WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION

WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION

TECHNICAL NOTE No. 2

TECHNICAL NOTE No. 117

METHODS OF OABSERVATION AT SEA

USE OF WEIRS AND FLUMES IN
PARTSTREAM
I SEA SURFACE
TEMPERATURE
GAUGING
Report of the Commission for Hydrology

WMO-No.
26.280
TP. 8
WMO-No.
Secretariat of the World Meteorological Organization Geneva Switzerland

WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANIZATION

TECHNICAL NOTE No. 117

USE OF WEIRS AND FLUMES

IN STREAM GAUGING
Report of a working group of the Commission for Hydrology

V.D.C.556.535.3.08

I WMO No. 280

Secretariat of the Wodd Meteorological Organization Geneva Switzerland

1971

1971, World Meteorological Organization

NOTE
The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not
imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the World
Meteorological Organization concerning the legal statu5 of any country or territory or of its
authorities, or concerning the deliniitation of its frontiers.

CONTENTS
PAGE

Foreword ........................................................................ ,

Summary (English, French, Russian, Spanish)

i.

.-

va

GENERAL

1.1. iNTRODUCTION......

1.2. SCOPE

..

1.3. SELECTION OF STRUCTURE...............

1.4. INSTALLATION CONDlT10NS................................. .

1.5. GAUGlNG STRUCTURE

1.6. COMPOUND WEIRS..............

1.7. MEASUREMENT OF HEAD......

2.

THiN-PLATE WEIRS

2.1. TRIANGULAR NOTCH WEIRS

..

2.2. RECTANGULAR TlUN-PLATE WEIRS

3.

20

BROAD-CRESTED AND OTHER LONG-BASE WEIRS

3.1. GENERAL EQUATIONS

..

26

..

3.3. TRIANGULAR PROFILE CRUMP WEIRS

3.4. RECTANGULAR PROFILE WE1RS..

25

..

3.2. ROUND-NOSE HORIZONTAL-CRESTED WEIRS

4.

27

..
..

28

..

STANDlNG-WAVE FLUMES

4.1. GENERAL
4.2. RECTANGULAR THROATED STANDING WAVE FLUMES
4.3. PARSHALL FLUMES..........

37

..

..

4.4. TRAPEZOIDAL THROATED FLUMES

37

41

.
..

III

48

FIGURES

PAGE
1.1. EXAMPLES OF VELOCITY PROFILES IN THE APPROACH CHANNEL
2.1.
2.2.
2.3.
2.4.
2.5.
2.6.

THE TRIANGULAR THIN-PLATE (SQUARE-EDGED) WEIR (V-NOTCH)

VALUE OF k b RELATED TO NOTCH ANGLE
COEFFICIENT OF DISCHARGE C, (0 ~90 DEGREES)
COEFFICIENT OF DISCHARGE C, RELATED TO NOTCH ANGLE
THE RECTANGULAR-NOTCH. THIN-PLATE WEIR
VALUE OF k b RELATED TO biB

.
.
.
.
.
.

3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
3.4.
3.5.

18
19
19
20
22

ROUND-NOSE HORIZONTAL-CREST WEIR

"
.
COEFFICIENT OF APPROACH VELOCITY, c"
.
.
TRIANGULAR PROFILE WEIR
.
COMPOUND CRUMP WEIR, WITH DETAIL OF CREST TAPPING
.
DROWNED FLOW REDUCTION FACTOR FOR CRUMP WEIR IN TERMS OF b/H and Hd/H
.
3,6. DROWNED FLOW REDUCTION FACTOR FOR CRUMP WEIR IN TERMS OF h/h and h!(h + p) .......
3.7. RECTANGULAR PROFILE WEIR
.
3.8. RECTANGULAR PROFILE WEIRS, COMBINED COEFFICIENT CORRECTION FACTOR FOR THE
h
LAND
h h+ p PARAMETERS
.
.

30
31
32
33
34
34
35

4, I. RECTANGULAR THROATED FLUME IN RECTANGULAR CHANNEL

.
4.2. CONFIGURATION AND DESCRIPTIVE NOMENCLATURE FOR PARSHALL FLUMES
.
4.3. DISCHARGE RATING FOR "INCH" PARSHALL FLUMES FOR BOTH FREE-FLOW AND
SUBMERGENCE CONDITIONS..
..
.
4.4. CORRECTION FACTORS FOR SUBMERGED FLOW THROUGH 1- TO 50-FT PARSHALL FLUMES ..
4.5. LAYOUT OF TRAPEZOIDAL THROATED FLUME
.
4.6. SHAPE COEFFICIENT FOR TRAPEZOIDAL THROATED FLUME
..
4.7. COEFFICIENT OF TOTAL SKIN DRAG.
..
..

38
42

36

43
44
53
54
55

TABLES
2.1.
2.2.
2.3.
2.4.

DISCHARGE
DISCHARGE
DISCHARGE
DISCHARGE

OF
OF
OF
OF

WATER OVER
WATER OVER
WATER OVER
WATER OVER

V-NOTCHES (METRIC)
A 90 DEGREE V-NOTCH.
A 1',/90 DEGREE V-NOTCH
A W90 DEGREE V-NOTCH

.
..

4.1. DISCHARGE COEFFICIENTS FOR RECTANGULAR THROATED FLUMES

4.2. VELOCITY COEFFICIENTS FOR RECTANGULAR THROATED FLUMES WITH LEVEL INVERTS
4.3. VELOCITY COEFFICIENTS FOR RECTANGULAR THROATED FLUMES WITH BOTH SIDE AND
BOTTOM CONTRACTIONS
4.4. DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES OF ALL SIZES OF STANDARD PARSHALL MEASURING FLUMES...
4.5. DISCHARGE TABLE FOR PARSHALL MEASURING FLUMES, SIZES I FOOT TO 8 FEET FOR
FREE-FLOW CONDITIONS...........
4.6. DISCHARGE TABLE FOR PARSHALL MEASURING FLUMES, SIZES 10 FEET TO 50 FEET FOR
FREE-FLOW CONDITIONS..

16
16
17
40
40
41
45
46
47

FOREWORD

At its third session (Geneva, 1968) the WMO Commission for Hydrometeorology (now the Commission for
Hydrology) established a working group to prepare, inter alia, a Technical Note on weirs, flumes and other stream~

gauging structures. The members of the working group were Mr. R. W. Carter (U.S.A.) (Chairman), Mr. R. W.
Herschy (U.K.), Mr. H. Jansen (Federal Repnblic of Germany), Mr. V. P. Saban (U.S.S.R.), Mr. J. Stachy (Poland)
and Mr. P. W. Strilaeff (Canada).
The present Teclmical Note has accordingly been prepared by the working group. It is hoped that the publication will provide very useful and practical guidance to all services and individuals taking regular hydrometric
measurements with weirs and flumes, and especially for all those who intend to establish such structures within
their hydrological networks.

It is with great pleasure that I express the gratitude of WMO to Mr. R. W. Carter and to the other members
of the working group for the time and effort they have devoted to the preparation of this Technical Note.

JS . ~'J"
D. A. Davies
Secretary-General

.- v -

::.:.

SUMMARY

The aim of this Technical Note is to supply the reader with technical information on flow-measuring methods
utilizing artificial control sections of such a shape that head-discharge relationships can be determined from measured
water levels without the necessity of calibration - Le., by application of a discharge formula.
Chapter I provides general guidelines on the use and installation of such artificial controls. Detailed description, basic equations, design and relevant figures and tables are given for different types of thin-plate weirs, for
broad-crested and other long-base weirs, and for standing-wave flumes in Chapters 2, 3, and 4 respectively.

RESUME

Cette Note technique a pour but de presenter au lecteur des renscignements techniques sur les methodes de
me sure des debits dans Icsquclles on utilise des sections de contrale artificielles ayant une forme qui permet de
determiner les relations charge-debit a partir de mesures du niveau de I'eau sans devoir proceder au tarage, c'est-adire en appliquant une formule de calcul des debits.
Le chapitre 1 donne des directives generales sur l'utilisation et I'installation de ces sections de contrale artificielles. Puis la Note decrit en de-tail, respectivement dans les chapitres 2, 3 et 4, les differents types de deversoirs en
mince paroi, les deversoirs a large seuil et it longue base et les callaux a ondes stationnaires, et indique les equations
fondamentales et les principcs de construction a appliquer, taus ces renseignements etant accompagnes de figures
et de tableaux.

- VII -

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RESUMEN

Esta Nota Teeniea ticne par objeto facilitar al lector informacion teeniea sabre los metodas de medida del
caudal que utilizan secciones de control artificiales, euya forma permite determinar la relacion existente entre la
carga y el caudal, a partir de medidas del nivel del agua, sin tener que recurrir a una calibracion, es dedr aplieanda
une formula de calculo del caudal.
En el capitulo 1 se indican las directrices generales que deben observarse para la utilizacion e instalacion de
dichas seeciones de control. En los eapitulos 2, 3 Y 4 figuran, respectivamente, descripciones detalladas de los
diversos tipos de vertederos de pared fina, los de pared gruesa y otros de base amplia, los conductos abicrtos de
onda estacionaria, asi como las eeuaciones fundamcntales y los principios de construccion que deben aplicarse,
quedando ilustrado to do ella mediante las correspondientes figuras y cuadros.

. - VIII -

l.

GENERAL

1.1. INTRODUCTION
1.1,1. These notes deal with flow measuring methods utilizing artificial control sections of such shape that headdischarge relationships can be determined from measured water levels without the necessity for calibration, ie by
application of a discharge formula.

1.1.2. There exists a limited range of different weirs and flumes that have well-established relationships between head
and discharge, and the most commonly used of these are described in the following sections. Only under reasonably favourable field conditions can the established Formulae accurately predict the discharge, however. It is
important therefore that, if a measuring structure is required to measure flow directly from water level readings,
every care must be taken in the construction and operation of the device, and the most suitable formula be used.
There is no substitute, however, for in-place calibration for all devices discussed here.
1.1.3. Where conditions other than those specified here are encountered, in-place calibration is necessary to establish
the extent of departure from the standard formula or to develop the head discharge function if the gauging structure
is not one of those covered in this note.

1.2. SCOPE
1.2.1. The measuring devices to be discussed here may be catalogued into three groups:
a. The various types of thin-plate weirs arc generally employed in the hydraulics laboratory and on small, clcarflowing streams; particularly where above average accuracy is desired and adequate maintenance can be
provided, such as for small research watersheds.
b. On small streams and canals conveying sediment and debris and in other situations where the head loss
associated with a thin-plate weir is unacceptable, flumes are preferable. Certain types may also be used
drowned, permitting operation with very small head loss but at some loss of accuracy.
c. On larger streams, various types of broad-crested, triangular profile, and round-shaped weirs are frequently
employed. On larger streams it is usually impractical as well as unwise to place such structures excessive in
height above the normal streambed. When submerged flows may exist over some part of the discharge range,
the discharge relationships presented may not apply as the discharge would cease to be a function solely of
upstream level. In case of doubt, such structure should be field rated. The triangular profile weir may be
operated successfully when drowned, with double gauging of water levels.

1.3. SELECTION OF STRUCTURE

1.3.1. The criteria which may be considered in choosing a structure are:
a.
b.
c.
d.

Range of di scharge
Accuracy
Head loss
Cost

1.3.2. The range of discharge to be gauged when related to the range of head will decide whether the structure should
have a rectangular flow cross-section at the throat or control section. Such a type is suitable if:
Q

m"

Q min

where Q max and Q min are the maximum and minimum discharges to be measured, and H max and H min are the
maximum and minimum allowable total heads on the structure. Otherwise a structure of Vee-shaped flow section,
such as a Vee-notch or trapezoidal-throated flume, or alternatively a compound weir with crests at different levels,
will be necessary.

1.3.3. A structure must measure flow sufficiently accurately Qver the whole range' of flow it is desired to gauge. Since
the basic calibrations of the structures discussed are generally better than about 2 per cent, the overall accuracy
of measurement will depend principally on the accuracies of construction and measurement of head, and on the
sensitivity of the structure to flow conditions in the approach. The accuracy of construction can of course be
carefully controlled and the effects of errors in head measurement can be minimized by designing the structure so
a~ to avoid measurement of small heads, say less than about 0.08 m. But the effect of flow conditions in the
approach has to be considered more fully.
1.3.4. Special problems are posed in the design of suitable structures -for channels with steep gradients (38, 39); errors
in calibration can arise due to fluctuations in bed level and the presence of standing waves in the approach
channel, and also due to the failure to assess accurately the energy coefficient, ct, at the level gauging section.
From this point of view, rivers and other open channels have been classified (40) into three categories: those of
gentle slope with Froude numbers less than 0.25, ie slopes less than about 1:1000, in which the calibrations of
gauging structures are unlikely to be affected by the factors mentioned above; those of moderate slope, with
Froude numbers between 0.25 and 0.5 (slopes between about 1: 1000 and 1:250) in which small, though significant
errors can arise; and those of steep slope with Froude numbers greater than 0.5 (slopes greater than about 1:250)
in which large gauging errors occur. For channels with Froude numbers greater than about 0.6 accurate gauging
can only be achieved by constructing an entirely different form of structure from the conventional weir or flume,
such as that described in reference (39), This special problem, however, is outside the scope of this guide.

1.3.5. By careful attention to design, the errors occurring in channels of moderate slope can be reduced (39). In particular
for a channel carrying an appreciable sediment load it may be preferable to construct a flume rather than a weir for
flow measurement: a flume with side contractions only can maintain a nearly constant Froude number in the
existing at the site the fluctuation in bed level will be minimized.
1.3.6. In many cases it is necessary to reduce to a minimum the head loss across a structure at maximum discharge. In
an irrigation system water levels may have to be maintained as high as possible so that the system can command
the maximum area of land. At a new structure in a river the level of the banks may require that the water be backed
up as little as possible above downstream levels. Alternatively the possibility of scour downstream of a structure
may demand that the energy to be dissipated be minimized; in this connection it is worth pointing out that flow
over a weir is two-dimensional with a uniform discharge intensity across the width, making energy dissipation
downstream easier than in the case of a flume.
1.3.7. A basis for comparing the head loss at various structures was described in a recent paper (40. This showed that
for the weirs and rectangular throated flumes considered, the lowest head losses were achieved at submerged
Crump weirs and at round-nose horizontal crest weirs with sloping back faces operating at the submergence limit.
The head loss across flumes, including submerged Parshall flumes, is greater than the weirs mentioned above
under comparable flow conditions.
1.3.8. Cost will often be the principal criterion in making a choice, particularly in the cases where several types of
structure would be suitable on the other grounds. The cost consists principally of the capital cost of the construction and of the ancillary equipment such as water level recorders. The construction cost is closely relatcd to the
size of the structure; the paper cited (41) compares the relative volumes of different types of structure for given
hydraulic conditions while bearing in mind the other considerations of accuracy and head loss mentioned above. At
the same time the operating cost of a structure. which is made up of the costs of maintenance and of processing the
data, could influence the choice to be made. For example, the size of a submerged structure may be much smaller
than a free-flowing structure; however it will require two water level recorders and two stilling wells instead of one
of each. and the computation of discharge will be more complicated and hence more costly. The additional costs of
computation and of maintenance of the second recorder and well, plus their cost of installation, may in some circumstances more than offset the savings achieved in the size of the structure.
1.3.9. If choice is restricted to devices having a rectangular flow section, other than a thin-plate weir. the structures having the smallest volume of construction are as follows, for various ranges of Fd , the Froude number of the flow in
the channel downstream:
Fd < 0.2. 11le rectangular profile weir (in the variable coefficient range) followed by thc round-nose horizontal crest and
truncated Crump weirs.
0.2 < Fd < 0.4. TIle drowned Crump weir, followed by the rouml~nose horizontal crest and truncated Crump weirs.
0.4 < Fd < 0.6. TIle round-nose horizontal crest weir followed by the truncated Crump weir and the rectangular-throated
standing wave flume.

1.4. INSTALLATION CONDITIONS

1.4.1. The complete measuring installation consists of an approach channel, gauging structure and a downstream channel.
The condition of each of these three components affects the overall accuracy of the measurements. Installation
requirements include such features as the surface finish of the weir, cross-sectional shape of channel, channel
roughness and the influence of control devices upstream or downstream of the gauging structure.
1.4.2. Maintenance of the measuring structure and the approach channel is important to secure accurate continuous
measurements. The approach chamlels to weirs should be kept clean and free from accumulations of silt and
vegetation. The structure must be kept clean and free from clinging debris and ice and care shall be taken in the
process of cleaning to avoid damage to thin~plate and other weirs with vulnerable corners. The stilling well and
the connecting pipe or slot from the approach channel must also be kept clean and free from deposits and ice.
1.4.3. The weir should be located in a straight reach, which should be well maintained to avoid local obstructions,
roughness or unevenness of the bed. A preliminary survey should be made of the physical and hydraulic features
of the proposed site, to check that it conforms (or may be made to con.form) to the requirements necessary for
measurement by the structure. Particular attention should be paid to the following features in selecting the site:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

f.
g.
h.
i.
j.

The adequacy of the length of channel of regular cross-section available.

The regularity of ,the existing velocity distribution.
The avoidance of a steep channel (but see 1.4.8.).
The effects of any increased upstream water levels due to the measuring structure.
The conditions downstream including such influences as tides, confluences with other streams, sluice gates,
mill dams and other controlling features which might cause drowning.
The impermeability of the ground on which the structure is to be founded and the necessity for piling, grout~
ing or other sealingin of river installations.
The necessity for flood banks, to confine the maximum discharge to the channel.
The stability of the banks and the necessity for trimming and/or revetment in natural channels.
The clearance of rocks or boulders from the bed of the approach channel.
Effect of wind. Wind can have a considerable effect on the flow over a weir, especially when it is wide and
the head is small and when the prevailing wind is in a transverse direction,

1.4.4. On all installations the flow in the approach channel shall be smooth, free from disturbance and have an even
velocity distribution. Conditions in the approach channel can usually be verified by inspection or measurement
for which several methods are available, such as velocity rods,floats or concentrations of dye - the latter being
useful in checking conditions at the bottom of the channel. A complete and quantitative assessment of velocity
distribution may be made by means of a current meter.
1.4.5. An even velocity distribution can be obtained by having a long straight approach- channel free from projections
either at the 'side or on the bottom. The cross-section should be reasonably uniform and the channel straight for
a length equal to at least ten times the width of the weir. In an artificial channel where no debris or matter is
carried in suspension, suitable flow conditions can often be provided by suitably placed baffles formed by vertical
laths, but there should be no baffle nearer to the point of measurement than ten times the maximum head to be
measured.
1.4.6. If the entry to the approach channel is through a bend or if the flow is discharged into the channel through a
conduit of smaller crosssection, or at an angle, then a longer length of straight approach channel may be required
to achieve an even velocity distribution.
1.4.7. In a natural channel, it would be uneconomical to line the bed and banks of the 'Stream with concrete for the
distance given in 1.4.5. A contraction in plan will be required if the width of the gauging structure is less than
the width of the stream. Wing walls to effect this contraction should be symmetrically disposed with respect to the
centreline of the stream and should be gently curved at their upstream ends, for example as shown in Figures 3.1,
3.3 and 3.7. They should be plane, straight and parallel through to at least a distance H max upstream of the head
measurement section, the curved portion upstream of that point being to a radius of not less than 2H max.
1.4.8. Under certain conditions, a standing wave may occur upstream of the measuring structure, for example, if the
approach channel is steep. Provided this wave is at a distance upstream of not less than 30 times the maximum
head, flow measurement will be feasible, subject to confirmation that a regular velocity distribution exists at the
gauging station. If a standing wave occurs within this distance the approach conditions must be modified eg by
altering the weir characteristics, if measurement errors are to be avoided.
3

1.4.9.

When the velocity distribution in the approach channel differs considerably from the normal, the discharge characteristics are altered. Consequently, flow measurements made with non-standard weir installations are subject to
error. An indication of the magnitude of error associated with a variety of nonuniform velocity distributions can
be obtained from ref 1. An approximate method of compensating for the error has been suggested (ref 2) but the
procedure requires preliminary measurement of velocities in the approach channel in order to establish certain
velocity-distribution characteristics of the installation.

1.4;10. Although any deviation from the ideal conditions of either very uniform velocity or a normal velocity distribution
may lead to errors in flow measurement. quantitive information on the inluence of velocity distribution is inade
quate to define the acceptable limits of departure from the ideal distributions. However. Figure 1.1 provides
some guidance to the type of velocity distribution and evenness thereof that are acceptable in practice (ref 3).
The isovels plotted in Figures 1.1 (e) and {O provide examples of observed normal velocity distributions. which
are clearly acceptable. Figure 1.1 (a) shows some skewness. but nevertheless approximates to a normal distribu
tion. Figures 1.1 (b) and 1.1 (c) show appreciable departure from uniformity, and are considered representative
of the maximum acceptable departure from ideal approach conditions for the tolerances given.
w

r-

(--'-',.,'--=:>...,

'--

'1

Avera e

(oj

08

(d)

,,3

Average

~9
0."

0.;,

f 2

Avera e

(e)

!J

(0)

(il)

(I)
FIGURE 1.1.

EXAMPLES OF VELOCITY PROFILES IN THE APPROACH CHANNEL

1.4.11. The flow conditions downstream of the structure are important only in that they control the tail water level which
may influence operation. The altered flow conditions due to the construction of the weir or flume might cause
shoaling downstream of the structure, which in time might raise the water level sufficiently to cause drowning.
Any accumulation of material downstream of the structure should therefore be removed periodically.

1.5. GAUGING STRUCTURE

1.5.1. The structure shall be rigid and watertight and capable of withstanding flood flow conditions without distortion
or fracture. The weir crest should be at right angles 1&'the direction of flow: the flume axis should be aligned to
the direction of flow.
1.5.2.

The surfaces of the structure, and of the vertical abutments flanking it, shall be smooth: they may be constructed in concrete with a smooth cement finish, or surfaced with a smooth noncorrodible material. In laboratory installations, the finish should be equivalent to rolled sheet metal or planed, sanded and painted timber.
The surface finish is or particular importance on the horizontal crest of the weir and in the throat of the flume,
but may be relaxed a distance along the profile ~H max upstream and downstream of the crest or throat. The
structure should be measured on completion and actual dimension~ should be used in the computation of
discharge.

1.6. COMPOUND WEIRS

1.6.1. It is permissible to incorporate weirs at different crest elevations in a single gauging structure, but unless the
sections with different crest elevations are physically separated by means of intermediate piers so that twodimensional flow is preserved over each section of the crest, errors may be introduced. Divide piers should
extend throughout the full depth of flow. Thepalallel section should extend from H m ax upstream of the weir
block to the end of the weir block. To avoid sharp cUlvatures at thecutwaters, the thickness of the piers should
be at least O.2H max (lower crest) and also not less than half the difference in the elevations of the adjacent
crests. They should have streamlined noses. Flow conditions at and near the pier cutwaters will be improved
if the bed level upstream of the low crest section is set below that of the high crest sections, to yield similar
values of lVP at the highest discharge to be measured.
1.6.2.

In making allowance for the velocity of approach when computing discharge from a total head equation, the
actual cross-sectional area of flow at the gauging section should be used in the relationship Va = Q/A where
Q is the total flow, obtained by summing the discharges through each section of crest. Successive approxima
tion may be required in reducing the discharge from gauged head. The
relationships given for simple weirs
do not apply (see 3.1.5).

c;,

1.7. MEASUREMENT OF HEAD

1:7.1. The head upstream of the weir crest may be measured by a vertical or inclined g"auge, a hook, point, wire or tape
gauge where spot measurements are required, or by a recording gauge where a continuous record is required. The
location of the head measurement station is dealt with in later sections. It is usual to measure the head in a
separate stilling well to reduce the effects of time-dependent surface irregularities. When this is done, it is also
desirable to measure the head in the approach channel as a check.
1.7.2.

The stilling well must be vertical and of sufficient height and/or depth to cover the full range of water levels.
At the recommended position for the measurement of head the well should be connected to the approach channel
by means of a pipe or slot.
Both the well and the connecting pipe or slot must be watertight, and where the well is provided for the
accommodation of the float of a level recorder, it 'Iihould be of adequate size and depth to give clearance around
the float at all stages. The float should not be nearer than 0.075 m <0.25 ft) to the wall of the well.
The pipe or slot should have its invert not less than 0.06 m (0.2 ft) below the lowest level to be gauged, and it
should terminate flush with the boundary of the approach channel and at right angles thereto. The approach

channel boundary shouLd:be plane and smooth (equivalent to carefully finished concrete) within a distance of ten
times the diameter of the pipe or width of slot from the centre-line of the connection. The pipe may be- oblique
to the wall, only if it is -fitted with a removable cap or plate, set flush with the- wall, through which a number of
holes are drilled. The edges of these holes should not be rounded or burred.
1.7.3.

Adequate additional depth should be provided in the well to avoid the danger of the float grounding on the bottom
or any accumulation of silt or debris. The stilling well arrangement may include an intermediate chamber of
similar size and proportions between it and the approach channel, to enable silt and other debris to settle out
where they may be readily seen and removed.

1.7.4.

The diameter of the connecting pipe or width of slot should be sufficient to permit the water level in the well ~o
follow the rise and fall of head without appreciable delay, but on the other hand it should be as small as possible,
consistant with ease of maintenance, to damp out oscillations due to short periodic waves. In some installations
a valve may be provided for these purposes.
No firm rule can be laid down for determining the siz.e of the conne'Cting pipe or slot, because this is dependent
on the circumstances of the particular installation, eg whether the site is exposed and thus subject to waves, and
whether a large diameter well is required to house the noats of recorders. It is preferable to make the connection
too large, rather than too small, because a restriction can easily be added later if short period waves are not
adequately damped out. A 10 em (4 in) diameter pipe is usually suitable for flow measurement in the field.
3 mm (-- in) may be appropriate for precision head measurement with steady flows in the laboratory.

1. 7.5.

Initial setting of the zero of the head measuring device accurately with reference to the crest level of the weir,
aiid regulat checking of this setting thereafter, is essential if e, erall aeearaey is te be attained. This is especi
ally important if measurements of small heads are necessary.
An accurate means of checking the zero mus t be provided. The instrument zero should be obtained by a direct
reference to the weir crest, and a record of the setting made in the approach channel and in the stilling well.
A zero check based on the water level (either when the flow ceases or just begins) is liable to serious error due
to surface tension effects and should not be used.

2.

THIN-PLATE WEIRS

A full description of proposed standards for the use of weirs is given in the recommendations of the International
Standards Organization (ref 4). Most of the salient points of this section are taken from this document and from BS 3680
Parts 4A and 48 (ref 3).
2.1. TRIANGULAR-NOTCH WEIRS
2.1.1. Within the range of conditions for which the available experimental data are competent, the triangular-notch, thinplate weir (or V-notch) is one of the most precise measuring devices for clean water not carrying sediment,
provided it is not submerged. It is inexpensive, simple to construct and install, and relatively insensitive to the
installation environment, but is dependent on careful maintenance. A standard triangular-notch weir is shown in
Figure 2.1, and consists of a symmetrical, V-shaped notch in a vertical, thin-plate. The line which bisects the
angle of the notch shall be vertical and equidistant from the sides of the channel. The weir plate shall be smooth
and plane, especially on the upstream side, and it shall be perpendicular to the sides as well as the bottom of the
channel. The crest surfaces of the notch shaH 'be plane surfaces, which shall form sharp, right-angle corners at
their intersection with the upstream face of the weir plate. The width of the crest surfaces (measured perpendicular to the face of the plate) shall be between 0.03 and 0.08 in (I to 2 mm). It is particularly important that the
upstream edges of the notch be sharp; that is, that they be machined or filed perpendicular to the upstream face of
the weir plate, free of burrs and scratches, and untouched by abrasive cloth or paper. The down-stream edges of
the notch shall be chamfered if the weir plate is thicker than the allowable crest width. The S'lrface of the chamfer
shall make an angle of not less than 60 deg with the surface of the crest.

Dlrec:tion
of flow

Enlarged view of V notc:h,

showing c:hlmfer on downstream edge of notch

FIGURE 2.1.

THE TRIANGULAR THIN-PLATE (SQUAR,,>EDGED) WEIR (V-NOTCH)

2.1.2. Piezometers or a point-gauge station for the measurement of the head on the weir shall be located a sl;lfficient
distance upstream from the weir to avoid the region of surface draw-down. On the other hand, they shall be close
enough to the weir that the energy loss between the section of measurement and the weir shall be negligible. For
these standards it is recommended that the head measurement section be located a distance equal to from three to
four times the maximum head (3 to 4 h max>upstream from the weir.
2.1.3. The discharge nappe shall be fully ventilated and unsubmerged.
2.1.4. Basic equation:
The basic equation of discharge for the triangular-notch weir is
Q

(2.ll

8
Q n/2
~C-,lZgtan-h

15

in which Q is the volume rate of flow or discharge (cu ft per sec or eu m per sec), C is the coefficient of discharge
(nondimensionaO, g is the acceleration due to gravity (ft per sec per sec or m per sec per seC>, () is the angle
included between the sides of the notch (radians or degrees). and h is the piezometric head or height of the upstream liquid surface referred to the vertex of the notch (ft or ml.
2.1.5. In Eq 2..1. C may be described as a function of three geometric ratios and two fluid-property ratios involving viscosity and surface tension. For a given liquid over a limited temperature range, the combined effects of viscosity
and surface tension are related to the absolute magnitude of h alone.
2.1.6. Notches with fullydeveloped contractions._ standard angles.
The three sizes of V-notches most commonly used are:
a. The 90 degree notch in which the dimension acras s the top is twice the vertical depth (tan! =1 )
(2.2)
b. The ~90 degree notch (Q=5Jl8 1) in which the dimension across the top is equal to the vertical depth

(tan~O.5)

Q=-,lZgC h'I'
15

c. The !l.i90

degr~e

(2.3)

notch (Q = 2804') in which the dimension across the top is half the vertical depth ( tan~ =
Q =

.2
l2og C 0 h
15

'I'

0.25)

(2.4)

The coefficient values with the corresponding discharge for 90 degree, 1,290 degree and M90 degree notches are
given in Table 2.1 in metric units and in Tables 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4 in foot second units (ref 3).
The general installation conditions must comply with Section 1.4 and the following limitations on h, P,hlP, band
hlB must be observed in the application of these tables.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

h shall not be less than 2 in (0.05 m) nor more than 15 in (0.38 m).
The vertex height. P, shall exceed 1.5 ft (0.45 m).
hiP shall not exceed 0.4.
The width of the approach channel, B, shall exceed 3.0 ft (0.9 m).
hlB shall not exceed 0.20.

TABLE 2.1. DISCHARGE OF WATER OVER VNOTCHES (METRIC)

NOTE. The number of significant figures given in the columns for coefficient and discharge
should not be taken to imply a corresponding acemacy in the knowledge of the values given.
but only to assist in interpOlation and analysis.
90 degnlt

""'-

Coefficient

CD

V~DOtdl.

""""'''''

*90 degree Vaotcb

Cooffici<nt

CD

mBjs x 10

Dbduuge

D_

~90 degree V-notch

Coefficient

CD

m'js x 10

90 degree V-DOtch

""'_

eoellident

CD

rna/s x 10

Dbduuge

D_

~90 degree V-DOtch

Coefficient

CD

m'fs x 10

7:190 dep'ee V...oo:b

CooI6daot

CD

........
m3 /s x 10

mafs x 10

0050
0-051
0-052
0-053
0054

06080
06075
06069
0-6064
0-6059

0-008 03
0-00843
0'00884
0-00926
0'00970

06153
06149
06145
06141
0613 7

000406
0'004 27
0-004 48
0'00469
0'004 91

06508
06498
0-6488
06478
0-6468

000215
0-00225
000236
0-00247
0-002 59

0'0'75
0'076
0-077
0078
0'079

05978
0-597 5
0-5973
05970
0-5967

(}02176
0-02248
0-02322
0023 97
002473

0-fnl1
06068
0606 6
06064
06061

0011 05
001141
001179
001217
001256

0-6313
(>I'lO 8
0-630 3

lHlO575
0-00594
<>00613
0006 33
000653

0055
0056
0-057
0-0.58
0059

06054
0'60'1-9
06M5
0-6041
06036

0-01015
001061
0011 08
0-01156
001206

06133
0-6130
06126
06122
06118

0-00514
0'005 37
0-00561
0'00586
000611

06459
0-6449
06440
06432
06424

0002 71
0-002 83
0002 95
0003 08
000321

0080
0'081
0082
0083
0084

0,5964
05961
(}S958
0-595 5
05953

0025 51
002630
0-02710
002792
002876

06060
06058
(}()56
0605 4
06052

0-01296
0-01336
0-01377
Q{)1419
001462

(}5298
0'6293
0-628 9
06285
0'6280

1}C10673
0-00694
0-<Xl7 15
o-oD7 37
0007 59

06032
0-602 3
06019
0-6015

0-01257
001309
0-013 62
0-01417
0014 73

0-6114
0-6111
06108
06105
0-6101

0'006 37
O{l06 63
0-00691
0-00718
0'007 47

06417
06410
0-6403
06396
0-639 0

0003 34
0003 48
0-003 62
0003 76
0-003 91

0085
0086
0{)ll7
0088
0089

0595 0
05948
0-594 5
0-5942
0-5940

0-029 61
003048
0-03136
0-032 25
003316

06050
06048
06046
06044
0-6042

001505
0-01549
0-015 94
0-01640
0-01686

(}627 6
0-627 2
0-6267
(}f;26 4
05260

o-oD781
000803
0-00826
000850
000874

001530
001588
001648
0-01710
0-01772

06098
0-6095
06092
06090
0-6087

0'00776
0'00806
0-00836
0'00867
0-00899

0-638 3
06376
0-6370
0636 4
06358

0004 06
(H)0421
D-004 37
000453
0004 70

0090
0091
0092
0093
0_

0-5937
05935
05933
05931
05929

003409
003503
003598
003696
0.()3795

0-6040
06038
06036
0-6034
(}503 2

0-0173<1001782
001830
001880
0-01930

0625 6

0069

0,6012
06008
0-600 5
0-600 1
05998

06248
06244
0-6240

O<lO8 98
0-00922
000947
000973
0-00998

0070
0071
0072
0-073
0074

05994
05990
0598 7
0-598 3
0598 0

001836
0-01901
001967
002035
0-02105

0-6084
0-6081
0-607 9
06076
06073

0-00932
0'009 65
0'009 99
001033
OOlD 69

0635 2
06346
06340
0-633 5
0632 9

0004 86
0-005 03
l}OOS 21
0005 39
000557

0095
0096
,0097
0098
0099

0592 7
05925
0-592 3
{}5921
05919

0-03895
0-03997
0-0'l101
004206
0-04312

0-6030
0'60'28
0-60'26
0-6024
0-6022

06236
0-623 3
06229
06226
(}522 2

0-01025
0-01051
0-01078
0-011 OG
0-01133

0060
OOIU
0062
0.()63
0064

0065
0066
0067
0068

ll-602 8

0-01981

002033
002086
0-02139
0021.94

<>=4
D-6318

06252

90 degree V-notch

%;90 degree V-notch

~90 d~ee

90 degree V_ootch

V-notch

H~d

Hod

CoeffiCiellt

Co

<::

D""""",

Coefficient

CD

Discharge

Coefficient

CD

m3 /s x 10

m 3 /s x 10

m3 js x 10

0-5912
05910
0-5908

0'04420
0-04530
0'04641
0():1.754
004869

06021
06019
0-6017
0-6016
06014

0022,49
002305
0,02362
0'0'.2420
0024 78

06219
06215
0-6212
06209
0620 5

001161
001190
001219
0-01249
001278

a-lOS
0106
0107
0-108
0-109

05906
0-590 4
05902
0590 1
0-5899

004985
005103
005222
005344
005467

0-6013
06011
06009
0600 8
06006

0'0'.2537
002598
002659
002720
002783

0-6202
0-6199
06196
06193
06190

001309
001339
0013 71
0014 02
001434

0-110
0111
0112
0'113
0-114

05898
0-5897
0589 6
05894
05892

0-05592
005719
0-05847
0-05977
0'06108

06005
06003
0600 2
06000
05998

0028 47
002911
002976
0030 42
003109

0-6187
06184
06181
0-6179
06176

001466
001499
0-01533
001566
0-016 01

0115
0-116
(}1l7
0118
0-119

05891
0589 0
0-5889
0-5888
05886

0-06242
0063 77
0'06514
0-066 53
0'06793

0599 7
0-599 5
0599 4
0599 2
05991

003177
003246
003315
0-03386
003457

06173
06171
0-6169
06166
06164

0-01635
0-01670
001706
001742
001778

0'120
0-121
0122
0123
0-124

05885
05883
05882
05881
05880

0-06935
007079
0'07224
0'07372
0'07522

05989
05988
05987
0-5985
05984

003529
0036 02
0036 77
003751
003827

06162
06160
06158
0'6155
0-6153

001815
001853
0-01891
001929
001968

0-100
0101
0102
0,103
0-104

05917
0~5914

Coeffideat

Discharge

CD

I Discba"'"
,
!

Coefficient

m3 js /. 10

m3 /s x 10

0-5880
05879
05878
05877
05876

0-07673
007827
007982
008139
008298

05982
05981
0-5980
0597 9
05978

0-lIID
01 1
0- 2
0- 3

0-5876
0-5875
05874
0-5873
05872

0-084 58
0086 21
008785
008951
0-09119

0597 6
05975
05973
05972
05971

05872
05871
05870
0-5869
0'586 9

009289
0{)9461
009634
009810
0-099 87

0: 41
0'.42
0- 43
0- 44

0'5868
0'586 7
0586 7
0586 6
0'586 6

0-:45
O' 46
0' 47
o 48
O 49

0'586 5
0'586 4
0'586 3
05862
0586 2

O
O
0- 7
0- 38

O' 39
O 40

Coeftjcieat

D_

CD

01 5
0- 6
0- ?l
0-llS
0- 29

0" 4

;a90 dqfte V-IIlItch

;490 degree V-aotc:!t

Co

-....
w/s x 10

003904
003982
ll-04O 60
0-04140
0-04220

0-6151
(}6148
06146
06144
06141

004302
0-04384
0-04467
0-D4551
004636

0-613 9
0'6137
0-613 5
0-6133
0-6131

0597 a
05968
05967
0596 6
0596 5

004722
0M809
lHJ4800
0049 86
0-05075

0'6129
06127
0-6125
06123
06121

(}00424

010167
0-10348
0105 32
010717
010904

05964
0-5962
05961
(}596 a
05960

0-05166
005258
0053 51
0-05444
005539

0-6li9
0-6117
06115
06li3
06112

0-026 51
00'26 97
lHl27<l4
0-027 92
0-02840

011093
0li284
011476
011671
011867

05959
05958
05957
0-5956
05956

0-05635
005732
005830
005929

0611 0
06108
0610 6
06105
06103

0-02889
0-02938
0-02988
0-03038
003089

0-060 29

------_..,-

--

O<l2OO'1

<>020 ....
002JJllb
0-=27
oo:;n68
0<12209
0<12251
0<12294
<Hl2337

o;moo
0-00468
0-025 1.3
0-025 59
0-02604-

90 degree V-ootdl
H ....

Co<l6dart
CD

.........

*90 degree VBOtch

Coefficient

CD

mats X 10

rn.d,..

U90 degree

V~DOteh

90 degree V-DOtdl

Hood

Coefficient

CD

mats X 10

Coo.......

Discharge

CD

.........

~90 degree V-DOtcb

Co<l6dart

CD

mats x 10

mats X 10

0175
0176
0177
0-178
0179

05851
0-5851
0-5851
05851
05851

(H7709
0'17963
018219
0-184 78
018738

05934
0-5933
05933
05932
0-5931

0180
0181
0182
0183
0-184

05851
05851
0-5850
05850
05850

0-19001
0-192 65
019531
019800
0-20071

05930
0592 9
0592 9
05928
0592 7

OlSO
0-151
0152
0153
0154

05861
0-5861
05860
05860
05859

012066
0122 67
0124 71
012676
012883

05955
05954
05952
05952
0-5951

0-06130
0-06231
006.3 340-064 37
0065 42

0-6102
06100
0609 9
0609 7
06095

003140
003192
0-03245
0032g]
0033 SO

0155
0156
0-157
0-158
0159

05859
05859
0-5858
0-5858
0-585 7

013093
013304
0-13517
013732
013950

05950
0-5949
05948
05948
0-594 7

0-06648
006755
006863
0-06971
007081

06093
06091
0-6090
06088
0608 7

0034 04
0-034 58
003513
0035 68
003624

0160
0161
0162
0-163
0164

0-5857
0585 7
05856
05856
05855

014169
0-143 91
0-14614
014840
0150 67

0594 6
0-5945
0-5944
05944
0594 3

0-07192
007304
007417
0-07531
007646

06085
06083
0-6082
0-6000
0607 9

0-03680
0-03737
0-03794
0-038 52
003911

0-185
0-186
0187
0188
0189

05850
0-5850
0585 0
05850
05850

0-20345
020621
G-20899
0-21180
0-21463

0165
0-166
0167
0168
0169

0-5855
0585 5
0585 4
05854
0-585 3

0-152 f!1
015529
015763
015999
0-16237

0594 2
05941
05941
0-594 0
05939

0077 62
0-07879
007998
0-08117
008237

06077
0-6076
06074
0-607 3
06071

003969
0-04029
004149
0-04210

0190
0191
0'192
0193
0194

05850
0-5850
0-5849
0-5849
05849

0170
0171
0172
0173
0174

0585 3
0585 3
0-585 2
0585 2
05851

0164 77
016719
0-16964
017210
017459

05938
05937
05937
05936
0593 5

008358
008481
0-08604
008728
0088 54

06070
06069
06068
0606 7
0-606 5

0-04272
0043 34
004397
0044 60
004524

0195
0196
0197
0--198
0199

05849
0.584 9
05849
0-.584 9
05849

I
I

,.

0-04089

""""""

;490 degfte V-aotdI

c-.....
CD

..........
mils X 10

mils X 10
0606 3
0-6062
0-6061
0-6060
0-605,9

lHl4588
0-04653
0-04718
lHl4754
<>04851

CHl98!l6
010032
0-10168

D-6067
D-6066
D-606 5
0-605 4
0-6053

0-<J4918
0-<J4986
005054
{}()5122
{}()5192

0-592 6
0-592 6
G-5925
0-592 5
0-592 4

010305
o-lM44
0-10584
G-I0726
010867

0-6051
0-6051
D-6060
0-6049
0-6048

lHJ5261
0-05332
0-05403
0-05475
0-05547

0-21748
0220340-223 2'Z
022612
022906

05923
05923
0-5922
05922
05921

011010
011155
0-11300
0-11447
0-1l595

06047
0-604 5
0-6044
0-6043
06042

0-05620
0<15693
{}()5766
0-05841
0-05916

0-23203
023501
023802
0-24106
024411

0-592 0
05920
05919
0-5919
05919

(H1743
0-11893
0-12044
0-12197
0-123 51

0-6041
0-6041
0-6040
06039
0-603 8

0-05992
006068
0-06145
0-062 2:2
0-06300

lHl6980

0-09106
009237
0{)93 67
0-094g]
009629

o-wr62

90 degree V-DOtdI

*90 degree V-notch

;..j.90 degree V-notch

Had

Coefficient

CD

CD

0'5849
0'5849
0-5848
0'5848
05848

024719
0'25028
0'253 39

C0ef6c:ieDt

CD

m3 /s

m3 /s X 10

Coefficient

X 10

m3/s

0'6038
0'603 7
0603 5
0'6034
0'6033

<>065 37

025969

0'125 06
012662
012819
0'129 77
0'13136

006617
006698

0-584 6
0584 6
0584 6
05846
0584 6

0'5848
0'5848
0-5848
05848
0'5848

0'26288
026610
0'269 340272 61
027590

05916
0'5915
0'5915
0'5914
05913

0'132 96
0'13457
013620
0'l3784
0'13949

06033
06032
06031
06030
06029

0'06780
0-06862
0{)6944
0'07028
0'07111

027921
0'282 54
028588
0-28924
0'29'264

0'5913
0'5912
0'5912
0-5911
0'5911

0'14115
014282
0'14450
0'14620
014792

0-602 9
0602 8

0'213
0214

0-5848
0-5848
0'5848
0'584 7
0'584 7

0-07196
O{)72 81
007366
(}{)7453
orn539

0'215
0216
0-217
0-218
0-219

0'584 7
0'584 7
0-5847
0-5847
-0'5847

0'296 rn

05910
0'5910
05910
0-5909
0-5909

0-14964
0'15138
0'15313
0'15489
0'15666

0602 5
0602 4
0602 3
0602 2
06022

0220
0221
0222

0584 7
0'584 7
0584 7
0'5847
05847

05908
05908
0'5908
0'5907
0'5907

QI5844
0016024
0'162 04

0-6021

0'203
0204
0'205
0206

om
0-200
0209

0-256 52

Discharge

CD

0'5918
0-5918
0'5917
05917
0-5916

0202

;:;

Coefficient

m 3 {s X 10

0200
O<lOI

M90 degtee V-DOtch

90 degree V-notch

H"

0'063 79

0064 58

Coefficient

Discharge

CD

m3/s

10

D_

~90 degree

Coefficient

CD

V-notch

m 3 /s x 10

10

033168
033535
033907
034282
0-346 59

05906
0590 6
05906
0590 5
05905

0-16754
016940
017127
017315
017504

06017
06017
0'6016
06015
06015

0085 35
008629
008724
008819
008915

0584 6
0584 6
0584 6
0584 6
0584 6

035039
035421
0,358,06
036193
036582

05904
05904
05904
0590 3
0590 3

017695
017886
018079
018274
018469

06014
06013
06013
06012
06012

0090 11
009108

009207

05846
0-5846
05846
05846
0584 6

036974
037369
0377 66
038166
038568

0-5002

(}1SG 66
0590 2 . 018864
0190 69
05902
0192 63
0590 1
0590 1
019465

06011
06010
06010
06009
06008

009504
0096 05
0097 06
009808
009910

05846
0584 6
05846
0584 6
0584 6

0389 73

039380
039790
0'4{)'202
040617

0-590 1
05500
05900
05900
05900

0196 68
019872
020079
020287
020496

06008
0600 7
0600 6
06006
0600 5

0'41034
041454
0-41877
042302
042730

0-5900
05899
05899
05898
05898

02rn 05
020916
021127
021340
021555

0600 4
0600 3"
0600 3
0600 2
0600 2

009306
000405

0'210
0-211
0-212

0223

0224

0'29953
0'303 01
0'30651
031004
031359
0-31717
032077
0'32439

0'328 03

(H6386
Q'16570

0602 7
0602 6
0602 5

06020
06019
06018
06018

<>07627

0'(Jl115
0rn803
0'07893
007982
0COO73
0-DB164
0-08255
0083 47
0084 41

o.
0-

o
o

O 44

0.~5

O 46
O 7

0- 48
d 49

05846
05846
0584 6
0584 6
0584 6

.i

- LI~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I 010013
010116
0-102:20
010325
0104 30
0105 36
0-106 42
0107 50
0108 58
0109 67

90 degree V-notch
H~d

Coefficient

Discharge

90 degree V-notch

;4 90 degree V-notch

Co

Discharge

Coefth:ient

Co

m 3/s X 10

044466

05898
05898
05898
05897

0-21990
022209
0-22429

044907

05897

022649

0600 2
0600 1
0600 1
0'6000
06000

0584 6
0584 6

043160
0435 93

0584 6

044028

05846
0584 6

0-21772

Discharge

Coefficient

Co

Disc:barge

mats x 10

011077
0-11187

0276

0112 99

0277

0-584 6

055774

011410
011523

0278
0279

0584 6
0584 7

0280

0584 7

0281
0282
0283

05846
0-5846
0-5846
0-5846
0-584 6

045350

0256
0-257
0258
0259

0-45796
0-46245
04B696
0-471 50

05897
0-5897
0-5897
0-5896
05896

0228 73
0-23098
0-23323
0235 49
023777

06000
0-5999
05999
0-5998
0599 8

011635
0-11749
011863
0-11978
0-12094-

0260
0-261
0-262
0263
0-264

0-584 6
0-5846
0-5846
0-584 6
0-584 6

047606
0-480 65
0-48527
0-48991
0-494 53

0589 6

0-5895
05895
0-5894
0-5894

0240 05
024235
024466
0-24699
0-24933

0-599 7
0-5996
0599 6
0-599 5
0599 5

0-12210
012326
0-12443
0-12561
012680

0265
0-267
0-268
0-269

0584 6
0584 6
0-584 6
0584 6
- 0584 6

049928
0-50400
0508 76
051353
0-51834

0-5894
0-5893
0-5893
0-5892
05892

025168
0-25404
0-25642
025881
0-26121

0-5995
0-5994
0599 4
0-599 3
0599 3

0-12799
0-12920
0-13041
013162
013284

0-270
0-271
0-272
0-273
0-274

05846
0584 6
0-584 6
0-5846
0-5846

0-52317
0-52802
0-53291
053782
0-54276

0-5892
0-5891
05891
0-5891
0-5891

0-26363
0-266 06
026851
0-27098
0-27347

0-599 2
0599 2
05991
0-5991
0-599 0

013407
0135 29
013653
0-13778
0-13903

0-255

Coefficieat

mJts x 10

0-254

degTee V-notch

H~d

Co

0250
0251
0252
0253

~90

*90 degree V-notch

Coefficient

Co

Discllarge

~90

0_

degree V-ootcb

Coefficiellt

Co

m 3 js x 10

rnJ/s X 10

m 3 js x 10

056283
056794

0-5891
0589 0
05890
05890
05890

0-27596
027845
028097
0-28351
028607

0599 0
0598 9
05989
05989
0-5988

0584 7
0584 7
0-584 7
0-584 7

057306
057819
058335
0-588 53
0-59375

05890
05889
0-588 9
0588 9
0-5889

0-28863
0-29119
0-29377
0-29638
0-29901

0-5988
0-598 7
0-598 7
0-598 7
0-598 6

0146 71
014802
0-14933
0-15065
0-15197

059899
0604 25
0-609 55
0-61487
0-62023

05889

030163

0598 6

015330

0289

0-5847
0-584 7
0584 7
0-5847
0-584 7

0-5888
0-5888
0-5888
05888

0304 27
030691
0-30959
0-31229

0598 5
0-5985
0-5985
0-5984

0-15464
0-15598
0-15734
0-158 70

0-290
0291
0-292
0-293
0-294

0-5847
0-5847
0-584 7
0584 7
0584 8

0625 60
0-63101
0-63645
064195
0-64748

0-588 8
0588 7
0-5887
0588 7
0-588 7

031499
0-31769
0-32040
0-32315_
032591

05984
0-5983
0-598 3
0-5982

0-16006
0-16143
0-162 81
0-164 20
0165 59

0-295

0-584 8
0-5848
05848
05848
0-5848

0653 03
0-65858
0-66416
0-66976
0-67539

0-588 7
0-588 6
0-588 6
0-588 6
0588 5

0-32369
0-33146
0-334 24
033704
0-33985

0598 2
0-5981
0-598 1
0-5981
0-5980

0-16699
0-168 40
0-16982
017124
017267

0-275

0284

05846
05846

054772
0-55272

0-140 30

0-14157
014284

014413
014542

0266

0285
0286

0287
0288

0296

0297
0298
0-299

05983

90 degree V-notch
Head

Co

MoOn

r-;""h
lSC

m3js

0300
0301
030'2
0303
030-1-

0584 8
05848
05848
0584 8
0584 8

0305
0306
0307
0308
0309
0310
0311
0312
0313
0314

arge

~ 90 dCgrce V-notch

Coefficient

CD

x 10

Coefficient

CD

m"/s X 10

y-nokh

DisCharge

m~/s X

10

...

90 degree V_Dotcb
Coefficient

CD

D .......

034268
034552
034837
035124
035412

05980
05979
05979
05979
05978

017410
017555
0177 00
017845
017992

325
326
327

0-5848
070980
0584 8 i 0-71568
05849 I 072159
0584 9 ' 0727 50
0584 9
073341

0588 3
0588 3
05883
0-588 3
0-588 2

035702
035995
0-362 90
036585
036880

05978
05978
05977
05977
05976

018139
0182 87
0184 35
018585
0187 J5

330
331
332
333

0584 9
0584 9
05849
05849
0-5849

073936
074534
0-75135
075738
0763 44

0588 2
0-588 2
0588 2
05882
0588 1

0-371 77
037477
037779
038081
038384

0-5976
05976
05975
05975
05974

018885
019037
019189
019342
0194 95

0-315
0316
0317
0318
0319

05849
0-5849
0584 9
0584 9
0..5850

076954
077566
0'78181
078802
079428

0-5881
038687
05881
038995
05881 I 039304
05881 I 0-39615
0-39927
05881

0597 4
05974
05973
0597 3
05972

0320
0-321
0322
0323
0324

05850
05850
0585 0
0585 0
0585 0

0'800 57
080685
0-813 14
081947
082583

05881
0588 1
0588 0
0588 0
05880

0402 41
040553
040867
041184
041503

05972
05972
05971
0597 1
05970

*90 degree V-DOtch

Coefficient

CD

m~/s X 10

0588 5
05884
05884
05884
0588 3

,
,

068106 .
0686 75
0692 46
069821
070398

Dischargi:

7490 degree

m3fs X

05850
05850
05850
05850
0'5850

083222
083863
084588
085155
085806

05880
05880

05850
0585 0
05850
0585 a
0585 0

0864 59
087116
0877 75
0884 36
088103

337
338
339

05850
0585 0
0-5851
0'5851
05851

019650
019805
0199 60
020117
020274

0340
0.341
0342
0343
0344

020432
020590
0207 50
020910
021071

0345
0346
0347
0348
0349

328
329

334

DUnbugn

74 90 degree V-ootch
Coefficient

CD

m3/s

10

10

0431 23

05970
0597 0
0596 9
05969
05968

021232
021395
021558
,0,21721
021886

05880
05880
05879
a.5B79
05879

0434 51
043779
044107
0444 38
044773

05968
(}596 8
0596 7
05967
05967

0220 51
022217
022384022551
022719

0897 72
090448
091128
091811
092491

05879
05879
05879
05879
05879

045108
045446
0-45785
046125
046467

0596 6
0,596,6
0'596 5
0596 5
05965

022888
023058
023228
023400
0235 72

05851
05851
05851
05851
05851

093175
093862
094551
095244
0,959.40

05879
0587 9
05878
0587 8
0'5878

046810
047153
l}47497
047842
048191

05964
05964
0596 3
05963
05963

023744
023918
024092
024267
024442

05851
05851
0'5851
05851
0'5851

0'966 38
097340
0'98045
098753
0-994 71

05878
05878
05878
05878
05878

048542
048895
0492 49
049604
0-499 58

05962
05962
05961
05961
05961

024619
024796
024974
025152
025332

05880
0588 0
0588 0

041824
042147

"""""'"

I 0-427
0424 71
96

"335
'336

-- ..-

-,,-,

_.. _._.-

-------

.- -,-

90 de:::rce V-mltch

~ 90

degree V-notch

~ 90

degree V-notch

Head

Coeffieient

Discharge

ell

Coefficient

Discharge

Co

m 3 js ~: 10

on

Coefficient

Co

m 3 /s /. 10

0'377

0-585 5
0,585 5
05855

121515
122320

05855
0585 5

123128
123940

0-5872
05872

05959
05959
05959

05852
0-585 2
05852
05852
05852

1,03812
104545
105280
1060 19
100767

05876
05876
05876
0'5876
05876

052121
052487
0-52856
053227
0-53596

05958
05958
05957
05957
05957

0264 24
0-26609
0-26794
026981
0271'68

0360

05853

0361
0362
0363
0354

05853
05853
05853
05853

107519
1082 73
1090 24
i'09778
110536

05875
05875
05875
05875
05875

053967
0-54340
054717
055096
055473

05956
05956
05955
05955
05955

0273.55
0-27544
027733
027923
0-28114

0-365
0366
0-367
0369

0585 .3
05853
0585.3
05854
0-5854

1-11297
1-12063
112837
113615
1-14391

0-5874
05874
05874
0-5874
0-5874

0558 51
056231
056616
057003
0-57391

0-5954
05954
05954
05953
0595.3

028306
0284 98
028691
028885_
029080

0370
0-371
0372
0-373
0,374

1-15167
05854
115947
05854
116730
05854
0-5854 ! 1-17516
05854 11.18310

05874
05874
05874
05873
0-587.3

057780
058171
058560
058950
059345

0-5952
05952
05952
0-5951
05951

0-292 75
029472
029669
0-29867
0300 65

0355

0260 57

026240

0308

m'/s
0587.3
0-587.3
0587.3
0587.3

051033
051397
051758

0-356
0357
0358
0359

Co

1-19111
119914

101633
102356
1-03082

0378
0-379
0380

0,381

Discharge

Coefficient

05855
05855

025693
025875

0354

Discharge

0375
0376

025512

05960

05852
0-5852
05852

Co

on

05960

05877

*90 degree V-Dotch

m 3 {s X 10

0-50313
0506 72

1001 92
1009 12

Coefficient

Discharge

05877
05877
05877
05877

05852
05852

0350
0351
0352
0353

90 degree V-notch

;-.; 90 degree V-notch

Hoad

m~Js

;;: 10

120712

05873

Coefficient

Dischafge

Co

m3 ts x 10

10

059742
060141
060542
061346

05950
05950
05950
05,*9
05949

0-61747
062150

0594 8
05948

0609 44

030264
0304 65
0306 66
0'308 67

031070
I

031273
031477

NOTE. The number or significant figures given in the columns for coefficient and discharge
should not be taken to imply 4 corresp1:mding accuracy in the knowledge of thr:: v<ilues given,
but only to assist in interpolation and analysis.

TABLE 2_2_

Hud
Coia effieieut
inches Co

Di,..
dlluge

ft'/s

0-6076
0-6062
0-6050,
06039
0-6028
0-6017:
06008
05999
2-8 0-5990'
29 05981

--------

;:

IHead
CoD.,in . efficieDt dlaq:e
CD ' fl"/s

I.

pucbn

0-02949 5-5 05868: 035718

003324 56 0-5867' 037357
003726 57 05865 039034
004157 5-8 05863 0-40755
0-04615 59 05861 042520
005102 _ _ _ _ _ _
005619 60 0-5860 044337
005166 61 0-5859 0-46199
0-06742 62 0-5858 048108
007349 6-3 05857 050053
64 05856 052064
30 05975 007991 65 05855' 054113
3-1 05958 008664 66 0-5854 0-56208
3-2 05960 009367 67 05853 058352
3-3.0-5853 0-10104 68 05852 060543
3-4 0-5947 0'10876 69 0-5851 062783
3-5 05940 011680 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
36 0'5934 0'12520 7-0 0'5851 065082
37 0,5929, 0'13396 7-l! 0-5851 067432
3-8 0-5924 0-14307 7-2: 05850 069819
39 05919 015254 7-3 05850 072269
- - - - - - - - 7-4.0-5850 074769
40 0-5913 016235 7-5 05850 0-77321
4-1 05908 0-17254 7-6 05849 0-79910
42 05903 018310 1-7 0-5849 0-82565
4-3 0-5899 019406 7-8 05849 085272
44 05896 0-20544 7-9 05849 0-88031
45 05892 0-21716 _ _ _ _ _ _
46 0-5889 022931 8-0 05848 090828
47 05886 024185 81 05848 093693
48 05882 025475 82 0-5848 096611
49 05880 0-26814 83 05848 0-99584
84 05847 1-0259
50 05878 028193 8-5 0-5847 10567
51 05876 029614 86 05847 1-0881
5-2 05874 0-31076 8-7 05847 1-1200
5-3 0-5872. 032581 8-8 05847 1-1525
54 05870 034128 8-9 0-5846 H853
20
2-1
2-2
23
24
2-5
2-6
27

-------

TABLE 2.3.

DISCHARGE 01-1 WATER OVER A

90 DEGREE

I:t-'I

l:i:

ead: Co-, '

1Mill
iII efficient, chuge
. Co : fta(s'

90, 0-5846 1-2189

91 0,5846' 1-2530
92 05846 12877
93 0-5846 1-3230
94 05846 13588
9-5 0-5846,1-3953
9-6 05846 1-4323
97 0'5846, 1-4699
98 05846 15080
99 0'5846, 1-5468
-------100 0-5846 1-5862
101 05846 1-6261
102 0'5846' 1-6667
10-3 0-5846 1-7078
104 0-5846 1-7496
105' 05846 17919
10-6 0,5846, 1-8349
107. 05846 ,1-8785
10-8 05846 1-9227
109 0-5846 19675
-----.--110 05847' 20133
IH 05847 20593
112 0-5847 2-1060
11'3 05847 2-1534
114 05847 22013
115 05847 2-2499
11-6.0,5848 2-2995
11'7.0'5848,2'3494
118 0-5848' 2-3999
119 0-5848 24511
120
12-1
122
123
124

0.5848: 25029 '

0'5849: 25558
05849: 26090
05849 I 26628
05849: 27172
!

DISCHARGE OF WATER OVER A

1h/90 DEGREE

V~NOTCH

Coefficieut

Co

I
I

Discbaq:e

ft'/s

125 05849 ,2,7723

126 05850 i 28286
12-7 0-5850: 28850
128 05850 I 29422
12-9 05850' 3-0000
---'--130 0-5850 30585
13-1 05850 3-1176
13-2 0-5850 31774
133 05851 32385
134 0-5851 3-2991
135 05851 3-3616
136 0'5851 34242
13-7 05851 34875
13-8 0-5852 35521
13-9 0'585213-6168

I'

---~---

140 0-585213-6822
14-1 05852 3-7483
142 05853 3-8158
143 0-5853 38833
144 05853 3-9516
145 05854 I 40212
14-6 05854 i1 40909
147 0'5854 4-1613
14-8 0'5855 1 4-2332
149 05855 43051
------150 05855 j 43777

NOTE. The number of significant figures given in the columns for coefficient and discharge
should not be taken to imply a corresponding accuracy in the knowledge of the values given,
. but only to assist in interpolation and analysis.

e... m_
......
......
Head:

lM-

CD

ft~is

20

6150 0-01492
-6140 ' 001683
'6130 001888
2-3 6120 0-02106
2-4 6111 i 002339
2,5, 6103 002587
26' 6095 002850
2' 6088 : 001329
'8 '6081 ! 003422
2-9: 6074 ! 003732
2-1

22

30 6068 I 004058
3'1, 6062 : 0-04400
32 ' -6057 I 0-04760
3-3 6052 ! 0-05136
3-4 6047 : 0-05530
3,5, -6042 1005940
3-6 6037 I 006368
3-7. 6032 j 006814
3'8; -6027 I 007278
391 6022 ! 007160
40
4'
4'
4-3
44
45
4-6:
4'
4'8!
49'

6018 ' 008262

'6014! 008782
60lD ' 009321
6006 i 0-09879
6002 , 010456
5998: 011053
-5994 ! 0'116:70
5990 ; 012306
5987 I 0-12965
-5983 i 013642

5-0!
5'
52 '
5'
54

-5980! Q.14341
5971 ! '0-15061
5973 ! 0-15800
'5970: 016562
5967 - 017346

efficieDt
CD

....

5-5
5-6
5'7
58
59

0-5964
'05961
05959
05957
05955

018151
018978
019830
020704
021601

H~d

Co-

1M-

f~ls

---60 05952 022516

601 ' 05950 , 023458
62 '05948 : 024423
6-3 0-5946 0-25412
&4 0'5944, 026423
65' 0-5942 I 0-27458
6-6 0,5940, 028517
6,7, 05938 0-29600
68 i 05936 0-30706
6,9, 05934 031837

_._--10:
Hi
72
7-3
7'4'
75'
7'6

05932
05930
05gz8
05926'
05925
05923'
05922:
05920 .
7-8: 05919 '
7'9: 05918

032992
034171
035315
036604
037864
0'39143
040454
041784
0-43146
044535

81 05915
8'2: 005914 .
8-3' 05912
8'4: 05911
85 i 05910
86 05909
8-7, 05908
88' 05907
8-9 05906

047383
048851
0-50337
051858
053406
054982
056584
058214
059872

7-7:

----_.8-0: Q.5917 : 0-45950

V~NOTCH

_.

~~ ...<;-...

1M-

~"CD

ft'(s

fH~ i CD- '

ill I~t
~I CD

Dia-

dIIIU&e
ftlls

125
12-6
12-7
128
129

0-5881 : 1-3937
05881 14218
05880 1-4499
05880 1-4786
05880 15077

130
13-1
13-2
13-3
,3-4
135
13-6
13-7
13-8
139

05880 15371
05819 15665
05879 1-5966
0-5879 , 1-6270
05879 1-6578
05878 I 16886
05878 1-7200
05818 1-7518
05877 ! 17831
05877 1-8161

05905
05904
0-5903
05902
05901
05900
05900
05899
05898
0-5898

1}61558
063271
065013
066783
068581
0-70407
072275
074159
0-76073
078028

10-1
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109

0-5897
0-5896
05895
0-5894
05893
05892
05891
05891
005890

110
11-1
112
113
114
115
116
11-7
11-8;
11,9,

05890
05889
05889
05888
05888
05887
05886
0-5885
05884

082015
084046
086106
088196
0090316
092467 '4-0 0-5876: 18487
0-94647 14-1 05876 i 18819
0096874 ,4-2 0-5815 i 19151
0-99115 143 05815 19490
'44 0-5874, L9829
1-0140 145 0-5874! 2-0175
10371 146 05874 20525
...,606 14-7 0-5873 20814
1-0842 148 0-5873, 2-1231
1-1084 14-9 0-5873' 21592
1-1327
1-1574 150 05812 , 21952
11823
1-2076
1-2331

120
121
122
123
12-4

05883
05883
0-5882
05882
05881

12590
12853
13121
1-3389
103650

90
9-1
9-2
9-3
9-4
9'5,
9-6'
9-7:
98
99

----10-0 05897

0-8oo

0'5~Ui7

- -- - _ . - - -

-------

8_53 ~

NO E. The number or significant figures given in the colwoos for cod6cient and discbarie
"'DU d not be taken to imply a corresponding accuracy in the knowlcdae of the values given,
but nly t~ assist in interpolation and analysis.

_. __ .

TABLE 2.4.

DISCHARGE Of-' WATER OVER A

lA/90 DEGREE

V~NOTCH

Head ~ Co- ,I DisHead

CoDillHud
Coill I efficient ebarp k !~.- efficient' cbarge L:_.in eflicieat
iDcbes CD
fI"/s fa'c:besi CD
fll/s ;"eb~. CD

:::;

Di:l_

Head

char;" Lin

nils

fucbe!l

CoefficieDt

CD

Dillcharge

ft"ls

20 i 06500 000789 5'5: 06120 009313 go 06015 031352 125 05973 070777
H! 0-6475 0-00888 56 i 06115. 009734 9'1 06013 0-32223 12-6 05972 072190
221 06450 000993 5-7 0-6110 ! 010165 9-2 0-6012 033108 127 0'5971 073619
1
231 06428 001106 5-81 06106 ,QI061i
go;) 06010 034007 IH 05970 0-75065
2-4 i 06410. 0-01227 5-g: 06102 0-11067
94 06009 0-34920 129 05969 0-76527
2-5! 0-6393 i 0-01355 - - ,
: _ _ _ 9-5 06007 035848
2'6,0-637610-01491 6.010'609810'11534 9'6 0'6005 036790 130 05968 078005
2.710'6360 1001634 6'110'6093 i 012011 97 06003 037746 13-1 05967 079500
2'8! 0'63451 001785 621 06089 ~ 012501 ~
~ 06002 038717 1302 05966 081012
29' 0'63311 001945 63' 0'6085! 013()(n I ",9 06001: 039702 133 05965 082541
- - , - - - - ' - 64: 06081 " 0'13516
13-4 05964 084087
3"10'631710'02112 6'5: 06077 ~ 014041 100 06000 I 040701 135 05963 085650
3-1 06304 002288 6'610'6073' 014578 101 05999 041716 13'6 05962 087830
3'2,1 06292 002472 671 0'60701 015129 102 05998 i 042746 137 05961 088827
33: 06281 002665 68' 06067 I 015591 103 05996 0-43791 138 05960 090441
34; 06270 002867 6'9! 0'6063' 016264 104 05995; 0'44851 1309 05959 092073
3'5: 06260 003077 - - ,
105 05994,0,45926
3.6i 06250 003296 70: 06060 i 016851 106 05993! 047017 140 05958 093722
3,7,0,6240 003525 1-l: 06057 i 017452 107 05991: 048124 14-1 05957 095388
3-8! 06231 003762 7-2. 06054, 018064 108 0.5990 1 049248 142 05956 097072
3'91 0'6222 001008 HI 0'6051 018688 lO9 0,5989, 0'50388 143 05955 098774
- - - - ' - 7'4,0'6049 019326
144 05954 10049
40 06213 004264 75,0,6046 019978 110 05988' 051544 145 05953 1-0223
4-1: 06205 004531 1-61' 06043 020641 IH 05987 052713 146 05952 1-0399
42: 0'6197 004806 7.7! 06041 021318 112 05986' 053898 14-7 05951 1-0576
43 'I 06189 005090 H: '0'6039 022011 11-3 05985: 055100 148 05950 1-0755
44 06182 005385 7'9,06037 022715 114 05984 056319 149 0'5949 1-0936
4,5,0,6175 005689 -
115 05983' 057555 -----~
46! 0'6169 006005 8,0' 0'6034 023430 11-6 05982 i 058806 150 05948 H118
47: 06163 006330 81 i 06032 024160 117 05981' 060072 ' __L_....I....__
48 i 06158 006666 8,2 i 06030 : 024903 118 05980 061353 t
49 i 06152 ,0,07013 8'3: 06028 i 025659 119 0'5979; 062650
- - , - - - - ' - 84' 06026 026428
09_28 "'"'
50 0' 6146 007369 8'5! 0'6024 027215 120 0'5978. 063962
51 06140 007736 8,6 06022 028014 12-1 05977 0.65291
8
52 06135! 008114 87' 06020 028827 122 05976 i 066637
5'3! 06130 008503 g'8 i 06018 029654 123 0'59751 068000
5'410'6125 008902 g'9,0'6017 030495 124 05974 069380

-+--,-

'I

I'

NOTE. The number of significant figures given in the columns for coefficient and discharge
should not be taken to imply a corresponding accuracy in the knowledge of the values given,
but only to assist in interpolation and analysis.

2.1.7. Notches with angles between 20" and 100"

A- comprehensive study and re-analysis of the available experimental data on the flow of water through triangular-:
notch weirs indicates that the fluid~property influences can be allowed for by adjusting the measured value of h;
the result is a modified equation of discharge (ref 5),
8

Q
6/2
e v'7i tan-2 he

Q.::oCe -

<2.5)

(Ktndsvate.r-8hcn)
.

in which ee is a function ()f the aeometric ratios alone,

(2.6)

and he' the effective head, is

(2.1)

In Eq 2.7. I{h is an absolute measure (ft or.m> o~ the combin~d effects of viscosity and surface ~ension.
Figure 2.2.

" " . <>

1-5

0.016

:-

0.014

tI

0.012

'"

0.010

0.008

...

I\.
r--...

0.006
0.004

~2

r--.... .......

20

r--.

60

40

Value of Notch Angle

FIGURE 2.2.

relates

'b

G>

:>
0

>

--

0.002
0

"

tI

=
~

80

(el.

100

f - - ~I

0
120

Degrees

VALUE OF kh RELATED TO NOTCH ANGLE

to various notch angles and isbaserJ on experimental data from many sources, (refs 6, 7. 8, 9, 10)

18

The coefficient of discharge iii shown in Figure 2.3 for a

90~degree

notch weir for a wide range of values of

0.62

II'

0.'
0.11

.J

I~'

:~5

0.61
I'/B'LO

0.60

I /

1/ 1/

1/ /
/
'/ 'I / /

..

'0

~ 0.59

0.58

oa

0.'

f--

0.57 a

"'"

.~

f-.
0,4

0.8

0.6

1.0

Value of
FIGURE 2.3.

--

f-

./

,./

/
/, II, / / / ~ f--.
;:~ ~ ' / Vi.......

0.2

0.2-

V
/'

0.'

-----

1.2

1,4

1.8

1.6

2.0

h/~

COEFFICIENT OF DISCHARGE C e (8 "'" 90 DEGREES)

hiP and P/B using data in ref 6.

Triangular~notch

weirs covering a range of values of Qfrom 10 to 127 deg have been studied by a large number of
competent investigators. However, the range of values of P/B and hiP covered by the available data is quite
limited. For such weirs, which can be described as Ufully contracted, I! the available experimental data give the
values of C e shown in Figure 2.4 as a function of notch angle.

0.61

Nole~

.
-..

0.60

'

u
0

:>

0.59

....

Influcnc c of hiP and

P/B

negligible.

,
.........

0.58

I'--....

>

-_ ... ...'"
~

0.57
0.56

20

60

40

80

100

120

Value of Notch Angle (9J, Degrees

FIGURE 2.4.

COEFFICIENT OF DISCHARGE C e RELATED TO NOTCH ANGLE

Figure 2.3 might be used to indicate approximately the relative influence of hiP and P/B on the quantities shown
in Figures 2.2 and 2.4, but in the absence of experimental confirmation for angles other than 90 degrees an
unknown error may be introduced.
Practical limitations on the magnitude of h are related to the Il clinging nappe!1 phenomenon which characterizes
low heads. To ensure a freely discharging, stable nappe, a minimum value of h = 0.2 ft (0.06 m) is recommended
for notch angles between 20 and 100 degrees.

19

For notch angles other than 90 degrees the following limitations apply to the application of equation 25 above:
a. h shall not be less than' 2 in <0.05 m} nor more than 15 in (0.38 m).
The vertex height, P, shall exceed 1.5 ft (0.45 m).
c. hiP shall not exceed 0.4.
d. The width of the approach channel, B, shall exceed 3.0 ft (0.9 m).
e. biB shall not exceed 0.20.
~.

Because of the wider experimental confirmation a 90 degrees notch may continue to be used when the sides andlor
floor of the approach channel have some influence on the contraction of the nappe. the limitations being less
restrictive as follows:a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

h shall be not less than 2 in (0.05 m) nor more than 24 in (0.60 m).
The vertex heiiht P, shall exceed 0.5 ft (0.15 m).
hiP shall not exceed 1.2.
The width of the approach channel B shall exceed 2.0 ft (0.6 m).
h/B shall not exceed 0.40.

2.2. RECTANGULAR THIN-PLATE WEIRS

2.2.1. The rectangular, .thin-plate weir as defined for these standards is a general classification of which the
rectangular-notch weir is the basic form and the full-width or "suppressed ll weir is a limiting example. Figure 2.5
shows a standard rectangular-notch weir.

Direction
of flow

"Z...

Enlarged view of crest

and side of rectangular
notch, showing chamfer on
downstream edge of notch

FIGURE 2.5.

THE RECTANGULAR-NOTCH, THIN-PLATE WEIR

20

2.2.2. The standard weir shall consist of a rectangular notch symmetrically located in a vertical, thin-plate. The plate
shall be smooth and plane, especially on the upstream side, and it shall be perpendicular to the sides as well as
the bottom of the channel. The crest of the weir notch shall be a horizontal plane surface, which shall form a
.sharp right-angle corner at its intersection with the upstream face of the weir plate. The sides of the notch shall
be vertical plane surfaces which shall make sharp 90-degree intersections with the plane of the crest, and which,
in shape and width, shall be identical with the crest surface.
2.2.3. The upstream edges of the sides and crest of the weir must be sharp; that is, they shall be machined or filed
perpendicular to the upstream face of the weir plate, free of burrs and scratches. Abrasive cloth or paper must
not be used because of the danger of rounding the edge. The downstream edges of the notch shall be chamfered if
the weir plate is thicker than the allowable crest width. The sUIfaces of the chamfers shall make an angle of not
less than 45 degrees with the surfaces of the notch.
2.2.4. If the length of the crest be equal to the width of the channel (ie a full..width weir), it is especially important that
the sides of the channel be vertical, plane, parallel and smooth in the near vicinity of the weir. The sides of the
channel above the level of the crest of a full-width weir shall extend at least 0.3 ft (0.09 m) beyond the plane of
the weir.
2.2.5. The discharge nappe shall be fully ventilated and unsubmerged. Provisi.ons for ventilation of the nappe should
ensure that the pressure over the sides and nappe surfaces is atmospheric. The tailwater level should be low
enough to ensure that it shall not interfere with the ventilation or free discharge of the jet. The nappe shall not
be permitted to cling to the downstream face of the weir.
2.2.6. The head on the weir shall be measured a sufficient distance upstream from the weir to avoid the regions of
surface draw-down. On the other hand, it shall be close enough to the weir for the energy loss between the section
of measurement and the weir to be negligible. The head measurement section shall be located a distance equal to
between three ~nd four times the maximum head (3 to 4h mll. x) upstream from the weir.
2.2.7. Basic Discharge Equation:
The basic equation of discharge for rectangular. thin~plate weirs is the equation attributed to Poleni and Dubuat,
Q _ C ~,!Tg bh '/'
(2.8)
3
in which Q is the volume rate of flow or discharge (cu ft per sec or cu m per sec), C is the coefficient of discharge
(nondimensionaI), g is the acceleration due to gravity (t per sec per sec Dr m per sec per sec), b is the width of
the notch (ft or m), and h is the piezometric head or height of the upstream liquid surface referred to' the level of
the crest (ft or m).
2.2.8. In Eq 2.8. C is essentially a function of two geometric ratios and two fluid-property ratios. Both fluid-property
ratios can be replaced with the quantities hand b for a given fluid. It follows that, for a single liquid and a
limited range of temperatures,
<2.9)

It has been shown (ref 11) that the relati;'1ely minor effects represented by hand bin Eq (2.9) can be evaluated by

adjustment of their measured values. The result is a modified equation of discharge

Q :=Ce "3

in which

Ce is

.;zg be he

~/l!.

(Kmdsvater-Carter)

a function of the two remaining geometric ratios alone,

whereas, be' the effective width, is

be=b+ k b,

and he' the effective head, is

(2.10)
(2.1 Jl

(2 l~)

(2.13)

In Eqs 2.12 and 2.13, kband ~are absolute measures (ft or m) of'the combined effects of viscosity and surface
tension.

21

2.2.9. Evaluation of Cc ~ and ~ for Water:

Values of the coefficients required in the above equations are available from many series of experiments
(refs 12. 13, 14, 15). The analysis and experiments in ref 10 show the relationship between Cd and hiP to be
linear for all values of biB. Thus, for the full-w-idth or I1suppressed"weir (biB"" 1.0),

(2. J4)

(2.15)

C.~0.602

+ 0.075

C.~0.598

+ O.064 p

Similar equations for other values of biB are:

(b/B~0.9):

0.045

(2.16)

0.7): Co ~ 0.594 + 0.030

h
P

(2.17)

+ 0.018

h
P

(2.18)

C.~0.596 +

(bIB

~0.8):

(bIB

(bIB

~0.6):

C.~.0.593

(bIB

~ 0.4):

Co ~ 0.591 + 0.0058

(bIB

~0.2):

C.

~0.589

(bIB ..... 0): C.~0.587

(2.19)

0.0018

(2.20)

0.0023

Ph

(2.21)

Figure 2.6 shows values of kb derived from the experiments

0020
5

0015

:::.i

0010

>c

0' 0005

"
;;

4 E
3 E

....... I--

;,

2"<

10

O~

-I>
-2

>-0,003
-0005
-0010

0'20

0'40

060

Value of
FIC'tURE.Z.6.

080

',00

b/8

VALUE OF k b RELATEO TO bIB

reported in ref 10. The figure indicates that kb is a function of biB, and that it reaches a maximum positive value
of 0.014 ft (4.3 mm) at biB"" 0.8 and a maximum negative value of -0.003 ft (0.9 mm) at biB"" 1.0.
A constant, positive value of kb "" 0.003 ft (0.9 mm) was found to be'applicable to the full variety of conditions
investigated and is recommended for use with the standard, rectangular, thin-plate weir.

22

2.2.10. Limitations on hiP, h, band P for the Standard Weir:

Practical limitations on hiP are related to the observation that head-measurement difficulties and errors result
from surges and waves which occur in the approach channel at larger values of hiP (in combination with larger
. values of biB). For fullwidth weirs (biB", 1.0), the recommended maximum value of hiP is 2.0. Although
limitations on hiP corresponding to smaller values of biB have not been established it may be assumed that
the same limitation applies.
Practical limitations on the magnitude of h are related to the nappe I1 clinging ll phenomenon which characterize
very low heads. To insure a freely discharging, stable nappe, a minimum value of h",O.1 ft (0.03 m) is
recommended.
Limitations on the magnitude of b are related to uncertainties regarding the surface tension and viscosity
effects represented by the quantity ~. A tentative minimum value of b ",0.5 ft (0.15 m) is recommended.
There is disagreement in the literature regarding an independent correlation between the weir height (P) and the
coefficient of discharge. It is acknowledged, however, that inaccuracies of measurement are associated with low
values of P, especially in combination with high values of hiP. It is recommended that P be limited to values
greater than 0.3 ft (0.09 m).
The specifications for a standard installation include the requirement that the velocity in the channel upstream
from the weir be such as to simulate the normal velocity distribution in a smooth, horizontal, rectangular channel.
The recommended values of Ce , kb and kh were derived from laboratory tests which satisfied this requirement.
2.2.11. Alternative equations for rectangular thin-plate weirs:
A number of discharge formulae have been derived for particular categories of rectangular thin-plate weirs, based
on experimental work. Several of these are acknowledged to provide a reliable figure for the discharge, provided
the limitations for the particular equations are observed. The Rehbock equation for fullwidth weirs for example,
has an established reputation, and equations for other categories of weir have been standardized in Europe.
2.2.12. The fullwidth weir:
A fullwidth weir is one which extends across the fullw'idth of the approach channel (Bib'" 1.0). 'fhis weir is
also referred to as a suppressed weir.
The discharge equation is:

2
Qc_;Tg C
3

in which

Co '" 0.602 + 0.083 hiP

bh

3/2

(2.23)

<

(2.24)

(Rehbock, ref 16)

where h is the g"auged head,
P is the weir height.
h < ' h + 0.004 ft {O.0012 ml

(2.25)

The general installation conditions shall apply, and the following practical limitations on hiP, h, band P shall
be strictly observed in the application of this equation.
a.
b.
c.
d.

hiP
The
The
The

shall not exceed 1.0.

head h shall be between 0.1 ft and 2.5 ft (0.03 m to 0.75 m).
weir width b shall be at least 1.0 ft (0.03 m).
weir height P shall be not less than 0.3 ft (0.10 m).

23

2.2.13. Weirs with fully developed contractions:

Fully developed contractions occur when the bed and walls of the channel upstream of the weir are sufficiently
remote from its crest and sides for the channel boundaries to have no significant influence on the contractions
. of the nappe. The alternative discharge equation for rectangular thil).plate (square edged) weirs with fully
developed contractions is:
8

(2.26)

in which

Co =0.616 (l -

(2.m

O.lh/b)(Hamilton-Smith, ref 17)

where h is the head of water above the crest,
b is the width of the notch.

The general installation conditions shall apply and the following limitations on h/b. h, b, Bb and P shall be
observed in the application of this equation.
a. The wal-Is of the approach channel shall not be less than twice the maximum head from the vertical lips
(ie Bb shall be greater than 2h).
2
.
b. The height of the weir shall not be less t1).an twice the maximum head.
c. hlb shall not exceed 0.5.
d. The head h shall be between 0.25 ft and 2.0 ft (0.075 to 0.60 m).
e. The weir width b shall be at least 1.0 ft (0.30 m>.
f.. ine welf hetgnt P shAll be nut less than 1.6 ft 00.36 iU~.
g. When B(h + P) is less than 10 bh, the approach velocity is nQt negligible, and this may be allowed for by
replacing h- in the equation quoted, by ht:
thus W:= h +

1.4( V; \ where Va is the mean velocity in the

2g -) approach channel.

Provided the approach channel is sufficiently large to render the velocity of approach negligible, and the weir
complies also with conditions a to g above, the shape of the approach channel is unimportant. The fullycontracted form of weir may be used with nonrectangular approach channels under these circumstances.
2.2.14. Partially contracted weirs:
If, due to the proximity of the walls andlor the bed of the approach channel, the contractions are not fully
developed. the weir is defined as a partially contracted weir. Thl? alternative discharge equation for partially
contracted thin-plate weirs is:

3{2

Q=3v'2g C D bh
Where h is in feet

CD.f.578

in which

CO is

+o.037(~f+ 0.0118: : ~:~~~85(~)'}

{1+ 0.5 (~)'(h~ Pi'

(2.28)

(~r}

f+0.5(~)4(h~S

(2.29)

OR where h is in metres

CD

Jot'

578

(2.27)

the coefficient of discharge.

+ o.

037('!?-)' 0.00365 - 0.0030

B +
h + 0.0016

(Association Suisse de Normalisation ref 18)

The general installation conditions shall apply. The following limitations on hiP, bIB, h. band P are to be
strictly observed in the application of this equation:
a.
b.
c.
d.

hiP
The
biB
The

shall not exceed 1.0.

head h shall exceed 0.08 x biB ft (0.025 x biB m) but be less than 2.6 ft (0.8
shall not be less than 0.3.
weir height P shall be at least 1.0 ft (0.30 m).

24

m>,

3. BROAD-CRESTED AND OTHER LONC..BASE WEIRS

3.1. GENERAL EQUATIONS
3.1.1. Critical depth theory, coupled with experiment, has shown that the discharge over a roundanof>e broad-crested
\veir may be represented by the following equation and although the theory is not strictly applicable to triangular
profile and rectangular profile weirs, this formula is used as the basic equation for all long-base weirs.
(3.D

where

Q = discharge

Cn=coefficient of discharge (non dimensional)

g = gravitational acceleration
b = width of weir crest

H = total head
3.1.2.

Since the total head, H. cannot be measured in practice, the discharge equation in terms of gauged head, h. may
be written as follows:

l3.2 )

where Cy is a further dimensionless coefficient allowing for the effect of approach velocity on the measured
water level upstream of the weir. By definition
C,

0.3)

=(.':1)
,j,
h

3.1.3. The total head is related to the gauged head through:

(3.4)

wherc Va i s the mean velocity in the approach channel at the gauging section, and is a coefficient (the kinetic
energy or Coriolis coefficient) which takes account of the fact that the kinetic energy head exceeds Va2/2g if the
velocity distribution across the section is not uniform. In applying the equations in this Standard, a. may be taken
as unity.
3.1.4. From equations (3.2) 0.3) and 0.4), it may be de.duced fref 19) that
(C"',
l)~"2 C , r'1J bh/3/(3) A
,

0.5)

where A is the cross-sectional area of the approach channel below the observed water level, at the gauging
section. Thus Cv may be deduced in terms at CDbh/A. To avoid the complicated solution of equation 0.5) in
deducing Cy, Figure 3.2 has to be prepared giving the relation between Cv and CDbh/A. The value of the coeffi~
dent CUdepends on the profile of the weir crest, and is dealt with later under the headings of the three types of
weir. Equation 3.5, and hence Figure 3.2 are not applicable to compound weirs.
3.1.5.

For a compound weir,

0.6)

where suffixes 1, 2 etc refer to the sections of crest at different elevations.

25

3.1.6. Equation (3.4) may alternatively be expressed as

H ~ h + Q'/(2g R)

(3.7)

which is applicable generally to all gauging structures. Equation (3.6) may then be written:

Ci)2(~r/2/g b 2 [h 2 + Q(2g

A2)].3/2

+ etc.

(3.8)

This can be solved by successive approximations by first putting Q =0 in the terms in square brackets []., and
thus deducing a first approximation to the total discharge Q A second approximation Q is obtained by using
Q1 in the term in square brackets, and so on.
1
2
In general:

Q,

= C Dt

2)
(3"

3/2

3/2

,Ig 0, [hI + Q~_,/(2g A2 )].

(3.9)

+ etc.
T~e .successiv~ approxi~~tion procedure

wlthm the requued preCISIOn.

must be continued until the difference between

"

On

and Qn_tis well

3.2. RBUNB-NBSE 118R1Z8t1ThL CREST WlOIRS

3.2.1. The standard weir comprises a truly level and horizontal crest, between vertical abutments. The upstream corner
should be rounded in such a manner that flow separation does not occur, and downstream of the horizontal crest
there should be e.ither i. a rounded corner, ii. a downward slope or iii. a vertical face. The weir should be set at
right angles to the direction of flow in the approach channel. The dimensions of the weir and its abutments shall
confonn with the requirements indicated in Figure 3.1. The radius of the upstream nose must not be less than
0.2 H max The length of the horizontal portion of-the weir crest should not be less than 1.75 H max nor should the
sum of the crest length and nose radius be less than 2.25 Hmax
3.2.2. The head on the weir should be measured at a point far enough upstream of the crest to be clear of the effects of
drawdown, but close enough to the weir that the energy loss between the section of measurement and the upstream
edge of the weir crest shall be negligible. It is recommended that the head-measurement section be located a
distance of between two and three times Hmax upstream of the weir block.
3.2.3. Flow is modular when it is independent of variations in tailwater level. For this to occur, assuming subcritical
conditions in the tailwater channel, the tailwater total head level must not rise beyond a certain percentage of
H above crest height. With a vertical downstream face, this percentage is dependent on HIP: 66 per cent for low
values of H/pl, rising to 75 per cent at H/pl of 0.5 and 80 per cent at H/pl of 1.0 and over. For a gently curved
or sloping downstream face, the modular limit may be taken as 5 per cent higher throughout. In the above, pi is
the height of the crest above downstream bed level.
3.1.4. The basic discharge equation is given in 3.1 in terms of both total and gauged head. Eq 3.2 may be used to
evaluate discharge, with the appropriate value of Cv read from Figure 3'.2.
3.2.5. For water at ordinary temperatures, CD is a function of head, h, the crest length in the direction of flow, the
roughness of the crest, and the ratio h/b. It may be expressed by"the following equation which takes account of
the development of a boundary layer on the crest (after Ippen see refs 20, 21~ 22, 23)
(3.10)

where L is the length of the horizontal section of the crest in the direction of flow. and x is a factor which
allows for the influence of the boundary layer on the crest and abutments.
For well-finished installations such as might be used in a laboratory for gauging clean water, x\: 0.003. For field
installations of well-finished concrete or similar construction, x = 0.005.

26

3.2.6. The practical lower limit oC h is related to the magnitude of the influence of fluid properties and boundary
roughness. The recommended lower limit is 0.06 m <0.2 ft) or 0.03 L, whichever is the greater.
The limitations on Hlp arise from difCiculties experienced when the Froude number in the approach channel
exceeds 0.5, coupled with inadequate experimental confirmation at high values of HIP. The recommended upper
limit is HIP = 2.5.
The limitation on H/L arises Crom the necessity to ensure sensibly hydrostatic pressures at the critical section on
the crest: H/L should not exceed 0.6.
The height of the weir, P, should not be less than 0.15 m (0.5 ft). The crest width b must not be less than
0.30 m (l m, nor less than H max nor less than LIS.
3.3. TRIANGULAR PROFILE CRUMP WEIRS
3.3.1. A weir with a triangular profile in the direction of flow provides an economic structure for gauging river discharge with little afflux, especially if it is provided with facilities for double gauging and can thus operate
drowned. For this purpose, the downstream measurement point may be located either just beyond the crest,
tapping into the separation pocket, or beyond the weir in the more conventional way. (See refs 24, 25, 26).

3.3.2. The standard Crump weir comprises an upstream slope of 1 (vertical) to 2 (horizontal) and a downstream slope of
1 (vertical) to 5 (horizontal). The intersection ()f these two surfaces forms a straight line crest, horizontal and
at right angles to the direction of flow in the approach channel. Particular attention should be given to the crest
itself, which should possess a well-defined corner of durable construction. The crest may be made of precast
concrete sections, carefully aligned ami jointed or may have a non-corrodible metal insert, as an alternative to
in-situ construction throughout. The dimensions of the weir and its abutments shall conform with the requirements
indicated in Figure 3.3. Weir blocks may be truncated but not so as to reduce their dimensions in plan to less
than 1.0 H (maximum) for the 1:2 slope, and 2.0 H for the 1:5 slope.
3.3.3. The head on the weir should be measured at a point far enough upstream of the crest to be clear of the effects of
draw-down, but close enough to thi: .;>..eir that the energy loss between the section of measurement and the upstream edge of the weir shall be negligible. This condition is satisfied if the head measurement section is at
a distance H~x Hmax upstream of the toe of the structure. In some practical situations very high aCcuracy
is not needed ~ the maximum discharge to be gauged, and in order to save expense the head measurement section
may then be brought closer to the toe of the weir than H2max , provided it is not doser than Y2H max.
P
(For a truncated weir block the reference point, ie the upstream toe of the 1:2 slope, should be where the 1:2
slope if produced downwards would meet the bed; and for a compound weir, the reference point should be the
upstream toe of the weir block which extends furthest upstream).
3.3.4. Flow is modular when it is independent of variations in tailwater level. For all flow conditions the tailwater
total head level must not rise beyond 75 per cent of the upstream total head H above crest height, if the flow is
not to be affected by more than one per cent, for subcritical conditions in tailwater channel.
3.3.5. The basic discharge equation is given in 3.1 in terms of both total and gauged head, Eq 3.2 may be used to
evaluate discharge with the appropriate value of Cv read from Figure 3.2. For water at ordinary temperatures Co
is independent of h except at very low heads when fluid properties influence the coefficient. Under modular
conditions for h > 0.06 m (0.2 ft),
is constant and equals 1.150. For h < 0.06 m (0.2 ft) CD is given by the
following equations.

en

CD = 1.150 (l - 0.0003/h) :1/2 where h is in metres

CD <= 1.150 (l - 0,001lh)

3/2

where h is in feet

O,lD
(3,12)

(ref 25)

3.3,6. When the weir is drowned. the coefficient of discharge is affected by the ratio HjH where Hu is the total energy
level, relative to crest height, beyond the weir. It has also been established (ref 24) that there is a unique
relationship between the coefficient of discharge and the ratio hp/H, where h p is the piezometric pressure
measured by a tapping just downstream of the crest into the separation pocket (see Fig 3.4). The coefficient of

27

discharge is reduced by a factor f, which can be read from Figure 3.5 in terms of h /H or Hd/H, depending on
the method of measurement used downstream. To avoid successive approximation in deducing total head,
Figure 3.6 may be used to evaluate f from hp Ih. In applying equation 3.2 it should be noted that the reduced
"coefficient value of fC o , must be used when evaluating c.,. from Figure 3.2.
3.3.7. The practical lower limit of 'hi is related to the magnitude of the influence of fluid properties and boundary
roughness. For a well-maintained weir with a crest section of smooth metal or its equivalent, the recommended
lower limit of 'h' is 0.03 m (0.1 ft); for a weir with a crest section of fine concrete or materials having similar
texture, the recommended lower limit of 'hi is 0.06 m (0.2 ft).
The limitations of HIP arise from difficulties experienced when the Fronde number in the approach channel
exceeds 0.5 coupled with inadequate experimental confirmation at high values of the ratio HIP. The recommended
upper limit of HIP is 3.0.
The height of the weir, P, should not be less than 0.06 m (0.20 ft). The limit of band b/H relates to boundary
layer effects at the sides of the weir, for which no allowance is made in the formulae given. To reduce these to
an acceptable value, b should not be less than 0.3 m (1 ft) and b/H should not be le_ss than 2.0.

3.4. RECTANGULAR PROFILE WEIRS

3.4.1. This type of weir has been intensively studied over the years, (refs 27,28,29,30,31). The crest of the weir
shall be a horizontal, rectangular plane surfac"e and may be constructed in concrete with a smooth cement finish
or surfaced with a smooth non-corrodible material (see Fig 3.7). The upstream and downstream end faces of the
weir shall be smooth, vertical plane surfaces, and they shall be perpendicular to the sides and bottom of the
h I form a shar ri ht-an Ie corner at
its intersection with the plane of the crest.
There is no limitation on the ratio Of~ defining the geometric proportions of the weir. It is essential, however,
that the geLmetry should comply with lhe limitations on h : p and h/L given later. For flow measurement in
channels, p c: 2 may be a convep.ient value to adopt.
3.4.2. The head on the weir should be measured at a point far enough upstream of the crest to be clear of the effects of
draw-down, but close enough to the weir that the energy loss between the section of measurement and the upstream edge of the weir shall be negligible. This condition is satisfied if the gauge point is at a distance of
between 2 Hmax. and 3 Hmax. upstream of the upstream faGe of the weir.
3.4.3. Flow is modular when it is independent of variations in tailwater level. For this to occur, assuming sub-critical
conditions in the tail water channel, the tailwater total head level must not rise "beyond 66 per cent of the upstream total head H above crest height.
.
3.4.4. The basic discharge equation is given in 3.1 in terms of both total head and gauged head. Eq 3.2 may be used
to evaluate discharge, with the appropriate value of C v read from Figure 3.2.
The coefficient of discharge for the standard weir is a function of five independent, nondimensional ratios,
three being geometric ratios and two fluid property ratios involving viscosity and surface tension.
By specifying limits on h, b, and P such that viscosity and surface tension are not significant factors and
because it has been found, reference 27, that hlb has a negligible influence on the discharge coefficient for the
standard weir, Co may be reduced to a function of two variables

(3.13)
within the limits indicated in 3.4.6.

It is convenient to sub-divide the coefficient data into two distinct ranges:

a, the constant coefficient range
and

b. the variable coefficient range.

28

3.4.5. The value of the discharge coefficient

these limits being

Cli

remains Constant in only a limited range of h/L and h/(h + P) values,

0.08 S h/L'<:: 0.33

0.18 S h/(h + P) S 0.36
The mean coefficient value within the constancy limits is 0.848 and is known as the basic coefficient. To obtain
the actual coerficient in the variable range, it is necessary to multiply the basic coefficient by a correction
factor, F. The values for the correction factor, to allow for the influences of either h/L or h(h + P) or both, are
shown in Figure 3.8 (Singer, ref 3D.
3.4.6. The following general limitations are to be observed:
h 2. 0.06 m
(or 0.2 ftl
(or 1 ft)
b ~ 0.3 III
P ~ 0.15 m
(or 0.5 ft)
0.08 S h/L S 0.85
0.18'<:: h/(h + P).<:: 0.6

29

Rad/us
~

<t 2

H max.

'X

/
"Head gauging

sedron

"'",

,.<"(0,..

'o~

AlternatIve geometries of
w

downsln-om foc'
of we"

. t ....
.r

l'~

>---9/"

~'

*O<=,

'~',..
"'",.,;
(--9
./

,..

"':'>y

,,'/'/

I
I

,/,/

" !:i

FIGURE 3.1.

/'

", /

~,/

,/

,/,/

ROUN[}-NOSE HORIZONTAL-('REST WEIR

,/,/,/

05

06

---

125

07

I
II

f-- -- ---I

,,

12

1/

-----i-

I--

09

O~

-+--

----+-.__.

II5

I/

--

1/
/
/

--I-

+-- f-r--\~~

r:/'

'0"
(,0/(

./

10

1/

./
./

V,
/'

105
I

,
,,0 5

~
00

01

02

-- --

1---- V

OJ
Ccbh/A

FIGURE 3.2.

COEFFICIENT OF APPROACH VELOCITY, Cv

31

o.

Q--- - ,"
- --

s''""
u.

32

CRUMP
SUGGESTED

1---''':_' '~

,.

":'-;'-

DESIGN

,:

C;;;;l/
~
':~ ~
SECTION

CAPACITY 2QCX) CUSECS

~_.~.~_.V'
.

-I

".'

...

WEIR

~'::

''

: l
,

,, __

SECTION B8

..

'"

AA

,~

r
'~

'~
. . . . . 0.

flf--

_.

..

:~

-"'0''''

; ::

to

d"G","~","~-'~'Cnr."

- fI

~', :

"'"-

C.... ,..""...,'h~T.C ..
' ......t

I """.. "'' "

f ........,.

.'A',

lio"

..

00

DO

"

(J

"'0""""_

;0 .--J

'. ..........
- .. """" ..
>..... _

nu, , _.. c..._ .

.....

ID~\CJ

..,.

CU'

DDD

"""""'TO

au, ....co

00
Q

(j)
o

:::>

L.

~~

go

G
'~P.P.9_
-00

,""':::: ~t=:~- -- ---,.!~~~

(

"''\ "",.",
~:t'-0~s
"_'.0

--.---

4 . . .

__

'.

$-.:t,I

, " " " ' ,........ _

"
~

PLAN
~

n 'I.J... r rtrr'r"':"

<.,~

"_.

FIGURE 3.4.

SUGGESTED DETAIL FOR

(OMI'OliND (RUMP WEIR, II'ITII DETAIL OF ('REST TAPPl:>:G

CREST

TAPPING

,.,

-"""'

,.,

Hd/M
r""'oo.
....

........ ~

-./"

1"'0.

,.,

T T-

1% Tol.renee line -

......

l'

-+--1--+-'

,.,,',-1,,-,',-,,-,---,-,----,---,-,---,

1---'1--+1---+-j-+--+-+----f~+__+-k:;;1;;o_\i
.....
....075
'7
h
!!e.

,.,

I-+-+-++-+-+--l-I---+-~"I<-l-;--+-

I--+--+-+---+-I--+--+-+-+-I-\.~-+' ~

... ~

-J.1"
-._.- -

-,

,.,

,... .

'

~_I

.f,:.

Hd ,.,

.. j_.

.-

~
.._

"3

"1

I
I

'
'

,-"-'"

I!

,
I

"

..

! /./

.........---

1///

---.

~,

k----'l/
.:::.::=!P' / j /
II

Ii

II'."

.
*

.'.

,.,

'

----':Y1V
V
'

I.t.--

' ' ' ,

'.'.<XI

DROWNED FLOW REDUCTION FACTOR FOR CRUMP WEIR

IN TERMS OF hpj" and "dill

I
[oh~

FIGURE 3.6.

V
V

_J-..--

_.-.....,.

f
....IGURE 3.5.

-..

/"

,--:~

Ul'

'./'

- - i ..J+.----.........~

.. ~
.N

~~

0 , " , __

" . ,

I'
,., 1-+-1-+--+-+-+-1-+-+-f-I-t....
,. .-_. ~
f--+-+--1-+~I--+-+--+.;.!~r!!,~..lin!.._

rl

0'"

1---1--+-+-+-I--l--I--I--I--~.j
..- ._... ,"
I
I
hp/H_O'24
I

075

",".

'

'

D?/!

-. .

+_

-+-'

_~..

'

DROWNED FLOW REDl1CTlON FACTOR FOR CRUMP WEIR

IN TERMS OF bih and 11/(h + p)

35

'"
1-14

II'

i/

'12

lo.

/
/

'"

l!i ''0
...~

~I"

8'" 108
~

u
LL 101

/'

...
0
c,

uJ

t11.06

/'

V
t-

iii
1:

1-0~

1-04

IO~

102

101

,00

<

---V
---V
V

I-

0.33

/
/

V
V

--~ ~
--------

0.40

FIGURE 3.8.

/
/

V
/
V

/'

1L
'0500
h+P

v//11/

V
v/
/ / //

h+P .0400

/i~p:037S

(p.0450

//:
h+P ";0350
!

7/ ~ ~

/
[7/ f/ /
1/

VI

r0

r/;1/

1/

t/::V
/

0.60

0000

/'

0.45

~p"O-5S0

-h+P

/ / / I~ Y

/
/

tw

/v

--

0.60

0.55

0.65

0.70

0.75

0.80

0.832

1:

RECTANGULAR PROFILE WEIRS, COMBINED COEFFICIENT CORRECTION FACTOR

FOR TilE!.!. and _h_ PARAMETERS

L
h \- P

3.

4.

STANIllNG WAVE FLUMES

4.1. GENERAL
4.1.1. A standing~wave flume is essentiaHy a streamlined structure built into an open channel to form a contraction
through which the velocity of the flowing water is increuHed with a consequent fall in water level. A wide variety
of flumes have been designed but only the three which will cover a wide range of lISC and which have rcr..:civcd
acceptance and field testing will be presented. Selection of the flume to use should be dictated by the type of
flow anticipated.
4.1.2. The rectangular throated standing-wave flume is constructed at zero slope and features the measurement of head
upstream of the throat in subcritical flow. These factors demand that free flow exists at all times and that special
consideration be given to maintaining adequate velocity in the approach channel if sediment and debris exist in
the flow to be measured.
4.1.3. R L Parshall (32) proposed changes in the design of the standing-wave flume, the most essential of which was a
drop in the floor. This drop stabilized the hydraulic jump that exists beyond the 'supercritical flow zone. The
throat width of the earlier Parshall flumes ranged in size from 3 inches (76 mm) to 8 feet (2.44 m). Flumes with
throat widths of 10 feet (3.05 m) to 50 feet (15.24 m) were later constructed and field calibrated. (33) More
recently Parshall flumes of 1-inch and 2-inch (25 mm and 50 mm) sizes were calibrated (34). Head-discharge
ratings are thus available for a large range in throat width. While supercritical flow exists in the throat of the
Parshall Flume, head is measured upstream in subcritical flow and may be affected by deposition of sediment and
debris. Parshall flume will operate submerged. These first two flumes are recommended for measuring flows in
irrigation systems having relatively sediment free water and where the range of How is limited.
4.1.4. Both the Parshall and rectangular throated, st~nding-wave Humes have narrow ranges of discharge because of
their vertical walls and are unsuited to the accurate measurement of low discharges. The obvious solution to this
problem was the sloping of the flume walls to produce a flume of trapezoidal shape. The following notes cover
these three types of flume only, namely the rectangular throated standing-wave flume, the Parshall flume, and the
trapezoidal flume.

4.2. RECTANGULAR THROATED STANDING WAVE FLUMES

4.2.1. The rectangular throated flume consists of a constriction of rectangular cross-section symmetrically disposed with
respect to the approach channel.
This is the most conmon type of flume and the easiest to construct. It can be adapted to suit most instaHa"tions
except when loss of head is important in non-rectangular channels.
There are three types of rectangular flume:
a. with side contractions only,
b. with bottom contraction or hump only,
c. with both side and bottom contractions.
The type to be used depends on downstream conditions at various rates of flow, the maximum rate of flow, the
pennissible head loss and the limitations of the hlb ratio, and whether or not the stream carries sel1iment.
4.2.2. The flume will have the geometry and dimensions"indicated on Figure 4.1. The invert of the throat shall :'-'e level
throughout its width and length. The sides of the flume throat shall be vertical and parallel and square with the
invert, so that the width of the throat is correct from top to bottom and end to end. The surfaces of the throat and
curved approach shall be smooth; they may be constructed in concrete with a smooth finish, or lined with a smooth
non-corrodible material. The centre line of the throat shaH bein line with the centre line of the approach channel.
4.2.3. The velocity in the throat must pass through the critical velocity. To ensure this, the invert level shall at all
times be at such elevation as to produce free flow Jor all design discharges. Normally the dimensions of the
venturi flume should be such that the depth of water upstream of the contraction is at (east 1.25 times that l1ownstream at all rates of flow. Nevertheless, it may be possible to rel1uce this difference provided that the occurrence of free discharge is confinned.

Zero level

I
I

II

'I"

At t...t
L
<
4 fl Ojn
This lenath must. be trulv
I e.....1 <lond fI.t

t-.1- t-

\.fJ

R,

<

I
I
I

1b

lliI

Elevation ot flat bottomed

flume

When

fCC overy

of head is

of no imp ortance. the

divergent tail section
may ~. truncated ..fter
half Its length and the

shaded portions omitted

_ _ _~Z."""'-~'''''~.

WJ~~~----!

Elevation ot flume with raised invert (hump)

b
"'" Width of flume throat
B = Width of approach channel
11m "'" Max. head on flume
E =3hm l04hm
F
= At least lOB
P = Height of hump
L
"'" Leneth ofthroal - ]5hm
FIGURE 4.1.

D
"'" 3(B-b)
R
... l(B-b)
R 1 .,. 4P (for bottom contraction)
On fiumcs wi!h both side and boltom
contractions, the contractions must
commence at the same point and R 1
should be adjusted to suit.

RECTANGULAR THROATED FLUME IN RECTANGULAR CHANNEL

The maximum design stage upstream of the flume shall be determined from the discharge - such that no flooding of
the upstream surroundings shall be caused by the installation.
4.2.4. The following installation conditions shall be observed:
a. The invert level of the throat shall not be lower than the dead water level in the channel, ie the water level
downstream at zero flow.
b. The length of the flume throat shall be not less than Eo!!: times the maximum total head to be measured.
c. The surfaces of the throat and curved approach shall be smooth; they may be constructed in concrete with a
smooth cement finish, or lined with a smooth non-corrodible material.
d. The invert of the approach channel shall be level from the flume to a point at least 4 feet 0.22 m) upstream of
the point of measurement, and at no point in this length shall rise higher than the invert level of the flume throat.
e. At the downstream end of the flume throat each side and/or the invert of the tail section should have a diverg
ence of not more than 1 in 6.
f. The flow condition in the approach channel for at least 20 times the channel width upstream of the flume shall
be subcritical, ie,
(4.0

v < rcA

Js,

where A
the cros s-sectional area
Bs = the surface width.
:0

38

4.2.5. The head on th~ num~ should be measured at a distance between 3 and 4 times the maximum head upstream of the
flume, preferably in a separate gauge chamb~r connected to the approach channel by a pipe whose entry is normal
to the direction of flow, and flush with the wall.
4.2.6. The discharge equation for rectangular throated flumes

is~
:1/2

(4.2)

in which Cn is coefficient of discharge depending on the development of a boundary layer in the throat
Cv is coefficient of velocity depending on velocity in the approach channel.
4.2.7. Coefficient of di scharge C n . The coefficient of di scharge for a flume with rectangular throat shall be determined
from the following formula (see refs 3, 35)

.(

b
_\'j'(h-0.003L)'j'
b + 0.0044'
h

(4.3)

where L = length of throat.

Values of Cn for various heads in relation to the width and length of the throat are shown in Table 4.1.
4.2.8. Coefficient of velocity C y The velocity coefficient depends on the cross-sectional area of the approach channel
in relation to the throat of the flume. On the assumption that the cross-sectional area of the approach channel is
rectangular, the velocity coefficient shall be determined from the following formulae:
Flumes with side contractions only,

(3--11L.),
138 .
Values of

for various ratios

~ are

c,j,

c'
y

"v

+ 1

(4.4l

= 0

shown in Table 4.2.

Flumes with both side and bottom contractions, and flumes with bottom contractions (hump) only,

2b)' . (11+P
h )' .
(3 I3B

Cy

2/3

Cv + 1 = 0

(4.5)

where P =height of invert level of throat above invert level of approach channel, .ie height of hump.
(The mean value of P may be taken if the bed of the approach channel is uneven).
In cases where the approach channel is not truly rectangular in section where h is measured, B should be determined from the equation:
B = crosssectional area at h
h + P
Values of Cy for various heads in relation to P and to sui t various width ratios are shown in Table 4.3.
The error involved in the implicit assumption that

Cv

and C n are mutually independent factors is negligible.

4.2.9. The general installation conditions given earlier shall apply. The following limitations shall be observed:
a. b must not be less than 0.33 ft (0.1 m).
b
h
b. B . 'i1+P mus l not be more than 0.7.
c.

must not be more than 3.

d. h must not be less than 0.16 ft (49 mm) or more than 6.0 ft (1.8 m).
e. When h max is less than 0.3 and P greater than 3 ft (0.9 m) in a flume formed by a hump only, the slructure
shouldPbe treated as a broad crested weir.
39

TABLE 4.1.

r'

DISCHARGE COEFFltlENTS FOR RECTANGULAR THROATED FLUMES

c"(
b
(h -0.003L)'/'
'"
b + O.004L .
h
h

b
070

065

060

.2 09924 09919 09913

09912 09907 0-9901
0,' 09900 09895 0-9889
0,' 0-9888 0S883 0-9878
2-D 09816 0'S872 09866

055

050

045

09906 09898 09888

09894 09886 09876
098~~ 09815 0-S865
0987t 0-9863 09853
0-985 09851 09841

0'40

035

030

025

0211

09876
09864
09852
09840
09829

09860
09848
09836
09825
09813

09839
09827
09815
0-9803
09792

09809
09797
09785
09774
09762

09164
09752
09141
09729
09117

0'J5

0010

09690 09542
09678 09530
09667 0-9519
09655 09502
09644 10'9496

....
09103
09092
0-9081
09070
09059

1'l 09865 0'9860 09854 09847 0-9839 09829 09817 09801 0-9780 09750 09706 0-9632 09485 09048
2'4 09853 09848 09842 09835 0-9827 0-9818 09805 09789 0-9768 09139 09694 0-9520 09474 09038

,.,,.,

0-9841 09836 0-9831 09824 0-9816 0-9806 09793 09778 09757 09727 0-9683 0-9509 09462 0-9027
09829 0-9824 0-9819 0-9812 09804 0979'1 09782 09766 09745 09715 09671 09598 09451 0-9016
20 09818 0'9813 09807 09800 9'9792 09782 0-9770 097.54 0-9733 0-9704 09660 09586 094'10 0-9005
09806
09794
09783
09171
3. 0-9759

0-9801
0'9787
09778
0'9766
09755

09795
09784
09772
09761
09749

09789 09781 09771 0-9758

0-9~77 0-9769 09759 09747
0976 0-9757 0'97~8 09735
09754 0-9746 0-9736 0-9724
097'12 0'9734 09724 09712

09743
09731
09720
09708
09696

09722
09710
09699
09687
09676

09692
09681
09669
09658
09&46

09648
09637
09625
09614
09602

09575
09563
09552
0-9541
0-9529

09429
09417
09406
0-9395
09384

08995
08984
08973
0-8963
08952

......
...

09748
09736
09725
09713
4. 09702

0-9743
0'9731
09720
09708
0-9697

0973.
0972
0-9714
0-9703
09691

0-9731
0971
09708
0969
09685

0-96'15
09673
09662
09651
0-9639

09664
09653
09641
09630
09618

0-9635
09623
09612
09601
09589

09591
09580
09568
09557
09546

09518 09373
09362
O' 49 09350
09484 09339
09413 0-9328

08941
08931
08920
08909
08899

09690
09679
09667
09656
09645

0'9685
0'96'14
09663
09651
0-9640

09680
09668
09657
09646
0-9634

0-9673
09662
0965
0-9639
0-9628

09654 ~:;~~: 09632 09616

0-9642 09633 09521 09605
09631 09621 09609 0-9594
09620 09610 09593 09583

0-9596
09584
09573
0-9562

0-9566 09523
09555 09512
09544 09500
09533 10'9490

09451
09439
09428
09418

08878
08867
08857
08847

22
l-4
l-6
H
H

4-l
4.
4"
4,'
50

0-9723
09711
09700
0'9688
0-9677

09713
0970i
09590
09678
09667

09701
0-9689
09678
09&66
0-9655

0,,,,,

09306
09295
09284
0-9214

NOTE. The number of signilicanl figures &iven in the columns' for coefficicnt of discharge should not
be takcn to imply a corresponding accuracy
but only to assist in
Interpolation and analysis.
TABLE 4.2.

VELOCITY COEFFICIENTS FOR RECTANGULAR THROATED FLUMES

WITH LEVEL INVERTS

"jj

C.

C.

010
015
020

10022
Hl051
10091

044
046
048

10476
10526
10579

022
024
026

10110
1-0132
10155

050
052
054

1-0635
HJ695
10760

028
030
032

10181
10209
1-0240

056
058
060

1-0829
10901
10980

034
036

0-38

10272
10308
10346

062
064
066

101064
101153
101250

040
042

10386
10430

068
070

101353
101.65

NOTB. Tho number of silolficant fli\lrcs stwn in the columns for coefficient of dlscharae
Ihould not bo taken to imply a corrcspo,ndlnl accutat;y
,,"only lo anllt in interpnlation and .ollly$ls.

40

TABLE 4.3.

VELOCITY COEFFICIENTS FOR RECTANGULAR 'I1lROATEU FLUMES

WITH BOTH SIDE AND BOTTOM CONTRACTIONS

C}- C'I' + 1~O

(~)2(_h_)2
313B
h +P
v

h
h+P

"0

0.

08

07

0"

0"

0,'

03

0"

015
020

10018
10051
10091

1-0018
10041
1-0073

10014
10032
10058

1,0011
1-0025
10044

1-0008
1'0018
1-0032

10005
1-0013
10018

1-0004
10008
1-0014

10002
10005
10008

1'0001
1-0002
1-0004

0,"
030
035

10143
10209
10290

10115
10168
10232

10091
10132
10181

10069
10100
10137

10051
1'0073
10100

1-0035
1-0051
10069

10018
1-0032
1-0044

10013
1-0018
1-0025'

10006
10008
10011

040
050

10386
10500
10635

10308 10240
1-0397 10308
10500 1038&

1,0181
10232
1-0290

1-0132
1-0168
1-0209

1-0091
10115
10143

10058
1-0073
1-0091

10032 10014
1'0041 .10018
10051
1-0022

055
060
065

10793
1-0980
101203

10620
10760
1-0921

1-0416
10579
10695

10357
10429
1-0503

10255
10308
10367

10175
10209
1'0248

10110
100132
10156

1-0061
10073
1'0086

10027
1-0032
1-0038

070
075
080

11469

11108
101330

10829
100980
101155

1-0606
10711
1-0829

1-0429
1-0500
1-0579

1-0290
10336
1-0386

10181
1-0209
10240

10100
1-0115
100132

10044
1-0051
10058

1'.1358

--

10960
11108
101279

1-0664
10760
108&4

1-0441
10500
1-0564

1-0212
10308
10346

1'0149
10168
10188

100065
10073
10082

101469

100911.0

10635

10386

100209

1-0091

o'lli

O'~!l

085
0'90
095

,...

--

NOTE. The number of ~ignificant figures given in the columns for coefficient of velocity should
not be taken to imply a ;::"rresponding accuracy but only to assist in interpolation and analysis.

4.3. PARSHALL FLUME

4.3.1. The rIumes will have the geometry and dimensions indicated in Figure 4.2 and Table 4.4 respectively. The invert
of the coverging approach section shall be level throughout its width and length and it shall be the zero datum
for both upstream and downstream head measurements. All wall sections shall be perpendicular and plane. The
accuracy of construction of the very small flumes is extremely important if the tabular values are to be used. The
surfaces of the flume shall be of smooth concrete, galvanized steel or other sm0t?th non-corrodible material.
4.3.2. The flumes will be installed with the throat centreline in line with the centre of the approach channel. The rIow
should enter the converging section reasonably well distributed across the entrance width. The entering flow
should also be free of surges and waves and visible surface boils. Subcritical flow shall exist in the flume
approach. For best results, flumes should be installed at such elevations as to operate without submergences
which require corrections to free-flow (to be described later). Under no circumstances should submergences be
greater than 95 per cent.
4.3.3. Discharge Ratings:
Figure 4.3 contains the discharge rating curves for the 2-inch (50 nun) through 9-inch (0.23 m) size Parshall
flumes both for free flow and for different degrees of submergence.
Tables 4.5 and 4.6 give the free-flow discharge ratings for flumes 1 to 8 feet <0.3 to 2.4 m) and 10 to 50 feet
(3.04 to 15.24 m) in size respectively. The general discharge equations which apply to the 1 to 8 (0.3 to 2.4 m)
and 10 to 50 (3.04 to 15.24 m) foot sizes respectively for free-flows are:
0.026

(4.6)

1.5221:>

and

Q - 4bha
1.6
Q " (3.6875b , 2.5) h,

where b is the throat width and h is the piezometric head measured 2/3 A distance along the approach wall
upstream.
41

(4.7)

4.3.4. The larger the flume the greater the submergence that can be tolerated before the free-flow discharge is reduced.
For the 2 inch (50 rom) to 9 inch (0.23 m) flumes, the discharge for different submergences may be determined from
Figure 4.3. Correction factors for computing the effect of submergences for the 1 to 50 fool (0.3 to 15.2 m) sizes
are given in Figure 4.4. The discharge under submerged conditions is equal to the free-fall discharge minus the
PJ'oduct of two correction factors, Q and k:; thus,

.Q,.

NOle:

Or

Three~inch

to eight-fool flumes have

rounded opproQch wingwolls

1
F

Goge point
PLAN VIEW
-,-

..-

"
Zero Do'um_

Nt

h.

,I
II

FIGURE 4.2.

~
...,.,

~1
H

CONFIGURATION AND DESCRIPTIVE NOMENCLATURE FOR PARblJALL FLUMES

42

Percenl

1.0

Submerr~ence

h~/h .. ' 100

0.5

.
';

2" FLUME

..,.'"
..;
a

:r
~

0.2

""

::>

0.1

.04

.02

.06

3" FLUME

0.1

L:JL..I.......,..v

05

0.1

6"FLUME

/'1;-f"-b4.,r;l':",,o'* ---+--+---+-l-l-++H
.r'l-,"'-t7'B""!"."' ~\ee't'+t--_-t--+----'t-+-+-H-H

0.2 f-.,,..L-o?"f,,~l---+++-I+++---t---+--j--H--+-+-ti

0.1 r::---,-_l-L...1-,-l-L.l+LLl-~-::l-L...1~':-l.:'+':'-'
0.1

0.2

9"FLUME

FIGURE 4.3.

0.4

0.6 0.8 1.0

Discharge

in

2.0

4.0

6.0 8.0 10

cfa

DISCHARGE RATING FOR 11INCH"pARSHALL FLUMES FOR BOTH

FREE-FLOW AND SUBMERGENCE CONDITIONS

43

2.5

.;:
o

'"w:x:
ffi

0.
Q.

::>

1.5
q

1.0

17-

1/ v.;;' j 1/
.

r7

1/

1'/ 1"

II,,'/. "~/,,o">

'I

V/ V

I rl/ II; r,.,r;

.06 .08 .10
Q.

".'"
V
Yr/A/

.14.18.2

FLUMES

1- 8 ft.

.3

.4

V
.6

.8 1.0

1.4

Factor-ks
1.0
1.4
1.8
2.4
3.1
4.3
5.4

I
1.5
2
3
4
6
8

1//

Correction

Flume

/V/V VI/' V V
17
r:%: ~ [%:, t/ V r/

y'/"'/

0.6
0_5

0.3

~.~~~v r::-::: l::::;::

t:;/ v/ ~/
.\.~'%0::%
e't.";""
/1f:1..%~O/~A! . . . . . 'If" v,,'/. C)~Size of

I/v

0.8

0.4

v::::--V
V""~ V
~~

c./% L.:;:.-:;. v",

2.0

2.0

DISCHARGE CORRECTION, ac

10

, cfs

6.0
5.0
4.0

..

3.0

,.f

2.0

Flume

'"w:x:

1.5

Foctor- ks
1.0
1.2
1.5
2.0
2.5
30
4.0
5.0

fo

12
15
20
25
30
40
50

0:

1.0

::>

.8

0.
0.

Correction

6. Ft.

.6
.5
2

.56 .8 1.0

8 10

20

40

DISCHARGE CORRECTION,

60 80 100

ac

,cis

b. FLUMES 10- 50 It.

FIGURE 4.4.

CORRECTION FACTORS FOR SUBMERGED FLOW TIIROUGH

1 _ TO SO - FT CO.30 TO 15.24 m) PARSHALL FLUMES

44

200

400

TABLE 4.4.

I)IMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES OF ALL

~ZES

V~rtical

Axial

Widths

Upstream Downstream
eod

Sl:ze;
Throat
width

Z
3
6
9

end

Throat Diverging

Section

L.

Section
G
feet

feet

feet

feet

0.549

0.305

0.250

.700

.4H
.583
I. Zg
1. l5

1.17
1,33
1,50
2.00

1,00

l.OO

l,B3

1. 00

1.50

Z.Q
Z.Q
Z.O
Z.O
Z,Q
Z.O
Z.O
Z.O
Z.O
3.0
3.0
4.0
6.0
6.0
'.0
6.0
6.0

3.Q
3.Q
3.Q
3.Q
3.Q
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
G.O
8.0

feet

inches

Con-

verging
Section

LenJ!ths

.849
I. 30

I. 88

.375
.500

Wall
cpth i.n
Con-

verging
Seclion
E
feet

0.67

0.50.75

1.00

0.50 -0.83
1.00Z.00

..,

Z.O
Z.5

below
Dip at
Throat
~

feet

OF STANDARD PARSH-\LL MEASURING FLUMES

Free

distance
crest

Con-

Lower

verging I

end or
flume
K
feet

Points

Gal!e

h01 d"IS t
wall
upstrear.l
length

Cili).

h.

of crest

A*

Min.

feet

feet

feet

O. 79
.91

0.026

O.O4l

.25
.Z5

2.36
l.8B

1. 36
1. 93

,052
.083
.167
.167

.osi

.083

1.19
1. 36
1. 53

.Z5
.Z5
.Z5
.Z5
.Z$
.Z5
.Z5
.Z5
.Z5
.5Q

4.50
4.75
5.00
5.50
6.00
6.50

3.00
3.17
3.33
3.67
4.00
4.33
4.67

0.062

.75
.75
.75
.75
.75
.75
.75
.75
.75

.073

1.0Z

Max.

feet

0.094
.141
.188
.375
.375

Flow
cities

.125
.Z5
.Z5

crs
0.005
.Ql
.QJ
.05
.Q9

crs
0.15

.3Q
1.90

3.90
8.90

Fet!t
~

'J,

2..77
3.36
3.96
5.16
6.35
7.55
8.75
!:I.OS
11.15
15.60
18.40

l.0
1.5
Z.O
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.Q
'.0
10
lZ

15
ZO

Z5
30
40
50

Z5.0
30.0
35,0
40.4

50.'
60.8

l,aO
l.50

I 4.00
3.00
5.00
6.00
7.00
8.00
9.00
Il.OO
14.67
18.B
2.4.00
2.9.33
34.67
45.33
56.67

4,41
4.GG
4,91
5.40
5.88
6.38
6.86
7.35
7.84
14.0
16.0
l5. O
lS.O
lS.O
2G. O.
27.0
Z7.0

10.0
Il.0

13.0
14.0
16.0
2.0.0

3.Q
3.Q
3,Q
3.0
3.'0

3. Q
3. Q
3.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
'.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.0
7.0

LIZ
l.IZ
l. 50
2..2.5
Z.ZS
l,ls
Z.lS
Z.2.5

.5'0

.75
1.00
1,00
1.00
1. 00
1,00

7.0
7.5
'.Q
9.0
10.0
11.5
14.0
16.5
19.0
l4.0
2.9.0

5.Q
5.33
6.00
6.67
7.67
9.33
11.00
IZ.67
16.00
19.33

.167
.167
.167
.167
.167
.167
.167
,167
.167

.Z5
.Z5
.?S

.15
.<Z

.Z5
.Z5
Z5
.Z5
.Z5
.Z5

1
l.30
1.60
l.60
3.00
3.50

.75

1,4D

.75

J.
J.
I.

.7~

.75

.?S"
, ?S"
.7,

,'.r

.1I

DO

'0
"/:I

8
8
'Q

/.~O

15

/.1"
/.00

15
ZQ
Z.

/141"

16.1
2.4.6
33,1
50.4
67.9
85.6
103.5
Ill.4
139.5

300
52.0

9QO
1340
1660
HJ90
l.640
32.80

.. For sizes I' to 8', A ",6tZ+4

... H
located 2./3 A dIstance from crest for aU sizes; distance iii wall length, not axial
A
Note: Flume sizes 3 inches through 8 fPoet have approach. aprons J;"ising
a 1:4 slope and the following entrance rounelings: 3 through 9 inche.s,
radius ... 1.33 feet: I through. 3 feet, radius" 1; 67 feet; .. through 8 feet, radiue '"' 2..00 feet.

at

TABLE 4.5.

.""

DISCHARGE TABLE FOR PARSHALL MEASURING FLUM ~s. SIZES 1 FOOT TO 8 FEET FOR FREENFLOW CO:"tDlTIO~S

h",

1 foot

feet

d,

0.10
.15
Z.
Z5
.3.
.4
.5
.6

0.11

.7

2.33
2.85
3.41
4.00
5.28
6.G8
8.18
9.79

.8
.9
I..
I.Z
1.4
1.6
1.8
Z
Z.Z
Z

.ZO
.35
.49
.64
.99
1. :>9
1.114-

Il.S

13.3
15.2

1.5leet

d'
0.15
.3.
.51
.71
.94

1. 47
Z.06
2.73
3.46
4.26
5.10

6.00
7.94
10.1
12.4
14.8
17.4
ZO.2
23.0

Z feet

J feet

feet

5 feet

6 feet

7 feet

8 feet

d'

d,

r.

ds

d.

d,

d.

0.42
.G6
.93
1.24
1. 93
2.73
3.62
4.60
5.66
6.80
8.00
10.6
13.5
16.6
19.9
23.4
27.2
31.1

0.61
.97

2.63
3.52
5.57
7.94
10.6
13.6

3.02
4.08

1.37
1.82
Z.86
4.05
5.39
6.86

8.46
10.2
12.0
16.0
20.3
25.1
30.1
35.5
41. 3
47.3

1.26
1.80
2.39
3.77
5.36
7.15
9.U
1.3
3.6
6
1.3
7.Z
3
5
7.8
5.5
3.7

1.55
Z.22
2.96

4.66
6.66
8.89
11.4
14.0
16.9
20.0

26.7
34.1
42.2
50.8
60,1
69.9
80.3

16.8
20.3
24.0

n.l
41.1
50.8
61.3

n.s

84.497.0

6.46
9.23
12.4
15.8
19.6
23.7
28.0
37.5
48.0
59.4
71.8
84.9
98.9
113.7

3.46
4.6l
7.lt
10.5
14.1
18.0
2Z.4
27.0
3Z.0
42.9
55.0
68.1

82.3
97.5
113.6
-130.7

TABLE 4.6.

~
~

DISCHARGE TABLE

~OR

PARSHALL MEASURING FLUMES, SIZES 10

~EET

TO 50 FEET FOR FREE-FLOW CONDITIONS

ho-

lD fcet

12. fr.ct

ZO feet

2.5 feet

3D feet

40 feet

50 feet

fect

d'

d'

dB

d'

d,

dB

d,

d,

0.30
0.4
0.5
0.'
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
1.2
1.4
I.'
1.8
'.0

5.75
9.05
13.0
17.4
zz..2
27.5
33.3
39.4
52.7
67.4
83.5
100.9
119.4
139.0
159.9
181. 7
2.28.4
"4
363
437
517

6.75
10.85
15.4
lO.6
26. Z
32.7

8.4
13.3
19. I
2.5.5

11. L

16.5
26.1
37.Z
50.0

21.8
34.6
49.5
66.2
84.8
105
"7
150

21.3
43.2
61.8
8l.6
105.5

U
'.4

,.,
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.S
'.0

3D.4

46.0
62.6
80.1
99. I
119. B
141. 8
165.0
189.8
215.7
2.71. Z
347
430
518
614

15 feet

n.7
40.4
48.9
57.9
71..3

99:0
I Zl.. 8
148.0
175.3
'04

'35

H.I
53.4
64.3
76.3
102.0
130.5

13.0
21. 8
31. 2
41. 8
53.4
66.3
80.1
94.8
127.0
1(j2

lG'

,OJ

195

'43
'67
334
384
437
54'
70J
670
1051
lZ44
1448
1664

17.7

2.5.1
33.7

'lZ

269
>10

'67

35'

335
4"
5>1
641
759
88S
1016

44'
5.,
700
84'
100Z
116G
1340,

54.0

79.2
95.5
113. Z
15'
194
'40

'90
343
400
459
5"

65'
840
1040
12.55
1486
1730
1988

Note: Available data indi.cates that eld:enllion DC the above ratings to greater heads is reliable.

'01
'57
318
384
454
530
'09
'9'
670
1113
1379
1664
1970
U95
Z638

,>I
158
187
l50
3'0
396
479
567
660
758
864
1084
1387
1711
Z073
Z453
Z860
3285

4.4. TRAPEZOIDAL THROATED FLUMES

4.4.1. Trapezoidal throated flumes may be designed (refs 35, 36) to cope with many different flow conditions, and the
optimum throat geometry (ie bed width and side slopes) will depend on the range of flow to be measured and on the
characteristics of the stream in which it is to be installed. Design methods by which the geometry might be
s.elected to approximate to a predetermined stage discharge relation are comprehensively described in ref 36 and
outlined later.
4.4.2. Trapezoidal flumes should have a geometry generally as indicated in Figure 4.5. In some circumstances however
it will be appropriate to make the invert of the throat level with the invert of the approach channel, ie p = 0: this
will be the case if sediment has to be conveyed through the flume. The entrance and exit transitions may be plane
or curved surfaces if so desired.
4.4.3. The flume should be installed with the throat centre-line in line with the centre of the approach channel. Subcritical flow must exist in the flume approach, and the flume should be installed at such an elevation as to operate
with free discharge throughout the range. The surfaces of the flume shall be of smooth concrete, galvanised steel
or other smooth non-corrodible material. The throat section is of particular importance and must have a level
invert and be truly prismatic, the sloping walls being plane surfaces, symmetrically disposed and making a sharp
inter-section with the invert of the throat.
4.4.4. Several methods of evaluating the discharge through trapezoidal flumes are available. ref 36 provides methods of
preparing detailed tating curves for any geometry by computation or semi-graphical techniques, making full allowance for the influence of the boundary layer in the throat, and taking into account the surface texture of the throat.
The starting point for this method is the flow condition in the throat ie it is based on the occurrence of critical
flow therein. From this the relationship of total head to discharge is determined, and a rating curve in terms of an
upstream gauging of water level is developed.
4.4.5. It is also possible to derive a general discharge equation for trapezoidal flumes in the form of a direct algebraic
relationship such as has been given for most of the structures previously described.

Q ,Cd

2}P)
\38 C, b H 'I'

(4.8)

3"

in which
Q == discharge
Cd == coefficient allowing for fluid property effects, ie head loss between the point at which levels'are measured

and the control section within the throat.

Cs

:=

shape factor. taking account of the non-rectangular throat geometry.

= bed width of throat.

H :: total head upstream of the flume.

In the above

C, ~ r(mH/b)

(4.9)

where
m = slope of throat walls (m horizontal in 1 vertical)
and

He ::total head at the critical section.

Cd

in equation 4.8 will vary with the size of flume and the head, as well as with the roughness of the throat,
lying approximately in the range 0.95 in small installations (of order of 0.5 cusec) to 0.98 in large installations (of order of 200 cusecs). These values of Cd are suitable for design purposes although not considered
accurate enough for computing the flume calibration.

48

4.4.6. An approximate calibration in terms of total head can be derived from equations 4.8 and 4.9, with the aid of
Figure 4.5, noting that
(4.10)
Because of the influence of head losses on Cd and the need to allow for velocity of approach, direct application
of a discharge equation is not very convenient, however.

4.4.7. Usually a theoretical calibration is derived for a gauging structure for the whole range of discharge in one
computation, and the most logical method of preparing such a calibration for a critical depth device is to start
with flow conditions at the throat. A tabulated calculation by desk computer proceeds as follows.*
a. Select range of values of dc, the critical depth in the throat (a roughly logarithmic series is more convenient
than an arithmetic series)
b. For each depth evaluate the water surface Width. and crosssectional area (We and Ac respectively).

(4.11)
(4.12)

c. The critical velocity is given by

(4.13)

d. The corresponding discharge is

(4.14)
e. The total head at the critical section is
(4.15)
f. In order to evaluate the head loss .... between the upstream gauging section and the critical section, it is

assumed that most occurs within the prismatic throat section, of length L e . The throat Reynolds number is
given by
(4.16)
6

where v for water at 15C ::::1.23 x 10. ft7s (1.14 x 10. mrs)
g. The relative roughness of the throat is
(4.17)

where ks is the equivalent sand roughness (after Nikuradse) of the material used to construct the flume.
Suitable values range from 0.0001 ft (0.03 mm) for sheet metal, through 0.001 ft(0.3 mm) for pre-cast or in-situ
concrete to 0.002 ft (0.6 mm) for planed wood.
h. The coefficient of total skin drag, Cf , is obtained from Figure 4.7.
i. The head loss is computed from
(4.18)
hr = C, L., Pc

2W o

where

Pc

(4.19)

+ 2d/l~

.. A program for a digital computer would follow similar Jines, of course

.... A parallel computation on the basis of the boundary layer displacement in the throat is academically preft'rabk, but insufficient evidence
about the growth of a boundary layer in these circumstances is available. It is known however (see ref 36) thatlhe use of the drag
coefficient on a flat plale gives overall coefficient values very close to those observed experimentally even though the throat conditiun i,.
not strictly analogous to a flat plate in an infinite fluid.

49

j. The total head upstream of the throat is obtained from

(4.200
.where H is measured relative to the throat invert as datum.
k. To convert from total head H to gauged head h, the expression

(4.21)
h=H

is

is used, where va
the" mean velocity in the approach channel at the gauging section.
l. Before applying eqn 4.21, the geometry of the approach channel is used to compute its cross-sectional area,
A a . Assuming the approach channel is of trapezoidal section

(4.22)

A, ~ (II + P) [B + ro, (II + P)]

In the above, P is the height of the hump at the throat, B is the bed width of the approach channel, and rna is
its si~e slope (rna horizontal to 1 vertical)
ffi.

Because h occurs implicitly in the right hand side of eqn (4.21), a method of successive approximation is
needed to work out h.
lst approximation:
Set h '" H and hence calculate A al from 4.22. Insert val in eqn 4.21, where val=Q/A a1, and thus obtain hi'
2nd approximation:
Obtain A al from 4.22 inserting h = h l

Hence val'" QIA a2 , and h 2 from eqn 4.21.

3rd approximation etc:

Repeat procedure until h -, h l is too small to significantly affect the accuracy. (It is suggested that
ri
n
h. n - hn~l should not exceed 0.1 per cent of hn _l )
n. Having thus worked out pairs of values of Q and h for a series of values of dc' the calibration curve for the
flume may be plotted to large logarithmic scales .. Discharge values for -intermediate values of h may be read
off as necessary. Note that the calibration curve "is not a straight line on a 10g':log plot.
4.4.8. The following observations should be noted:a. H/L should not exceed 0.50 if high accuracy is required. If high accuracy is not needed in the upper part of
the discharge range. Hmax/L may be allowed to rise to 0.67.
b. At all elevations the width between the throat walls must be less than the width between the approach channel
walls at the same elevation, ie: there must be a contraction wherever the water surface lies.
c. The sloping walls of the throat and the approach section must continue upwards without change of slope far
enough to contain the maximum discharge to be measured. (For the design of flumes with trapezoidal throats
that are contained within vertical walls. see ref 36).
d. The flume must not be submerged. The limiting value for Hd/H where Hdis the total energy level downstream
relative to the invert of the throat is dependent on the gradualness of the exit transition (see ref 37)
1 in 20 expansion, Hd/H

94 per cent

1 in 15 expansion, Hd/H

88 per cent

1 in 10 expansion, Hd-/H

85 per cent

1 in 5 expansion, Hd/H

80 per cent

1 in 3 expansion, Hd/H

75 per cent

50

e. The Froude Humber in the approach channel normally shoulu nul cxcccu 0.5, ic:

v,

Fr, =

if\g,

(4.23)

A IW )'; 0.5
1I

II

where W[\ is the water surface width, b + 2m (h t P) in the approach channel.

Where sediment is being carried, it may be uesirable to allow Fr[\ to rise to 0.6 to avoid deposition in the
approach channel.
f. The exit and entrance transitions may be formed of either plane or cylindrical surfaces as shown in
Figure 4.5. The convergence at the entrance and expansion at the exit should not exceed 1 in 3 at the walls
and floor.
g. b should be at least 0.1 m (0.3 ft) and h should be at least 0.03 m (0.1 ft).
4.4.9.

The head on the flume should be measured at a distance of between 1 and 4 times the maximum head upstream of
the entrance transition, preferably in a separate gauge chamber connected to the approach channel by a pipe
whose entry is normal to the direction of flow and flush with the wall.

4.4.10. There is considerable flexibility in the design of a trapezoidal throated flume, and this permits the designer to
select values of m and b which will provide an exact match to a predetermined relationship of head to discharge
at two flows. A convenient graphical method was derived in ref 36, utilising equation 4.8 in the form
(4.24)

on the assumption that H

C:l..::'

H(: for design purposes.

4.4.11. Required values of Q and H are estimated from a knowledge or estimate of the existing stage-discharge
relationship at the site, paying due regard to the head loss needed for free flow, practical limitations on the
height of the throat above the stream bed (it must not be below H no flowl! (eveD, and the limitations given earlier.
The two values of

corresponding to these boundary conditions are worked out and plotted on transparent material against H as
abscissa on the same logarithmic scales as in Figure 4.6. Vertical and horizontal guide-lines are added to the
transparent overlay, which is then moved up or down, to the right or to the left without rotation until the two
plotted points lie on the curve. The intercept of y = Ion the overlay with the y axis of Figure 4.6 gives lib and
the intercept of x := 1 on the overlay with the x axis of Figure 4.6 gives mlb and hence m. An example is shown
by dotted lines for which
v(jg) H 3/2 and H values are 3,07, 2.82 m 1.34, 0.21 m corresponding to discharges
of 25 and .01 m3/s respectively. These requirements are met by a flume in which b:= 1.22 m and m "" 0.90.

Q/j-

4.4.12. Example of alternative designs of flumes for the following conditions:Range of flow .......
Froude number in approach channel at maximum discharge
Longitudinal slope uf channel upstream

In r

0.37

Longitudinal slope of channel downstream

Kutters

1:236
.

for channel

1:50

0.03

Channel side slopes

1: 2

Channel width

.
51

1.2

tl1

DESIGN COMPUTATIONS

Design details

Flume 1

Flume 2

Throat width

O.nl

0.15

Maximum heau

2.06

2.21

Minimum head

0.D7

0.D7

Max.imum discharge

m:Ys

Minimum discharge

m o/s

0.03

0.01

Throat length

3.5

3.7

Entrance transition

2.5

3.1

Exit transition

2.5

3.1

1:2

1:2

17

Throat side slopes

17.7

4.4.13. The methods employed in assessing the magnitude of the error in discharge as measured by the trapezoidal
throated flume, as well as by other structures, may be found in references 3 and 42.

,'

~ t!!.J L2iF
~'~'m~

--.
Stilling

well

FRONT ELEVATION WITH HUM!;

(p+o)
connecting pIpe
Entrance tronsltion

EXit transition
Approach chollflel

Exit channel

ISOMETRIC VIEW OF
LEVEL

INVERT FLUME
(p:o)

--->- ,

__l~-f/-T-~b"--l"""- -

in 6 expansIOn

for high modular

limit and head
recovery

COnical (m a Jim, no hump)

This radius chosen so
that entrance tranSItIon
t
bes entirely within a plane
deflnlOg a I in J contractIOn

PLAN VIEW
(Example shown, no hump, m a :
tranSItIOn)

Not more thon 1 in 3

expansIOn on any
f)orlzontal section
(or eqUivolent curve)

m, skew cylinder entrance

.J./"., .1

Plane (malm,hump)
.J.l~.l

~,,~rolors

_ _+_~o~I~:;r";!1!>1

Warped (rna i m, hump)

EXAMPLE PLANS OF
ENTRANCE TRANSITIONS

p
I
I

Connection to
sttlllOg well

Not more than 1 in 3

(or eqUivalent curve}

LONGITUDINAL SECTION OF FLUME WITH RAISED INVERT (Hump)

FIGURE 4.5.

LAYOUT OF TRAPEZOIDAL THROATED FLUME

53

I+le+f-+++H-- t-OJ

"
'"
~

.. -

---- ------ -

.J

-~-

OJ

....

."
0

'"'"....

a
~

'"
'...."
c'"

"."

1\

""
~

.
~

o
o

-+~++-+++++-+-+--t-ftt+t-++tt-H--t--tllo
1
II
HH+-+++++I~-r---i4il+ H-tt+t+n--j---'fl
.

H4-H--i'H-t++-t--~f---IH-IH-+~++ -1-

;:;

3:r.
-i

-''f -

.;

!---j--- _ ; _1.-

----=-

ff

0:

01

01 ~
"'1 ~
l+t++-+++++-+--t--+-j-H-H-+t+t-H-r-r. o: -!"
L

--1--

:,

f-

f--

01

~++f+H+-f-+--++t+t-+tttti--t-t1JJi

o
o

0 0
..,
...

0
0
.........

0,

"'............

ij)
:0 (;

~-_ .. _.. _-_. ------ ". ---- ----;~----~--_. ----------- ... . ---------------~ 0

I
6

.JI

3A1!VllH

8
g 8 8

-0

,f

I I

Ii

1
/ I'

_.

1/

' I

: II
,'I

I II If
I
I

i i

VI

.V
:!

<l

I
I

j/

o
o

o
o

s
o

I
I

,0

>

I
I ~
I g0

II

/ //

.!,I

f/

I /

V'

~o

55

II

--

I :

1/
;'

I
I
I
I r I
I I I

8o

8
o

Q
o

REFERENCES
l.

Schader, Ernest W and Kenneth B Turner, Hprecise Weir Measurements, II Transactions of the American Society of Civil
Engineers, Vol 93, 1929, pp 999-1110.

2.

Discussion by Ralph W PoweJl of "Discharge Characteristics of Rectangular, Thin-Plate Weirs,ll hy Carl E Kindsvater and
Rolland W Carter, Journal of the Hydraulics Division, Proceedings of the American Society of Civil Engineers, June 1958,
Paper 1690, pp 2g..26.

3. i. British Standard Methods of Measurement of Liquid flow in open Channels, BS 3680, Part 4A. Thin-plate weirs and venturi
flumes, 1965.
ii. British Standard Methods of Measurement of Liquid flow in open channels, BS 3680, Part 4B. Long Base Weirs 1969.

4.

International Standards Organisation. Draft recommendation No 1438, Liquid flow measurement in open channels using thinplate weirs and venturi flumes.

5.

Shen, John, "A Preliminary Report on the Discharge Characteristics of Triangular Thin-Plate Weirs,lI unpUblished report
prepared for the Research Section, Surface Water Branch, Water Resources Division, Geological Survey, US Department of the
Interior, Washington, DC 1959.

6.

Numachi, F. T Kurokawa, and S Hutizawa, !TUber den Uberfallbeiwert eines rectwinkling.dreieckigen Messwehrs, "Transactions
of the Society of Mechanical Engineers (Japan), Vol 6, No 22, February 1940, p 110.

7.

Barr, James, llExperiments on the Flow of Water over Triangular Notches,l1 Engineering (London), Vol 89, April 8 and 15, 1910,
p 435.

8.

Yarnall, 0 R IlAccuracy of the V-Notch Weir Method of Measurement," Transactions of the American Society of Mechanical
Engineers, Vol 48, 1926. pp 939-964.
II
tch-Weirs
Engineering Experiment Station, Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana, March 1932.

II

Research Bulletin No 40

10.

Lenz, A T, "Viscosity and Surface Tension Effects on V-Notch Weir Coefficients," Transactions of the American Society of
Civil Engineers, Vol 108, 1943, pp 759-782.

11.

Kindsvater, Carl E, and Rolland W Carter, "Discharge Characteristics of Rectangular, Thin-Plate Weirs," Journal of the
Hydraulics Division, Proceedings of the American Society of Civil Engineers, December 1957. Paper 1453; and March 1959,
Paper 1989, p 45.

12.

Cone, V M, llFlow through Weir Notches wi th Thin Edges and Full Contractions," Journal of Agricultural Research,
US Department of Agriculture, Vol 23, March 6, 1916, p 1051.

13.

Villemonte, James R, lISubmerged-weir Discharge Studies/I Engineering News Record, December 25,1947, p 866-869.

14.

Bazin, M H, uExperiences nouvelles sur I 'ecouUement on deversoir,ll Annales des Ponts et Chaussees, Vol 7, Ser 7 1896.

15.

Horton, R E, I1Weir Experiments, Coefficients and Formulas,lI Water-Supply Paper 200, Geological Survey, US Department of
the Interior, Washington, DC 1907.

16.

Rehbock, T, IlWassermessung mit scharfkantigen Uberfallwehren, Z Ver Dtsch lng, Vol 73 (1929), p 81.7.

17.

Hamilton-Smith IlHydraulicsl~ 1886, also reported by Borrell, J G I1Fully contracted weirs ll, J Instn of Engrs. Australia, Vol x,
1929. October p 361.

18.

Schweizerisher lngenieur and Architekten _ Verein, S I A Techn Normen No 109 <t924). Normen fur Wassennessungen bei
Dorchfuhrung von Abnabmerersuchen and Wasserkraftmaschinen.

19.

Jameson, A H, "The development of the Venturi flumel~ Water and Water Engg Vol 32, (930), P 105.

20.

lppen, A T, lIChannel transistors and controls, "Chap VIII, Engineering Hydraulics (ed H Rouse), John Wiley & Sons,
London, 1950.

21.

Hall, G W, "Analytical determination of the discharge characteristics of broad-crested weirs using boundary loyer theory'~
Proc lnsto Civ Engrs 1962, Vol 22, June, pp 172-190.

22.

Harrison, A J M, I1The streamlined broad-crested weir'~ Pmc Instn C'iv Engrs, 1967, Vol 38 December pp 657-678.

23.

Harrison, A J M, " Boundary layer displacement thickness on flat plates,I'Proc Am Soc Civ Engrs, 1967, Vol 93, HYd July,
79-91.

pp

56

24.

Crump, B S, [1A new method of gauging stream flow with little afflux by means of a submerged weir of triangular profile'~
Proc Instn Civ Bngrs, part I, Vol I, March 1952, pp 223-242.

25.

Burgess, J S, and White, W R, liThe Triangular profile (Crump) weir: two dimensional study of discharge characteristics,ll
UK Hydraulics Research Station, report INT 52, May 1966.

26.

Crump Weir Design. Water Resources Board Technical Note No 8 1965.

27.

Tracy, H J, "Discharge Characteristics of Broad-Crested Weirs,!1 Circular 397. Geological Survey, US Department of the
Interior, Washington, DC 1957.

28.

Woodburn, J G, "Tests of Broad-Crested Weirs,l!Transactions of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Vol 96, 1932, p 387.

29.

Keutner, ChI', "Stromungsvorgange an breitkronigen Wehrkorpern und Einlaufbauwerken,lI Der Bauingenieur, Vol IS, 1934, p 366.

30.

Prentice, T H, "Hydraulics of the Broad~Crested Weir," Master1s thesis, Columbia University, Department of Civil Engineering,
New York, NY 1935.

31.

Singer, J, "Square-edged broad-crested weir as a flow mea,surement device," Wat & Wat Engg 1964, Vol 68, No 820, June,
pp 229-235.

32.

Parshall, R L, 1926, The improved venturi flume: Am Soc Civil Engineers Trans, Vol 89, p 841-851.

33.

Parshall, R L, 1932 and 1953, Parshall flumes of large she: Colorado Agr Expt Sta Bull 386; revised as Bull 426A.

34.

Robinson, A R, 1957, Parshall measuring flumes of small sizes: Colorado Agr and Mech Coli Agr Expt Sta,BuU 61.

35.

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36.

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