KARNALI (GERUWA) RIVER BRIDGE PROJECT

3. HYDROLOGICAL STUDY

3.1 General
This Hydrological Study has been conducted with objective to provide hydrological
design parameters for carrying out the Detailed Design of Bridge over Karnali River
at Geruwa along Gulariya – Kothiyaghat – Rajapur Road. The River Karnali is the
longest and one of the biggest rivers in Nepal. Karnali fans divides into two main
channels, first Geruwa on the left and Kauralia on the right, downstream of
Chisapani. The Karnali River is known as Ghaghara in India and latter it joins with
River Ganga a holy River in India. The Bridge site is located over Geruwa - Karnali,
0.5km upstream from Indian border and 20km south (downstream) from Chisapani
where Hydrological & Meteorological Gauging Stations exist (Shown in Figure H-1).
The study of Hydrology of River, described in following paragraphs is based on
detailed topographical survey of the area, available data from Department of
Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) digital data of the catchment and numerical
analysis by various methods.

3.2 Objectives
The main objective of the hydrological study is to determine hydrological parameters
of the river for the detailed engineering design of permanent bridge over Karnali
River ensuring all flood discharge could pass through the structure without
endangering the bridge structure and its components.

3.3 Drainage Basin

River Karnali originates from Mansarover and Rakes lake (Southern part of China)
and receives many snow fed rivers such as Mugu Karnali and Humla Karnali at
Himalayan belt of the country. The Karnali basin lies between the mountain ranges of
Dhaulagiri and Nanda Devi, in the western part of Nepal. The Karnali river has its
origin in the perpetually snow covered Himalayan mountains. A 202 Km long, Seti
River, its feeder stream, drains the western part of the catchment, and joins the
Karnali River in Doti north of Dundras hill. Another feeder stream, 264 Km long Bheri
river, drains the eastern part of the Catchment and meets the Karnali River near
Kuineghat in Surkhet.

The basin catchment plan is presented as Figure–H-2 and Figure-H-3. The

catchment area at bridge site is determined on 1:25000 map. The length L of the
river from origin, length Lc to the center from the bridge site, maximum elevation
Hmax and minimum elevation (Hmin) are all read from the map. Locations of Rain
Gauging stations and Hydrometric Stations are shown in the catchment plan.

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Over All Karnali Basin Plan Figure H-1

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3
Catchment Plan at Bridge Site of Karnali River Figure H-3

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Karnali Basin Plan, Upstream of Bridge Site Figure – H -2

Karnali (Geruwa) Bridge Site

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3.4 Data Availability
The River Karnali is highly Potential River for hydropower development. Therefore in
1960 under Karnali River Basin Study, hydro-meteorological stations were
established by the Government at many locations. Chisapani a Hydrometric Station
close to bridge site (20km upstream from bridge site) is having useful reliable data.
This station is having discharge data since 1962. The available data from this station
(Index No. 280) is used herein for flood discharge analysis. Similarly the annual
maximum daily rainfall values of the relevant stations have been used for prediction
of various return periods, the findings are presented in Table –M-1.

Table-M-1: 24 hours maximum rainfall and their return period of relevant Stations
Return Period (Years) Weighte
Sta. Elevation in mm
Name Districts d Area
No. (m)
20 50 100 (km2)

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 202 Chainpur Bajhang 1304 115 135 170 335
203 Silgadi Doti 1360 102 118 148 85
206 Asaraghat Achham 650 118 140 175 78
303 Jumla Jumla 2300 78 90 115 155
404 Jajarkot Jajarkot 1231 122 148 180 105
207 Tikapur Kailali 140 178 202 240 102

3.4 Methodology

With view to achieve the objectives of the study, following methodology and
procedures have been used:

(A) Desk Study

(B) Field Visit and Investigations
(C) Data Analysis & Report Preparation

3.5 Desk Study

Under the Desk Study relevant hydrological and meteorological data and information
were collected from the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. Topographical
maps and other relevant maps, photographs and reports were obtained and
conducted thorough studies. Checklist and field visit plans were developed before
departure to the field.

3.6 Field Visit and Investigations

Field Visit was made in group of experts including team leader (Bridge Engineer) to
the project site as per schedule. A technical survey team was deputed to the field to
carry out the detailed topographical survey of the project area. All necessary survey
requiring for hydrological study, like longitudinal plan and cross sections along the
river were performed. Sample of bed materials for laboratory analysis were collected.
Flood Information, Views and Suggestions of local people were collected. Previous
flood history, damages caused by flood and highest flood marks were collected and
necessary field investigations were performed at the site. The field visit was fruitful
due to presence of technical team from DOR.

3.7 Data Analysis & Report Preparation

With view to obtain reliable flood discharges of various return periods following
methods have been used under Data Analysis & Report Preparation work.
The methods are:

a. Flood Frequency Method (Using Chisapani -280 Data)

b. Rational Method (using rainfall data of watershed)
c. WECS/DHM Method (HYDEST)
d. Slope Area Method (Using survey profile)
e. Empirical Method

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In addition of that Flood Discharge of Karnali River calculated for Hydropower
Development has also been used herein correlating to the bridge site.

3.7.1 Flood Frequency Method

Flood frequency analyses are statistical methods of estimating flood discharges of
different return periods. Data required for flood frequency analyses are the annual
maximum floods for a large number of successive years. A minimum of 30 years data
is considered necessary for frequency analysis to be considered reliable.

Many statistical distributions are applied for flood frequency analyses. Gumbel’s
extreme value distribution is one which is widely used in Nepal. The findings are as
follows:

FLOOD PREDICTION BY GUMBEL METHOD

Maximum
Arranged in Number of
Annual Flood
Years order of Square of (3) Frequency
Discharge
magnitude (n)
m3/s
1 2 3 4 5
1962 9820 21700 470890000.00 1
1963 10800 16000 256000000.00 2
1964 9460 14800 219040000.00 3
1965 4300 14400 207360000.00 4
1966 7230 12500 156250000.00 5
1967 9780 12500 156250000.00 6
1968 10700 10900 118810000.00 7
1969 10500 10800 116640000 8
1970 14400 10700 114490000 9
1971 14800 10700 114490000 10
1972 10900 10500 110250000 11
1973 10700 9820 96432400 12
1974 8980 9780 95648400 13
1975 16000 9660 93315600 14
1976 7450 9550 91202500 15
1977 9660 9460 89491600 16
1978 9030 9400 88360000 17
1979 6660 9270 85932900 18
1980 8430 9030 81540900 19
1981 8790 9010 81180100 20
1982 8980 9010 81180100 21
1983 21700 8980 80640400 22
1984 6390 8980 80640400 23
1985 8380 8790 77264100 24
1986 7970 8430 71064900 25
1987 5940 8380 70224400 26
1988 12500 8090 65448100 27
1989 7310 8010 64160100 28
1990 9010 7970 63520900 29

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 1991 6280 7870 61936900 30
1992 6090 7680 58982400 31
1993 6820 7450 55502500 32
1994 7270 7310 53436100 33
1995 9550 7270 52852900 34
1996 6440 7230 52272900 35
1997 7680 7010 49140100 36
1998 9400 6820 46512400 37
1999 8090 6660 44355600 38
2000 12500 6440 41473600 39
2001 7870 6390 40832100 40
2002 7010 6280 39438400 41
2003 8010 6090 37088100 42
2004 6060 6060 36723600 43
2005 9010 5940 35283600 44
2006 9270 4300 18490000 45
Avrage Q = 9198.222 93823088.89 45
(Avrage Q)2 84607292.05
S' = Standard Deviation = ((n/(n-1))(Q2 -
(Q)2))^1/2 = 3070.06
Q200 = 20803.63
Q100 = AvrQ +S'(0.77970 ln100 - 0.45005) 19144.43
Q50 = 17180.84
Q20 = 14987.50
Q10 = 13328.29
Q5 = 11669.09
Q2 = 9475.75

Rational Method

This method is based on rainfall data and catchment characteristics of the basin.
There are some rainfalls gauging stations in Karnali watershed. The reliable data of
available stations have been used to determine the maximum rain falls in various
return period, presented in Table-M-1. Based of above findings the relevant Flood
discharge of various return period have been calculated as follows:

Q = (1/3.60) * (C*Ic *A)

Where Ic Critical Intensity of rainfall in mm/hour
Ic = 2Io/ (Tc+1)
A = Catchment Area in km2
C = Runoff coefficient depend on the catchment characteristics.
The result of Rational Method is presented in Table H-2

Table: H-2 Result of Flood Discharge by Rational Method

RATIONAL METHOD
Flood Discharge Q= (1*C*Ic*A)/3.60
Ic = Io/(Tc+1), Where Io = (F/2)*(1+1/T)

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 Io=(F/2)*(1+1/T)
= (F mm/2)*(1+1/24hours) = 125.000
F=Rainfall of 100 yrs return
period 240 mm
T= 24
Tc =Time arrival of flood from highest point to the Bridge Site
Tc = (0.87*(L^3)/Hdiff)^0.385 = in hours 50.021
L = Length of the Stream in
km.= 530
Hdiff= Elv. Difference from top to Bridge
site
Hdiff= 5135m -135m = 5000
Ic = in mm/ hour 2.450

A = Catchment
Area 43380
C = Discharge Coefficient depending on catchment characteristics
C = Adopted as = 0.24
f= 7085.354

QR = f * (1 + 0.8* LOG TR), Where f= 7085.35427 Constant Factor

Table: - Flood Discharge for various Return Period.

TR 2 5 10 20 50 100 200
Flood
QR 8791.6 11047.3 12753.6 14459.9 16715.5 18421.9 20128.2

3.7.2 WECS/DHM Method

The WECS/DHM method has been developed to estimate hydrologic variables of un-
gauged catchments. As recommended the results are particularly applicable to the
mountainous and hilly regions because of large quantity of discharge flows through
the surface of the stream.

The WECS/DHM method is based upon the long-term flow records of the DHM. For
a particular stream the flood discharge at particular site is determined as follows:

- Flood Flow
The catchment area below 3000 m contour line is used for the estimation of floods of
various return periods. This elevation upto 3000m is believed to be the upper
elevation that is influenced by the monsoon precipitation.
The developed relationships for two years and 100 years return period are:

Q2 = 0.8154 x (A below 3000m +1) 0.9527

Q100 =4.1440 x (A below 3000 m+1) 0.8448
(lnQ2 +s QF )
QF = e
Where, s = Standard Normal Variate
QF = ln (Q100 / Q2 ) /2.326

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 Based on above relationship software called HYDEST has been developed
for quick calculation. The input data used for HYDEST are as follows:
Below 5000 m A1 = 37140 km2
Below 3000 m A2 = 20556 km2
Total catchment A = 43380 km2
Monsoon wetness index at the basin 500 mm
The results obtaining from HYDEST is presented in Table: H-3

Table: H- 3; Flood Discharge by WECS/DHM Method using HYDEST.

Return Period 2 5 10 20 50 100 200
in Years
Daily Flood 10479 12807 14223 15508 17095 18239 19359
3
M /sec

3.7.3 Slope Area Method

This is the most common method used to determine the river discharge by energy
gradient calculation. This method provides reliable result for uniform flow. In this
method Manning's equation is used involving channel characteristics, water surface
profile and roughness coefficient. Here the longitudinal section and river cross sections
have been used to determine the exact river slope and sectional area of discharge
flow.

Manning's equation
Q = 1/n AR2/3 S1/2
Where Q = discharge in m3/sec
n = roughness coefficient, A = Cross Sectional Area in m2
R = hydraulic radius in m, S =River bed slope
The findings of slope area method at structure site as per existing cross section are
presented in Table H-4

Table H-4 Findings of Slope Area Method

KARNALI RIVER AT GERUWA, DEPTH-DISCHARGE RELATIONSHIP

Q = 1/n R2/3 S1/2

A
Where R = A/P
n = 0.035 Roughness Coefficient 1/n = 28.571
S =2% Average Slope of the river bed S1/2 = 0.141
h = Water depth of the
river
b = Width of the river

S. No. Ele. Level h (m) b (m) A (m2) P (m) R (m) Q (m3/sec) V (m/sec)
1 127.00 0.00 0.00 0 0.00 0.000 0.00 0.000
2 128.00 1.00 15 7.5 30.00 0.250 12.026 1.604
3 129.00 2.00 120 75 139.00 0.540 200.850 2.678
4 130.00 3.00 156 213 169.00 1.260 1004.204 4.715
5 131.00 4.00 174 378 205.00 1.844 2296.664 6.076

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 6 132.00 5.00 231 588.36 255.00 2.307 4151.057 7.055
7 133.00 6.00 279 856.2 300.00 2.854 6960.784 8.130
8 134.00 7.00 330 1169.7 360.00 3.249 10368.186 8.864
9 135.00 8.00 510 1728.7 540.00 3.201 15172.268 8.777
10 136.00 9.00 1080 2678.7 1110.00 2.413 19473.250 7.270
11 137.00 10.00 1080 3758.7 1112.00 3.380 34206.334 9.101

3.7.4 Empirical Method

Many empirical formulae are used for un-gauged catchments to estimate peak
floods. Most of the empirical formulae do not say anything about the return period of
the computed peak flood. Fuller’s formula derived with catchments provides relation
peak flood with the return period. The obtained flood values have been used here to
compare with those obtained from other methods. The Result obtained by the Fuller
formulae is in Table H- 5.

Table: H – 5. Result Obtained by Empirical Method

Empirical Method
Fuller Relation,

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 QR= Cf*A0.8 (1+ 0.8 * LOG(T))
Where QR = Flood Discharge with a frequency of T
Cf = A constant with values between 0.18 to 1.88
A = Catchment Area in km2
T = Return period in years
We have
A= 43380
Cf = 1.35
Q50 = 16327.73
Table: - Flood Discharge for Various Return Period
TR 2 5 10 20 50 100 200
Flood Q 8588 10791 12458 14124 16328 17994 19661

3.8 Selection of Design Flood

Considering the life of structure, probable risk of highest flood and overall investment
on the construction of river training works, generally 50 year of return period is
adopted for such minor structures whereas 100 years of return period is considered
for major bridge and structures as design flood for detailed engineering design.
The flood discharges of 50 and 100 years return period obtained by various methods
are listed as follows (Table H-6)

Table H-6:- Flood Discharges of Return Periods by Various Methods.

Methods Flood discharge in m3/sec

S.No. 100 Years
1 Flood Frequency Method 17180 19145
2 Rational Method 16715 18422
3 WECS/DHM Method 17095 18240
4 Slope Area Method 17200 19100
5 Empirical Method 16328 17994
6 Medium HP(CIWEC) 13907 15362

Since Flood Frequency Method used herein is based on available discharge data of
nearby Gauging Station Chisapan (Index 280). Therefore the calculated discharge
value is more reliable than other methods. Moreover the discharge value from
WECSMethod and Rational Method are close to the Value of Flood Frequency
Method. Hence the flood discharge by Frequency Method of 100 years return period
(19150 m3/s) seems reliable as design flood if the river flow is supplied fully through
Geruwa Branch. Whereas it is observed that about 1/3 of Karnali River flows through
Kauralia Branch and rest of discharge (2/3 of the river discharge) flows througn
Geruwa Branch. Considering this fact at Geruwa Branch 75% of the flood discharge
of 19150 m3/s, i.e. 14360 m3/s has been adopted as design flood for the Detailed

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Design of Bridge over Karnali River considering flood risk and economical size of
structures. This flood discharge has been confirmed by the discharge of same return
period obtained from MHSP Study Report. Other design hydrological parameters
have been determined based on this design flood.

3.9 Linear Water Way

The Karnali (Geruwa) enters into Tarai region from Siwalek at Geruwa. Here the forest
exists on both sides of banks. Therefore at bridge site the banks are rigid and stable to
some extent.
In such case the linear waterway at the bridge site can be determined by the Lacy’s
Formula.

W = C. Q1/2 Where W = Effective Waterway width, Q = Flood Discharge

C = Constant varies from 4.0 to 6.5 in Tarai and 2 to 4 for mountain region.

W = C. Q1/2
Where
W= Waterway Width
C= Constant Varies from 4.0 to 6.5 For Plain Area
Q= 14360 m3/s
W= 778.92 m
Considering the affect of piers of bridges and river training structures
15% is added in the above value.
Wd = 896
Hence minimum width recommended Wd = 925 m

Bridge Length should be greater than 925 m at the existing Geruwa Bridge Site

3.10 Scour Depth

The following relation has been used for calculation of mean scour depth (As
recommended by IRC-89).
dsm = 1.34 (D2b/Ksf)1/3

Where Db = Specific discharge per water width

Ksf = Silt factor depending on river bed materials
Ksf = 1.76 * (D50) 0.5
Where D50 = weighted mean diameter of particle in mm, obtained by sieve
analysis of river bed materials.
The results of scour depth and recommended value of maximum scour at permanent
river flow area are as follows: (Table H-7-1)
Table H-7-1 Maximum Scour Depth at Permanent River Course Areas
Scour Depth Results
Mean Scour Depth d= 1.34*(q2 / Ksf)(1/3)

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 Mean
Max
Width Scour
Specific Max Silt Max Scour Scour
Catchment Flood of Depth
Discharge Velocity Factor depth for depth
Area, km2 Discharge River from
(q) m/s Ksf Abutments for
course HFL
Piers
(dsm)
43,380 14,360 960 14.96 6.5 3.62 5.30 6.73 10.60

D50 in mm = 4.23, (average D50 particle size of 5 bore hole along the depth 0-20 m)

(Refer Confirmatory Soil Investigation of Geruwa Nadi (Karnali River) at Kothiyaghat) Report

Silt Factor Ksf =3.62

Hence Maximum Depth of Scour below HFL, for Bridge Piers D sm = 10.6 m
(HFL=134.80 m) i.e. anticipated maximum scour depth elevation for piers
124.20 m. Similarly, Maximum Scour Depth for Abutment = 6.73 m, maximum
scour depth elevation for abutment = 128.07 m.

The above scour depth (dsm) value is lower than the average bed level from HFL
(6.205 m) in the main flow of the river (~200 m at the left bank). Hence it is
recommended to provide dsm slightly higher than 6.20, say 6.50 m.

Hence Maximum Depth of Scour below HFL, for Bridge Piers = 13.0 m
(HFL=134.80 m) i.e. anticipated maximum scour depth elevation for piers
121.80 m. Similarly, Maximum Scour Depth for Abutment = 8.26 m, maximum
scour depth elevation for abutment = 125.54 m.

3.11 Afflux

Afflux is the height by which the natural flood level of the river is raised due to
obstruction of structures. Afflux is calculated by using Molesworth formula give below:

 V2   A2 
H = + 0.015  2 - 1
 17.88  a 

Where H = afflux in meters

V = average velocity of river prior to obstruction in m/s = 3.50 m/s.
A = Unobstructed area in m2 = 400 m2
a = Sectional area of river at obstruction in sq. m = 360 m2
H=0.93 m
Hence the afflux caused by obstruction of abutments during high flood
H = 0.93 m

3.12 Vertical Clearance for the Bridge

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Adequate vertical clearance is required to provide so that no damage should be
caused by high flood and floating debris. The vertical clearance is a clear distance
from HFL with afflux to the lowest point of the bridge superstructure. The minimum
clearance of 1.5 m is recommended for discharge above 300 m 3/s,( recommended in
IRC Code). Considering the Tarai forest region, debris flow and flash flood probability
the clearance of lowest part of bridge deck is recommended to be at least 3.0 m above
the HFL.

3.13 Findings

The summary of findings of the hydrological study is presented herein table H-8.

Table H-8: Summary sheet of findings of Hydrological Study

SN Description For 100 Year

Return period
1. Catchment Area, km2 43380
2. Design Flood Discharge, m3/s 14360
3. Elevation of Lowest Bed Level (amsl) 127.00 m
4. Elevation of HFL (amsl) 134.80
5. Maximum velocity of flow at the top, m/s 6.50
6 Average Velocity of Flood Flow, m/s 3.50
7 Linear waterway requiring to provide for highest 925 m
flood evacuation freely
8 Max. Scour depth at the foundation of structure 10.60 m
(Piers) at permanent river course area from HFL
9 Max. Scour depth at the foundation of structure 6.73 m
(Abutment) from HFL
10 Afflux caused by obstruction of piers 0.93 m
11 Minimum Vertical Clearance of Bridge Deck 3.0 m
from HFL

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