TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES

938 Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, Quezon City

CE 411-CE42FA2

Hydraulics Engineering

Experiment # 8
Most Economic Section (MES)

SUBMITTED BY:
Cuevas, Georgette Angela D.
Eusebio, Khyle Joshua F.
Frias, Gianne Carlo V.
Gemora, Rainielle Mari N.
Hapita, Karl G.
Ignacio, Jean M.

SUBMITTED TO:
ENGR. CAROL GRACE ALCID
Instructor
May 09, 2019
 CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Hydraulics Engineering Laboratory Manual – 1st

Experiment No. 8
Most Economic Section (MES)

Objectives(s)
1. To determine the MES in different volumetric flow.
2. To obtain the value of the deviation between the theoretical and the actual.
3. To compare the actual and theoretical dimensions of economical sections.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

At the end of the meeting the student shall be able to:
 Properly operate the HM 160 (Multi-Purpose Teaching Flume) Apparatus.
 Compare the initial and final dimensions of economical sections.

Discussion
A wide selection of models, such as weirs, piers, flow-measuring flumes or a wave generator are
available as accessories and ensure a comprehensive program of experiments. Most models are
quickly and safely bolted to the bottom of the experimental section.

1 water tank, 2 flow meter, 3 pump, 4 switch box, 5 inclination adjustment, 6 inlet element, 7
experimental section with plate weir HM 160.30, 8 outlet element

Figure 1. Technical Description of HM 160 (Multi- Purpose Teaching Flume

 CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Hydraulics Engineering Laboratory Manual – 1st

The HM 160 multi-purpose teaching flume is a base unit offering wide-ranging experimentation
options in connection with open flumes such as weirs, overflows and sluice gates, oceanography
and offshore engineering. It is designed for research and training purposes.

The base unit, with a measuring length of 2.5 m, can be extended by an additional 2.5 m segment
to a maximum measuring length of 5m. The modules have transparent side walls, providing
virtually full view of the measurement section.

A GRP tank provides for a closed water circuit and adequate supply of water. Once filled, the
flow channel is independent of the main water supply. A centrifugal pump, a shutoff valve and a
variable-area flowmeter are integrated into the water circuit.

At a through-flowrate of approximate 230 l/min (13.8 m^3 /h) and with the maximum flow
cross-section, flow speeds of 0.2 m/s are reached.

By means of an inclination adjustment device the channel can be steplessly tilted from +3% to
-0.5% in longitudinal direction using a hand wheel, in order to equalize flow losses or to
stimulate a natural gradient, for example.

Most Economic Section

A section of a channel is said to be most economical when the cost of construction of the channel
is minimum. To keep the cost down or minimum, the wetted perimeter, for a given discharge,
should be minimum. This condition utilized for determining the dimensions of economical
sections of different forms of channels. These are also sections which for a given slope, S,
channel cross-sectional area, A, and roughness coefficient, n, the rate of discharge is a
maximum.
 CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Hydraulics Engineering Laboratory Manual – 1st

A. Rectangular Section

d
R= b=2 d
2

Rectangular channel will be most economic when either:

1. The depth of the flow is half the width
2. The hydraulic radius is half the depth of flow

B. Trapezoidal Section
 CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Hydraulics Engineering Laboratory Manual – 1st

Minimum seepage of Trapezoidal Channel:

θ
b=4 d tan
2
Trapezoidal channel will be most economical when either:
1. One of the sloping sides (wetted length) = half of the top width
2. The hydraulic radius is half the depth of flow

C. Triangular Section

A=d 2 θ=90 °
D. Circular Section
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Hydraulics Engineering Laboratory Manual – 1st

D=0.938 d D=0.81 D

Course: CE411 Experiment No.: 8

Group No.: 3 Section: CE42FA2
Group Members: Date Performed: May 6 , 2019
Cuevas, Georgette Angela D Date Submitted: May 9, 2019
Eusebio, Khyle Joshua F. Instructor: Engr. Carol Grace Alcid
Frias, Gianne Carlo V.
Gemora, Rainielle Mari N.
Hapita, Karl G.
Ignacio, Jean M.

Data and Results:

Observation:
In this experiment, HM 160 Multi-Purpose teaching flume apparatus was used in order to
get the width and length of the channel and also the flow rate. The group used ruler to measure
the actual width and length depending on the shape of the channel. The group also determined
 CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Hydraulics Engineering Laboratory Manual – 1st

the actual volumetric flow with the used of flow meter. The data obtained from the experiment
was used in computing the most economic section, and the value of deviation between
theoretical and actual.

Source of Error
The equipment placed on the machine is very challenging to attach and in multiple trials,
the group saw some possible source of error from the use of it. It was also lacking a screw to
really secure it in place on all four corners of the equipment. Similarly, to the previous
experiment especially since it is using the same machine, and same liquid was used so it had a lot
of particles that may cause inaccuracy in the data.

Conclusion:

The group further enhanced their skill in using the machine and also see its other uses for
getting different values for important data for researchers. The data obtained shows us the
difference in values for each of the shapes namely; triangle, rectangle and the trapezoid. The
knowledge obtained here can help future designer of the most efficient and economic design for
future structures.