Crump Weir

Updated on 21 Sep 2022 • 3 Minutes to read

The Crump Weir models a triangular profile weir with a 1:2 sloping front face and a 1:5 sloping back
face.

Data
Field in Data Description Name in
Entry Form Datafile

Calibration Calibration coefficient (should be set to unity for most cases) Cc

Coefficient

Breadth of Weir Breadth of weir at crest (m) b

Elevation of Elevation of weir crest (m above datum) zc

Weir

Modular Limit If Calculation Method set to FIXED, then a fixed modular limit m
value (eg 0.8) specified will be used; if set to VARIABLE (m=0
or blank in the dat file) then an internally calculated value will
be used

Upstream Crest Height of crest above bed of upstream channel (m) p1

Height

Downstream Height of crest above bed of downstream channel (m) p2

Crest Height

Upstream Node Upstream node label Label1

Downstream Downstream node label Label2

Node

Upstream Upstream remote node label (must be a river or conduit Label3

Remote Node section) - use if Label1 is not a river or conduit section

Downstream Downstream remote node label (must be a river or conduit Label4

Remote Node section) - use if Label2 is not a river or conduit section
Theory and Guidance
The Crump Weir models a triangular profile weir with a 1:2 sloping front face and a 1:5 sloping back
face.

Crump weirs are used as measuring structures in open channels and have the advantage that the
coefficient of discharge is predictable and that the downstream bed elevations have little effect on
modular limits and modular coefficient, for one in two upstream and one in five downstream sloping
faces.

The design was originally prepared by Crump in 1952 and further investigated by W.R. White. The
equations applied here are taken from White W.R. (1971); coefficient of discharge is taken from
Fig.5 and the drowned flow reduction factor from Fig.11 (based on the curve for the ratio of
upstream and downstream total head with no truncation of the weir).

It must be noted that the Crump Weir operates in terms of total head and requires that the upstream
and downstream nodes are conduit or river sections, from whence the velocities are determined to
calculate total head; if not, for instance if either node is attached to a junction., then remote
upstream and/or downstream nodes may be specified from which to obtain a representative velocity.

Equations
y 1 ³ y 2 (forward flow) h 1 = h u , etc

y 1 < y 2 (reverse flow) h 1 = hd , etc

h1 = y1 - zc

h2 = y2 - zc

h u = upstream head

h d = downstream head
Mode 0 - Dry Crest
Condition y1 < zc

y2 < zc

Equation Q=0 (1)

Figure 1: Crump Weir parameters (slopes not to scale)

Mode 3 - Free Flow

Condition y 1 < z c or y 2 < z c

H 2 /H 1 ≤ m

where:
m is the modular limit

Equation (2)

where:
C d = discharge coefficient

g = gravitational acceleration (m/s 2 )

H 1 = h 1 + v 1 2/2g

H 2 = h 2 + v 2 2/2g

with:
v 1 = upstream flow velocity

v 2 = downstream flow velocity

 Figure 2: Crump Weir (free flow)

Mode 4 - Drowned Flow

Condition y1 > zc

H 2 /H 1 > m

where:
m is the modular limit

Equation (3)

where:
C d = modular discharge coefficient

f r = drowned flow reduction factor

g = gravitational acceleration (m/s 2 )

H 1 = h 1 + v 1 2/2g

H 2 = h 2 + v 2 2/2g

with:
v 1 = upstream flow velocity

v 2 = downstream flow velocity

 Figure 3: Crump Weir (drowned flow)

General
A warning is generated if the Crump Weir is not attached (either directly or remotely) to nodes which
have cross sections from which velocities can be established.

The routine allows reverse flow but applies the same equation (it assumes that the upstream face
has a slope of one in five and the downstream sloping face is one in two). In practice it is unlikely
that reverse flow will occur over a Crump Weir unless it has been sited badly.

If the weir complies with the British Standard and is free from blockages the calibration coefficient
should be set to unity.

Datafile Format
Line 1 - Keyword 'CRUMP' [comment]

Line 2 - Label1, Label2, Label3, Label4

Line 3 - , , ,

Line 4 - p 1 , p 2
Example
Sample datafile Copy

CRUMP
UNIT029 UNIT030
0.900 10.000 1.000 0.900
1.000 2.000

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