College of Engineering Education

2nd Floor, BE Building

Matina Campus, Davao City
Telefax: (082)296-1084
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/300-0647 Local 131

BCE 314 – Hydraulics

Laboratory Experiment 4

Hydrostatic Force on Curved Surfaces

Name: Bermoy, Bethany G. Instructor: Ms. Michelle Daarol

Program: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Code: 2255

I. Introduction

Since the forces of separate components on a curved surface differ in direction, a straightforward
summing of them is impossible. Instead, the resulting forces in certain directions may be calculated,
and these forces can then be vectorially compounded. The horizontal and vertical components of the
overall force are the easiest to compute.

II. Objective

• To determine the hydrostatic force exerted by water on a partly or completely submerged surface.
• To determine the center of pressure of the experimentally and theoretically.

III. Apparatus/Materials

• Weights
• Hydraulic Bench
• Hydraulic Apparatus
• Ruler

IV. Procedure

1. Measure the depth of the face vertical quadrant "D".

2. Weigh the hydraulic apparatus "Wq".
3. Level the hydraulic apparatus. Ensure the bubbles is on center.
4. Turn on the hydraulic bench after attaching the discharge hose to the hydraulic apparatus. The
discharge hose would allow the drainage of water while adjusting water level.
5. By rotating the valve, water is allowed to enter the hydraulic apparatus. Supply water into the
apparatus until the desired level is achieved. Close the valve when done.
6. Level the lever arm by adjusting the water level as well as placing mass on the weight holder.
7. Adjust the counterweight to make sure that the lever is balanced. (Caution: Make sure that before
any reading is made, the lever must reach the center scale.)
8. Measure the horizontal distance between the counterweight and pivot "Lcw".
9. Measure the distance between the pivot point and the weight holder "L".
10. Measure the vertical height of the immersed face "d".
11. Measure the vertical distance between the water surface and the top end of the submerged vertical
face "y".

VIII. Discussion of Results/Conclusion

The slope of the linear plots of theoretical vs measured water height for both partially and fully
submerged surfaces is roughly one. The information received from the pressure system also backs up
the correlations between variables as described in the equations for calculating hydrostatic force, center
of pressure, and mass. To put it another way, as the height of the water in the chamber rises, the
 College of Engineering Education
2nd Floor, BE Building
Matina Campus, Davao City
Telefax: (082)296-1084
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/300-0647 Local 131

hydrostatic force acting on both partially and completely submerged vertical rectangular surfaces
increases.

----Nothing Follows----