 H3/2
Qmax = 0.3849 x √2 x 9.81x Cd x L x H3/2
Qmax = 1.705x Cd x L x H3/2

Discharge over a narrow-Crested weir:

‹
For narrow-Crested weir, 2L H, it is similar to a rectangular weir or notch.

Q =2/3 Cd x L √2g [H]3/2

Discharge Over an Ogee Weir:

Fig. shows an Ogee weir, in which the crest of the weir rises upto maximum height of 0.115 x
H (where H is the height of water above inlet of the weir) and then falls as shown in fig. The
discharge for an Ogee weir is same as that of a rectangular weir,

Q =2/3 Cd x L √2g [H]3/2

Discharge Over Sub-Merged or Drowned Weir:

When the water level on the downstream side of a weir is above the crest of the weir, then the
weir is called to be a submerged or drowned weir. Fig. shows a submerged weir. The total
discharge, over the weir is obtained by dividing the weir into two parts. The portion between
upstream and downstream water surface may be treated as free weir and portion between
downstream water surface and crest of weir as a drowned weir.

Let, H= height of water on the upstream side of the weir

h = height of water on the downstream side of the wier

Q1 = Discharge over the upper portion

Q1 =2/3 Cd x L √2g [H - h]3/2

Q2 = Discharge through drown portion

= Cd x Area of flow x velocity of flow

= Cd x L x h x√2g [H - h]

Total Discharge Q = Q1+Q2

Q = 2/3 Cd x L √2g [H - h]3/2 + Cd x L x h x√2g [H - h]

Problem: (a) Abroad crested weir of 50m length, has 50cm height of water above the
crest. Find the maximum discharge. Take Cd = 0.60. Neglect velocity of approach.

(b) if the velocity of approach is to be taken into consideration, find the

maximum discharge when the channel has a cross- sectional area of 50m2 on the
upstream side.

Solution: Given.

Length of weir L = 50m

Head of water H = 50cm = 0.50m

Cd = 0.60

(a)Neglect velocity of approach:

Qmax = 1.705x Cd x L x H3/2

= 1.705x 0.60 x 50 x (0.5)3/2 = 18.084 m3/sec.
Ans.

(b) Taking velocity of approach into consideration:

Area of channel A = 50m2
Velocity of approach Va = Q/A =18.084/50 = 0.36m/sec.
Head due to, Va ha = Va2/2g = 0.36 x0.36/2 x 9.81 = 0.0066m
Maximum discharge,
Qmax = 1.705x Cd x L x [(H +ha)3/2 – ha3/2]
Qmax = 1.705x 0.6 x 50 x [(0.5 +0.0066)3/2 – 0.00663/2]
= 18.412 m3/sec. Ans.
Ventilation of weir: when the weirs are suppressed weir, it is necessary to provide openings
in the side of the channel at appropriate places so, that air from atmosphere has free excess
into the space below the nappe. Such openings are called aeration or ventilation holes.
Current meter:
Current meter is a device used for measuring the velocity of flow at required point in flowing
stream. Current meter consists of a rotating element which is placed at a point where velocity
of stream is to be measured. The number of rotations of element is directly proportional to the
velocity of flow at that point. If the number of rotation of the rotating element is counted
within a certain time, the velocity of flow can be calculated.
Most common current meters are:
(a) Price Current meter
(b) Propeller type current meter.

(a) Price Current meter: These types of instruments mainly consist of a spindle mounted
on a frame and supporting a wheel with cup shaped or helical vanes and rotated by the
dynamic action of flowing water. The price current meter is provided with a ring of conical
cups or buckets fixed to a vertical spindle which is mounted on a frame. The instrument is
suspended by a rope or wire the weight of the mechanism is properly balanced by a two or
four bladed tail, which is help full in maintaining the instrument facing the current meter. A
dead weight is provided at the bottom to further stabilize the position of the instrument this
weight is made torpedo-shaped and provided with a rear blade. There is also provision to use
additional weight when the instrument has to be used in swift currents. The speed of rotation
is indicated by a battery operation bell or buzzer or any other signal. Using the stop watch the
observer can note number of revolutions mase in the definite interval of time. Tus the
evolutional speed of the spindle is determine. Correspond to the speed of the spindle, the
velocity of water can be determined by using the rating curve of the calibration chart for the
meter.

(b) Propeller type current meter: A propeller type current meter, the rotating element is a
propeller instead of cups. The propeller has two or three blades which rotates about a
horizontal axis. The working principle of this type of current meter is same as that of Price
current meter. This current meter is widely used in slow moving water as it gives higher
r.p.m, as compared to price type current meter at the same velocity of flow.

Floats: Floats are simple instruments used for measuring the velocity of flow. Floats are of
following types:
a. surface floats
b. Double floats
c. Rod floats
a. surface floats: The most commonly used floats are surface floats These floats are used in
high floods and should not be used in wind. Surface floats measure the surface water. It
consists of a single float, made of either weighted co
cked bottle or a flat piece of wood. The measurement of velocity is done by observing the
time taken by the float to travel a known distance. The velocity is then calculated by dividing
the distance travelled by the float and the time taken to cover this distance. The surface
velocity then converted into an average velocity is about 0.7 to 0.95 of the average velocity.
b. Double floats: Double floats consist of two floats connected by a string or wire as shown
in fig. Both the floats are spherical in shape. One of the two floats remain at the surface of
water and the other float remain at a depth of 0.6 times the depth of river. Both the floats are
connected by a wire of length equal to 0.6 times the depth of river. The double float method
gives directly the value of average velocity. These floats are not suitable for small streams.
c. Rod floats: Rod float, like double float gives directly the average velocity. It consists of a
wooden rod or hollow metallic tube weighted at the bottom. The length of the rod is such that
it should not touch the bed of the river while travelling vertical or inclined. The time taken by
the rod to travel a known distance is recorded. The velocity is then calculated by dividing the
distance with time. The velocity obtained is the average velocity.
Measurement of discharge by area Velocity Method: In this method the cross-sectional
area of the stream at a place is measured and then the average velocity of flow at that place is
determined. By obtaining area of flow and flow velocity, the discharge at a place can be
calculated.
Discharge = Area of flow x Average velocity of flow
Area of flow: Determination of area of flow means the determination of cross-sectional area
of the stream at a place. Number of methods are used to find out the area of flow most
commonly used methods are:
(i) Simple segment method
(ii) Simpson’s rule:
(i) Simple Segment Method: In simple segment method, the entire width of the river is
divided into a number of segments as shown in fig.
Let
x1, x2, x3, x4, --- ------ = length of the segments

d1 d2 d3 d4 ---------------------- = Mean depth of segments

Area of flow, A = Area of 1st segment + area of 2nd segment + Area of 3rd segment
= x1d1 + x2 d2+ x3 d3 + --- ------ = length of the segments

Explain the following with neat sketches and their Mathematical expressions:
(a) Flumes (b) Spillways (c) syphon spillway.