Hydrological Study of Handi Khola Bridge Site, Taplejung

1 General
Detailed hydrological study of Handi Khola at the proposed bridge site of link road to district
road at Taplejung District has been carried out to find out the hydrological design parameters
required for the design of the bridge. The main hydrological parameters required for the
design of the bridge are:

 Maximum design discharge for 100 years return period

 Linear waterway
 Normal and maximum scour depths
 Vertical clearance and afflux

These major parameters mentioned above are determined based on an in-depth study.

2 Catchment Characteristics
To obtain the catchment area of Handi Khola at the proposed bridge site, a digital elevation
model (DEM) of 30 m resolution was obtained from the U.S. Geological Survey site which is
available freely. In addition to DEM, QGIS version 3.22.2 software was used for the
processing of DEM and the generation of the catchment area. The catchment area of Handi
Khola at the proposed bridge site was found out to be 4 km 2. The elevation of the river varies
from 2474 masl to 1577 masl along the length of a river which is approximately 2.47 km till
the bridge site. The river flows towards the SW direction.
The Tinekhu Khola catchment area is covered with a maximum percentage of a forest. The
approximate land use pattern of this basin is as follows:

S.No. Land Use Percentage (%) Area (km2)

1 Forest 90.18 3.6
2 Cultivation 9.8 0.39
3 Built-up and Settlement 0.18 0.0074
Available data
The 24-hour maximum rainfall data are available from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) which are as follows:
Station Name: Dovan
Station No.: 1420
Year 24 hr. maxm rainfall Year 24 hr. maxm rainfall
1995 42.3 2009 31.2
1996 44.4 2010 94
1997 44 2011 61.5
1998 45.3 2012 45.5
1999 60.5 2013 111.1
2000 34.3 2014 41.2
2001 45.1 2015 40.5
2002 42 2016 46.5
2003 95.5 2017 41
2004 41.1 2018 40.5
2005 41 2019 40.5
2006 41.5 2020 41.4
2007 53.3 2021 50.5
N 26 years
Mean 50.6 mm
Std. Dev. (s) 19.58 mm
yn 0.532
0
Sn 1.096
1

Return Periods (T) Reduced Variate (yT) Frequency Factor (K) Maxm 24-hr rainfall (mm)
5 1.500 0.883 67.898
10 2.250 1.568 81.306
20 2.970 2.224 94.167
50 3.902 3.074 110.815
100 4.600 3.711 123.290
150 5.007 4.083 130.564
Hydrological Analysis
Water and Energy Commission Secretariat(WECS/DHM) study method
Hydrological studies on the rivers of Nepal have been carried out by the Water and Energy
Commission secretariat and published a report “Methodologies for Estimating Hydraulic
Characteristics of un-gauged locations in Nepal” in which methods are described to calculate
the flood discharge of the rivers for different return periods. The flood flows are calculated
according to the formula described in the report within the different altitudes. The maximum
flood flows are calculated in any river of catchments area below 3000 m of elevation formula
as given below. Though the altitude of catchments varies below 5000 m, the equation below
5000 m elevation catchments is used for low flow or long-term flow calculation. The
following equation is used here for maximum daily flood peak on the safer side.
0 .8783
Q2 =0 .8154 ( A +1 )
0 .8448
Q100=4 . 1440 ( A+1 )

Where, subscript 2 and 100 stands for the return periods.

The flood flows for any return period R is governed by
Q R =exp ( lnQ 2 + Sσ )

ln ( Q 100 / Q 2 )
σ=
Where, 2. 326 is the standard deviation of the natural logarithms of annual floods.
S = standardized normal variable for a particular return period R
Return Period

Return Period 2 5 10 20 50 100 200

S 0 0.842 1.202 1.645 2.054 2.326 2.576

Catchment Area (A) = 4.0 km2

Return Period = 50 years and 100 years

Calculations
0 .8448
Q100 = 4.1440 ( 4.0+1 ) 16.14 m3/s
0.8783
Q2 = 0.8154 ( 4.0+1 ) 3.35 m3/s
ln ( 16 .14 /3 .35 )
σ = 0.676
2 . 326
Q50 = exp ( ln3. 35+2 .054×0 . 676 ) 13.43 m3/s
Dicken’s Method
This formula is widely used in Northern India and Nepal. As per this formula,
3/4
Q p =C T A
Where, A = Total catchment area (km2)
CT = Dicken’s modified constant for the desired return period, T

=
2. 342 log (0 . 6T ) log ( )
1185
P
+4

100 ( A S +6 )
P= A

As = Snow-covered area in the catchment

Qp = Maximum flood discharge in the river
Calculations
As = 0
A = 4.0 km2
P = 150
C50 = 7.1
C100 = 7.7
Q50 = 20.1 m3/s
Q100 = 21.89 m3/s
Ryve’s Formula
This is another empirical formula generally used to estimate flood discharge. According to
this formula
2/3
Q p =C A
Where, Qp = Peak flood discharge in m3/s
A = Catchment area in km2
C = Constant depending on the nature of the catchment and location
Calculations

A = 4.0 km2
C = 10.32 for limited area near hill
Qp = 26 m3/s
Tahal (2002) Formula
Tahal (2002) has proposed a regional model for the prediction of the floods for different
return periods in the ungauged basins of Western Nepal. The model uses method proposed by
USGS, in which first the mean annual flood, Q m is computed which, in turn, is a function of
area of the basin below 3000 m. For the sub-basins of the Narayani basin following
relationship for Qm has been proposed.
0 .7572
Qm=5 . 42 A

Where, A = Area below 3000 m

Once the value of Qm is computed, the value of the flood discharge, Q t for different return
period, T can be computed. These two are related by
Qt
=0. 3838 ln (T ) + 0 .6882
Qm

Calculations
A = 4.0 km2
Qm = 15.48
Q50 = (0.3838 ln (50) + 0 .6882 )× 55. 42 33.89 m3/s
Q100 = (0 .3838 ln (1 00 ) + 0.6882)× 55 .42 38.0 m3/s

Medium Hydro Study Project Approach

According to this approach, the discharge for different return period is given by
n
Q=K A
Where, K and n are coefficients depending upon Return Period
A is the Catchment Area in km2
The value of K and n for different Return Periods are given in table below:

Return Period K n
5 1.6762 0.966
20 3.2303 0.9281
50 4.6090 0.9071
100 5.9865 0.8888

Calculations
A = 4.0 km2
Q50 = 16.2 m3/s
Q100 = 20.53 m3/s
Slope Area Method
This method depends upon channel characteristics, water surface profile and roughness coefficient of the riverbed. Manning’s equation is used in
this method.
2 1
1
Q= A× ×R 3 ×S 2
n

Where, Q = Discharge in m3/s

n = Roughness Coefficient
A = Cross sectional area in m2
R = Hydraulic radius in m
S = Slope of the river
The calculation of Discharge by Slope Area Method at Bridge Axis is shown in Table below:
Wetted Hydraulic
Elevation Depth Width Area Velocity Discharge
S.No Perimeter Radius Slope n Remarks
(masl) (m) (m) (m2) (m/s) (m3/s)
(m) (m)
1 1550.918 0.00 0 0 0   0.363 0.035 0.00 0.00  
2 1551.118 0.20 2.62 0.248 2.710 0.092 0.363 0.035 3.50 0.87  
3 1551.318 0.40 3.93 0.904 4.107 0.220 0.363 0.035 6.28 5.67  
4 1551.518 0.60 5.24 1.821 5.504 0.331 0.363 0.035 8.23 15.00  
5 1551.718 0.80 6.55 3.001 6.902 0.435 0.363 0.035 9.88 29.65  
6 1551.918 1.00 7.63 4.425 8.072 0.548 0.363 0.035 11.53 51.02 HFL 
Rational Method
The flood discharge
Q=0.28× C ×I c ×A
Where, Q = Peak discharge in m3/s
C = Run off coefficients depending upon the catchment characteristics
Ic = Critical Intensity of rainfall in mm/hr.
A = Catchment area in sq. km
2× Io
I c=
T c +1

Where, Io = Intensity of rainfall for particular return period

Tc = Time of concentration

( )
0 .385
0.87× L3
T c=
H
Where, L = Length of stream in km
H = Fall between the two end levels of L in meter
F×( T +1 )
I o=
2×T
Where, F = Total rainfall in mm
T = Time in hours
F for Q50 is 94.167 mm
94 . 167× ( 24+1 )
Io = = 49.05 mm/hr.
2×24

A = 4.0 km2
L = 2.47 km
H = 2474– 1577 = 897 m
C = 0.43 for catchments of cultivated and covered forest

( )
0.385
Tc =
0.87× 2.47 3 = 0.2 hr.
897
2× 49.05
Ic = 81.98 mm/hr
0.20+1
 Q50 Q=0.28× C ×I c ×A = 39.48 m3/s

F for Q100 is 110.815 mm

110 .815×( 24+1 )
Io = = 57.72 mm/hr.
2×24
2×57 .72
Ic = 96.47 mm/hr
0.2+1
Q100 0.28× C ×I c× A = 46.46 m3/s

The rational formula is only applicable for small size (<50 km2) catchments. It gives
discharge very much higher than WECS method.

Design Discharge
This bridge lies very close to xyz village of Taplejung district. Considering the importance of
bridge, the flood for return period of 100 years is recommended for design discharge. The
maximum discharge using above methods for return period of 100 years are summarized
below in Table below:
Peak Discharge (m3/s) from various methods at Handi Khola, Taplejung (Return period = 100
years)

S.No. Method Discharge (m3/s)

1 Dicken’s 21.89
2 Ryve’s 26.00
3 WECS/DHM 16.14
4 Tahal (2002) 38.02
5 Slope Area Method 51.02
6 Medium Hydro Study Project Approach 20.53
7 Rational 46.46

The table above shows that the discharge calculated by WECS/DHM is minimum and
discharge calculated by Slope Area Method is high. Considering the catchments
characteristics and deforestation trends in hilly regions of Nepal and the flood generally seen
exceeding the design flood in existing bridges, the discharge calculated from Slope Area
method is adopted for design discharge. So, the design discharge adopted is 51.02 m3/s.
Bridge Hydraulics
Linear Waterway
According to Kellerhals, mean channel width is given by

B=3.26 Q0 . 5 for Gravel bed channels

Where, B = mean channel length required for given discharge
Q = design discharge m3/s
B = 23.29 m

According to Lacey’s formula, mean channel width is given by

0 .5
B=4.75 Q for alluvium channels
Where, B = mean channel length required for given discharge
Q = design discharge m3/s
B = 33.93 m
In case of Terai region and gravel and cobble bed river, the waterway calculated by this
method seems to be reasonable in other rivers and streams.
Linear waterway at site according to HFL 1551.92 masl at bridge axis is 7.63 m. The linear
waterway according to Kellerhals is approximately 23 m and that from Lacey’s formula is
about 34 m. From economical point of view and according to road level to be provided, the
length of the bridge can be reduced to pass the design discharge. The bridge length is
provided as 15 m.
High Flood Level (HFL)
For the calculation of the HFL of the rivers at the bridge sites, a rating curve (Stage-
Discharge relationship curve is needed). Since no specific hydrometric station are established
near the bridge site, the flow depth over the bridge during peak flow was estimated from the
empirical equation. The high flood level is the total of maximum flow depth and afflux. From
the field observation at the time of field visit the HFL is 1.0 m from existing bed level.
Afflux and Vertical Clearance
The afflux is the heading up of floodwater on the upstream of a bridge and is measured by the
difference in levels between the upstream and downstream water surface of the bridge. The
reduction of waterway due to construction of bridge and other reasons that obstruct the
smooth flow of the water are the causes for the afflux.
According to IRC5-1985, CL 1062.1, for discharge less than 300 ~3000 m 3/s, vertical
clearance should be minimum 1200 mm. But due to the steep gradient of river, for safety
purpose 1600 mm has been added to the HFL to obtain the minimum level of bearing. So, the
minimum level of bearing = 1551.918+1.6= 1553.518 m. This is the clearance needed
considering the debris like tree logs etc.
Assuming the deck of superstructure below deck level 2 m and 50 mm bearing depth, the
minimum deck level = R.L 1553.118+2.05 = R.L. 1555.168 m. Considering future
degradation of catchment area and silting of riverbed, the deck level is adopted as in R.L.
1555.168 masl.
Scour Depth and Depth of Foundation
Actual channel width at site according to HFL = 7.63 m
Mean regime channel width according to calculation = 23.29 m
Mean channel width provided = 15 m
A) According to Kellerhals, for general bed channels, the depth of max scour is
calculated below:
0 .8 -0 .12
Y = 0.47 q D90

Where, Y = mean depth of scour m

q = discharge per m width = 3.4 m3/s
D90 = size of bed material, mm such that 90% of the stones by no. are smaller
= 52 mm

Y = 0.47× 13 . 40 .8 ×0.06 -0.12

= 1.78 m
The maximum depth of scour around abutment = 1.78 m
Maximum scour depth level around abutment = 1549.13 masl
B) According to IRC Special Publication 13
Normal scour depth for quasi alluvium stream

()
0.33
Q
D = 0.473
f
Where, Q = discharge in m3/s

f = silt factor =
1.76 √ d m = 8.26

dm = mean diameter of the particles in mm

D = 0.8 m from HFL
 ( )
0.61
W
D×
Scour depth after contraction D’ = L = 1.04 m
So, maximum scour depth Dm = 1.04 m from HFL
Maximum scour depth level around abutment = 1550.88 masl
C) According to IRC Special Publication 13/IRC: 2000,
HFL - Lowest Bed Level
Mean Scour depth = 1. 27

= 0.79 m below bed level

Maximum scour depth below abutment = 1.27×0 .79 = 1.00 m

Maximum scour depth level around abutment = 1549.92 masl
Adopt level of maximum scour depth around abutment = 1549.13 masl
Depth of Foundation
According to the geological condition, open foundation is suitable for this bridge. The
minimum depth of foundation should be less as follows as per IRC cl 705.2.1
Depth of foundation for Abutment
= Maximum scour depth level - 2 m = 1547.13 masl
Summary of Bridge Hydraulics (Handi Khola)

S.No. Parameters Value

1 Design Discharge 51.02 m3/s according to Slope Area Method
2 Probable RCC bridge span 15 m
4 HFL from bed 1.0 m
5 Scour depth from bed 1.78 m