2023-24
CE-418 OEL REPORT
SUBMITTED BY:
AGHA SHEHROZ AHMED (CE-20074)
AAMNA RASHID (CE-20078)
ALIZA BANO (CE-20081)
MUHAMMAD MOHTASHIM (CE-20091)
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
NED UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING &
TECHNOLOGY
HYDRAULICS & WATER RESOURCES ENGINEERING – I (CE-418)
OEL REPORT
INTRODUCTION
PROBLEM STATEMENT:
You as a water planner need to investigate the runoff response of different watersheds. You are
required to develop storm hydrograph of the subject area and document the rainfall-runoff
characteristics.
Provide your results incorporating any one of the following, for a comparative assessment
o Shape of watershed
o Possible runoff losses
o Slope of watershed
o Change of land cover
CONSTRAINT AND ASSUMPTION:
The equipment present in the water lab are to be used only. However, there is no limitation for
using any specific material for experimental setup.
EXPECTED OUTCOME:
o Report with introduction and not more than 4 pages documenting:
o Experimental setup showing existing natural and artificial features in the demarcated
watershed/area (with pictures).
o Experiment methodology with data collection and related calculations.
o Storm Hydrographs.
o Document Rainfall-runoff characteristics of the watershed with recommendations for
improvement of watershed topography or land cover for improved drainage or water use
efficiency.
SCOPE:
o Provides most accurate for estimation of runoff for small drainages with large amount of
impervious area e.g. housing development, industrial area & parking lots.
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND:
Instead of using the whole runoff hydrograph, peak runoff models are utilized in urban hydrology to
design storm water conveyance structures and other related infrastructure. The Rational Method,
which is the most widely used peak runoff technique, uses the equation Q=CiA to connect the peak
runoff rate (Q) to the intensity of the rainfall (i).
Where A is the catchment area and C is the runoff coefficient. When the rational method is applied,
it is assumed that the entire catchment area contributes to the runoff. In this scenario, the storm's
duration must match or surpass the catchment's time of concentration, the rainfall must be evenly
distributed throughout the catchment area, and the runoff coefficient must account for all
catchment losses. In order to calculate i and Tc—which have a particular connection for a
catchment—the rational approach necessitates solving the IDF Equation and the time of
concentration expression simultaneously. The whole runoff hydrograph can be used to approximate
rainfall intensity for this experiment in the absence of such a connection. The cumulative amount of
water collected at the outlet divided by the catchment area and the length of the rainfall event is
known as the rainfall intensity ('i').
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Submitted to: Engr Tazeen Rehman
HYDRAULICS & WATER RESOURCES ENGINEERING – I (CE-418)
OEL REPORT
APPARATUS:
Rainfall hydrograph simulator-overhead spray nozzles to provide rainfall, graduated cylinder, stop
watch, etc.
PROCEDURE:
o Add material at which you are going to perform
your experiment to the rainfall hydrograph
simulator.
o Adjust the slope.
o Apply rainfall for one to two minutes.
o Collect water from the outlet at 30 sec. and
measure the volume.
o Repeat till the discharge gets constant.
OBSERVATIONS & CALCULATIONS
For First Slope (0.002624672) For Second Slope (0.006299216)
CUMMULATIVE CUMMULATIVE
VOLUME OF VOLUME OF
CATCHMENT VOLUME OF CATCHMENT VOLUME OF
TIME WATER WATER
DISCHARGE WATER DISCHARGE WATER
S.NO. COLLECTED COLLECTED
(sec) COLLECTED COLLECTED
(L/sec) (L/sec)
(L) (L)
(L) (L)
1 30 0.77 0.0257 0.77 0.6 0.02 0.6
2 60 0.95 0.0317 1.72 0.91 0.030333 1.51
3 90 0.93 0.0308 2.65 1.1 0.036667 2.61
4 120 0.81 0.0270 3.46 1 0.033333 3.61
5 150 0.64 0.0213 4.10 0.84 0.028 4.45
6 180 0.51 0.0170 4.61 0.69 0.023 5.14
7 210 0.44 0.0147 5.05 0.56 0.018667 5.7
8 240 0.37 0.0123 5.42 0.41 0.013667 6.11
9 270 0.33 0.0110 5.75 0.34 0.011333 6.45
10 300 0.28 0.0093 6.03 0.3 0.01 6.75
11 330 0.25 0.0083 6.28 0.28 0.009333 7.03
12 360 0.22 0.0073 6.50 0.26 0.008667 7.29
13 390 0.20 0.0067 6.70 0.24 0.008 7.53
14 420 0.17 0.0057 6.87 0.22 0.007333 7.75
15 450 0.16 0.0053 7.03 0.2 0.006667 7.95
16 480 0.15 0.0050 7.18 0.19 0.006333 8.14
17 510 0.14 0.0047 7.32 0.18 0.006 8.32
18 540 0.13 0.0043 7.45 0.16 0.005333 8.48
19 570 0.12 0.0040 7.57 0.14 0.004667 8.62
20 600 0.10 0.0033 7.67 0.13 0.004333 8.75
21 630 0.10 0.0033 7.77 0.12 0.004 8.87
22 660 0.09 0.0030 7.86 0.12 0.004 8.99
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Submitted to: Engr Tazeen Rehman
HYDRAULICS & WATER RESOURCES ENGINEERING – I (CE-418)
OEL REPORT
23 690 0.09 0.0030 7.95 0.11 0.003667 9.1
24 720 0.09 0.0030 8.04 0.1 0.003333 9.2
25 750 0.08 0.0027 8.12 0.08 0.002667 9.28
26 780 - - - 0.07 0.002333 9.35
27 810 - - - 0.04 0.001333 9.39
RUNOFF HYDROGRAPH FOR THE RUNOFF HYDROGRAPH FOR THE
RAINFALL EVENT RAINFALL EVENT
0.0350 0.04
Catchment Discharge (L/sec)
0.035
Catchment Discharge (L/sec)
0.0300
0.03
0.0250
0.025
0.0200
0.02
0.0150
0.015
0.0100 0.01
0.0050 0.005
0.0000 0
0 200 400 600 800 0 200 400 600 800 1000
Time (sec) Time (sec)
For First Slope (0.002624672) For Second Slope (0.006299216)
Length of tank = L = 6.25 ft. Length of tank = L = 6.25 ft.
Difference in elevation = H = 5mm = 0.0164042 Difference in elevation = H = 12mm = 0.0393701
ft. ft.
𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐷𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑖𝑛 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
Slope = S = = Slope = S = =
𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑘 𝐿𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑘
0.002624672 0.006299216
Area of Catchment = A = 6.25’ x 3’ = 18.75 ft2. = Area of Catchment = A = 6.25’ x 3’ = 18.75 ft2. =
0.00043 acres 0.00043 acres
Duration of rainfall = 1 minute Duration of rainfall = 1 minute
Cumulative volume of water collected = 8.120 Cumulative volume of water collected = 9.390
lit. = 0.286755 ft3. lit. = 0.331605 ft3.
𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒
Rainfall Intensity = i = 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 0.0152936 Rainfall Intensity = i = 𝐴𝑟𝑒𝑎 = 0.0176856 ft/min
ft/min = 11.011392 in/hr. = 12.733632 in/hr.
Runoff Coefficient for impermeable catchment Runoff Coefficient for impermeable catchment =
= C = 0.98 C = 0.98
Peak Runoff = Q = CiA = 0.0046402 cfs. Peak Runoff = Q = CiA = 0.005365 cfs.
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Submitted to: Engr Tazeen Rehman
HYDRAULICS & WATER RESOURCES ENGINEERING – I (CE-418)
OEL REPORT
CONCLUSION
The experimental investigation focused on the runoff response
of different watersheds, with a primary goal of developing
storm hydrographs and documenting the rainfall-runoff
characteristics of the subject area. The study involved the
measurement of discharge for two distinct slopes, namely
0.002624672 and 0.006299216, resulting in discharge values of
0.0046402 cfs and 0.005365 cfs respectively.
The obtained data highlights the significant influence of slope
on the discharge rate within the watershed. The steeper slope
(0.006299216) exhibited a higher discharge, emphasizing the
critical role that topography plays in influencing the runoff
response. This finding aligns with established hydrological
principles, where slope steepness directly affects the velocity
and volume of runoff.
The storm hydrograph developed from the experiment
provides valuable insights into the watershed's response to
rainfall events. The differences in discharge between the two
slopes underscore the need for a nuanced approach in
watershed management. Understanding these variations can
inform strategies for mitigating potential issues related to
flooding, erosion, and water resource utilization.
Recommendations for Improvement of Watershed Topography or Land Cover:
To enhance the watershed's overall performance and water use efficiency, several
recommendations can be considered:
1. Topographic Modification: Conduct a thorough analysis of the watershed's topography to
identify areas susceptible to high runoff due to steep slopes. Implement slope modification
techniques, such as terracing or contour plowing, to reduce the risk of soil erosion and
enhance water retention.
2. Afforestation and Vegetative Cover: Introduce strategic afforestation programs to increase
vegetative cover within the watershed. Vegetation plays a crucial role in regulating runoff by
absorbing water and reducing surface flow. Planting native species can contribute to
improved soil structure and water retention.
3. Storm-water Management Infrastructure: Invest in storm-water management
infrastructure, such as retention ponds or permeable surfaces, to capture and slow down
runoff. This approach can effectively control the timing and magnitude of discharge,
preventing rapid and uncontrolled flow.
4. Erosion Control Measures: Implement erosion control measures, including the use of
erosion control blankets and sedimentation basins, in areas prone to soil erosion. This will
help maintain soil integrity and reduce the transport of sediment into water bodies.
5. Land Use Planning: Collaborate with local authorities to develop land use plans that
prioritize sustainable practices. Avoiding excessive urbanization or deforestation can
contribute to maintaining the natural balance of the watershed.
In conclusion, addressing the runoff response of different watersheds necessitates a comprehensive
understanding of their unique characteristics. The recommendations outlined above aim to enhance
the watershed's resilience, mitigate potential risks, and optimize water use efficiency. Implementing
a combination of these strategies will contribute to the sustainable management of the watershed,
ensuring long-term environmental and hydrological benefits.
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Submitted to: Engr Tazeen Rehman
