HYDRAULIC LABORATORY

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

SULTAN AZLAN SHAH POLYTECHNIC

EXPERIMENT :4
TITLE : BROAD CRESTED WEIR

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Broad crested weirs are robust structures that are generally constructed from reinforced
concrete and which usually span the full width of the channel. They are used to measure the
discharge of rivers, and are much more suited for this purpose than the relatively flimsy sharp
crested weirs. Additionally, by virtue of being a critical depth meter, the broad crested weir has
the advantage that it operates effectively with higher downstream water levels than a sharp
crested weir.

Only rectangular broad crested weirs will be considered, although there are a variety of
possible shapes: triangular, trapezoidal and round crested all being quite common. If a standard
shape is used then there is a large body of literature available relating to their design, operation,
calibration and coefficient of discharge (see BS3680). However, if a unique design is adopted,

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then it will have to be calibrated either in the field by river gauging or by means of a scaled-
down model in the laboratory.

Head-discharge relationship

A rectangular broad crested weir is shown above. When the length, L, of the crest is greater
than about three times the upstream head, the weir is broad enough for the flow to pass through
critical depth somewhere near to its downstream edge. Consequently this makes the calculation
of the discharge relatively straightforward. Applying the continuity equation to the section on
the weir crest where the flow is at critical depth gives:

Q = Ac Vc.

Now assuming that the breadth of the weir (b) spans the full width (B) of the channel and that
the cross-sectional area of flow is rectangular, then:

Ac = b x Dc and Vc = (g x Dc)1/2 (See your notes regarding Froude No.)

Thus from the continuity equation,

Eqn. 1

However, equation 1 does not provide a very practical means of calculating Q. It is much
easier to use a stilling well located in a gauging hut just upstream of the weir to measure the head
of water, H1, above the crest than to attempt to measure the critical depth on the crest itself. In
order to eliminate Dc from the equation, we can use the fact that in a rectangular channel .

Using the weir crest as the datum level, and assuming no loss of energy, the specific energy
at an upstream section (subscript 1, Fig. above) equals that at the critical section:

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 So, and

Thus,

If you substitute this expression into Eqn 1, it gives:

Eqn 2.

The term in the above equation is the velocity head of the approaching flow. As with the
rectangular sharp crested weir, the problem arises that the velocity of approach, V1 cannot be
calculated until Q is known, and Q cannot be calculated until V1 is known. A way around this is
to involve an iterative procedure, but in practice it is often found that the velocity head is so
small as to be negligible. Alternatively, a coefficient of discharge, C, can be introduced into the
equation to allow for the velocity of approach, non-parallel streamlines over the crest, and energy
losses. C varies between about 1.4 and 2.1 according to the shape of the weir and the discharge,
but frequently has a value of about 1.6. Thus:

Eqn 3.

The broad crested weir will cease to operate according to the above equations if a backwater
from further downstream causes the weir to submerge. Equations 2 and 3 can be applied until
the head of water above the crest on the downstream side of the weir, HD, exceeds the critical
depth on the crest. This is often expressed as the submergence ratio, HD/H1. The weir will
operate satisfactorily up to a submergence ratio of about 0.66, that is when HD = 0.66H1. For
sharp crested weirs the head-discharge relationship becomes inaccurate at a submergence ratio of
around 0.22, so the broad crested type has a wider operating range. Once the weir has
submerged, the downstream water level must also be measured and the discharge calculated
using a combination of weir and orifice equations. However, this requires the evaluation of two

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coefficients of discharge, which means that the weir must be calibrated by river gauging during
high flows. This can be accomplished using a propeller type velocity (current) meter.

Minimum height of a broad crested weir

A common mistake made by many students in design classes is to calculate the head that will
occur over a weir at a particular discharge without considering at all the height of weir required
to obtain critical depth on the crest. For example, suppose the depth of flow approaching the
weir is 2 m. If the height, p, of the weir crest above the bottom of the channel is only 50 mm, the
weir is so low that the flow would be totally unaffected by it and certainly would not be induced
to pass through critical depth. Equally ridiculously, if the weir is 4 m high it would behave as a
small dam and would raise the upstream water level very considerably and cause quite serious
flooding.

So how can we work out the optimum height for the weir? What height will give supercritical
flow without unduly raising the upstream water level?

The answer is obtained by applying the energy equation to two sections (See diagram below).
One some distance upstream of the weir (subscript 1) and the second on the weir crest where
critical depth occurs (subscript c). In this case the bottom of the channel is used as the datum
level. Assuming that the channel is horizontal over this relatively short distance, that both cross-
sectional areas of flow are rectangular, and that there is no loss of energy, then:

Eqn 4
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where and

This is usually sufficient to enable equation 4 to be solved for p when Q and D1 are known.
Alternatively, the depth, D1, upstream of the weir can be calculated if Q and p are known. When
calculating the 'ideal' height of weir, it must be appreciated that it is only ideal for the design
discharge. The weir cannot adjust its height to suit the flow, so at low flows it may be too high,
and at high flows it may be too low. Consequently 'V' shaped concrete weirs are often used, or
compound crump weirs that have crests set at different levels.

2.0 OBJECTIVE

To compare the experimental value of cd with the value given by the manufacturer in open
channel flow through a broad crested weir.

3.0 THEORY

Provided that the weir is not submerged (downstream water level is low) the actual flow
over a Broad Crested weir is given by:

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 Qt = 1.705 b H3/2 where H = hu + V2/2g

The velocity V is the average velocity upstream of the weir, found from V = Qa/A

A = yo x b

where:

Qt = Theoretical flow rate (m3/s)

b = Breadth of weir (m)

hu = Head above the crest of the weir (m)

Actual flow rate, Qa = Volume flow-rate (m3/s)

= Volume/time (using volumetric tank)

The coefficient of discharge (Cd) for the weir can be determined by dividing the actual
flow rate, Qa by the theoretical flow rate, Qt.

Cd is (Dimensionless)

The coefficient for the weir is thus 1.705 x Cd which frequently has a value of 1.6.

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4.0 APPARATUS

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5.0 PROCEDURES

1. The apparatus was ensured that it was in a horizontal position before the experiment
began

2. The model of the broad crested weir was placed and was screwed on the equipments. The
supply valve was let open until the water reached the upper level weir.

3. Once stable flow was obtained, the measure gauge was used to get the value of du and dc.
the discharge, Q was also determined .

4. The flow rate was modified to acquire more values of Q, du and dc.

6.0 RESULT

dc H du

du (m) dc (m) H (m) Q (m3/s) H 3/2

0.153 0.02 0.033 6.94 x 10-4 5.99 x 10-3

0.183 0.03 0.063 1.88 x 10-3 0.0158

0.199 0.04 0.079 2.78 x 10-3 0.0222

where, b = 0.086m

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 TABLE 4.0 Data Collection of Broad Crested Weir

7.0 CALCULATION

i. dc (m) = 0.137 – 0.12

= 0.02

ii. H = 0.153 – 0.12

= 0.033

iii. H 3/2 = 0.033 3/2

= 5.99 x 10-3

8.0 QUESTION

Based on some references, prove that the discharge for broad crested weir, Q= 1.705CdbH3/2

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1. Q= 1.705CdbH3/2

6.94 x 10-4 = 1.705 Cd (0.086) (5.99 x 10-3)

Cd = 6.94 x 10-4

8.78 x10-4

Cd = 0.79

2. Q= 1.705CdbH3/2

1.88 x 10-3 = 1.705 Cd (0.086) (0.0158)

Cd = 1.88 x 10-3

2.32 x10-3

= 0.81

3. Q= 1.705CdbH3/2

2.78 x 10-3 = 1.705 Cd (0.086) (0.0222)

Cd = 2.78 x 10-3

3.26 x10-3

Cd = 0.85

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9.0 DISCUSSION

1. In your opinion, does the width of the weir affect the coefficient of discharge value.

No, since the value obtained based on the calculation made from the formula given stil does
not stray far from the range of 0.6 < Cd < 1.0

2. Discuss possible factors influencing the results of experiment.

Factors which may influence the results of the experiment are described as follows:
a. The regulation of the water rate – when experiment is repeated, the water that was let
loose is not always the same as the previously done. To overcome this problem, use a
stopwatch or mark a specific level for the water so that the amount used for the
experiment is consistent.

b. Scientific errors such as parallax and random error. These conditions will occur if no
proper measures are carried out. To do this, ensure that while observing a reading, the
eye level must be of the same as the measuring instrument. Also, check the device
before conducting the experiment to prevent values that are off scale for it’s reading.

10.0 CONCLUSION

i. Does the magnitude of the flow-rate affect the discharge coefficient Cd?
ii. Does Cd increase or decrease with increasing flow-rate?
iii. What is the pattern of the water as it passes over the weir?

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 iv. Would you expect the length of the weir crest to affect the discharge coefficient Cd?
v. What is the effect of drowning the weir (increasing the downstream depth)?

11.0 REFERENCES

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