BFC21103 Hydraulics

Chapter 2. Uniform Flow in

Open Channel
Tan Lai Wai, Wan Afnizan & Zarina
Md Ali
laiwai@uthm.edu.my

Updated: September 2014

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this chapter, students should
be able to:
i. Understand the concept of uniform
flow
ii. Calculate normal flow depth in
variable channel sections using
Chezy and Manning equations
iii. Determine the best
hydraulic/effective section of open
channel BFC21103 Hydraulics
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
 Open Channel
Flow

Classification Classification
based on Time based on
Space

Steady Unstea Unifor Non-

dy m Uniform

GVF RVF

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 Uniform flow is considered to be steady
only, since unsteady uniform flow is
practically does not exist.

Steady uniform flow is rare in natural

streams, only happens in prismatic
channels.

We adopt / assume uniform flow for

most flow computations because
uniform flow calculation is simple,
practical and provide satisfactory
solution.
BFC21103 Hydraulics
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The 132 km long All-American Canal links California's Imperial Valley to the
Colorado River. This new concrete-lined section saves about 3.8 million of water a
year over its leaky earthen forerunner
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concrete channel of Los Angeles River (NGM, 2010)

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he Klang River, Kuala Lumpur & Selangor

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 In uniform flow, the normal depth yo occurs when
depth of water is the same along the channel.
Normal depth yo implies that the water depth, flow
area, wetted perimeter, velocity and discharge at
every section of the channel are constant within a
prismatic channel.
Thus, in uniform flow, the energy line, water surface
and channel bottom are parallel, i.e. the slopes are
equal Sf = Sw = So = S.
Energy line
gradient S
f
V2
Water surface
Sw 2g

yo
Bottom slope
SoHydraulics
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2.1 Velocity
Distribution
Depends on the geometry of the channel and wetted
boundary roughness
y

Vmax
Vmax 0.2yo
Vmax
0.84 0.53
0.82 0.6yo
0.80 yo 0.52 yo
0.76
0.70 0.50 Vaverage
0.62 0.45
0.48 0.40
0.35 V

Natural channel Rectangular Velocity

channel distribution
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2.2 Chezy and Manning
Equations
Two most common equations used in the uniform flow
computations: 1 1
V CR2So2 C = Chezy roughness
1. Chezy formula coefficient
2
1 3 12
V R So n = Manning roughness
2. Manning formula n coefficient

Thus, the general uniform flow V constantRxSox

equation:

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 1
1 6
Difference between Chezy and Manning C R
n
formulae
Factors determining the roughness are surface
roughness, vegetation, channel irregularity, channel
alignment, silting and scouring, obstruction, size and
shape of channel, stage and discharge, seasonal
change, and suspended material and bed load.

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Derivation of Chezy
equation
The Chezy two assumptions are:
1. The force resisting the flow per unit area of the
Ff kVof
channel bed is proportional to the square 2
PLthe
velocity:

2. The effective component of the gravity force

causing the flow must be equal to the total force of
resistance. This is also the basic principle of uniform
flow where
Fg ALsin uniform flow will be developed if the
resistance is balance by the gravity forces:

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 Energy line gr
adient
Sf
V2
Water surface 2g
S
W swin
W cos A
yo
W
Bottom slope

So
L P

Datum

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 p1 Wsin Ff p2 M2 M1

Since for uniform p1 p2 and M1 M2

flow,
Total force of resistance is counter-balances with the
The resistance to flow is
proportional to the square of the
kV PL ALsin
2 effective component of gravity, which is acts parallel
to the channel bed.
velocity.

kV2PL ALSo
Fr = resistance to flow (N) Fr = Force of resistance
Aw = wetted area = PxL W = Weight of the fluid = AL
P = wetted perimeter = Slope angle of the bed
L = length of the channel A = Specific weight of the fluid
K = constant of V 2
So A = Cross sectional area of the
proportionality
V = mean velocity of flow
kP channel
L = Characteristic length of
1 the channel
1 1
2 2
2
V R So
k
1 1
V CR S2 2
o where C = Chezy
coefficient
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Activity
2.1
A rectangular channel 2.0 m wide carries water at a
depth of 0.5 m. The channel is laid on a slope of 0.0004.
The Chezy coefficient is 73.6. Compute the discharge of
the channel.
Given B = 2.0 m, y = 0.5 m, So = 0.0004 and C
= 73.6
A = By = 1 m2, P = B + 2y = 3 m, R =
1/3 m
Q AC RSo

1 y
Q 1 73.6 0.0004
3
B
Q 0.850m /s 3

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Activity
2.2 flows
Water in a triangular channel with side slope
1.5(H) : 1(V), bottom slope 0.0002 and Chezy
coefficient of 67.4. The depth of flow is 2.0 m. Find the
flow rate and average velocity. Based on Froude
number, determine the state of flow.
Given y = 2.0 m, z = 1.5, So = 0.0002
and C = 67.4
A = zy2 = 6 m2, P = 2y = 7.211 m, R = A/P = 0.832 m, D =
A/T = 6/2zy = 1 m
V C RSo

V 67.4 0.832 0.0002

V 0.869m/s 1 y
z

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Q AV
Q 6 0.869
Q 5.217m3/s

V
Fr
gD
0.869
Fr
9.81 1
Fr 0.277 subcritica
l flow

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Chezy resistance factor
C
The following two equations can be used to determine
Chezy coefficient:
0.00155 1
23
1. Ganguillet-Kutter So n
C n = Kutter
0.00155 n coefficient
1 23
So R

2. Bazin 87
C m = Bazin coefficient
m
1
R

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Table 2.1a Values of Manning roughness coefficient
n Surface characteristics Range of n
(a) Lined channels with straight alignment

Concrete

i. formed, no finish 0.013 - 0.017

ii. trowel finish 0.011 - 0.015
iii. float finish 0.013 - 0.015
iv. gunite, good section 0.016 - 0.019
v. gunite, wavy section 0.018 - 0.022
Concrete bottom, float finish, sides as
indicated
i. dressed stone in mortar 0.015 - 0.017
ii. random stone in mortar 0.017 - 0.020
iii. cement rubble masonry 0.020 - 0.025
iv. cement rubble masonry, 0.016 - 0.020
plastered
v. dry rubble (rip-rap) 0.020 - 0.030
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Tile Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
0.016 - 0.018
Table 2.1b Values of Manning roughness coefficient
n Surface characteristics Range of n
Sewers (concrete, asbestos-cement, 0.012 - 0.015
vitrified-clay pipes)
Asphalt

i. smooth 0.013
ii. rough 0.016
Concrete lined, excavated rock

i. good section 0.017 - 0.020

ii. irregular section 0.022 - 0.027
Laboratory flumes-smooth metal bed, 0.009 - 0.010
glass or perspex sides

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 Manning roughness
coefficient n = 0.020 -
0.022

Manning roughness
coefficient n = 0.020 -
0.022

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 Manning roughness
coefficient n = 0.022 -
0.024

Manning roughness
coefficient n = 0.020

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Table 2.1c Values of Manning roughness coefficient
n Surface characteristics Range of n
(b) Unlined, non-erodible channels

Earth, straight and uniform

i. clean, recently completed 0.016 - 0.020

ii. clean, after weathering 0.018 - 0.025
iii. gravel, uniform section, clean 0.022 - 0.030
iv. with short grass, few weeds 0.022 - 0.033
Channels with weeds and brush, uncut

i. dense weeds, high as flow depth 0.050 - 0.120

ii. clean bottom, brush on sides 0.040 - 0.080
iii. dense weeds or aquatic plants in 0.030 - 0.035
deep channels
iv. grass, some weeds 0.025 - 0.033
Rock 0.025 - 0.045

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Table 2.1d Values of Manning roughness coefficient
n Surface characteristics Range of n
(c) Natural channels

Smooth natural earth channels, free 0.020

from growth, little curvature
Earth channels, considerably covered 0.035
with small growth
Mountain streams in clean loose 0.040 - 0.050
cobbles, rivers with variable section
with some vegetation on the banks
Rivers with fairly straight alignment, 0.060 - 0.075
obstructed by small trees, very little
under brush
Rivers with irregular alignment and 0.125
cross-section, covered with growth of
virgin timber and occasional patches of
bushes and small trees

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 Manning roughness
coefficient n = 0.11

Manning roughness
coefficient n = 0.20

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 Grassed swale

Table 2.2 Values of

Manning roughness
coefficient for grassed
swale
Surface Manning n
cover
Short 0.030 - 0.035
grass
Tall grass 0.035 - 0.050

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Table 2.3 Proposed values of Bazin
coefficient m
Description of channel Bazin coefficient m
Very smooth cement of planed wood 0.11
Unplaned wood, concrete, or brick 0.21
Ashlar, rubble masonry, or poor 0.83
brickwork
Earth channels in perfect condition 1.54
Earth channels in ordinary condition 2.36
Earth channels in rough condition 3.17

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Activity
Calculate the velocity and discharge in a trapezoidal
2.3
channel having a bottom width of 20 m, side slopes
1(H) : 2(V), and a depth of water 6 m. Given Kutter's n
= 0.015 and So = 0.005.

Given B = 20 m, y = 6.0 m, z = 0.5, So = 0.005

and n = 0.015
A = By + zy2 = 138 m2,
P = B + 2y = 33.42 m, 1 y
z
R = A/P = 4.13 m
B

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 0.00155 1
23
So n
Ganguillet- C
Kutter 0.00155 n
1 23
So R

0.00155 1
23
C 0.005 0.015
0.00155 0.015
1 23
0.005 4.13

C 76.769

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Chezy V C RSo
velocity
V 76.769 4.13 0.005
V 11.03m/s

DischargeQ AV
Q 138 11.03
Q 1522
.14m3/s

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Activity
Find the equivalent Bazin coefficient m for the question in
2.4
Activity 2.3 and compare the Chezy coefficients obtained
from Kutter n & Bazin m.
Known A = 138 m2, P = 33.42 m, R = 4.13
m
Assume that for concrete with Kutter n = 0.015,
Bazin m = 0.21
87
Bazi C
m
n 1
R
87
C
0.21
1
4.13

C 78.852(fromBazin) 76.769
(fromGanguillet
- Kutter)

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Activity
A trapezoidal channel is 10.0 m wide and has a side
2.5
slope of 1.5(H) : 1(V). The bed slope is 0.0003. The
channel is lined with smooth concrete n = 0.012.
Compute the mean velocity and discharge for a
depth of flow of 3.0 m.
Given B = 10 m, y = 3.0 m, z = 1.5, So = 0.0003 and
n = 0.012
A = By + zy2 = 43.5 m2,
1 z2
P = B + 2y = 20.817
m,
R = A/P = 2.090 m
1 y
z
B

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 2
1 3 12
Manning V R So
n
velocity 2 1
1
V 2.0903 0.0003
2
0.012
V 2.359m/s

Dischar Q AV
ge 43.5 2.359
102.625m3/s

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Activity
In the channel of Example 2.5, find the bottom slope
2.6
necessary to carry only 50 m3/s of the discharge at a
depth of 3.0 m.

Given B = 10 m, y = 3.0 m, z = 1.5 and n =

0.012
and A = 43.5 m2, P = 20.817 m, R =
2.090 m
2
1 3 12
Manning Q AR So
n
discharge 2 1
1
50 43.5 2.093 So2
0.012
So 0.0000712

So 7.12 105

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Activity
A triangular channel with an apex angle of 75
2.7
carries a flow of 1.2 m3/s at a depth of 0.80 m. If the
bed slope is 0.009, find the roughness coefficient C
and n of the channel.

Given y = 0.80 m, So = 0.009, = 75, and Q

= 1.2 m3/s
75
z tan tan 0.767 1 75 y
2 2 z
and A = zy2 = 0.491 m2, P1
2
=z2y =
2.017 m,
R = A/P = 0.2435 m

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 2
1 3 12
Using Manning Q AR So
equation n
1 2
1
1.2 0.491 0.2435
3 0.009
2
n
n 0.0151

1 1
Using Chezy Q CAR S 2 2
o
equation 1 1
1.2 C 0.491 0.2435 0.009 2 2

C 52.197

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Activity
A trapezoidal channel of bottom width 25 m and side
2.8
slope 2.5(H):1(V) carries a discharge of 450 m3/s with
a normal depth of 3.5 m. The elevations at the
beginning and end of the channel are 685 m and 650
m, respectively. Determine the length of the channel
if n = 0.02.
Given B = 25 m, z = 2.5, yo = 3.5, n = 0.02, and Q
= 450 m3/s
A = By + zy2 =
118.125 m2
P = B + 2y 2 =
1 z
43.848 m
R = A/P = 2.694
m 1 y
z
B

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 2
1 3 12
Manning Q AR So
equation, n
2 1
1
450 118.125 2.6943 So2
0.02
So 0.00155

z
Manning So
LH
equation,
685 650

0.00155
LH
LH 22601
.13m

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2.3 Conveyance
Conveyance K of a channel section is a measure of
the carrying capacity of the channel section per unit
longitudinal slope. It is directly proportional to
discharge Q.
1 1 1
1. Chezy formula Q CAR S 2 2
o K CAR 2

2 2
2. Manning 1 3 12 1
Q AR So K AR3
formula n n

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2.4 Section
Factor
Section factor Z in the Manning formula is AR2/3, which is
a function of the depth of flow.
2
1 3 12
In Manning Q AR So
n
formula
2
Qn
Therefore, AR
3
1
S
2
o

Section factor AR2/3 is normally used to compute the

normal depth yo when the discharge Q, bottom slope So
and Manning roughness coefficient n are provided.
Computation of yo could be through either direct
trial-and-error computation, based on graph, or
through providedTandesign chart.
BFC21103 Hydraulics
et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
Activity
2.9
A trapezoidal channel 5.0 m wide and having a side slope
of 1.5(H) : 1(V) is laid on a slope of 0.00035. The
roughness coefficient n = 0.015. Find the normal depth
for a discharge of 20 m3/s through this channel.
Given B = 5.0 m, z = 1.5, So = 0.00035, n = 0.015,
and Q = 20 m3/s
A = By + zy2 = 5y
+ 1.5y2
P = B + 2y 2 =5+
1 z 3.25
2 y
A 5y 1.5y2
R
P 5 2 3.25y
1 y
z
B
BFC21103 Hydraulics
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
 2
1 3 12
Manning Q AR So
equation, n

Arranging Manning equation as a function of section

factor, 2
Qn
AR3 1
So2
2
5yo 1.5yo2 20 0.015
5yo 1.5y
3
2
o 1
5 2 3.25yo 0.000352
By trial-and-
error: 5

5 5yo 1.5yo
2 3

5yo 1.5y2 3
o 16.036
yo (m)
5 2 3.25yo 3
2

2
5 2 3.25y o
3 1 5.39
2 1
19.1
Therefore, yo = 1.8 59
15.7
1.820 m BFC21103 Hydraulics 1.820 06
16.0
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
35
Graphically,
5
5yo 1.5y
2 3
o 16.036
2
5 2 3.25y o
3
5 Therefore, yo =
5y 1.5y
o
2 3
o
1.820 m
yo (m) 2
5 2 3.25y o 3
yo = 1.82
1 5.39 m
1.5 1
11.1
1.7 98
14.1
1.8 15
15.7
06 16.036
1.9 17.3
2 87
19.1
59
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 Design Chart is
available,

Rectangular (z
= 0)

y y 0.37
and
B do Circular

B
0.219
2 2
4
AR 3 AR 3

8
and 8
B 3
d3
o
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 2
AR 16.036
At the x-axis, 3

2
AR 3
16.036
8
8
0.2194
B 3
53

Intersecting at z = 1.5 of trapezoidal channel

gives
y
0.37
B
y 0.37 5
Therefore, yo =
1.85 m

BFC21103 Hydraulics
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
Design chart for lined open drain
from Urban Stormwater
Management Manual for
Malaysia (Department of
Irrigation and Drainage, 2000)
BFC21103 Hydraulics
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Activity
2.10
A concrete-lined trapezoidal channel with n = 0.015 is
to have a side slope of 1(H) : 1(V). The bottom slope is
to be 0.0004. Find the bottom width of the channel
necessary to carry 100 m3/s of discharge at a normal
depth of 2.50 m.
Given yo = 2.5 m, z = 1, So = 0.0004, n = 0.015,
and Q = 1002 m3/s
A = By + zy = 2.5B +
6.25
P = B + 2y 2 =B
1 z
+ 7.071
A 2.5B 6.25
R
P B 7.071

1 y
z
BFC21103 Hydraulics
B
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
Manning equation as a function of section
factor, 2
Qn
AR 1
3

So2
2
2.5B 6.25 100 0.015
2.5B 6.25
3
1
B 7.071
0.00042
5
2.5B 6.25 3
2
75
B 7.071 3

By trial-and-error, B =
16.33 m

BFC21103 Hydraulics
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Activity
2.11 flows
Water uniformly at 10 m3/s in a rectangular
channel with a base width of 6.0 m, channel slope of
0.0001 and Manning's coefficient n = 0.013. Using trial-
and-error method, find the normal depth.

Given Q = 10 m3/s, B = 6.0 m, So = 0.0001 and

n = 0.013
A = By = 6y
P = B + 2y = 6 +
2y 3y
R
3 y
y

B
BFC21103 Hydraulics
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 2
Qn
AR 3
1
S2
o
2
3yo 3 10 0.013
6yo 1
3 yo 0.00012

2
3yo 3
yo 2.167
3 yo

By trial-and-error, yo =
1.942 m

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Activity
2.12
A sewer pipe of 2.0 m diameter is laid on a slope of
0.0004 with n = 0.014. Find the depth of flow when
the discharge is 2 m3/s.

D2
Area A 2 sin2
= 8

Perimeter PD
=

r D
2

yo

BFC21103 Hydraulics
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 2
Qn
Manning AR 3
1
equation: S 2
o
2
2 0.014
AR 3
1
0.0004 2

For design AR 3 1.4

8
8
chart: D 3
23

2
AR 3

8
0.2205
D 3

yo
Intersecting at circular section 0.6
D
gives
yo 0.6 2 = 1.20
BFC21103 Hydraulics
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m
 Design
Chart:

Rectangular (z
= 0)

y y 0.6
and
B do Circular

B
0.220
2 2
5
AR 3 AR 3

8
and 8
B 3
BFC21103 Hydraulics
d3
o
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
Simplification for Wide
Rectangular
Wide yo Channel
0.02
channel: B
yo
For wide channel, is small,
R yo
therefore B
Or simply,R yo

Discharge per unit

width
Normally used in rectangular
channels.
Q
q
Discharge per unit width or q yV
B
Unit is
m3/s/m.
BFC21103 Hydraulics
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Activity
Water flows through a very wide channel at a rate of
2.13
2.5 m3/s/m. The channel has a base width of 60 m,
channel slope of 0.005 and Manning's coefficient of
0.013. What is the normal depth?
Given: q = 2.5 m3/s/m, B = 60 m, So =
0.005, n = 0.013
For a wide rectangular channel,
R=y
Manning q yoV
equation: 1 3 12
2
q yo R So
n
5
1 3 12
q yo So
n
5 1
1 3
2.5 yo 0.0052
0.013
yo 0.6272m
BFC21103 Hydraulics
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2.5 Best Hydraulic Section (Most
Effective Section)
A non-erodible channel should be designed for the best
hydraulic efficiency.
Best hydraulic section gives minimum area for a given
discharge.
Referring to the channel
conveyance, 1 3
2
K AR
n
for a constant flow area A, the conveyance increases
with increase in hydraulic radius R or decrease in the
wetted perimeter P.
Simply, Qmax, Rmax and Pmin gives best hydraulic
section.
Pmin - reduces construction cost (less lining material),
and
BFC21103 Hydraulics
- reduces friction force.
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
 Table. Best hydraulic
sections Wetted Hydrauli
Cross Side Hydraulic Top Section
Area A perimeter c depth
section slope z radius R width T factor Z
P D
1 y 4 3 3 3 2.5
3y2 2 3y y y y
Trapezoid 3 2 3 4 2
y
Rectangl 2y2.5
- 2y2 4y 2 2y y
e
2y y 2 2.5
2 2y y
Triangle 1 y2 4 2y 2 2

Semicircl
2 y y 2.5
- y 2y y y
e 2 2 4 4
4 2 2 8 2 y 2 8 3 2.5
Parabola - y y 2 2y y y
3 3 2 3 9

BFC21103 Hydraulics
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
Activity
2.14
What is the best hydraulic section for a rectangular
channel?
For a rectangular
A By
channel,
P B 2y

For best hydraulicdP

0
section dy y

Let's first assume A to be B

constant:
A
P 2y
y
dP A
2 2
dy y
BFC21103 Hydraulics
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
For best hydraulicA
2 2 0
section ye
A 2ye2

A
Bye 2y2
e P B 2ye R
P
B 2ye P 2ye 2ye 2ye2
R
P 4ye 4ye
ye
R
2

BFC21103 Hydraulics
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
Activity
2.15
Show that the best hydraulic trapezoidal section
is one-half of a hexagon.

For a
trapezoid,
A By zy2
P B 2y 1 z2
1 60
For best dP
hydraulic 1
0 z
section dy 3

Let's first assume A and z to be A

B zy
constant: y

BFC21103 Hydraulics
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
Substituting A
P zy 2y 1 z2
B y
dP A
2 z 2 1 z2
dy y

For best hydraulic A

2 z 2 1 z2 0
section ye

A 2 1 z2 z ye2
And A A
P zy 2y 1 z2 Therefore, R
, y P

P 2ye 2 1 z2 z R

ye2 2 1 z2 z

2ye 2 1 z2 z
ye
R
2
BFC21103 Hydraulics
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
If z is allowed to
vary,

A 2 1 z2 z ye2
A
ye
2 1 z2 z
Substitute into
P,

P 2ye 2 1 z2 z
P2
A
2 1 z z
2
2 1 z2
z

P 2 A 2 1 z2 z
dP
When 0
dz
1
ze
3
BFC21103 Hydraulics
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
When 1
ze
, 3

P 2ye 2 1 z2 z
P 2 3ye

P B 2y 1 z2
B P 2y 1 z2
2
B ye
3

A 2 1 z2 z ye2
A 3ye2
BFC21103 Hydraulics
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
Activity
A slightly rough brick-lined trapezoidal channel
2.16
carrying a discharge of 25.0 m3/s is to have a
longitudinal slope of 0.0004. Analyse the
proportions of

(a) an efficient trapezoidal channel section

having a side of 1.5(H) : 1(V),

(b) the most efficient-channel section of

trapezoidal shape.

Rough brick-lined gives Manning roughness n = 0.017

BFC21103 Hydraulics
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
(a) Fixed side slopes of 1.5(H) :
1(V),
For best
section
hydraulic 2
2
A 2 1 z z ye and R
ye
2

A 2.1056ye2

1 2
From Manning 1
Q AR3So2
equation, n
2
1
1 y 3
25 2.1056
ye2 e 0.00042
0.017 2
ye 2.8298m
A By zy2
2.1056ye2
B 1.5ye
ye 1 2.830
B 1.7137m 1. m
BFC21103 Hydraulics5
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
1.714 m
(b) If the side slope is not fixed, the side slope and
other channel characteristics for most-efficient
trapezoidal section are
1
ze ze 0.5774
3

ye
A 3ye2 R
2
2 1
From Manning 1 3 2
Q AR So
equation, n 2
1
1 y
ye2 e 0.00042
3
25 2.1056
0.017 2
ye 3.045m

2
B ye Be 3.516m
3 1 3.045
0.5774
BFC21103 Hydraulics
m
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my) 3.516 m
2.6 Channels of Compound
Sections
Compound sections channel - channels that are
composed of several distinct subsections with each
subsection different in roughness from others.
Manning equation is applied separately to each
subsection to determine the mean velocity.

n
Q V A i 1
i i

Or
1
n

K S i
2
o
V i 1
A

BFC21103 Hydraulics
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
Activity
[Final exam question, Semester I, Session 2013/2014]
2.17
A composite channel as shown is designed to convey
19.8 m3/s of water. The channel on a longitudinal
slope So = 1:2000 is to be lined with concrete (n =
0.017). Determine the normal depth of flow based on
graphical method.

3 2
m 3

4
m
BFC21103 Hydraulics
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
Assignment
#2
Q1. [Final Exam Sem II, Session 2008/2009]
(a) What is conveyance factor K?
(b) Figure Q1(b) shows a compound channel and its
dimensions. The channel has bottom slope of
0.0036 and side slope of 1.5(H) : 0.75(V).
Determine the value of Chezy resistance coefficient
C and velocity of flow if flowrate is 10 m3/s.

1.5 m
0.2 m

0.5 m
Figure Q1(b)
BFC21103 Hydraulics
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
Q1. (c) A very wide rectangular channel has a slope of
0.0004 and Manning n = 0.02. If 2.54 m3/s/m flow is
to be conveyed in this channel, estimate the
normal depth.
(d) A trapezoidal channel is to carry 18 m3/s of
flowrate on a bottom slope of 0.0009. Given that
Manning's n is 0.026 and the sides of channel are
inclined 63.44 to the vertical, determine the
bottom width, depth and velocity for the best
hydraulic section.

BFC21103 Hydraulics
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
Q2. [Final Exam Sem I, Session 2010/2011]
(a) Utilizing the concept of section factor, prove
that the section in Figure Q2(a) gives
2
4.58y 10y
2
Z 4.58y2 10y
3
15.94
8.12y
when the discharge of the uniform flow is 33.6
m3/s, bed slope So = 0.001 and Manning coefficient
n = 0.015.

yo
yo
10 m 2 60

yo
45
2y
o
Figure Q2(a)
BFC21103 Hydraulics
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
Q2. (b) Determine the depth of flow yo of the channel if
the best hydraulic section is needed for a
composite section as in Figure Q2(b) to convey 6.5
m3/s of flow. Manning coefficient n and bed slope
are 0.015 and 0.0015, respectively.
4.5
m

y2

yo
y1

Figure Q2(b)

BFC21103 Hydraulics
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
Q3. [Final Exam, Sem I, Session 2007/2008]
(a) Water flows at a depth of 2.5 m in a rectangular
concrete channel (n = 0.013) of width 12 m and
bed slope 0.0028. Find the velocity and rate of flow.
(b) A housing area needs a channel to convey 9.8
m3/s of runoff. A trapezoidal channel is proposed
with 3 m width and side slope 3(horizontal) :
4(vertical). If the channel is concrete-lined (n =
0.013) and bottom slope So is 1 : 2000, determine
the normal depth using graphical method.

Q4. [Final Exam, Sem I, Session 2007/2008]

(a) Prove that the most efficient cross section for
triangular channel is half of a square.
(b) A concrete-lined irrigation channel with
Manning's n = 0.020 is needed to convey 12.5 m3/s
of flow. The channel has a trapezoidal section with
bottom slope So = 0.0015. Determine the most
BFC21103 Hydraulics
effective size al.
Tan et the channel if the side-slope
of(laiwai@uthm.edu.my) End of
is
THANK YOU

BFC21103 Hydraulics
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)