CHAPTER 2

MEASUREMENT OF
PRESSURE
o If a liquid is contained in a vessel, the depth of an object
placed in that fluid can be measured.
o It exerts force at all points on the side and bottom of the
container.
o The deeper the object placed in the fluid, more pressure it
experiences.
o This is because of the weight of fluid above it.
𝑭
𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆, 𝑷 =
𝑨
o Pressure is defined as the force per unit area.
𝑭 Where;
𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆, 𝑷 = F = Force (N)
𝑨 A = Area (m2)
𝑵
o SI unit of measurement ; 𝟐 = Pa (pascal)
𝒎
o Application in Civil Engineering
Site preparation- levelling
o Pressure head is the height of
a liquid column that
corresponds to a particular
pressure exerted by the liquid
column on the base of its
container
o Consider a vessel containing
some fluid as shown in figure.
o Liquid will exert pressure on all
sides as well as bottom of the 𝑾𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒊𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒅 𝑾
𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆, 𝑷 = =
vessel. 𝑨𝒓𝒆𝒂 𝑨
o The pressure from the weight 𝒎𝒈  𝑽𝒈
= =
of a column of liquid of area 𝑨 𝑨
(A) and height (h) is; 𝝆𝒈𝑨𝒉
𝑷= = 𝝆𝒈𝒉
𝑨
EXAMPLE 2.1
Find the pressure at a point 4m below the free surface of
water. (39240N/m2)

EXAMPLE 2.2
The gauge pressure in water mains is 50kN/m2, what is
the pressure head? (5.097m)

EXAMPLE 2.3
A steel plate is immersed in an oil of specific weight
7.5kN/m3 up to a depth of 2.5m. What is the intensity of
pressure on the plate due to the oil? (18750N/m2)
EXAMPLE 2.1
Find the pressure at a point 4m below the free surface of
water. (39240N/m2)

Solution
Given h=4m, Type of liquid is water.
𝑷 = 𝝆𝒈𝒉
P = 1000x9.81x4
= 39240N/m2
EXAMPLE 2.2

The gauge pressure in water is 50kN/m2, what is the

pressure head? (5.097m)
Solution
Given P=50x103N/m2, Type of liquid is water.
𝑷 = 𝝆𝒈𝒉
𝑃
h=
𝜌𝑔
50×103
= = 5.097𝑚
1000×9.81
EXAMPLE 2.3
A steel plate is immersed in an oil of specific weight
7.5kN/m3 up to a depth of 2.5m. What is the intensity of
pressure on the plate due to the oil? (18750N/m2)
Solution
𝑊 𝑚𝑔
𝜔= = = 𝜌𝑔
𝑉 𝑉

𝑃 = 𝜌𝑔ℎ
𝜌𝑙𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑑
𝑆=
𝜌𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟
EXAMPLE 2.4
Calculate the pressure due to a column of 0.3m of;
Water, Oil (sp. gr. 0.8) and Mercury (sp. gr. 13.6).
(2943N/m2, 2354.4N/m2, 40024.8N/m2)

EXAMPLE 2.5
An open tank contains water up to a depth of 2m and
above it an oil of specific gravity 0.9 for a depth of 1m.
Find the pressure intensity;
i. At the interface of the two liquid. (8829N/m2)
ii. At the bottom of the tank. (28449N/m2)
 The pressure on a fluid is measured in two different
systems:
(i) Absolute Pressure- the pressure measured above
the absolute or complete vacuum.
(ii) Gauge Pressure- the pressure measured above the
atmospheric level and measured with measuring
instrument.
 Pressure above the atmosphere
GAUGE PRESSURE

ATMOSPHERIC
PRESSURE (Sea Level)

VACUUM PRESSURE
Pressure below
ABSOLUTE PRESSURE atmosphere

ABSOLUTE VACUUM
Atmospheric Pressure, Absolute Pressure, Gauge Pressure,
( Patm ) ( Pabs ) ( Pg )
• When atmospheric air • The absolute pressure • A gauge is often used
exerts a normal pabs is measured to measure the
pressure upon all relative to the pressure difference
surfaces with which it absolute zero pressure between a system
is in contact it is - the pressure that and the surrounding
known as. would occur at atmosphere.
• It is also known as absolute vacuum. • Gauge pressure is
barometric pressure • All calculation defined as the
because atmospheric involving the gas laws pressure which is
pressure is measured requires pressure measured with the
by a barometer. (and temperature) to help of a pressure
• The atmospheric be in absolute units. measuring instrument,
pressure at sea level • Absolute pressure is in which the
is called standard defined the pressure atmospheric pressure
atmospheric pressure. which is measured is taken as datum.
• Standard atmospheric with reference to • The atmospheric
pressure 101.3 absolute vacuum pressure on the scale
kN/m2 = 10.3 m of pressure. is marked as zero.
water = 760mm of
Hg (mercury).
 Atmospheric pressure
= 101.3kPa = 760mm Hg

Absolute pressure,
𝑷𝒂𝒃𝒔 = 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒎 + 𝑷𝒈

Vacuum pressure,
𝑷𝒗𝒂𝒄 = 𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒎 − 𝑷𝒂𝒃𝒔
EXAMPLE 2.6
What are the gauge pressure and absolute pressure at a
point 3m below the free surface of a liquid having a
density of 1.53 x 103kg/m3 if the atmospheric pressure is
equivalent to 750mm of mercury? The specific gravity of
mercury is 13.6 and density of water = 1000 kg/m3.
(45027.9N/m2, 145089.9N/m2)
EXAMPLE 2.7
Determine the gauge and absolute pressure at a point
which 12m below the free surface of water. Take
atmospheric pressure as 101.3kN/m2. (117720N/m2,
219020N/m2)
EXAMPLE 2.6
What are the gauge pressure and absolute pressure at a point 3m below the free surface
of a liquid having a density of 1.53 x 103kg/m3 if the atmospheric pressure is equivalent
to 750mm of mercury? The specific gravity of mercury is 13.6 and density of water =
1000 kg/m3. (45027.9N/m2, 145089.9N/m2)

SOLUTION
𝑃𝑔 = 𝜌𝑔ℎ = 1.53 × 103 9.81 3 =45027.9 N/m2
𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 = 𝑃𝑚𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑦 = 𝜌𝑔ℎ = 13.6 × 103 9.81 0.75
= 100,062 N/m2
𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + 𝑃𝑔
= 100,062+45027.9
= 145,089.9 N/m2
EXAMPLE 2.7
Determine the gauge and absolute pressure at a point
which 12m below the free surface of water. Take
atmospheric pressure as 101.3kN/m2. (117720N/m2,
219020N/m2)
SOLUTION
𝑃𝑔 = 𝜌𝑔ℎ = 1000 9.81 12 =_____________N/m2
𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 = 101.3kN/m2

𝑃𝑎𝑏𝑠 = 𝑃𝑎𝑡𝑚 + 𝑃𝑔
=101.3× 103 + 𝑃𝑔 = _______________ N/m2
The pressure of fluid is measured by;
o Barometer
o Piezometer
o U-tube manometer

Barometer

Piezometer
U-tube manometer
Simple U- Differential Inverted U-tube
tube Manometer differential
Manometer manometer
Atmospheric pressure can be
measured through a mercury
barometer. A simple
barometer consists of an
inverted glass tube filled
with mercury with its open
end submerged in a mercury
container.
𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒎 = 𝝆𝒈𝒉 + 𝑷𝒗𝒂𝒑𝒐𝒓
𝑷𝒂𝒕𝒎 = 𝝆𝒈𝒉
A piezometer is the
simplest form of a pressure
measuring device. A small
vertical tube is connected
to the pipe and its top is
left open to the
atmosphere, as shown
figure. The pressure at A is
equal to the pressure due
to the column of liquid of
height h; 𝑷𝑨 = 𝝆 𝒙 𝒈 𝒙 𝒉
It consists of glass tube bent in U-
shape, one end of which is
connected to a point at which
pressure is to be measured and
other end remains open to the
atmosphere as shown figure. The
tube generally contains mercury
or any other liquid which specific
gravity is greater than the
specific gravity of the liquid
which pressure is to be measured.
Pressure in the left limb above CD
𝑃𝐶 = 𝑃𝐴 + 𝜌1 𝑔ℎ1
Pressure in the right limb above CD
𝑃𝐷 = 𝜌2 𝑔ℎ2
Equating the two pressure;
𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐶, 𝑃𝐶 = 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐷, 𝑃𝐷
𝑷𝑪 = 𝑷𝑫
𝑃𝐴 + 𝜌1 𝑔ℎ1 = 𝜌2 𝑔ℎ2
𝑃𝐴 = 𝜌2 𝑔ℎ2 − 𝜌1 𝑔ℎ1 Mercury
(sp. gr = 13.6)
EXAMPLE 2.8
The right limb of a simple U-tube
manometer containing mercury is
open to the atmosphere while the
left is connected to a pipe in which
a fluid of sp. gr. 0.9 is flowing.
The centre of the pipe is 12cm
below the level of mercury in the
right limb. Find the pressure of
fluid in the pipe if the difference
of mercury level in the two limbs is
20cm. (25976.88N/m2)
 EXAMPLE 2.8
Find the pressure of fluid in the pipe if the PA?
difference of mercury level in the two limbs
is 20cm. (25976.88N/m2) S=0.9
𝑃𝐴 + 𝜌1 𝑔ℎ1 = 𝜌2 𝑔ℎ2
𝑃𝐴 + 0.9 × 103 9.81 0.08
= 13.6 × 103 9.81 0.2
𝑃𝐴 + 706.32 = 26683.2
𝑃𝐴 = 25976.88 N/m2

Mercury
S=13.6
EXAMPLE 2.9
A simple U-tube manometer PA?
containing mercury is connected
to a pipe in a fluid which sp. gr.
0.8 and having vacuum pressure
flowing. The other end of the
manometer is open to
atmosphere. Find the vacuum
pressure in pipe, if the difference
of mercury level in the two limbs
is 40cm and the height of fluid in
the left from the centre of pipe is
15cm below. (-54543.6N/m2)
Pressure in the left limb above CD
𝑃𝐶 = 𝑃𝐴 + 𝜌1 𝑔ℎ1
Pressure in the right limb above CD
𝑃𝐷 = 𝑃𝐵 + 𝜌2 𝑔ℎ2 + 𝜌𝑚 𝑔ℎ3

Equating the two pressure;

𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐶, 𝑃𝐶 = 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐷, 𝑃𝐷
𝑷𝑪 = 𝑷𝑫
𝑃𝐴 + 𝜌1 𝑔ℎ1 = 𝑃𝐵 + 𝜌2 𝑔ℎ2 + 𝜌𝑚 𝑔ℎ3
𝑃𝐴 − 𝑃𝐵 = 𝜌2 𝑔ℎ2 + 𝜌𝑚 𝑔ℎ3 − 𝜌1 𝑔ℎ1 Mercury
(sp. gr = 13.6)
EXAMPLE 2.10
A differential manometer, when connected to two pipes A
and B, gives the readings as shown in figure. Determine
the pressure (kN/m2) in the tube A, if the pressure in the
pipe B be 55kN/m2. (78.544kN/m2)
EXAMPLE 2.10
𝑃𝐴 + 𝜌1 𝑔ℎ1 = 𝑃𝐵 + 𝜌2 𝑔ℎ2 + 𝜌𝑚 𝑔ℎ3
𝑃𝐴 + 0.85 × 103 9.81 6.5
= 55 × 103 + 0.9 × 103 9.81 1.25 + 13.6 × 103 9.81 0.5
𝑃𝐴 + 54200.25 = 55 × 103 + 11036.25 + 66708
𝑃𝐴 = 78544 N/m2

PA?
PB=55kN/m2

(78.544kN/m2)
EXAMPLE 2.11
A differential manometer is connected at two points A
and B of two pipes as shown in figure. The pipe A
contains a liquid of sp. gr. = 1.5 while pipe B contains a
liquid of sp. gr. = 0.9.
The pressure at A and B are
98.1kN/m2 and 176.58kN/m2
respectively. Find the difference in
mercury level in the differential
manometer. (0.181m)

h=?
 Mercury
Pressure in the left limb below CD
(sp. gr = 13.6)
𝑃𝐶 = 𝑃𝐴 − 𝜌1 𝑔ℎ1 − 𝜌𝑚 𝑔ℎ2
Pressure in the right limb below CD
𝑃𝐷 = 𝑃𝐵 − 𝜌2 𝑔ℎ3
Equating the two pressure;
𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐶, 𝑃𝐶 = 𝑃𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝐷, 𝑃𝐷
𝑷𝑪 = 𝑷𝑫
𝑃𝐴 − 𝜌1 𝑔ℎ1 − 𝜌𝑚 𝑔ℎ2 = 𝑃𝐵 − 𝜌2 𝑔ℎ3
𝑃𝐴 − 𝑃𝐵 = 𝜌1 𝑔ℎ1 + 𝜌𝑚 𝑔ℎ2 − 𝜌2 𝑔ℎ3
 EXAMPLE 2.12
In below figure shows an inverted differential
manometer connected to two pipes A and B containing
water. Find the differential of pressure between pipes A
and B. (5886N/m2)

PA − PB =?