I.

Experiment 3: Determination of Coefficient of Discharge of a

Triangular Weir

II. Materials and Apparatus

a. Water tank with triangular weir

b. Meter Stick
c. Stopwatch
d. Pitcher
e. Graduated Cylinder

III. Procedure

1. Take the needed measurements:

i. Measure the height to the crest of the weir

17.5 cm

ii. Measure the length of the crest

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 15 cm

iii. Measure the length of the tank

51.4 cm

2. Take the measurements of the water level upstream for each trial

3. Measure the discharge of each trial when the head is constant.

i. Obtain the volume discharged by the weir using pitcher method.

2
 For Trial 1

For Trial 2

3
 For Trial 3

ii. Use graduated cylinder to measure the volume

iii. Record its time in order to compute for Q

5.) Tabulate obtain values and compute for Cw

IV. Tabulated Data and Results

Table.1
Trial Angle, 𝜃 Head Time Level Reading Volume
No. (in degrees) (in meters) (s) (in meters) (mL)
1 630 5.4 0.46 0.067 235
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 2 630 7.2 0.35 0.094 535
3 630 8.5 0.34 0.100 720

Table.2
Trial QA Head 𝑎 𝐶𝑊
No. (m3/s) (in meters)
1 5.11 x 10-4 5.4 22.9 0.72
2 1.53 x 10-3 7.2 25.6 0.92
3 2.12 x 10-3 8.5 26.2 1.09

Table 3.
Trial Experimental Weir Theoretical Weir Percentage
No. Coefficient Coefficient Error

1 3.42 1.84 85.87 %

2 2.24 1.84 21.74 %
3 1.39 1.84 24.46 %

V. Computation

Computing for Actual Discharge:

𝑚3
𝐕
where , 𝑄𝐴 – Actual Discharge in 𝑠
𝑸𝑨 = 𝐭 V– Volume in 𝑚3
t – Time taken in seconds

For Trial 1:

(235 mL)(1L/1000mL)(1m3 /1000L)

𝑄𝐴 =
0.46 𝑠

−4
𝑚3
𝑄𝐴 = 5.11 𝑥 10
𝑠
For Trial 2:

(535 mL)(1L/1000mL)(1m3 /1000L)

𝑄𝐴 =
0.35 𝑠

5
 −3
𝑚3
𝑄𝐴 = 1.53 𝑥 10
𝑠
For Trial 3:

(720mL)(1L/1000mL)(1m3 /1000L)
𝑄𝐴 =
0.34 𝑠

−3
𝑚3
𝑄𝐴 = 2.12 𝑥10
𝑠

Computing for Weir Coefficient:

where , 𝐶𝑊 - Weir Coefficient

𝐐𝑨
𝑪𝑾 = 𝑚3
𝟑 𝟑
𝑳′((𝑯+𝒉𝒗)𝟐 −𝒉𝒗𝟐 ))
𝑄𝐴 - Actual Discharge in 𝑠
L’- Effective length of the
weir in meters
ℎ𝑉 - Velocity head in meters
For Trial 1: H- head in meters
t
Q𝐴
𝐶𝑊 = 3 3
–
𝐿′((𝐻 + ℎ𝑣)2 − ℎ𝑣 2 ))

5.995X10−3 T
𝐶𝑊 = 3 3
i
0.1392((0.054 + 1.32x10−4 )2 − (1.32x10−4 )2 ) m
e
𝐶𝑊 = 3.42
t
a
k
e
n

i
n

For Trial 2: s
e
Q𝐴 c
𝐶𝑊 = 3 3
𝐿′((𝐻 + ℎ𝑣)2 − ℎ𝑣 2 )) o
n
d
s
6
 5.89X10−3
𝐶𝑊 = 3 3
0.1356((0.072 + 1.10x10−4 )2 − (1.10x10−4 )2 )

𝐶𝑊 = 2.24

For Trial 3:

Q𝐴
𝐶𝑊 = 3 3
𝐿′((𝐻 + ℎ𝑣)2 − ℎ𝑣 2 ))

4.63X10−3
𝐶𝑊 = 3 3
0.133((0.085 + 6.10x10−5 )2 − (6.10x10−5 )2 )

𝐶𝑊 = 1.39

Computing for Percentage Error:

C𝑊𝐸 − C𝑊𝑇
% Error = | | (100)
C𝑊𝑇

where , % Error- Percentage error

C𝑊𝐸 - Experimental Weir Coefficient
C𝑊𝑇 - Theoretical Weir Coefficient

For Trial 1:

C𝑊𝐸 − C𝑊𝑇
% Error = | | (100)
C𝑊𝑇
3.42−1.84
% Error = | |(100)
1.84

% Error = 85.87%

For Trial 2:

C𝑊𝐸 − C𝑊𝑇
% Error = | | (100)
C𝑊𝑇
2.24−1.84
% Error = | 1.84
|(100)

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 % Error = 21.74%

For Trial 3:

C𝑊𝐸 − C𝑊𝑇
% Error = | | (100)
C𝑊𝑇
1.40−1.84
% Error = | |(100)
1.84

% Error = 24.46%

VI. Sketch and/or Layout

The Set-up of the experiment:

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VII. Discussion and/or Analysis

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 The coefficient of discharge obtained from the experiment does not conform
to the standard value of C for rectangular weir which is 1.84. The calculated results
show that there exists large percentage of errors in every trial during the duration of
the experiment. Percentage errors ranging from 0-85% were obtained from the
calculations of the report. One possible reason for this is the inaccuracy of using the
bucket or pitcher. Due to the immense flow of water from the weir, it became quite
difficult to accurately do at the same time the measuring of the time and the right
moment to pull out the bucket. Another plausible reason is the inaccurate
measurement of the water depth. This is due to the elevated position of the weir that
makes it difficult to look at the depth easily. Also, there might be human error in
taking the measurement of the depth of water. Lastly spillage of water during the
measuring of actual discharge and the graduated cylinder may have contributed to
the error.
One way to increase the efficiency of a weir is through calibration. The
calibration process entails establishing the discharge coefficient which adjusts the
theoretical discharge equation to obtain the actual discharge (Alastal
& Mousa, n.d). This includes the appropriate and keen construction of the structure.
In line with first one is to make sure that the structure is well-built and
effective. The effectiveness of the structure to resist the forces supplied by the water
current should be taken into consideration for the weir to excellently perform its
purpose. Not only that, it should also be strong enough to withstand other forces
from external sources in cases of unwanted events to ensure its workability.
Another way to increase the efficiency of a weir is through the use of fitting
materials during construction. The use of durable and deterioration-resistant
materials is truly essential.
Rectangular weirs are commonly used for flood control and altering river
conditions. Weirs are commonly used to control the flow rates of rivers during
periods of high discharge. Some concrete examples are the primary weir located at
Bray Lock on the River Thames that faces downstream. On larger rivers, a weir can
also alter the flow characteristics of the waterway to the point that vessels are able to
navigate areas previously inaccessible due to extreme currents or eddies
(Sutherland &Taylor, 2014).
Another application of rectangular weirs is for the creation of water mills. Mill
ponds are created by a weir that impounds water that then flows over the structure
(Farhoudi & Alami, n.d.). The energy produced by these water mills are commonly
used to sustain power for waterwheels and power sawmills, grinding wheels and
other equipment.

VIII. Conclusion

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 Rectangular weirs are commonly used for flood control and altering river
conditions. Weirs are commonly used to control the flow rates of rivers during
periods of high discharge. (Sutherland &Taylor, 2014). This is an important
consideration in constructing structures that would be used to dam up a stream or
river, over which the water flows.
In this experiment, the main objective is to determine the coefficient of
discharge of a rectangular weir. It is important to determine the coefficient of
discharge since it accounts for losses at the edges of the weir and contractions in the
area of flow. In comparing the calculated coefficient of discharge with the standard
coefficient of discharge of a rectangular weir, the results showed that the theoretical
value of the coefficient of discharge is significantly smaller than the experimental
value. The calculated error is between 0 – 85%.
With this, it can be concluded that there were various errors committed during
the experiment. It is recommended that proper way of doing the experiment must be
observed in order to lessen human error. Additionally, the instrument used must be
properly maintained in order to avoid instrumental cause for error. In conclusion, in
doing experiments regarding rectangular weirs, it is important to properly do the
calibration process, effective structures must be built; thus, the use of durable and
deterioration-resistant materials in order to increase the efficiency of a weir.

IX. References

Bengtson, H. (n.d.), Use a Rectangular Weir to Measure Water Flow Rate in an

Open Channel. Retrieved from: https://www.brighthubengineering.com/hydraulics-
civil-engineering/65880-open-channel-flow-measurement-5-the-rectangular-weir/

Taylor, T. (2014). Hydraulic Engineering. Retrieved from:

https://www.engr.colostate.edu/~pierre/ce_old/classes/CIVE%20401/Team%20repor
ts/13%20-%20Sharp%20and%20Broad
crested%20Weirs%20%20Sutherland%20Taylor.pdf

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