Additional Materials for BFC21103 Final Exam

Instructions: Section A: Answer all 3 questions

Section B: Answer any 2 questions from 3 questions.

Section A: Covers Chapters 1, 2, 3 & 4

Section B: Covers Chapters 1, 2, 5 & 6

*Ensure you can do the following questions with ease.

Good Luck!!
 BFC21103
Appendix I
FINAL EXAMINATION
SEMESTER/SESSION : I/2014/2015 PROGRAMME : 2BFF
COURSE NAME : HYDRAULICS COURSE CODE : BFC21103

Note that y > 20 cm

20 cm

20 cm

Figure Q4(c) / Rajah S4(c)

Table 1. Open channel flow section geometries

Section Area A Top width T Wetted perimeter P
T
y
By B B + 2y
B
Rectangular
T

1 y zy2 2zy 2y 1+ z2
z
Triangular
T
1 y
z By + zy2 B + 2zy B + 2y 1+ z2
B
Trapezoidal
T

D2 ⎛ sin θ ⎞ θD
D y (θ − sin θ ) D⎜ ⎟
θ 8 ⎝ 2 ⎠ 2

Circular

6
 BFC21103
Appendix II
FINAL EXAMINATION
SEMESTER/SESSION : I/2014/2015 PROGRAMME : 2BFF
COURSE NAME : HYDRAULICS COURSE CODE : BFC21103

Table 2. Best hydraulic sections

Cross Wetted Hydraulic Top width Hydraulic
Area A
section perimeter P radius R T depth D
Trapezoid y 4 3 3
3y 2 2 3y y y
2 3 4
Rectangle y
2y2 4y 2y y
2
Triangle 2 y
y2 2 2y y 2y
4 2
Semicircle π πy y π
y2 2y y
2 2 4
Parabola 4 2 2 8 2 y 2
y y 2 2y y
3 3 2 3

Table 3. Sizing for USBR Type III stilling basin

Chute blocks Baffle blocks End sill
⎛ Fr ⎞
h1 = y1 h3 = y1 (0.168Fr1 + 0.63) h4 = y1 ⎜ 1 + 1⎟
⎝ 18 ⎠
3 h
w1 = y1 w3 = h3 t= 3
4 5
3
s1 = y1 s 3 = h3 z 2 = 2 .0
4
h
t= 3
5
z1 = 1.0
4
L1 = y 2
5

7
 BFC21103
Appendix III
FINAL EXAMINATION
SEMESTER/SESSION : I/2014/2015 PROGRAMME : 2BFF
COURSE NAME : HYDRAULICS COURSE CODE : BFC21103

Some useful equations:

Q = AV

2 1 1 1
1
Q = A R 3 S o2 Q = ACR S 2 2
o
n

⎛θ ⎞
3 5
2 8
Q = C d 2 g LH 12 Q = C d 2 g tan⎜ ⎟ H 12
3 15 ⎝2⎠

⎛ ⎞
3
2 4
Q= C d 2 g LH 12 ⎜ L + H 1 tan θ ⎟
3 ⎝ 5 ⎠

V VR
Fr = Re =
gD ν

V2 3
E = y+ E min = yc
2g 2

q2
yc = 3
g

y2 1
(
= − 1 + 1 + 8Fr12
y1 2
) EL =
( y 2 − y1 )3
4 y1 y 2

E 2 − E1 n 2V 2
dx = where, S = i =
S o − S ave 4

R3

2πN
P = γQH P= T
60

ND Q
H ND 3

P
D N3
5

8
Activity 2.2
Water  flows  in  a  triangular  channel  with  side  slope  1.5(H)  :  1(V), 
bottom  slope  0.0002  and  Chezy  coefficient  of  67.4.  The  depth  of 
flow  is  2.0  m.  Find  the  flow  rate  and  average  velocity.  Based  on
Froude number, determine the state of flow.

Given y = 2.0 m, z = 1.5, So = 0.0002 and C = 67.4

A = zy2 = 6 m2, P = 2y = 7.211 m, R = A/P = 0.832 m, D = A/T = 6/2zy = 1 m

V = C RSo

V = 67.4 0.832 × 0.0002

V = 0.869 m/s 1 y
z

BFC21103 Hydraulics 
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)

Q = AV
Q = 6× 0.869
Q = 5.217 m3 /s

V
Fr =
gD
0.869
Fr =
9.81 × 1
Fr = 0.277 → subcritical flow

BFC21103 Hydraulics 
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
 Activity 2.9
A  trapezoidal  channel  5.0  m  wide  and  having  a  side  slope  of  1.5(H)  : 
1(V) is laid on a slope of 0.00035. The roughness coefficient n = 0.015. 
Find the normal depth for a discharge of 20 m3/s through this channel.

Given B = 5.0 m, z = 1.5, So = 0.00035, n = 0.015, and Q = 20 m3/s

A = By + zy2 = 5y + 1.5y2

1 + z 2 = 5 + 2          y
P = B + 2y           3.25
A (5y + 1.5y 2 )
R= =
P (5 + 2 3.25y )
1 y
z
B
BFC21103 Hydraulics 
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)

2 1
1
Manning equation, Q = AR 3 So2
n

Arranging Manning equation as a function of section factor,
2
Qn
AR 3 = 1
So2
2

(5yo + 1.5y )⎛⎜⎜ 5yo + 1.5yo ⎞⎟⎟ = 20 × 0.0151

2 3
2

⎝ 5 + 2 3.25y o ⎠
o
By trial‐and‐error:
0.000352
(5y + 1.5y o2 )3
5

(5y )
5 o
yo (m)
+ 1.5y 2 3
(5 + 2 3.25y o )3
2
o o
= 16.036
(5 + 2 3.25y o )
2
3
1 5.391
2 19.159
Therefore, yo = 1.820 m 1.8 15.706
BFC21103 Hydraulics  1.820 16.035
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
Activity 3.4
For a trapezoidal channel with bottom width B = 6 m and side slope 
z =  2,  find  the  critical  flow  depth  if  the  discharge  is  17  m3/s  using 
trial‐and‐error method.

Given Q = 17 m3/s, B = 6 m, z = 2

Ac3 Q2
=
Tc g
(6y + 2y c2 ) 172
c
=
3

6 + 4yc 9.81
(3y + y c2 )
c
3

= 7.365 Q = 17 m3/s 1 y
3 + 2y c z = 2

From trial‐and‐error, y c = 0.8468  m B = 6 m

BFC21103 Hydraulics 
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
Q4. [Final Exam Sem. 1 Session 2007/2008]
(a) Prove that the most efficient cross section for triangle is half of square
channel. (4 marks)

y 1
z

Flow area A = zy 2
A
z= 2 (1)
y

Wetted perimeter P = 2 y 1 + z 2 (1)

A2
P = 2y 1 +
y4
1
⎛ A2 ⎞ 2
P = 2 y⎜⎜ 1 + 4 ⎟⎟
⎝ y ⎠
1
⎛ y2 A2 ⎞ 2
P = 2 y⎜⎜ 2 + 4 ⎟⎟
⎝y y ⎠
1
⎡ 1 ⎛ 2 A ⎞⎤ 2 2
P = 2y ⎢ 2 ⎜y + ⎟
⎜ 2 ⎟⎥
⎢⎣ y ⎝ y ⎠⎥⎦
1
⎛ A2 ⎞ 2
P = 2⎜⎜ y 2 + 2 ⎟⎟
⎝ y ⎠
dP
For efficient section, with A constant, =0 (1)
dy
1
−
1 ⎛ A2 ⎞ 2 ⎛ A2 ⎞
2 ⋅ ⋅ ⎜⎜ y 2 + 2 ⎟
⎟ ⋅ ⎜⎜ 2 y − 2 3 ⎟⎟ = 0
2 ⎝ y ⎠ ⎝ y ⎠
⎛ A2 ⎞
⎜ 2y − 2 ⎟=0
⎜ y 3 ⎟⎠
⎝
A2
=y
y3
y2 = A
Since for triangular A = zy 2
Therefore, z = 1
Or apex angle = 90°, which is half of square channel. (1)

1
 Case 3: H > Hmin y
y1′ > yo and y3′ < yc  y
EGL E=
Subcritical Backwater E2 = Emin y1 = y1′ ≠ yo
upstream  yo
yo > yc Eo y1 y2 = yc y2 = yc
yo
y2 = yc < yo yc H y3 y3 ≠ yo
y′1 > yo E
0 1 2 3 E2=Emin Eo E′1,3
y′3 < yc
Hmin
H>Hmin
y1′ > yc and y3′ < yo
y  y
EGL y1 = y1′ ≠ yo E=
Supercritical  E2 = Emin
upstream 
yo < yc Eo Jump y1 y2 = yc y2 = yc
y2 = yc > yo yo
yo yc H y3 ≠ yo
y′1 > yo y3
E
y′3 > yc 0 1 2 3 E2=Emin Eo E′1=E3
BFC21103 Hydraulics  Hmin
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my) H>Hmin

For Case 3,
H > Hmin Useful equations
H > Eo − Emin Steps
All sections Rectangular section
E′1 = E′3 ≠ Eo 2 2
y2 = y c 1. Calculate    Qn qn
yo and yc Manning: AR = 3
1 Manning: y oR 3 = 1
S 2
o So2
Ac3 Q2 q2
= yc = 3
Tc g g
2. Calculate  Q2 q2
Eo = yo + E o = y o +
Hmin 2gA2 2gyo2
2
Q 3
Emin = y c + Emin = y c
2gAc 2
Hmin = E o − Emin
3. Determine  y′1 ≠ y′3 ≠ yo
y1, y2 & y3 E′1,3 = Emin + H
Q2 q2
′ +
y1,3 = E1′ ,3 ′ +
y1,3 = E1′ ,3
2gA1′2,3
BFC21103 Hydraulics  ′2
2gy1,3
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
Activity 3.6
10 m3/s of flow is conveyed in a rectangular channel of 4 m width, n
= 0.015 and So = 0.0075. If a weir with height 0.92 m is built in the 
channel, determine the depth of flow on the weir.

Given Q = 10 m3/s, B = 4 m, n = 0.015, So = 0.0075, and H = 0.92 m

Step 1. Determine yo and yc
2
qn
yoR 3 = 1
So2
2 ⎛ 10 ⎞ × 0.015
⎛ 4 yo ⎞ ⎜⎝ 4 ⎟⎠
3 y
yo ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ =
⎝ 4 + 2y o ⎠
1
0.00752 B
BFC21103 Hydraulics 
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)

2
⎛ 4 yo ⎞ 3
yo ⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ = 0.4330
⎝ 4 + 2y o ⎠
yo = 0.6804  m
2
⎛ 10 ⎞
q 2 3 ⎜⎝ 4 ⎟⎠
yc = 3 = = 0.8605  m yo < yc → supercritical flow
g 9.81

Step 2. Calculate Hmin 2
⎛ 10 ⎞
2 ⎜ ⎟
Eo = yo +
q
= 0.6804 + ⎝4⎠ = 1.369  m
2gyo2 2 × 9.81 × 0.68042
3 3
Emin = y c = × 0.8605 = 1.291  m
2 2
Hmin = E o − Emin = 1.369 − 1.291 = 0.078  m
BFC21103 Hydraulics 
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
Step 3. Determine y2
Since H = 0.92 m > Hmin = 0.078 m → Case 3 Hydraulic jump &
y2 = yc = 0.8605 m

BFC21103 Hydraulics 
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)

Activity 3.7
A rectangular channel conveys flow at yo = 1.6 m and R = 0.77 m 
on So = 1/3000 and Manning n = 0.01.

(a)  What  is  the  minimum  height  of  weir  to  control  the  flow  in 
the channel?

(b) Calculate  depth  of  flow  upstream,  downstream  and  above 

the weir if the height of weir is
(i) 0.6 m.

BFC21103 Hydraulics 
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
Given yo = 1.6 m, R = 0.77, So = 1/3000, n = 0.01

(a)  Step 1. Determine yo and yc

yo = 1.6  m
1
2 1 2
× 1.6 × 0.77 3 × ⎛⎜
1 1 1 ⎞2
q = yoR 3 So2 = ⎟ = 2.454  m /s/m
3

n 0.01 ⎝ 3000 ⎠
q 2 3 2.4542
yc = 3 = = 0.8499  m yo > yc → subcritical flow
g 9.81

Step 2. Calculate Hmin
q2 2.4542
E o = yo + = 1.6 + = 1.720  m
2gyo2 2 × 9.81 × 1.62
3 3
Emin = y c = × 0.8499 = 1.275  m
2 2
Hmin = Eo − Emin = 1.720 − 1.275 = 0.445  m
BFC21103 Hydraulics 
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)

(b)  (i)  If H = 0.6 m > Hmin = 0.445 m → Case 3: Backwater

For Case 3,  y2 = yc = 0.8499 m
E1′ ,3 = Emin + H = 1.275 + 0.6 = 1.875  m
q2
′ +
y1,3 = E1′ ,3
′2
2gy1,3
2.4542
′ +
y1,3 = 1.875
′2
2 × 9.81y1,3
Through trial‐and‐error, 
y′1 = 1.778 m and y′3 = 0.4669 m
since y′1 > yo and y′3 < yc

BFC21103 Hydraulics 
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
Activity 3.11
Flow inside a rectangular channel of 3.0 m width has a velocity of 
3.0 m/s at 3.0 m depth. The channel is experiencing a step of 0.61 
m high at the channel bottom. What is the constriction to be made 
to  the  channel  width  in  order  to  ensure  the  depth  of  flow 
upstream does not change.

Given V = 3 m/s, B = 3 m, yo = 3 m, and H = 0.61 m

Thus, q = yoV = 3 × 3 = 9 m2/s

Step 1. Determine yo and yco
yo = 3.0  m

q 2 3 92
y co = 3 = = 2.021  m Since yo > yco → subcritical flow
g 9.81
BFC21103 Hydraulics 
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)

Step 2. Calculate Hmin
q2 92
Eo = yo + = 3 + = 3.459  m
2gyo2 2 × 9.81 × 32
3 3
Emin = y c = × 2.021 = 3.032  m
2 2
Hmin = E o − Emin = 3.459 − 3.032 = 0.427  m

Step 3. Determine y1, y2 and y3
Since H = 0.61 m > Hmin = 0.427 m  
→ Case 3: Backwater upstream of weir
E1′ ,3 = Emin + H = 3.032 + 0.61 = 3.642  m
In order to maintain the same specific energy and reduce 
y′1 to yo, q has to be increased, i.e. via width constriction. 
BFC21103 Hydraulics 
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
 y (m)
y1′ > yo and y3′ < yc
EGL  y
E=
Backwater Emin=3.032 m y1 = y1′ ≠ yo

Eo = yo =3.459
3.459 m y1 yc=2.021 m yc =2.021
3 m
yc=2.021 m 0.61 m y y3 ≠ yo
3
E (m)
0 1 2 3 E2=Emin Eo E′1,3
Hmin=0.427 m
H=0.61 m
y (m)
y1′ > yo and y3′ < yc
EGL  y
E=
Backwater Emin=3.032 m y1 = y1′ ≠ yo

Eo = yo =3.459
3.459 m y1 yc=2.021 m yc =2.021 yc2
3 m
yc=2.021 m 0.61 m y y3 ≠ yo
3
E2=Emin Eo E′1,3 E′′1,3 E (m)
0 1 2 3
Hmin=0.427 m
BFC21103 Hydraulics 
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my) H=0.61 m

′ = E1′ ,3 = 3.642  m
Emin

2 2
′ = × 3.642 = 2.428  m
y c 2 = Emin
3 3

qmax = gy c32 = 9.81 × 2.4283 = 11.85  m2 /s

Q 3× 3× 3
Bmax = = = 2.278  m
qmax 11.85

BFC21103 Hydraulics 
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
 y (m)

EGL  y
E=
Emin=3.642 m y′1 = yo =3.459
Eo =
yc2 =2.021
3.459 m 3 m y1=3 m yc2=2.428 m
yc=2.021 m y′3
0.61 m y
3
Eo E′min E′′1,3 E (m)
0 1 2 3
Hmin=0.427 m
Plan view H=0.61 m

qo q2
B=3 m B2=0.7595 m

0 1 2 3

BFC21103 Hydraulics 
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
4.1 Rapidly‐Varied Flow
Occurs when the depth of flow change rapidly within short distance, 
e.g. hydraulic jump.
Hydraulic jump occurs when supercritical flow changes suddenly to 
subcritical flow within a short distance.

hydraulic jump

subcritical
y2
yc
y1
supercritical
1 2 Datum

BFC21103 Hydraulics 
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)

Activity 4.3
A 25‐m wide spillway is discharging flow with velocity of 30 m/s at a
depth of 1 m. Hydraulic jump occurs immediately downstream. Find
the height of the jump and power loss due to the jump.

Given B = 25 m, y1 = 1 m, V1 = 30 m/s

V1 30
Fr1 = = = 9.578
gy1 9.81 × 1

Conjugate depths equation,
y2 1
(
= − 1 + 1 + 8Fr12
y1 2
)
y2 =
1
2
(
− 1 + 1 + 8 × 9.5782 )
y2 = 13.055  m
BFC21103 Hydraulics 
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
(i)  Height of jump H j = y2 − y1
H j = 13.055 − 1
H j = 12.055  m

(y2 − y1 )3
(ii)  Energy loss EL =
4 y1 y 2
(12.055 − 1)3
EL =
4 × 1 × 12.055
EL = 28.019  m

Power due to energy loss PL = ρgQE L
PL = 9810 × (25 × 1 × 30 ) × 28.019
PL = 206.15  MW
BFC21103 Hydraulics 
Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my)
Q2. A river of width 6 m conveys water at normal depth 2.0 m along a slope of 0.0002 and n
= 0.035, upstream of a water fall. The water falls to a depth of 1.9 m. Using direct step
method with N = 5 steps/ section, determine:

i. type of flow profile

ii. length of gradually-varied flow profile produced, and

iii. profile sketch

Given:
B = 6 m, yo = 2 m, So = 0.0002, n = 0.035, y = 2 m to 1.9 m, N = 5 steps/ section

i. Flow area A = By = 6 × 2 = 12 m2
Wetted perimeter P = B + 2 y = 6 + 2(2 ) = 10 m (1)

Discharge per unit width for a rectangular section,

2 1
1
q = y o R 3 S o2
n
2
1
1 ⎛ 12 ⎞ 3
q= × 2 × ⎜ ⎟ × 0.0002 2
0.035 ⎝ 10 ⎠
q = 0.9126 m3/s/m (1)
1
⎛ q2 ⎞3
Critical flow depth y c = ⎜⎜ ⎟
⎟
⎝ g ⎠
1
⎛ 0.9126 2 ⎞3
y c = ⎜⎜ ⎟
⎟
⎝ 9.81 ⎠
y c = 0.4395 m (1)

yo = 2 m > yc = 0.4395 m → M profile

yo = 2 m > y = 2 m to 1.9 m > yc = 0.4395 m → M2 profile (1)

ii. length of gradually-varied flow profile produced

According to direct step method, horizontal distance dx for incremental dy is

E − E1
dx = 2
So − i
or
⎛ V2 ⎞ ⎛ V2 ⎞
⎜ y 2 + 2 ⎟ − ⎜ y1 + 1 ⎟
⎜ 2 g ⎟⎠ ⎜⎝ 2 g ⎟⎠
dx = ⎝
S o − S ave

n 2V 2
where S= 4

R3
 Uniform incremental of water depth over N steps
y − y min
dy = max
5
2 − 1.9
dy =
5
dy = 0.02 m (1)

A q V2 ⎛ V2 ⎞ ⎛ V2 ⎞ n 2V 2 S2 + S1 ⎛ V2 ⎞ ⎛ V2 ⎞
By B+2y y+ ⎜ y 2 + 2 ⎟ − ⎜ y1 + 1 ⎟ ⎜ y 2 + 2 ⎟ − ⎜ y1 + 1 ⎟
P y 2g ⎜ 2g ⎟⎠ ⎜⎝ 2 g ⎟⎠ 4 2 ⎜ 2 g ⎟⎠ ⎜⎝ 2 g ⎟⎠
⎝ R 3 ⎝
S o − S ave
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
2
y A P R V V E ΔE
dx
2g (= E2 − E1) S Savg So − Savg
(m)
(m) (m2) (m) (m) (m/s) (m) (m) (m)
2.00 12.00 10.00 1.2000 0.4563 0.0106 2.0106 0.00020

1.98 11.88 9.96 1.1928 0.4609 0.0108 1.9908 0.0198 0.00021 0.00020 −0.000003 6928.03

1.96 11.76 9.92 1.1855 0.4656 0.0110 1.9710 0.0198 0.00021 0.00021 −0.000009 2277.92

1.94 11.64 9.88 1.1781 0.4704 0.0113 1.9513 0.0198 0.00022 0.00021 −0.000015 1340.80

1.92 11.52 9.84 1.1707 0.4753 0.0115 1.9315 0.0198 0.00022 0.00022 −0.000021 938.55

1.90 11.40 9.80 1.1633 0.4803 0.0118 1.9118 0.0198 0.00023 0.00023 −0.000028 714.98

Length of profile L = Σdx 12200.29

(9)
 M2 profile

iii. profile sketch

2.00 m

1.98 m

1.96 m

1.94 m

1.92 m
yc

1.9 m
Mild slope
6928.0 m
2277.9 1340.8938.6 715.0

L = 12200.3 m
(2)

If N = 3 steps:
A q V2 ⎛ V2 ⎞ ⎛ V2 ⎞ n 2V 2 S2 + S1 ⎛ V2 ⎞ ⎛ V2 ⎞
By B+2y y+ ⎜ y 2 + 2 ⎟ − ⎜ y1 + 1 ⎟ ⎜ y 2 + 2 ⎟ − ⎜ y1 + 1 ⎟
P y 2g ⎜ 2 g ⎟⎠ ⎜⎝ 2 g ⎟⎠ 4 2 ⎜ 2 g ⎟⎠ ⎜⎝ 2 g ⎟⎠
⎝ R3 ⎝
S o − S ave
↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓ ↓
2
y A P R V V E ΔE
dx
2g (= E2 − E1) S Savg So − Savg
(m)
(m) (m2) (m) (m) (m/s) (m) (m) (m)
2.000 12.0 10.000 1.2000 0.4563 0.0106 2.0106 0.00020

1.967 11.8 9.933 1.1879 0.4640 0.0110 1.9776 0.0330 0.00021 0.00020 −0.000005 6835.81

1.933 11.6 9.867 1.1757 0.4720 0.0114 1.9447 0.0330 0.00022 0.00021 −0.000015 2226.32

1.900 11.4 9.800 1.1633 0.4803 0.0118 1.9118 0.0329 0.00023 0.00023 −0.000025 1292.90

Length of profile L = Σdx 10355.03

Time ‐ how do the flow conditions change over time at a specific 
section in an open channel system.

c. Steady flow ‐ depth of flow does not change/ constant 
during the time interval under 
consideration dy/dt = 0

d. Unsteady flow ‐ depth of flow changes with time 
dy/dt ≠ 0

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2.3 Conveyance
Conveyance K of a channel section is a measure of the carrying 
capacity of the channel section per unit longitudinal slope. It is 
directly proportional to discharge Q.

1 1 1
1. Chezy formula Q = CAR 2 So2 → K = CAR 2

2 1 2
1 1
2. Manning formula Q = AR 3 So2 → K = AR 3
n n

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Activity 2.16
A  slightly  rough  brick‐lined  trapezoidal  channel  carrying  a 
discharge of 25.0 m3/s is to have a longitudinal slope of 0.0004. 
Analyse the proportions of

(a) the most efficient‐channel section of trapezoidal shape.

Rough brick‐lined gives Manning roughness n = 0.017

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If  the  side  slope  is  not  fixed,  the  side  slope  and  other  channel
characteristics for most‐efficient trapezoidal section are
1
ze = ze = 0.5774
3

ye
A = 3y e2 R=
2
2 1
1
From Manning equation,  Q = AR 3 So2
n 2
1
1 2 ⎛ ye ⎞ 3
25 = × 2.1056y e × ⎜ ⎟ × 0.0004 2
0.017 ⎝2⎠
y e = 3.045 m

2
B= ye Be = 3.516 m
3 1 3.045 m
0.5774
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Tan et al. (laiwai@uthm.edu.my) 3.516 m
Activity 2.17
[Final exam question, Semester I, Session 2013/2014]
A composite channel as shown is designed to convey 19.8 m3/s of 
water.  The  channel  on  a  longitudinal  slope  So =  1:2000  is  to  be 
lined  with  concrete  (n =  0.017).  Determine  the  normal  depth  of 
flow based on graphical method. 

3 m 2
3

4 m
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Activity 5.2
A suppressed rectangular weir 0.75 m high and 1.5 m long is used
to discharge water from a tank under a head of 0.5 m. Estimate the 
discharge of the weir if Cd = 0.661.

0.5 m

0.75 m

1.5 m

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Suppressed rectangular weir, P = 0.75 m, L = 1.5 m, H1 = 0.5 m

C d = 0.661

3
2
Q = C d 2g LH12
3
3
2
Q = × 0.661 2 × 9.81 × 1.5 × 0.52
3
Q = 1.035  m3 /s

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Activity 5.4
Calculate the discharge of flow through a triangular notch with 
vertex angle of 60° and a head H1 of 0.5 m. Assume coefficient of 
discharge to be 0.58.

Given θ = 60°, H1 = 0.5 m, and Cd = 0.58

8 θ
Q= C d 2 g H 15 2 tan
15 2
5
8 60 o
Q= × 0 .58 × 2 × 9 .81 × 0 .5 2 tan
15 2

Q = 0 .1398  m 3 /s

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Q1. Explain the functions of these hydraulic structures:
a. sluice gate
b. weir
c. spillway
d. energy dissipator structures

Solution:
a. sluice gate is used to control and measure flow rate in open channel such as in
irrigation canal, river, tidal inlet, and reservoir. (1)

Vo
yo
vena contracta

V1
y1 y2

b. weir is an overflow structure built across an open channel (such as river) to

measure the flow rate. (1)

Q
P
`

sharp-crested weir

1/2
 c. spillway is built in a reservoir to allow the flow of excess water in the reservoir to
downstream as to ensure the safety of the reservoir. (1)

reservoir

spillway

d. energy dissipator structures are built downstream of a spillway to reduce the

velocity and energy of the flow. (1)

spillway chute block baffle block end sill

Q3. A trapezoidal weir with side slope 1:4 and width 0.5 m is used to measure flow rate of a
river. Compute the discharge if the head above the weir is 25 cm and Cd = 0.675.

Solution:

Trapezoidal weir with side slope 1:4 → Cippoletti weir

Given L = 0.5 m, H1 = 0.25 m, and Cd = 0.675

Discharge over a Cippoletti weir

3
2
Q= C d 2 g LH 12
3
3
2
Q = × 0.675 × 2 × 9.81 × 0.5 × 0.25 2
3
Q = 0.1246 m3/s (1)

2/2
Activity 5.6
An 8 m‐wide weir of a dam is discharging 80 m3/s of flow with H1 = 30 m, 
and Ho = 5m. Design an USBR stilling basin type III downstream of the 
spillway.

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Step 1.  Find V1, y1, Fr1 and y2

V1 = 2g⎛⎜ H1 − o ⎞⎟ = 2 × 9.81⎛⎜ 30 − ⎞⎟ = 23.23  m/s

H 5
⎝ 2 ⎠ ⎝ 2⎠

Q 80
y1 = = = 0.4305  m
BV1 8 × 23.23

V1 23.23
Fr1 = = = 11.30
gy1 9.81 × 0.4305

y2 =
y1
2
( )
− 1 + 1 + 8Fr12 =
0.4305
2
( )
− 1 + 1 + 8 × 11.32 = 6.668  m

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Step 2.  Determine length of basin L
From the figure of length of jump on horizontal floor,
L = 2.75y2 = 2.75 × 6.668 = 18.34  m

Step 3.  Determine h1, s1, w1 and quantity of chute blocks (block A)

h1 = y1 = 0.4305 m
s1 = y1 = 0.4305 m
w1 = y1 = 0.4305 m
B 8
No.  of  block  A = = = 9.391 ≈ 9  blocks
( 1 1) (
s + w 0.4305 + 0.4305)

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Step 4.  Determine L2, h3, s3, w3, t3 and quantity of baffle piers (block B)

L2 = 0.8y2 = 0.8 × 6.668 = 5.334 m
h3 = (0.168Fr1 + 0.63) y1= (0.168 × 11.3 + 0.63) × 0.4305 = 1.088 m
s3 = 0.75h3 = 0.75 × 1.088 = 0.8160 m
w3 = 0.75h3 = 0.75 × 1.088 = 0.8160 m
t3 = 0.2h3 = 0.2 × 1.088 = 0.2176 m
z3 = 1.0
B 8
No.  of  block  B = = = 4.902 ≈ 5  blocks
(s3 + w3 ) (0.816 + 0.816)

Step 5.  Determine h4 for end sill (block C)

h4 = ⎛⎜ 1 + 1 ⎞⎟y1 = ⎛⎜
Fr 11.3 ⎞
+ 1 ⎟0.4305 = 0.7008  m
⎝ 18 ⎠ ⎝ 18 ⎠
z4 = 2.0
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6.1 Turbines
Turbine is a hydraulic machine that utilises the energy of fluids to 
move other types of machineries.

A common use of turbine is in the  
hydroelectric power generation plant.

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6.2 Pumps
A pump is a hydraulic machine which supplies energy to fluid in 
certain operation, e.g. in water distribution system.
Based on the mode of action of conversion of mechanical energy 
into hydraulic energy, pumps are classified as:
a. rotadynamic pumps (centrifugal pump) and
b. positive displacement pumps. 

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 Activity 6.1
A centrifugal pump is needed to supply 23 m3/s of water for a city. 
This operation will utilise a net head H = 20 m and specific speed N = 
450 rpm. If the inflow power Ps is 5000 kW and density of water ρ is 
1000 kg/m3 at 5°C, calculate:
(a) Output power Pd
(b)  Overall efficiency of the pump η

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Given Q = 23 m3/s, H = 20 m, N = 450 rpm, Pi = 5000 kW, ρ = 1000 kg/m3

(a) Output power

Po = γQH = 9810 × 23 × 20 = 4512.6  kW

(b)  Efficiency of the pump
Po 4512.6
η= = = 0.9025 = 90.25%
Pi   5000

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Activity 6.3
Calculate the discharge, pressure head, total power required and overall 
pump system efficiency for two pumps linked in series. The pumps are 
operated at 1750 rpm and the system design discharge is 0.0473 m3/s. 
The impeller diameters are DA = 25.4 cm and DB = 30.5 cm.

Pump A Pump B
HA = 26.8 m HB = 33.5 m
ηA = 83% ηB = 78%

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Given Q = 0.0473 m3/s
Pump A Pump B
HA = 26.8 m HB = 33.5 m
ηA = 83% ηB = 78%

QT = QA = QB = 0.0473  m3 /s

HT = HA + HB = 26.8 + 33.5 = 60.3  m

Power delivered at the discharge end Pd (or output power Po)
Pd = Po = γQH

Power of pump at suction end Ps (or input power Pi)
2πN
Ps = Pi = Tω = T
60
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 Activity 6.5
A 1:5 model of water turbine develops 2 kW of power at 400 rpm under 
a head of 3 m. Find its specific speed?
Assuming the overall efficiency of 0.85 for both the model and 
prototype, calculate the rotational speed, power and discharge of the 
prototype when run under a head of 20 m.

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Given 1:5 model turbine, Pm = 2 kW, Nm = 400 rpm, Hm = 3 m, η = 0.85, Hp = 20 m

Nm Pm 400 2
N sm = 5
= 5
= 143.3
H4
m 3 4

For prototype,
NmDm NpDp
=
Hm Hp
Dm Hp 1 20
Np = Nm = 400 × × = 206.6  rpm
Dp Hm 5 3

Pm P
3 5
= 3p 5
NmDm Np Dp
Np3 Dp5 3 5
P = ⎛⎜
206.6 ⎞ ⎛ 5 ⎞
Pp = 5 m ⎟ × ⎜ ⎟ × 2 = 861.2  kW
⎝ 400 ⎠ ⎝ 1 ⎠
3
Nm Dm
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 Np Pp 206.6 861.2
Specific speed for prototype, Nsp = 5
= 5
= 143.3 = Nsm
H 4
p 20 4

Power developed by prototype Pop = 861.2  kW at efficiency η = 0.85.

Po 861.2
Power supplied by water Pi  = = = 1013.2  kW
η 0.85

Thus, γ pQpHp = 1013.2 × 103

1013.2 × 103 1013.2 × 103

Qp = = = 5.164  m3 /s
γ pHp 9810 × 20

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