National University of Sciences

and Technology
NUST INSTITUTE OF CIVIL
ENGINEERING

PBL ACTIVITY

Semester: 4TH Course: CE 252 FLUID MECHANICS-2

TIME Allowed: 15 mins Marks/ Score: 10

TOPIC: OPEN CHANNEL FLOW ANALYSIS

Objectives: To enable students to calculate the slope and drop in elevation per
kilometer of a canal based on its dimensions and flow rate, and to determine the depth
of water in the canal when the flow rate is decreased.
Relevance to Real Life (Practical Applications): This problem-based learning activity
will help students understand the fundamental concepts of open-channel flow and their
practical applications in civil engineering. On successful completion of this activity,
students will be able to calculate the slope and drop in elevation per kilometer of a canal
and predict the depth of water in it under different flow conditions.

Narrative 1: Figure shows a cross-section of a canal forming a portion of the

Colorado River Aqueduct, which is designed to carry 44 m3/s. The canal is lined with
concrete, for which n is 0.014.

Response Required # 1: (5 mins)

What is the slope of this canal, and what is the drop in elevation per kilometer? (5
points)
Narrative 2: If the flow rate in the canal were to decrease to 22 m3/s, with all other data,
including the slope and n, being the same.
Response Required # 2:

What would be the depth of water?

Narrative 3 : Assume that the cross-sectional shape of the canal is rectangular with
width 6.1 m and that the water is in a state of steady flow of 25m3/s.
Response Required # 3:

Predict the depth of water. Roughness parameter and slope is same. Apply the
Manning's equation.