Topic: Flow in Open Channels (Uniform Flow)

FLOW IN OPEN CHANNELS (UNIFORM FLOW)

GEOMETRICAL PROPERTIES OF CHANNEL SECTION

The geometrical properties of a channel section can be defined by the

shape of the section and the depth of flow.

1. Depth of flow, y: It is the vertical distance of the lowest point of a

channel section from the free surface of water.

2. Top width, T: It is the width of the channel section at the free

surface of water.

3. Wetted area, A: It is the cross-sectional area of the flow of the

channel section.

4. Wetted perimeter, P: It is the length of the channel boundary in

contact with the flowing water at any section.

5. Hydraulic radius, R (or Hydraulic mean depth): It is the ratio of

wetted area, A and wetted perimeter, P.
A
R=
P

6. Hydraulic depth, D: It is the ratio of wetted area, A and the top

width, T
A
D=
T

7. Section factor, Z, for critical flow computation: It is the product of

wetted area and the square root of the hydraulic depth, D
1/ 2
A3 / 2  A3 
Z= A DA A  1 / 2   
T T
T 

8. Section factor, Z, for uniform flow computation: It is the product of

the wetted area and the hydraulic radius raised to the two-thirds
power.

Z = AR2/3

DR.A.MURUGAPPAN, PROF. OF CIVIL ENGG., ANNAMALAI

1
UNIVERSITY, ANNAMALAI NAGAR
Topic: Flow in Open Channels (Uniform Flow)

VELOCITY DISTRIBUTION IN A CHANNEL SECTION

The velocity of flow at any channel section is not uniformly distributed.

Why? This is due to the presence of free surface and the frictional
resistance offered to free flow of water by the boundary of the channel.

The velocity distribution in a channel section can be measured either by a

pitot tube or a currentmeter. The typical patterns of velocity distribution
in rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular and circular channel sections are
represented in Figure 1 below. The pattern of velocity distribution in a
channel section is represented by lines of equal velocity. For typical
velocity distribution curve along a vertical line of a channel section, refer
to a standard text book/reference on Fluid Mechanics/Hydraulics/Open
Channel Flow. In a straight reach of a channel, the maximum velocity
generally occurs at a distance of 0.05 to 0.15 depth of flow from the free
surface of flow. The velocity distribution in a channel section depends
upon various factors such as the shape of the section, roughness of the
boundary of the channel and the alignment of the channel.

The average velocity of flow in a channel section can be computed from

the vertical velocity distribution curve obtained for that section from
actual measurements. From measurements, it is observed that the velocity
measured at 0.6 depth of flow from the free surface is near to the average
velocity of flow in the vertical section. A still better approximation for
the average velocity of flow can be obtained by taking the average of
velocities measured at 0.2 depth of flow and 0.8 depth of flow measured
from the free surface.

As the velocity distribution in a channel section is non-uniform,

correction factors have to be applied while computing the kinetic energy
and momentum. The kinetic energy correction factor, also called Coriolis
coefficient, is denoted by the Greek symbol . The momentum correction
factor, also called Boussinesq coefficient, is denoted by them Greek
symbol . The values of  and  can be obtained from the actual velocity
distribution profile for a channel section. From experiments, it is found
that the value of kinetic energy correction factor  varies from 1.03 to
1.36 for turbulent flow in fairly straight prismatic channels. Similarly, it
is found from experiments that the value of momentum correction factor
DR.A.MURUGAPPAN, PROF. OF CIVIL ENGG., ANNAMALAI
2
UNIVERSITY, ANNAMALAI NAGAR
Topic: Flow in Open Channels (Uniform Flow)

 varies from 1.01 to 1.12 for fairly straight prismatic channels. However,
for the sake of simplicity, the values of  and  are assumed to be unity
in the present analysis.

UNIFROM FLOW IN OPEN CHANNELS

When water flows in an open channel, it experiences resistance offered

by the boundary of the channel. This causes loss of energy of the flowing
water in the direction of flow. This resistance is overcome by the flowing
water by the components of gravity forces acting on the body of water in
the direction of flow.

1 2

 TEL
2
V /2g
A Free surface
C

y V
AL sin
F1

o F2
B
L
D
W = AL  Channel bottom

Problem : An open channel is V – shaped with each side being inclined

at 45 to the vertical. If it carries a discharge of 0.04 m3/s, when the depth
of flow at the centre is 225 mm, calculate the slope of the channel
assuming that Chezy’s C = 50.

Solution.

Data given:
Shape of section of open channel: Triangular
Slope of each side of the channel section = 45 to the vertical.
DR.A.MURUGAPPAN, PROF. OF CIVIL ENGG., ANNAMALAI
3
UNIVERSITY, ANNAMALAI NAGAR
Topic: Flow in Open Channels (Uniform Flow)

Discharge, Q = 0.04 m3/s

Depth of flow at the centre of channel section, y = 225 mm = 0.225 m
Bed slope of the channel, S = ?
Chezy’s C = 50

Z
tan 45 =
1
 Z = tan 45 = 1
1 45 1 y = 225 mm
Z Z

Wetted area of channel section, A = Zy2 = 1 x (0.225)2 = 0.050625 m2

As per the continuity principle, we have,
Q = AV
where V = mean velocity of flow in channel
Q 0.04
Therefore, V =  = 0.79 m/s
A 0.050625
Wetted perimeter, P = 2 y Z 2  1 = 2(0.225) 12  1 = 0.6364 m
A 0.050625
Hydraulic radius, R =   0.07955 m
P 0.6364
Chezy’s formula: V  C RS
 0.79 = 50 x (0.07955)S
(0.79)2 1
S= 2
= 0.00314 =
(50) x 0.07955 319

Problem: A rectangular channel is 2.5 m wide and has a uniform bed

slope of 1 in 500. If the depth of flow is constant at 1.7 m calculate (a) the
hydraulic mean depth, (b) the velocity of flow, (c) the volume rate of
flow. Assume that the value of the coefficient C in Chezy’s formula is 50.

Solution.

DR.A.MURUGAPPAN, PROF. OF CIVIL ENGG., ANNAMALAI

4
UNIVERSITY, ANNAMALAI NAGAR
Topic: Flow in Open Channels (Uniform Flow)

Data:

Bottom width of channel, B

y = 1.7 m = 2.5 m
Depth of flow, y = 1.7 m
Bed slope, So = 1 in 500
Chezy’s constant, C = 50
B = 2.5 m

A
(a) Hydraulic mean depth, R =
P
where, A = wetted area = By = 2.5 x 1.7 = 4.25 m2
P = wetted perimeter = B + 2y = 2.5 + (2 x 1.7) = 2.5 + 3.4 = 5.9 m
A 4.25
R=   0.72 m
P 5.9

(b) Velocity of flow, V  C RS = 50 0.72

1  -1
 = 1.897 ms
 500 
(Note: For uniform steady flow, energy gradient, S = bed slope, So
= 1 / 500)
© Volume rate of flow, Q = AV = 4.25 x 1.897 = 8.064 m3/s

Problem: An open channel has a vee-shaped cross section with sides

inclined at an angle of 60 to the vertical. If the rate of flow is 80 dm3 s-1
when the depth at the centre is 0.25 m, what must be the slope of the
channel assuming C = 45.

Solution.

z
tan 60 =
1
 z = tan 60 = 1.734
1 60 1 y = 0.25 m
z z

Q = 80 dm3 s-1 = 80 x (10-1)3 = 80 x 10-3 m3 s-1

(Note: 1 dm = 10 cm = 0.1 m = 10-1 m)
Wetted area of channel section, A = Zy2 = 1.734 x (0.25)2 = 0.108 m2
As per the continuity principle, we have,

DR.A.MURUGAPPAN, PROF. OF CIVIL ENGG., ANNAMALAI

5
UNIVERSITY, ANNAMALAI NAGAR
Topic: Flow in Open Channels (Uniform Flow)

Q = AV
where V = mean velocity of flow in channel
Q 0.08
Therefore, V =  = 0.738 m/s
A 0.108
Wetted perimeter, P = 2 y Z 2  1 = 2(0.25) 1.7342  1 = 1.000 m
A 0.108
Hydraulic radius, R =   0.108 m
P 1.000
Chezy’s formula: V  C RS
 0.738 = 45 x (0.108)S
(0.738)2 1
S= 2
= 0.00249 =
(45) x 0.108 401

Problem: A channel 5 m wide at the top and 2 m deep has sides sloping 2
vertically in 1 horizontally. The slope of the channel is 1 in 1000. Find
the volume rate of flow when the depth of water is constant at 1 m. Take
C as 53.

What would be the depth of water if the flow rate were to be doubled?

Solution.

5m

2 2m
1 1m

B
Data:
Top width of channel, Tw = 5 m
Depth of channel, d = 2 m
Let Bottom width of channel be B
Side slope = 2 vertical : 1 horizontal = 1 vertical : 0.5 horizontal = 1 : z
Bottom slope of the channel, So = 1 in 1000
Depth of flow in the channel, y = 1 m
Tw = B + 2zd
 5 = B + 2 x 0.5 x 2 = B + 2
B=5–2=3m
For uniform steady flow,

DR.A.MURUGAPPAN, PROF. OF CIVIL ENGG., ANNAMALAI

6
UNIVERSITY, ANNAMALAI NAGAR
Topic: Flow in Open Channels (Uniform Flow)

1
Energy gradient, S = Bed slope of channel, So =  0.001
1000
Mean velocity of flow, V = C RS
Wetted area, A = (B  zy) y  3  0.511 = 3.5 m2
Wetted perimeter, P = B  2 y z 2  1  3  21 0.52  1 = 5.236 m
A 8
Hydraulic radius, R = =  0.668 m
P 7.472
V = 53 0.6680.001 = 1.37 ms-1
Q = AV = 3.5 x 1.37 = 4.8 m3 s-1

Depth of flow when the flow is doubled = ?

Now, Q = 2 (4.8) = 9.6 m3 s-1
Q = 9.6 = AV
Wetted area A = ( B  zy ) y  3  0.5yy  3 y  0.5 y 2
V = C RS
Wetted perimeter, P = B  2 y z 2  1  3  2 y 0.52  1 = 3 + 2.236y
A 3 y  0.5 y 2

R= =
P 3  2.236 y
 3 y  0.5 y 2 
Hence, Q = 9.6 = ( 3 y  0.5 y ) (53)
2
 0.001
 3  2.236 y 
Solving by trial and error, y = 1.6 m

Problem: Water is conveyed in a channel of semi-circular cross-section

with a slope of 1 in 2500. The Chezy coefficient C has a value of 56. If
the radius of the channel is 0.55 m, what will be the volume flowing per
second when the depth of flow is equal to the radius?

If the channel had been rectangular in form with the same width of 1.1 m
and depth of flow of 0.55 m, what would be the discharge for the same
slope and value of C?

Solution.

Data:
y = 0.55 m Radius of semicircular channel, r =
r 0.55 m
Depth of flow, y = r = 0.55 m

Bed slope of channel, So = 1 in 2500

DR.A.MURUGAPPAN, PROF. OF CIVIL ENGG., ANNAMALAI

7
UNIVERSITY, ANNAMALAI NAGAR
Topic: Flow in Open Channels (Uniform Flow)

Chezy coefficient, C = 56

Q = AV
r 2  0.552
Where A = wetted area =   0.4754 m2
2 2
V = mean velocity of flow = C RS
A
R = hydraulic mean depth = 
P
P = wetted perimeter =  r =  (0.55) = 1.729 m
0.4754
R=  0.275 m
1.729

Hence, Q = AC RS = 0.4754 x 56 x 0.275

1  3 -1
 = 0.279 m s
 2500 
Data:

Bottom width of channel, B

y = 0.55 m = 1.1 m
Depth of flow, y = 0.55 m
Bed slope, So = 1 in 2500
Chezy’s constant, C = 56
B = 1.1 m

Wetted area, A = By = 1.1 x 0.55 = 0.605 m2

Wetted perimeter, P = B + 2y = 1.1 + (2 x 0.55) = 1.1 + 1.1 = 2.2 m
A 0.605
Hydraulic radius, R =   0.275 m
P 2.2

Mean velocity of flow, V = C RS = 56 0.275

1  -1
 = 0.587 m s
 2500 
Volume rate of flow, Q = AV = 0.605 x 0.587 = 0.355 m3 s-1

Problem: An open channel has a cross-section in the form of trapezium

as shown in Figure below. Assuming that the roughness coefficient n is
0.025, the bed slope is 1 in 1800 and the depth of flow is 1.2 m, find the
volume rate of flow Q using (a) Chezy’s formula with C determined from
the Kutter’s formula, and (b) the Manning’s formula.

DR.A.MURUGAPPAN, PROF. OF CIVIL ENGG., ANNAMALAI

8
UNIVERSITY, ANNAMALAI NAGAR
Topic: Flow in Open Channels (Uniform Flow)

1 1.2 m
1.5

4m

Solution.

Data:
Bottom width of channel, B = 4 m
Side slope = 1 vertical: z horizontal = 1 : 1.5
Depth of flow, y = 1.2 m
Manning’s roughness coefficient, n = 0.025
Bed slope, So = 1 / 1800

Required: Volume flow rate, Q

(a) Using Chezy’s formula:

Wetted area, A = (B  zy) y  4  1.51.21.2 = 6.96 m2

Wetted perimeter, P = B  2 y z 2  1  4  21.2 1.52  1 = 8.327 m
A 6.96
Hydraulic radius, R = =  0.836 m
P 8.327
1
For uniform steady flow, energy gradient, S = bed slope, So =
1800
Chezy’s C is computed from Kutter’s formula as:

0.00155 1
23  
0.00155 1  1  0.025
23    
C= S n =  1800 
= 38.6
 0.00155  n  
1   23    
 S  R  0.00155  0.025
1  23 
  1   0.836
  
  1800  
Mean velocity of flow, V = C RS
Q = AV = AC RS = 6.96 x 38.6 0.836
1  3 -1
 = 5.79 m s
 1800 

DR.A.MURUGAPPAN, PROF. OF CIVIL ENGG., ANNAMALAI

9
UNIVERSITY, ANNAMALAI NAGAR
Topic: Flow in Open Channels (Uniform Flow)

(b) Using Manning’s formula:

Manning’s formula for mean velocity of flow is given by

1 2 / 3 1/ 2
V R S
n
1/ 2

Q = AV = A R 2 / 3 S 1/ 2 = (6.96) 
1  2 / 3 1 
0.836 
1

n  0.025   1800 
= 5.82 m3s-1

Problem: An earth channel is trapezoidal in cross-section with a bottom

width of 1.8 m and side slopes of 1 vertical to 2 horizontal. Taking the
friction coefficient in the Bazin formula as 1.3 and the slope of the bed as
0.57 m per kilometre, find the discharge in cubic metres per second when
the depth of flow is 1.5 m.

Solution.

1 1.5 m
2

1.8 m

Data:
Bottom width, B = 1.8 m
Side slope = 1 vertical : 2 horizontal = 1 vertical : z horizontal
Bazin’s friction coefficient, K = 1.3
Bed slope, So = 0.57 m per km = 0.57 m / 1000 m = 0.00057
Depth of flow, y = 1.5 m

Required:
Discharge, Q = ?

Wetted area, A = (B  zy) y  1.8  21.51.5 = 7.2 m2

Wetted perimeter, P = B  2 y z 2  1  1.8  21.5 22  1 = 8.508 m
A 7.2
Hydraulic radius, R = =  0.846 m
P 8.508
DR.A.MURUGAPPAN, PROF. OF CIVIL ENGG., ANNAMALAI 1
UNIVERSITY, ANNAMALAI NAGAR 0
Topic: Flow in Open Channels (Uniform Flow)

Bazin’s formula for evaluating Chezy’s constant C:

86.9 86.9
C = = 36
K 1.3
1 1
R 0.846
Mean velocity of flow, V = C RS = 36 0.8460.00057 = 0.791 m s-1
Discharge, Q = AV = 7.2 x 0.791 = 5.69 m3s-1

Problem: An open channel is to be constructed of trapezoidal section and

with side slopes 1 vertical to 1.5 horizontal. Find the proportions, that is,
the relation between bottom width and depth of flow) for minimum
excavation (that is, best hydraulic section).

If the flow is to be 2.7 m3/s, calculate the bottom width and the depth of
flow assuming Chezy’s C as 44.5 and the bed slope as 1 in 4000.

Solution.

1 y
Z

Side slope of channel section = 1 vertical : z horizontal = 1 : 1.5

Let the bottom width of channel section be B and the depth of flow be y.
Q = 2.7 m3/s
C = 44.5
1
Bed slope S = 1 in 4000 =  0.00025
4000
B=?
y=?

Required:
To find the relation between bottom width B and the depth of flow y for
most economical section of channel

DR.A.MURUGAPPAN, PROF. OF CIVIL ENGG., ANNAMALAI 1

UNIVERSITY, ANNAMALAI NAGAR 1
Topic: Flow in Open Channels (Uniform Flow)

For most economical trapezoidal section, we have,

B  2 zy
 y 1  z2
2
B  2(1.5) y
 y 1  (1.5) 2
2
 B  3 y  2 y 1  2.25  2 y 3.25  3.6056 y
 B  3.6056 y  3 y  0.6056 y
B
  0.6056
y
Wetted area, A = ( B  zy ) y  (0.6056 y  1.5 y) y  2.1056 y 2
Wetted perimeter, P = B  2 y z 2  1  0.6056 y  2 y (1.5) 2  1
= 0.6056y + 3.6056y = 4.2112y
A 2.1056 y 2
Hydraulic radius, R = =  0.5121y
P 4.2112 y
As per continuity principle, we have,
Q = A.V
Q
Hence, V =
A
2.7 1.2823
V= 2

2.1056 y y2
As per Chezy’s formula, we have,
V  C RS
1.2823
 2 =44.5 (0.5121y)(0.00025)
y
1.64428
  (1980.25)(0.5121y )(0.00025)
y4
 1.64428 = 0.253522 y5
1.64428
 y5 =  6.485762
0.253522
 y = 1.453 m
Hence, bottom width, B = 0.6056 y = 0.6056 x 1.453 = 0.880 m

Problem: A trapezoidal channel has side slopes of 3 horizontal to 4

vertical and the slope of its bed is 1 in 2000. Determine the optimum
dimensions of the channel if it is to carry water at 0.5 m3 s-1. Use the
Chezy’s formula, assuming that C = 80 m1/2 s-1.

Solution.

DR.A.MURUGAPPAN, PROF. OF CIVIL ENGG., ANNAMALAI 1

UNIVERSITY, ANNAMALAI NAGAR 2
Topic: Flow in Open Channels (Uniform Flow)

4 y
3

Data:
Side slope of channel = 3 horizontal : 4 vertical = z horizontal : 1 vertical
= 0.75 : 1
Bottom slope, So = 1 in 2000
Discharge, Q = 0.5 m3 s-1
Chezy’s constant C = 80 m1/2 s-1

Required: To find the optimum dimensions of the channel.

For most economical trapezoidal section, we have,

B  2 zy
 y 1  z2
2
B  2(0.75) y
 y 1  (0.75) 2
2
 B  1.5 y  2 y 1  0.5625  2 y 1.5625  2.5 y
 B  2.5 y  1.5 y  y
B
  1
y
Wetted area, A = ( B  zy ) y  ( y  0.75 y) y  1.75 y 2
Wetted perimeter, P = B  2 y z 2  1  y  2 y (0.75) 2  1
= y + 2.5y = 3.5y
A 1.75 y 2
Hydraulic radius, R = =  0.5 y
P 3.5 y
As per continuity principle, we have,
Q = A.V
Q
Hence, V =
A
0.5 0.285714
V= 2

1.75 y y2
As per Chezy’s formula, we have,
V  C RS

DR.A.MURUGAPPAN, PROF. OF CIVIL ENGG., ANNAMALAI 1

UNIVERSITY, ANNAMALAI NAGAR 3
Topic: Flow in Open Channels (Uniform Flow)

0.285714  1 
 =80 (0.5 y) 
 2000 
2
y
0.081633
  (6400)(0.5 y )(0.0005)
y4
 0.081633 = 1.6 y5
0.081633
 y5 =  0.051
1.6
 y = 0.552 m
Hence, bottom width, B = y = 0.552 m

Problem: It is required to excavate a canal of rectangular section out of

rock to bring 15 m3 of water per second from a distance of 6.4 km with a
velocity of 2.25 m/s. Determine the most suitable section for the canal
and its gradient. Take Manning’s n = 0.02.

Solution.

Discharge, Q = 15 m3/s
Velocity of flow in channel, V = 2.25 m/s
Manning’s n = 0.02
As per continuity principle, we have,
Q = AV
where A = wetted area
Q 15
A=   6.667 m2
V 2.25
For a rectangular channel section, we have, A = By
where B = bottom width
y = depth of flow
For most economical rectangular channel section, we have,
B
y= (or) B = 2y
2
Hence, A = 6.667 = (2y)y = 2y2
6.667
y=  1.826 m
2
B = 2y = 2 x 1.826 = 3.651 m
Wetted perimeter, P = B + 2y = 3.651 + 2(1.826) = 3.651 + 3.651
= 7.302 m
A 6.667
Hydraulic radius, R =   0.913 m
P 7.302
As per Manning’s formula, we have,
1 2 / 3 1/ 2
V R S
n
DR.A.MURUGAPPAN, PROF. OF CIVIL ENGG., ANNAMALAI 1
UNIVERSITY, ANNAMALAI NAGAR 4
Topic: Flow in Open Channels (Uniform Flow)

2.25 x 0.02 0.045

 S1/2 = 2/3
=  0.047815
(0.913) 0.941
 S = 0.00229

Problem: The water supply for a turbine passes through a conduit which
for convenience has its cross-section in the form of a square with one
diagonal vertical. If the conduit is required to convey 8.5 x 10 -3 m3 s-1
under conditions of maximum discharge at atmospheric pressure when
the slope of the bed is 1 in 4900, determine its size assuming that the
velocity of flow is given by V  80 R 2 / 3S 1 / 2 .

Solution.

G
For most economical
square section (that is, for
B square section to carry the
maximum discharge), we
have,
H F
Depth of flow = half the
y bottom width
45 45 B
i.e., y = B/2

When the same square section is placed with one of its diagonals vertical
as shown in Figure, for maximum discharge, the depth of flow y becomes
equal to half the height of the vertical diagonal and the free surface of
flow coincides with the other diagonal that is horizontal.

Length of diagonal = 2 B
2B
Depth of flow, y =
2
 2B 
 
y  2  2B
Hydraulic radius, R =  
2 2 4
B2
Wetted area, A = EF EH   xBxB 
1 1
2 2 2
V  80 R S .
2 / 3 1/ 2

DR.A.MURUGAPPAN, PROF. OF CIVIL ENGG., ANNAMALAI 1

UNIVERSITY, ANNAMALAI NAGAR 5
Topic: Flow in Open Channels (Uniform Flow)

2/3
 2B   1 
1/ 2

= 80 
  
 4   4900 
2/3
 B2   2B 
1/ 2
 1 
Q = AV =   80 
  
 2   4   4900 
2/3
 B2   2B 
1/ 2
 1 
 8.5 x 10 =   80
-3 
   = 0.285714 B8/3
  
2 4   4900 
0.0085
 B8/3 =  0.02975
0.285714
 B = (0.02975)3/8 = 0.268 m

Problem: Determine the most efficient section of a trapezoidal channel

with side slopes 1 vertical to 2 horizontal. The channel carries a discharge
of 11.25 m3/s with a velocity of 0.75 m/s. What should be the bed slope of
the channel? Take Manning’s n = 0.025.

Solution.

Side slope of channel section = 1 vertical : z horizontal = 1 : 2

Discharge, Q = 11.25 m3/s
Velocity of flow in channel, V = 0.75 m/s
Manning’s n = 0.025
The channel section is considered to be most economical.
Bed slope of channel, S = ?

For most economical trapezoidal channel section, we have,

B  2 zy
 y 1  z2
2
B  2(2) y
 y 1  22
2
 B  4 y  2 y 1  4  2 y 5  4.472 y
 B  4.472 y  4 y  0.472 y
B
  0.472
y
As per continuity principle, we have,
Q = AV
where A = wetted area
Q 11.25
A=   15 m2 = ( B  zy ) y  (0.472 y  2 y) y  2.472 y 2
V 0.75

DR.A.MURUGAPPAN, PROF. OF CIVIL ENGG., ANNAMALAI 1

UNIVERSITY, ANNAMALAI NAGAR 6
Topic: Flow in Open Channels (Uniform Flow)

15
 y2 =
2.472
 y = 2.463 m
Hence, B = 0.472 y = 0.472 x 2.463 = 1.163 m
Wetted perimeter, P = B  2 y z 2  1  0.472 y  2 y 22  1
= 0.472 y + 4.472 y = 4.944 y
= 4.944 x 2.463
= 12.177 m
A 15
Hydraulic radius, R =  = 1.232 m
P 12.177
As per Manning’s formula, we have,
1 2 / 3 1/ 2
V R S
n
1
 0.75 = (1.232) 2 / 3 S 1 / 2
0.025
0.75 x 0.025
 S1/2 = = 0.0163
(1.232)2 / 3
 S = 0.000266

Problem: A canal is to have a trapezoidal section with one side vertical

and the other side sloping at 45. It has to carry a discharge of 30 m3/s
with an average velocity of 1 m/s. Compute the dimensions of the section
which will require the minimum lining.

Solution.

Discharge, Q = 30 m3/s
Average velocity of flow, V = 1 m/s

E
C
D
45 y

A B
B

The trapezoidal section ABCD is made up of a rectangular portion ABCE

of dimensions (B x y) and a triangular portion AED right – angled at E.
ED ED
From triangle AED, tan 45 =  1
AE y
Hence, ED = y
DR.A.MURUGAPPAN, PROF. OF CIVIL ENGG., ANNAMALAI 1
UNIVERSITY, ANNAMALAI NAGAR 7
Topic: Flow in Open Channels (Uniform Flow)

1 1 y2
Hence, area of triangular portion = x ED x AE = x y x y =
2 2 2
Area of rectangular portion = By
y2
Hence, area of trapezoidal section, A = By +
2
y2
By = A -
2
A y
B= 
y 2
Wetted perimeter, P = DA + AB + BC = ( AE ) 2  ( ED) 2  B  y
= y2  y2  B  y
= 2 y2  B  y
= 2y  B  y
= 2.414 y + B
A y
Putting B =  in P = 2.414 y + B, we have,
y 2
A y
P = 2.414 y + 
y 2
Assuming area A to be constant, the above equation can be differentiated
with respect to y and equated to zero for obtaining the condition for
minimum P.

dP A 1 A
Hence,  2.414  2   1.914  2  0
dy y 2 y
y2
Putting A = By + , we have,
2
y2
By 
1.914 - 2 0
2
y
y2
 1.914 y2 – By - 0
2
 1.414 y2 – By = 0
 By = 1.414 y2
 B = 1.414 y = 2 y
This is the condition for most economical trapezoidal section of channel
defined in the problem.

From continuity principle, we have,

Q 30
Wetted area of flow, A = =  30 m2
V 1

DR.A.MURUGAPPAN, PROF. OF CIVIL ENGG., ANNAMALAI 1

UNIVERSITY, ANNAMALAI NAGAR 8
Topic: Flow in Open Channels (Uniform Flow)

y2
We have, A = By +
2
Putting B = 1.414 y, we have,
y2
A = 30 m2 = (1.414 y) y +
2
y2
 1.414 y2 + = 30
2
 1.914 y2 = 30
30
 y2 =  15.674
1.914
 y = 3.959 m
Hence, B = 1.414 y = 1.414 x 3.959 = 5.598 m

Problem: An open channel laid at a constant slope is required to carry a

maximum discharge of 5 m3/s and a minimum discharge of 1 m3/s at a
constant velocity of 1 m/s at all depths of flow. Compute the top width at
the free surface and the depths of flow corresponding to minimum and
maximum discharges. For minimum discharge, a rectangular channel
section of the most economical type may be designed.

Solution.

Maximum discharge, Qmax = 5 m3/s

Minimum discharge, Qmin = 1 m3/s
Constant velocity of flow, V = 1 m/s
For minimum discharge, a rectangular section that is most economical is
to be designed.

Case (i) Discharge is minimum

Qmin = 1 m3/s
As per continuity principle, we have,
Qmin = AV
where A = wetted area of rectangular channel section when the
discharge is minimum
Qmin 1
A=   1 m2
V 1
For rectangular channel section, A = By
where B = bottom width of channel section
y = depth of flow corresponding to minimum discharge
Further, for most economical rectangular channel section, we have,

DR.A.MURUGAPPAN, PROF. OF CIVIL ENGG., ANNAMALAI 1

UNIVERSITY, ANNAMALAI NAGAR 9
Topic: Flow in Open Channels (Uniform Flow)

B
y=
2
B
Putting y =
in A = By, we have,
2
B B2
1=Bx =
2 2
 B2 = 2
 B =1.414 m
Hence, y = 1.414 / 2 = 0.707 m
Wetted perimeter of most economical rectangular section, P = B + 2y
= 1.414 + 2 x 0.707
= 2.828 m
Hydraulic radius, R = A/P = 1 / 2.828 = 0.3536 m

Note: the velocity of flow is constant at all depths of flow if the hydraulic
radius is constant at all depths of flow.

When the discharge is maximum equal to 5 m3/s,

A = Q / V = 5 / 1 = 5 m2
R = 0.375 m = A / P = 5 / P
 P = 5 / 0.375 = 13.333 m = width of bottom rectangular section + 2
(depth of rectangular section) + 2 (length of each side of the constant
velocity section)
i.e., 13.333 = 1.414 + 2(0.707) + 2(length of each side of the constant
velocity section)
Length of each side of the constant velocity section
= [13.333 – 1.414 – 2(0.707)] / 2
= 5.2525 m

The cross-section of a channel with constant velocity at all depths of flow

is defined by the equation


y = R log e x  x 2  R 2  C 
1.414
For x =  0.707 m; y = 0
2
  
Hence, C = - R log e x  x 2  R 2 = - R log e 0.707  (0.707) 2  R 2 
  
Thus, y = R log e x  x 2  R 2 - R log e 0.707  (0.707)2  R 2 
 
x  x2  R2  
= R log e 

 0.707  (0.707) 2  R 2 



DR.A.MURUGAPPAN, PROF. OF CIVIL ENGG., ANNAMALAI 2

UNIVERSITY, ANNAMALAI NAGAR 0
Topic: Flow in Open Channels (Uniform Flow)

Solution incomplete

Problem: A trapezoidal channel with side slopes of 2 horizontal to 1

vertical has to carry a discharge of 20 m3/s. if the bottom width is 4 m,
calculate the bottom slope required to maintain a uniform flow at a depth
of 1.5 m. Take Manning’s n = 0.015.

What would be the normal depth of flow for the above channel to carry a
discharge of 27 m3/s?

Solution.

Wetted area of channel section, A = (B + zy) y = [4 + (2) (1.5)] (1.5)

= 10.5 m2
Wetted Perimeter, P = B  2 y z 2  1  4 + 2(1.5) 22  1 = 10.708 m
Hydraulic radius, R = A/P = 10.5 / 10.708 = 0.981 m

Manning’s formula:
1 2 / 3 1/ 2
V R S
n
As Q = AV, we have,
1 1
Q = A R 2 / 3 S 1/ 2 = AR2 / 3 S 1 / 2
n n
(10.5)0.981 S 1 / 2
1
 20 = 2/3

0.015
(20)(0.015)
 S1/2 = = 0.0289
(10.5)(0.981) 2 / 3
 S = 0.000837 = 1 in 1194 (i.e., 1 vertical to 1194 horizontal)

Let y be the normal depth of flow

Q = 27 m3/s
A = (B + zy) y = (4 + 2 y) y
P = B  2 y z 2  1  4 + 2y 22  1 = 4 + 2y 5
(4  2 y ) y
R=A/P=
(4  2 y 5 )
1
Q = AV = A R 2 / 3 S 1/ 2
n
2/3
1  (4  2 y ) y 
 27 = [(4 + 2 y) y]  0.000837 
1/ 2

n  (4  2 y 5 ) 
1  (4  2 y ) y 
 27 = 
5/3

 0.0008371 / 2

 0.015  (4  2 y 5 )
2/3

DR.A.MURUGAPPAN, PROF. OF CIVIL ENGG., ANNAMALAI 2
UNIVERSITY, ANNAMALAI NAGAR 1
Topic: Flow in Open Channels (Uniform Flow)

Solving for y by trial and error, we have, y = 1.745 m

DR.A.MURUGAPPAN, PROF. OF CIVIL ENGG., ANNAMALAI 2

UNIVERSITY, ANNAMALAI NAGAR 2