CE122-1

HYDROLOGY
WEEK 9

Engr. Lawrence Dizon Dela Peña

Streamflow Measurement
Measurement of Velocity: Current Meters
Streamflow Measurement
Area-Velocity Method
This method of discharge measurement consists essentially of measuring the area
of cross-section of the rives at selected section called the gauging site and
measuring the velocity of flow through cross-sectional area.

Criteria:
§ The stream should have a well-defined
cross-section which does not change in
various seasons
§ It should be easily accessible all
throughout the year
§ The site should be in a straight, stable
reach
§ The gauging site should be free from
backwater effects in the channel.
Area-Velocity Method
Calculation of Discharge
Problem 1:
Problem 1:

Distance
from the Average Depth Velocity Discharge
𝑁! (rev/s)
left water width (m) (m) (m/s) (cu.m/s)
edge (m)
0 0 0
1 2 1.1
3 2 2.0
5 2 2.5
7 2 2.0
9 2 1.7
11 2 1.1
12 0 0
Dilution Technique

§ Also known as chemical method

§ Depends upon the continuity principle applied to a tracer which is
allowed to mix completely with the flow.
Problem 2:
A 0.025 g/L solution of a fluorescent tracer was discharged into a stream at a
constant rate of 10 cubic meter per second. The background concentration of
the dye in the stream water was found to be zero. At a downstream section
sufficiently far away, the dye was found to reach an equilibrium concentration
of 5 parts per billion. Estimate the stream discharge in cubic meter per
second. Note: 1 ppb = 1 x 10^-9 g/L
Slope-Area Method
Slope-Area Method
Slope-Area Method
Slope-Area Method
Slope-Area Method
Problem 3:
During a flood flow the depth of water in a 10 m wide rectangular channel was
found to be 3.0 m and 2.9 m at two sections 200 m apart. The drop in the
water-surface elevation was found to be 0.12 m. Assuming Manning’s
coefficient to be 0.025, estimate the flood discharge through the channel.
Problem 3:

Trial 𝒉𝒇 s Q 𝒗𝟏 𝟐 𝒗𝟐 𝟐 𝒉𝒇 (using
(given) 𝟐𝒈 𝟐𝒈 Eqn)
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