Chapter-3

DIVERSION HEAD WORKS

1
INTRODUCTION
• Diversion head works are structures
constructed across a river to facilitate a
regulated and continuous diversion of water
into the off-taking canal.

• In rivers, it is hardly possible to divert a

regulated and continuous flow into main canal
without such headwork.

• This is due to the fact that the flow in the river

is never uniform and varies from season to
season.

2
• Thus, there is a need to regulate the flow into
the canal system in order to ensure a continuous
diversion of water.

• There is practically no storage provided by a

diversion structure.

• The purpose is to raise and keep the water level

more or less constant (reduce the fluctuation of
water levels) at the head of the canal.

4
 TYPES OF DIVERSION STRUCTURES

• Diversion head works can be classified

as weirs and barrages based on the
structures provided at the crest.

– Weir: A weir is a barrier (structure) constructed

across a river to raise the water level in the river
behind it so as to enable regulated diversion of
water.
– A weir has a raised crest behind which a small
ponding of water will take place.
– Can be constructed with or without shutters on the
crest of the weir.
5
 Weir
• Types of weirs:

The following types based on the geometry

of the crest and materials used for
construction

– Masonry weirs with vertical or slightly sloping u/s

and d/s face
– Rock fill weirs
– Concrete weirs with sloping glacis
– Ogee crest weirs
6
 1. Masonry vertical drop weirs
• Have a horizontal floor constructed of masonry and a crest
wall with vertical or slightly sloping downstream face.

• The height of the crest depends on the actual site conditions

and head required behind the weir.

• Sheet pipe walls are driven at the upstream and downstream

of the floor.

• Are suitable whenever the drop in water level is small.

7
Vertical drop weirs

8
2. Rockfill weirs
• Are constructed of rocks with extremely sloping
downstream face.
• Are suitable whenever there is excess stone available for
construction.

9
 3. Concrete sloping weir
• The crest of this weir has sloping glacis both on the
upstream and downstream.

• Cutoff sheets are provided at the upstream, intermediate

and downstream of the floor to the depth equal to the scour
depth.

• Hydraulic jump is formed on the downstream slope for

energy dissipation.

• These weirs are suitable whenever the drop in water level

is large.

10
Glacis weirs

11
 4. Ogee crest weirs
• Is a weir whose crest wall is rounded to increase the
discharge coefficient.
• It consists of a concrete weir wall with vertical
upstream face and rounded top and downstream.
• It is designed as gravity section similar to vertical drop
weir.

12
13
 Gravity and non-gravity weirs
• Seepage water causes uplift force on the base of
the weir.

• Whenever the weight of the weir is sufficient to

balance the uplift pressure caused by seeping
water, it is called gravity weir.

• When the concrete slab (floor) is designed

continuously with the weir body to keep the
structure safe against uplift, it is called as non-
gravity weir.

14
 Barrage
• A barrage is also an obstruction constructed
across a river for raising the water level and
regulate the diversion of water to canals.

• However, the crest wall of a barrage is low and

ponding of water takes place by gates.

• The gates are fitted on the top of the crest wall

and can be closed and opened as required based
on the flow in the river.

15
Barrage

Piers

Gates

16
Advantages and disadvantages of weirs
and barrages
Weir:
Advantage
• Low initial cost
Disadvantage
• High afflux (increase in water level) during floods;
• Siltation or sedimentation problem due to relatively
high crest;
• Lack of effective control during floods.

17
Barrage

Advantage
– Effective control of flow is possible;
– Afflux and thus flooding is small during floods;
– Silt inflow into the off-taking canal can be
effectively controlled.

Disadvantage
– It has a disadvantage that its initial cost is
high.

18
Some technical considerations for
diversion headworks
When planning a new diversion headwork,
investigations to be made can be classified into:
– Reconnaissance study
– Preliminary investigation
– Detailed investigation
The technical considerations include:
• Location of headworks
• Construction materials and resources
• Topographic survey
• Soil investigation
• Hydrological data 19
Weir types –cross sections
 1. Location of Headworks

• For best site of diversion headwork, one has to

have clear information of the site.

• Generally topographic maps are required for the

purpose.

• However, one can also have a walk along the

river to find out possible sites for the headwork
during the reconnaissance study.

21
Factors when selecting site for diversion weirs.

• Location of the Irrigated Area

– If the area is too far away from the headwork, it
necessitates construction of long canals with high cost
– If close to the headwork, some area located on the
upper reach of the canal may not be commanded.
• Stability of the river bank
– Affects the cost and the performance.
– Ideal site: straight reach of a river with stable and
narrower section.
– River banks are unstable in shallow and wide cross
sections; thus larger and costlier structure is needed.
– Flow velocity at these sections is small and results in
more sedimentation and problem on the performance.
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 2. Construction materials and resources

• Most important factor for the selection of

construction materials is the economic factor.
• Questions to be made during site visit of
diversion headworks.

– What are the construction materials available in the

area?
– Is there a shortage of required construction material in
the local market?
– Is it possible to hire construction machinery in the
area?
– What is the availability of skilled labour in the area and
the rates?
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 3. Topographic survey
• After site selection, the designer has to be able to have a
detailed in formation of the cross section and profile of the
river at this section.

• Thus a topographic survey of the site is needed.

Moreover, the topography of the command area is
needed to determine whether the highest spot points can
be irrigated by gravity from the selected site or not.

• Particularly, this is important in flat areas where head is

not available.

• Whenever, the site of the diversion is sufficiently higher

than the command area, loss of head is a not a problem.
24
 4. Soil investigation
• Preliminary soil investigation is needed during the
first visit of the site.

• The soil can be visually tested and its physical

characteristics described. Shallow pits can be
dug to describe the soil profile.

• The investigation is important to judge the

suitability of the soil for foundation, its seepage
condition and bearing capacity.

25
 5. Hydrological data
• Is needed in order to determine design discharges.

• The size of the structure depends on the maximum flood

discharge that has to pass over the structure.

• Moreover, the minimum flow in the river is also needed for

the design.

• The design engineer visiting the site for the first time has
to find out if there are river gauging and meteorological
stations in the area. If not, the local people can provide
useful information on the maximum and minimum flows.

26
 Components and Layout of Diversion
Headworks
Diversion headworks generally consist of the
following components:

– Weir wall/Barrage
– Undersluices
– Divide wall
– Canal head regulator
– Silt excluder
– Guide banks
– Wing walls
27
Components and layout…

28
 The design process
• Group of operating team – monitor the real operation
• Group of hydraulic design and laboratory model- physical model
– Characteristic water levels and elevations of the structure:
• Normal water level , NWL
• Maximum water level, MWL
• Elevation of the dam crest, the gates operation, intake, pump
– Outlet sizes:
• Length of the service outlet and auxiliary spillway,
• Width of the gated weir,
• Width of the sluice way,
• Other outlets: bottom outlets, sand traps, etc
– Intake sizes:
• Entrance opening: width, height and elevation,
• Hydraulic losses before the conveyance entrance section,
– Hydraulic energy dissipation:
• Seepage through:
– Earth fill and its control,
– Below around concrete structures and foundations and its
control
• The approach and tail channels geometries
• The channels geometry,
• The length of training levees,
• The radii of curvature of the channel’s alignment,
• Forecast the morphological changes after the river diversion
 Theory and design of various diversion structures

3.2. Bligh’s theory

• The percolating water follows the outline of the base of the
foundation of hydraulic structure i.e. water creep along the
bottom contour of the structure.
• The length of path thus traversed by water is called the
Length of Creep.
• In this theory, the loss of head is proportional to the length
of the creep.
• If HL is the total head loss between upstream and the
downstream, and L is length of creep, then the loss of head
per unit of creep length i.e. (HL / L) is called the Hydraulic
Gradient.
• makes no distinction between horizontal and vertical creep.
Head Loss per unit length or Hydraulic Gradient
• [ HL / (b+ 2 (d1+d2+d3)] = HL /L
• HL = Head loss
• b = Total Length of floor
• d1 = Upstream cut-off or sheet pile
• d2 = Intermediate cut-off or sheet pile
• d3 = Downstream cut-off or sheet pile
• L = Length or distance for which loss of head is required to be
calculated
• Losses at Different points are = (HL/L x 2d1), (HL/L x 2d2), (HL/L x 2d3)
1. Safety against piping or undermining
– As per Bligh, the safety against piping can be ensured
by providing sufficient creep length,
– It is given by L = C. HL
• C= Bligh’s coefficient for soil

Type of soil Value of “C” Safe Hydraulic

Gradient should be
less than
Fine sand 15 1/15
Coarse grained sand 12 1/12
Sand mixed with 5 to 9 1/5 to 1/9
boulder and gravel,
and for loam soil
Light sand and mud 18 1/18
2. Safety against uplift Pressure
– The ordinates of the H.G. Line above the bottom of the floor
represent the residual water head at each point,
– For example if at any point the ordinate of H.G. line above the
bottom of the floor is one foot then one foot head of water will act
as uplift at that point.
– If h’ feet is this ordinate, then water pressure equal to h’ feet will
act at this point, and has to counter balanced by the weight of floor
thickness = t
– Uplift Pressure = wh’, W = Ordinary density of water = 62.4 lbs /Cft
– Drowned Pressure = (w.G).t, G = Specific Gravity of floor
material
– For equilibrium wh’ = wGt
h’ = Gt, Subtracting t on both sides
( h’-t) = (G.t –t)
( h’-t) = t(G-1)
t = [(h’ – t )/(G-1)] = [ h / (G-1)]
– Where (h’-t) = Ordinate of the H.G. line above the
top of floor (G-1) = Submerged specific gravity of the floor
material, for Concrete G = 2.4
– After calculating the thicknesses of floor add 33 % for the factor of
safety.
3.2. Lane’s weighted creep theory ,
• Bligh, in his theory, had calculated the length of the creep,
by simply adding the horizontal and vertical creep length,
making no distinction between two creeps.
• Lane, on the basis of his analysis carried out on about 200
dams of the world, stipulated that horizontal creep is less
effective in reducing uplift (or in causing loss of head) than
the vertical creep.
• He suggested a factor of 1/3 for the horizontal creep and 1.0
for the vertical creep.
• LL = (d1+d1) + 1/3L1 +( d2+d2) + 1/3 L2 +(d3+d3)
= 1/3 . (L1+L2) + 2(d1+d2+d3)
= 1/3 . b . 2(d1+d2+d3)
• LL = Lane’s Creep Length and other features are as per
Bligh’s
• To ensure safety against piping, the creep length LL must
not be less than C1HL
• HL = Head causing flow and C1 is Lane’s Creep Coefficient
for soil
 Type of soil Value of “C1” Safe Hydraulic
Gradient should be
less than
Very fine sand or silt 8.5 1/8.5
Fine sand 7 1/7
Coarse sand 5 1/5
Gravel and sand 3.5 to 3.0 1/3.5 to 1/3
Boulders, gravel and 2.5 to 3.0 1 / 2.5 to 1/3
sand
Clayey soil 3.0 to 1.6 1/3 to 1/1.6

• Lane’s theory was an improvement of Bligh’s

theory but is still an empirical without any rational
basis and hence not adopted in designs
3.3 Khosla theory
• Many hydraulic structures constructed by Bligh’s
theory,
• But undermining troubles lead to Khosla theory for
consideration of flow net,
• One set of lines is called Streamlines and other is
called Equipotential Lines. The resultant flow
diagram showing both the sets of curves is called
Flow Net.
• The seeping water does not creep along the contour
of floor as stated by Bligh, but on the other hand this
water moves along a set of streamlines.
• This steady seepage in, a vertical plane for a
homogenous soil can be expressed by Laplacian
equation.
Flow net from piezometric head
The percentage pressures at these key points for
the simple forms into which the complex profile has
been broken is valid for the complex profile itself, if
corrected for
– correction for the mutual interference of piles,
– correction for thickness of floor,
– correction for the slope of the floor.
•correction for the slope of the floor.
•A correction is applied for a sloping floor, and is
taken as +ve for the down and –ve for the up slopes
following the direction of flow.

Slope (V : H) 1 : 1 1 : 2 1 : 3 1 : 4 1 : 5 1 : 6 1 : 7 1 : 8
Correction Cs
(% of pressure) 11.2 6.5 4.5 3.3 2.8 2.5 2.3 2.0
 •correction for the mutual interference of piles
Suppose in the above Figure, we are considering the
influence of pile No. (2) on pile No. (1) for correcting the
pressure at Cl, Since the point C1 is in the rear, and hence,
this correction shall be, +ve. While the correction to be
applied to E2 due to pile No. (1) shall be negative since the
point E2 is in the forward direction of flow. Similarly, the
correction at C2 due to pile No. (3) is positive, and the
correction at E2 due to pile No. (2) is negative.
 •correction for thickness of floor
In the standard form profiles, the floor is assumed to
have negligible thickness. Hence, the percentage
pressures calculated by Khosla's graphs shall pertain to
the top levels of the floor. While the actual junction
points E & C are at the bottom of the floor.
Hence the Pressure at the actual points are calculated
assuming a straight line pressure variation.
 Hydraulic and structural design of headwork
The design of weir and barrage like any hydraulic
structure, consist of many phases. The two main
phases are:
•The hydraulic design (evaluation hydraulic forces
acting on the structure).
•The structural design (dimensioning of the various part
of the structure to enable it to resist safely all the forces
acting on it).
The problem involved in the hydraulic design of weir
and barrage on permeable foundation may be treated
under the following:
•Sub soil flow, and
•Surface flow.
 Design consideration of surface flow
1.Crest level
a)Crest level of a barrage is fixed on the consolidation of
existing river bed level, at the proposed site.
b)The under sluices crest is usually kept as near the bed level
in the deepest channel as is practically possible.

•The barrage bay crest is kept slightly higher and at about the
general bed level in the remaining portion of the river.
•The under sluice crest is kept lower to attract a deep current in
front of the regulators, so that the dry weather current may
remain near the regulator.

Note that afflux and discharge per meter are related to crest
levels. So lower crest levels, result in lesser afflux, but higher
discharge per meter. Low set barrage with increase depth of
water over crest may result in an increased height of gates,
thickness of floor, and cost of superstructure above floor level.
It's necessary to check that the maximum. Flood discharge
passes down the works without exceeding the afflux.

The following discharge formulas may be used for this

purpose:
a. For broad crested weir:
Q= 1.705 (L-0.1nH)H 3/2
b.For sharp crested weir:
Q= 1.84 (L-0.1nH)H 3/2
Where: L= total clear waterway (m)
n= number of end contractions
H= the head over crest in (m)
2.Afflux, Length of waterway and discharge intensity
Afflux actually denotes loss of head and its magnitude is
represented by the difference in total energy level on
upstream and the downstream of the works. Afflux is
generally limited to 1 meter, but may be kept higher if
permissible.
To adopt for waterway is given by the following formula
representing Lacey's wetted perimeter,
P= 4.75√Q
Where: P= Lacey's wetted perimeter, and
Q= Maximum flood discharge.
In boulder reaches of the river it would be economical to
reduce the waterway to about (0.6 -0.8) time Lacey's
waterway. In plains where the silt factor is in the
neighborhood of unity it is generally economical to keep the
waterway (1.0 -1.2) times the Lacey's waterway. Generally
the shorter waterway is preferable.
Design stepwise procedure:
I. Maximum flood discharge “Q”,
II.Stage discharge curve of the river at barrage,
III. Minimum water level
IV. Cross section of the river at barrage site the following
have to be decided:
Lacey’s Silt factor (f) this is determined from the equation:
f= 1.76√Mr
•Length of waterway, discharge per meter and afflux.
•Safe exit gradient.
•Depth of sheet piles:
– Scour depth.
– Exit gradient
V. Level and length of horizontal part of d/s impervious floor in
coordination with hydraulic jump
VI.Thickness of d/s impervious floor.
– with reference to uplift pressure.
– with reference to hydraulic jump or standing wave.
VII.Length and thickness of protection works beyond floor u/s
and d/s.
 Design procedure
• Step 1: Head Loss
• Determine head loss (HL) for different flow condition.
HL = afflux (if there is no retrogression)*
* Retrogression is lowering d/s bed caused by water scour
If allowance for retrogression is taken in d/s bed level then,
HL = afflux + retrogression, usually, 0.5 m retrogression will be
sufficient in most cases.
• Step 2: Water depth
• For known values of q and HL find Ef2 from blench curve (from
Blench curves ).
• With known values of Ef2 read corresponding values of D2.
• Cistern Level = D.S.T.E.L – Ef2
– Ef2 = down stream specific energy.
– D2. = post jump corresponding to Ef2
– Ef1 = Upstream specific energy.
– D1 = per jump depth corresponding to Ef1
Determine the sequent depth D1 and D2:
 Haya River X-Section

97
Average river
Elevation (m)

96
95 bed slope and
94 discharge of the
93 river
92
0 10 20 30 40 50
Distance (m)

The Design Flood

Stage-Discharge curve equivalent to the
Flood Mark (2.00)
3.00 was 50 m3/sec.
Stage (m)

2.00 Here the flood

1.00 mark is equivalent
-
to the Tail Water
- 20.00 40.00 60.00 80.00 100.00
Depth (TWD).
Discharge (m 3)
• Step 3: Cistern Length
• Ef1 = Ef2 + HL
• Knowing Ef1 , Ef2 & q
read values of D1 and
D2 from the figure of
energy of flow curves.
• Provide minimum
cistern length
= 5(D2–D1)
= 6(D2–D1).
 • Step 4: Depth of cutoffs (scour)
Determine scour depth from the formula

1
 q2  3
R  1.35 
 f 
Depth of U/S sheet pile = (1 to 1.25)R
1 d
Depth of D/S sheet pile = (1.25 to1.5)R  G. E .
• Step 5: Structure length   h
• Work out the value 1/π√λ from h 1
equation: G. E 
d  

  2  1)  12
1
2

b  d
Step 6: Structure length
• Provide total length of floor = α d
• Disposition of total floor length may be as follows
1. Cistern length = 5(D2–D1) to 6(D2–D1)
2. Glacis length = 3 to 5 times (crest level – cistern
level)
For 3:1 to 5:1 slope of glacis
3. Upstream floor = the balance.
Step 7: Depth of Cutoffs (Khosla)
• Find u/s pile and d/s pile % pressure; the pressure
distribution assumed to be linear; used Khosla’s
method; correct due to floor thickness, interference of
sheet pile and slope.
Step 8: Floor thickness
Plotting water profile before and after the jump formation (Fr =
q/ √qD1 3 )
The intercept between the profile of hydraulic jump and the
gradient gives the unbalance dynamic head. The floor
thickness is, however, designed for ⅔ the max. unbalance
head in jump through.
Floor thickness = H/(G–1)
where:
H = max static head or ⅔ max. unbalance head.
(use the greater head of the two)
Step 9: Protection Works

The protection works are now designed in respect to the

scour depth.
 Stability analysis
Magnitude of forces
Horizontal Moment about toe
Vertical forces forces
Type of Lever anti-clockwise
load Downward toward u/s arm (m) =+ve
=+ve =+ve
clock wise = -ve
Upward =-ve toward d/s =
-ve
Vertical V+ve =
•Self wt V-ve =
•Water load
Vnet =
•Up lift
Horizontal H+ve = M+ve=
•Hydrostatic H-ve = M-ve =
pressure
•Silt Hnet = Mnet =
pressure
- Safety against over turning
Fso = M+ve = 33.574 = 2.26 > 1.5 -> Ok!
M-ve 14.829
- Safety against sliding
Fss = Vnet = 0.65*11.862 = 6.86 >> 2.0 -> Ok!
Hnet 1.124
- Stress analysis
e = (B/2 – x) < B/6 , Where B= bottom width
X = Mnet = 18.745 = 1.58
Vnet 11.862
e = |3.25/2 – 1.58| = 0.045 and
B/6 = 3.25/6 = 0.542 > e = 0.045,
Hence no tension development and the resultant passes
through the middle third.
- Safety against over stressing
Pmin = Vnet (1 + 6e) = 11.862 (1+6*0.045)
B (B) 3.25 (3.25)
•Pmax = 3.95 t/m2 to and Pmin = 3.35t/m2 < 10t/m2 so, the
weir so designed is said} be stable under this condition
 Guide banks
• Are rigid structures provided on either side of the
headwork to:
– guide the river flow directly to the headwork and
– to avoid scouring and meandering of the river near the
work.

• Particularly important when the headwork is

located near alluvial banks of the river where bank
scouring and meandering are evident.

• Wing walls (Marginal bunds): are used to protect

valuable areas and property from flooding. 62
 Undersluices
• Adjacent to the canal head regulators, under sluice section
is provided.

• When canal intake is only in one direction, the under sluice

is provided on that side only.

• There is a divide wall between the weir body and the under
sluice section to separate the two portions and to avoid
cross flows.

• Its crest is at lower level than that of the crest of the weir
(usually at river bed.)
63
Section through under sluices

64
 Functions of under sluice
• Maintains well defined river channel near the head regulator;

• To scour (remove) away the silt deposited in front of the head

regulator;

• To pass small floods of 10% to 20% Qd during rainy season;

• To quickly lower the u/s high flood level because the

discharge intensity over the sluice portion is greater than that
in the weir portion;

• To minimize the effect of main river water current on the head

regulator. 65
 Canal head regulator
• A structure provided at the head of the off-taking
canal to regulate and control the inflow into the
canal.

• Usually provided at one or both banks of the river

with its axis making an angle 600 to 900 to the weir
axis.

• It will be sized in such a way that it can pass the

required design discharge of the canal when the
water level on the upstream is at the pond level.
66
Layout of head regulator

67
 Functions of head regulator

• Regulates the supply of water into the off-taking

canal;
• Controls silt entrance into the canal;
• Prevents flood water from entering the canal;
• Used to stop the water supply into the canal for:

– maintenance and
– when highly silt-laden water flows in the river.

68
Section through head regulator…

69
Head regulator

70
 Silt excluder

• Provided in the undersluices portion to pass highly

silt-laden water through the undersluices.
• It enables only relatively clear water to enter the
canal.
• Aligned at right angle to the axis of the canal.
• They are small lined tunnels through which the
bottom silt-laden water will be passed down to the
scouring sluices.

71
Alignment of silt excluder

72
73
 Components of Head Works

In addition to weir
head works consists of
the following
components:
•Under sluices,
•Canal head regulator,
•Divide wall or groyne,
•Fish ladder,
•Piers and abutments,
•Protection works,
•River training wall
 •Under sluices
These are gates controlled openings in the weir with crest
at low level. They are located on the same side as off-take
canal. If two canal take off on either side of the river, it
would be necessary to provide under sluices on either
side
•Function of under sluices
•To preserve a clear and defined river channel
approaching the canal regulator,
•To scour silt deposited in front of canal regulator and
control silt entry in the canal,
•To facilitate working of weir crest shutters or gates. The
flood can easily pass,
•To lower the highest flood level.

Discharge capacity of the under sluices is provided:

•Qu = 2 (Q max) off-take
•Qu = 20% (Q max) flood
 Canal Head Regulator

A canal head regulator is to

serve the following
functions:
•Regulate the supply of water
in the canal.
•Control the entry of silt in the
canal
The head regulator is normally
aligned between 90° - 120° in
respect to the axis of the weir.
The regulation done by means
of gates, steel gates of spans
ranging between (8 m-12 m)
are used and operated by
electric winches.
•Height of gates = pond level -crest level
•To check flood water entering the canal a breast wall
between pond level and high flood level (H.F.L).
•Unless H.F.L -pond level is nominal, breast wall is usually
more economical than high gates.
If silt excluder is provided, it is necessary to further raise the
crest of head regulator by minimum of 0.75 m. To calculate
the discharge, the drowned weir formula can be used:
2 2
2
Q  C1 L 2 g ( H  Ha) 3  ha 3  C2 Ld 2 g ( H  ha )
3
Where: C1=0.577, C2=0.8
H=difference of u/s and d/s water levels.
L=clear length of waterway.
d=depth of d/s water level above the crest.
ha=head due to velocity of approach
• In case of the waterway (L) worked out
more than width of the canal, the crest
level so adjusted as to keep (L) equal to
the width of the canal.
• In exceptional cases waterway more than
canal width may be provided with a flared
wall in the d/s of the regulator to join the
canal width.
• Note that, the most critical condition of
uplift occurs when high flood level is
passed down the weir and there is no flow
in canal.
•Divide Wall (Gyrone)
It is a wall located
between weir and
under sluices
extending a little u/s of
canal regulator, and d/s
up to end of loose
protection of the under
sluices. It is a concrete
or masonry structure,
with top width (t)=(1.5-
3)m, and aligned at
right angle to the weir
axis.
The functions of divide walls are:
• To separate the floor of scouring sluices this is at lower
level than the weir proper,
• To isolated the pockets u/s of the canal head regulator to
facilitate scouring operation,
• To prevent formations of cross currents to a void their
damaging effects. Additional divide walls are sometimes
provided for this purpose,
• The divide walls are costly structures,
• These walls are likely to be subjected to maximum
differential pressure when the full discharge of the river is
passing through the weir, (there will be difference in water
level on the two sides ),
• Also there may exit difference in silt pressure on the two
side . The values of differential pressure are taken
arbitrarily say 1.0 m for water heads and about 2.0 m for
silt pressure (see next slide).
 Fish ladder

•Fish ladder or fish passes are generally provided to

enable the fish to ascend the head waters of the river
and thus reach their spawning grounds for propagation
or to follow their migratory habits in search of food.
The general requirements of a fish ladder are:
• The slope of the fish ladder should not be
steeper than 1:10 (i.e. velocity not exceeding 2
m/s in any portion of the fish-way).
• The compartments of bays of the pass must be
such dimensions that the fish do not risk
collision with the sides and upper end of each
bay when ascending.
• Plenty of light should be admitted in the fish-
way.
• The water supply should be ample at all times.
• The top and sides of a fish-way should be
above ordinary high water level (see next
field,6,).
 Main points of the chapter:

• To understand the theory and design principles

of various diversion structures
– Bligh’s,
– Lane’s, and
– Khosla et al.
• To identify components of head works and
barrage,
• To understand the stability analysis, hydraulic
and structural design head works
 Example:
Assume there is a weir founded on pervious foundation with floor thickness
of 0.5 m all along cross section.
– Seepage head= 6 m
– Upstream cutoff depth = 6m
– Downstream cutoff depth = 8 m
– Middle cutoff depth= 3 m
– Upstream impervious floor up to middle of wall = 10m
– Downstream impervious floor from middle of wall =20 m
– Distance from the middle to heel of the weir wall=5m

a. Determine the hydraulic gradient of seepage using the Bligh’s

and Lane’s theory and say on the safety against piping.
b. Calculate the uplift pressure at the heel of the wall using both
the theories.
 Solution:
a. Bligh's creep length
= 2*6 + 2*3 + 2*8 +10 + 20 + 2*0.5 = 65 m
• Lane’s equivalent creep length= 45 m
Bligh’s gradient =6/65=1/10.8 … Safe for gravel and sand
Lane’s gradient = 6/45=1/7.5 …Safe for Fine sand

b. Bligh’s length of creep up to the heel of the wall, Lx=33.0 m

Lane’s equivalent length of creep to the heel of the wall,
Lx=23.5m
Bligh 665  33
h  2.95
65

Lane 645  23.5 Bligh more conservative!

h  2.88
45
Design of weir
Weir type: broad crested concrete weir.
Length or span of the weir over flow was taken 12m from the existing
situation of the river section.

1. DETERMINATION OF THE CREST LEVEL

 Average level of the highest field = 2388.50 m
 Water depth required = (0.50) m
 Head loss across the field = (0.00) m
 Head loss at the turn out = (0.05) m
 Slope of Canal = 0.001
 Canal length = 1400 m
 Head required = Slope of canal  distance from the weir = (0.001 
1450) = 1.45m
 Head loss across head regulator = (0.1) m
 Crest level of the weir = (2390.60)
I.e. Crest height = crest level – upstream riverbed level
= 2390.60 – 2389.50
= 1.10 m
2. Water depth on the crest for Broad crests weir:
Q = 1.70LH3/2
69 = 1.70  12  H3/2
 69  2/3
H=  
 1.7 x12 

H = 2.254 m

ha
H
h

P
 𝑄 69
The approach velocity Va= =
𝐿(ℎ+𝑝) 12(ℎ+0.5)

Q
But va= = 69
L(h  P) 12(h  0.5)

1 x (69)2 = 2.254 - h
2x9.81 [12(h+0.5)] 2
By trial and error h = 1.980
ha = 2.254 -1.980 = 0.184 m (velocity head)
3. Stilling Basin
A) ENERGY METHOD
i) Velocity head in the approach channel
hva = H-h = 2.254 – 1.98 = 0.184 m
ii) Hydraulic Jump
River bed elevation =2389.50
Downstream water level d 3 =2.5 =( wl3) = 2392
Weir crest level = 2390.60
Height of crest = 1.10
Determination of the bed level of stilling basin
-Jump height (0.20-0.40) than d/s water level
First find the jump height d2 or sequent depth
First trial
Assuming the floor level is 0.3m lower than the
riverbed
Assume EL1 = EL3--0.3 = 2389.50 - 0.3 = 2389.20
H = Eo = E1
Z = ELo- Assumed EL1
= (2390.60 – 2389.20) = 1.40
Eo = H+z= 2.254 + 1.40 = 3.654
q = =5.75= = v1
From Bernoulli’s energy equation b/n u/s and just to left
of jump
Zo + weir ht +h+hv = z1+d1+v12/2g
0.3+1.10+1.98+0.18=d1+ v12/2g
3.56 = d1+v12/2g -------- (1)
q 5.75
V1 = = -------- (2)
d d1
Substituting (2) in (1)
3.56 = 5.75 +v12/2g
V1
By trial and error v1 = 7.395
q 5.75
d 1= = = 0.778
v 7.395

Fr = v1
= 2.678
gd 1

d2 = d 1
2
 1 8 f r 2

 1  2.583m

d3=2.50 m
The tail water depth d3= 2.5m is less than the sequent depth d2 and the
jump recedes downstream for downstream floor level of 0.3m lower
than the upstream apron level.
If the water surface of the jump is assumed to be 0.2m higher than the
downstream water level.
EL.1= (WL3 +0.2) – d2 = (2392+0.2) – 2.583 = 2389.617 is greater
than the Assumed 2389.20
Hence the bottom level of stilling basin will be EL1 = 2389.20
The length of stilling basin is L = 4d2 = 10.33=take 10.5m
B) CONVENTIONAL METHOD
Experimental formula to deter mint the length and depth of stilling
basin
L=3 hF
F
d=½ hF and  d  f /3
2

Where L = length of basin (Horizontal length of weir glacis + length

of downstream apron floor in m)
d = depth of basin (m)
h = over flow depth (m)
F = (upstream water level + Velocity head) – downstream water level)
h = 1.98 m
F = (2392.58+0.18 – 2392.0) =0.76
L = L’ = 3 hF  3 1.98)(0.76)  3.68 say 4.0
1
D=½ hF  (1.98)(0.76)  0.61m
2
F
D F
2 3

0.38  0.61  0.25

Use depth of 0.35m to keep it in the given range from the two
methods conventional methods is adopted in the design of length and
depth of the stilling basin.
Hence, the stilling basin is so designed for floor length of L = 4m and
depth,
d = 0.35m. And transition length, L1 = 4m.
From economic point of view this conventional method is selected in
determining the length and depth of stilling basin.
Determination of detailed parts
1. Section of the weir
According to the Bligh’s formula, the basic section of the weir body
can be determined as follows.
𝐻+ℎ
Bottom width 𝐿 =
√𝜌
𝐻
Top width B=
√𝜌

Where h = height of weir = 1.10m

H= Specific energy head = 2.254
 = specific weight of weir body = 2.0
2.254 +1.1
L = = 2.372 ≈ 2.4
√2
A) Bligh’s creep theory
LV = 2+1.5+2+1+2=8.5
Lc = 1/3(LH) + LV
Where LH = 11.60
LV = 8.5
Lc = 1/3(11.6) + 8.5=12.37m
L = CH, where C =7 (for foundation composed of Boulders with
some cobbles and gravels)
H = 1.1 (max, stat head over the weirs
So, L = 7  1.1 = 7.7
In Blight method, the apron length is safe against piping & seepage
Since L < LC
i.e. 7.7 < 12.37m
B) Lane’s creep theory
LC = 1/3  LH + LV
LH= 11.6  1/3= 3.87
Lv = 8.5
LC = 12.37
WCR – Lanes weighted creep ratio for Lc/H: for H = 1.1
WCR = 12.37= 11.24
1.1
Minimum lanes weighted creep ratio for grovel and boulder
foundation with fine silt is 2.5
Therefore, WCR = 11.24 is by far greater than the safety ratio 2.5
Hence the apron length proved is safe against piping & seepage,
C) Exit Gradient

= b
Where b = total creep length=11.6
d
d = d/s cut of depth=2m
 = 11.6/2= 5.8
1 1  2
 =
2

1 1  5.8 2
 =  3.4
2
1
GE = Hmax/d  ’ Where Hmax=1.98
 
1.98 1
= x = 0.16, Therefore it is safe against piping.
2 𝜋 √3.4

D) Adapt lanes method for thickness calculation

- Residual head pressure at the tae of the weir wall /point A/
h = H - H  v   H 
L  3 
1.1 4.95
= 1.1- (6.5  )
14.37 3

= 0.48 say 1m
Thickness of impervious floor (t) is
4 h  4 1m 
t= 
 
     1.026say1.5m
3   1  3  (2.3  1) 


 - Residual head at point "B" at distance of 2.65m from the toe of
the weir wall
h = 1.2- 1.1/14.37x9.1 = 0.4m
t = 4/3 x 0.4/1.3 = 0.42  0.45m
- Residual head at point 'C' at distance of 4.65m from the toe of the
weir wall
h = 1.1-1.1/14x9.7 = 0.238 say 0.25
t = 4/3 x 0.25/1.3 = 0.256m say 0.3m

Point thickness (m) Distance from the toe (m)

A 1.50 0
B 0.45 2.65
C 0.30 4.65

Note: - use weeps holes for guide walls, pressure relief holes for
downstream apron and expansion joint for long masonry work.
Use free board for guide wall of 0.50m and thus total height of wall is
1.1+1.98 + 0.18 = 3.26 at upstream for downstream wall 2.5+ 0.5 =
3m.
Stability Analysis of weir:
a) Dynamic case
Conditions: Up lift pressure was considered for the General weir section.
Water wedge weight was considered for weir crest only.
Downstream water pressure was considered.
Unit weight of water is 10KN/m3 and that of sound masonry work is 23N/m3.
Moment is taken about the toe per meter width.
No Item Force (KN) Moment Moment Sum
Arm (m) (KN.m)

1 Pu1 = ½ * rw* H2 -10.89 1.1 -11.98

2 Pu2 = rw*h*H -6.05 0.72 -4.36
-105.83
3 pu = ½ rw (H+ h-d). B -45.43 1.97 -89.50

4 Pd = ½. rw.d2 0.45 0.1 0.05

5 Ww = rw*.A 24.16 2.15 51.94
188.47
6 w1 = rm* A1 53.36 2.15 114.72
7 W2, rm .A2 24.18 0.9 21.76
8 Foundation Reaction B/2(P1+P2) B2/6(p1+2p2)

1.45(p1+2p2)
1.48(P1+P2)
Foundation Reaction:
1) 1.48 (p1+p2) = ΣV = 56.27
2) 1.45 (p1+2p2) = ΣM = 82.64
p1+p2 = 38.02 p1 = 19.05 KN
p1+2p2 = 56.99 p2 =18.97 KN
Allowable bearing capacity of foundation material was taken 30
ton/m2 for gravel and silt formation is (300KN/m2) and thus it is safe.
Safety factors
Over turning stability
188 .47
S0 = M+/M- = = 1.78 1.78 > 1.5 ok
105 .83

Sliding safety factor

H=16.49
V=+56.27
16.49
Ss = H/V = = 0.29 < 0.75
56.27

Cheek for tension

188 .47−105 .83
X = M/v = = 1.47
56.27

e= B / 2  X  2.95 / 2  1.47  0.01  B / 6  0.01  0.49 ok no tension

The weir is stable in all case
 1.6
1.1 W1 1:1
Pu1
W2
0.35
2.95

Pu
b) Static case
No Item Force (KN) Moment Arm Moment Sum
(m) (KN.m)

1 Pw1 = ½ , rw.H2 6.05 0.72 -4.36

-36.32
2 Pu = ½ / rw. H.B 16.23 1.97 -31.96
3 W1 = rm*A1 53.36 2.15 114.72
134.98
4 W2 = rm.A2 22.51 0.90 20.26
Safety factors
So = M+ = 134.98 = 3.72 > 1.5 OK!
M- 36.32
Ss = H = 6.05 = 0.10 < 0.75 Ok!
V 59.64
X = M = 98.66 = 1.65
V 59.64
e = /2.95 – 1.65 /=/-0.18/<0.66k no tension
2
 Design of wing walls

0.5 0.75 2

Wm1
WS1 WS2

Wm2
3.26
PS
Wm3 1.10

3.25

DETAIL OF GUIDE WALL

Considerations
-Analysis per meter span and moment about heel
-Earth pressure at rest was considered
-Drain silty clay base fill was considered.
-rm = 23KN/m3, r w = 10KN/m3 rsoil = 18KN/m3
-Drained angle of internal friction was taken 300
-Ps = ½ KO rsH2 where Ko= 1.-sin q and hence ps = 72KN/m

Force Sum of
Item Arm Moment Sum of Moment Force
KN Force
W1 2.5 2.8 6.8
W2 1.9 0.3 0.5
w3 8.2 1.6 13.4
23.4 30.75
W4 5.06 1.0 5.1
W1s 1.5 0.5 0.7
W2s 4.32 1.0 4.3
Ps1 5.1 5.1 1.1 5.5 5.51
Safety against overturning =M+ = 30.75 = 5.58 > 1.5 Ok
M- 5.51

Safety against sliding =  H

 5.1 / 23.4  0.22 <0.65 OK.
 V

Location of resultant (middle-third rule)

x = M/V = 30.75 = 1.31

23.4
e = /b/2-x/=/3.25/2-1.31/ =0.32

e  B/6 = 0.32  3.25/6 = 0.32  0.54 ok!