OPEN CHANNEL

Open channels are natural or manmade conveyance structures that normally have an GEOMETRIC ELEMENTS IN AN OPEN CHANNEL
open top, and they include rivers, streams and estuaries. An open channel is one in which the
streams are not completely enclosed by a solid boundaries and that it has a free surface Flow depth, 𝑦 Vertical distance from the channel bottom to the free
subjected to an atmospheric pressure. An Open-channel flow can occur also in conduits with surface.
a closed top, such as pipes and culverts, provided that the conduit is flowing partially full. For
Depth of flow section, 𝑑 Flow depth measured perpendicular to the channel
example, the flow in most sanitary and storm sewers has a free surface, and is therefore
bottom. The relationship between 𝑑 and 𝑦 is 𝑑 = 𝑦𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃. .
classified as open-channel flow.
For most manmade and natural channels𝑐𝑜𝑠𝜃 ≈ 1.0,
Open-channel flow is classified in various ways. If time is used as the criterion, open- and therefore 𝑦 ≈ 𝑑. The two terms are used
channel flow is classified into steady and unsteady flows. If, at a given flow section, the flow interchangeably.
characteristics remain constant with respects to time, the flow is said to be steady. If flow
characteristics change with time, the flow is said to be unsteady. If space is used as a Top width, T Width of the channel section at free surface.
criterion, flow is said to be uniform if flow characteristics remain constant along the channel. Wetted perimeter, 𝑃 Length of the interface between the water and the
Otherwise the flow is said to be non-uniform. A non-uniform flow can be classified further channel boundary.
into gradually varied and rapidly-varied flows, depending on whether the variations along the
channel are gradual or rapid. Flow area, 𝐴 Cross-sectional area of the flow.

Hydraulic depth,𝐷 Flow area divided by top width, D=A/T.

Hydraulic radius, 𝑅 Flow area divided by wetted perimeter, R= A/P.

Bottom slope, S0 Longitudinal slope of channel bottom, 𝑆𝑜 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛𝜃 ≈ 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝜃

Energy is generally defined as a measure of an object’s capability to perform work. It

can be in different forms. In the previous chapters about the fundamentals of fluid flows, the
total flow energy is the sum of the kinetic and the potential energies (Bernoulli’s Equation).
For an open-channel flow problems, potential energy and kinetic energy are of interest. We
will define the total energy of the flow still as the sum of the potential and kinetic energies. In
the earth’s gravitational field, every object has potential energy, or capability to perform work
Figure 01. Definition Sketch for Section Elements
due to its position (elevation). The potential energy cannot be defined as an absolute quantity
but it is defined as a relative quantity. For example, with respect to a horizontal datum (a
reference elevation). The pressure head in an open channel is zero because it is exposed to the
atmosphere. A moving object has the capability of performing work because of its motion.
Kinetic energy is a measure of the objects capability to do work due to motion.
 In an open channel flow, the hydraulic grade line is coincident with the stream SPECIFIC ENERGY or SPECIFIC HEAD , H
surface since pressure at the surface is atmospheric. Thus HGL is the potential energy at a
certain point in a flow (elevation head + pressure head, and pressure is 0), therefore the Specific energy or specific head, is simply the head (i.e., flow energy per unit weight) relative
potential energy is equal to the elevation head at the point. The Energy Grade Line (EGL) is to the channel bottom and can be computed as:
the sum of the potential and kinetic energy. Thus EGL is above HGL by an amount equal to
𝒗𝟐
𝑣2 𝑯= +𝒅
the velocity head , as shown in the figure. 𝟐𝒈
2𝑔

HEAD LOSS, 𝒉𝑳

Head loss is the decrease in the energy from point to point expressed per unit weight of the
fluid caused by friction along the channel bed of the stream. The head loss balances the loss
in height of the channel, and the head lost between any two points in the channel is:

𝒉𝑳 = 𝑺𝑳 where: S – slope of the energy grade line

L – length or the run of the channel

Chezy formula

From Darcy – Weisbach relation:

𝑓𝐿 𝑣 2
Figure 02. Open Channel Flow ℎ𝐿 = where 𝐷 = 4𝑅 for non-circular pipes
𝐷 2𝑔
𝑓𝐿 𝑣 2
ℎ𝐿 =
4𝑅 2𝑔
So at any point in an open channel, the flow may have velocity components in all ℎ𝐿 𝑓 𝑣2 ℎ𝐿
three directions. For the most part, however, open-channel flow is assumed one-dimensional. = where =𝑠
𝐿 8𝑔 𝑅 𝐿
Therefore, by velocity we usually refer to the velocity component in the main flow direction 8𝑔
only. The velocity varies in a channel section due to the friction forces on the boundaries and Therefore ; 𝑣2 = 𝑅𝑆
𝑓 C= Chezy Coefficient
the presence of the free surface. We use the term point velocity to refer to the velocity at
different points in a channel section. See Figure 02 8𝑔 1/2
𝑣 = (𝑓) (𝑅𝑆)1/2

C is the constant for a given channel shape and bottom roughness. The equation becomes,
𝑣 = 𝐶√𝑅𝑆 , 𝑸 = 𝑨𝒗 , 𝑸 = 𝑨𝑪√𝑹𝑺 Chezy formulas
 UNIFORM FLOW, 𝑺 = 𝑺𝑶
C (English Units) C ( S.I. Units) 𝑣 (𝑆𝐼 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑠)
𝐶
For a uniform flow in an open channel , the velocity, depth of flow, and the cross-
1.811 0.00281 sectional area of the flow at any point of the stream must be constant ( i.e. 𝑣1 = 𝑣2 , 𝑑1 =
Kutter and + 41.65 + 1 0.00155
𝐶= 𝑛 𝑆 + 23 +
Ganguillet 𝑛 0.00281 = 𝑛 𝑆 𝑑2 , 𝐴1 = 𝐴2 ). For this condition, the stream/liquid surface is parallel to the channel bed and
Formula 1+ (41.65 + ) 𝑛 0.00155
√𝑅 𝑆 1+ (23 + ) the SGL is parallel to HGL (stream surface), therefore the slope of the EGL, 𝑺 is equal to the
√𝑅 𝑆
slope of the channel bed, 𝑺𝑶 .
Manning 1.486 1⁄6 1 1 ⁄6 1 2⁄3 1⁄2
Formula 𝐶= 𝑅 𝐶= 𝑅 𝑣= 𝑅 𝑆
𝑛 𝑛 𝑛
87 87
Bazin 𝐶= 𝑚 𝐶= 𝑚
Formula 0.552 + 1+
√𝑅 √𝑅
Powell 𝐶 𝜀
𝐶 = −42𝑙𝑜𝑔 ( + )
Equation 𝑅𝑒 𝑅

Where: 𝑛 = 𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡

𝑚 = 𝑏𝑎𝑧𝑖𝑛 𝑐𝑜𝑒𝑓𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡
𝑅 = 𝐻𝑦𝑑𝑟𝑎𝑢𝑙𝑖𝑐 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠
𝜀 = 𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑠
𝑅𝑒 = 𝑅𝑒𝑦𝑛𝑜𝑙𝑑𝑠 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟
𝑆 = 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑒

Sample Problem 01 Figure 03. Open Channel Flow (UNIFORM FLOW)

Water flows uniformly in a rectangular, concrete open channel that is 12 m wide and
a depth of 4 m. The channel slope is 0.0025. Using 𝑛 = 0.013, find the velocity, and the flow
BOUNDARY SHEAR STRESS, 𝝉𝑶
rate.
The average boundary shear stress, 𝝉𝑶 acting over the wetted surface of the channel
is computed as:
Solution
𝝉𝒐 = 𝜸𝑹𝑺 , Where: 𝛾 − 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑑
1 𝐴 12 (4) 𝑅 − ℎ𝑦𝑑𝑟𝑎𝑢𝑙𝑖𝑐 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠
𝑣 = 𝑛 𝑅 2⁄3 𝑆 1⁄2 , 𝑅=
𝑃
=
12+2(4)
= 2.4 𝑚
𝑆 − 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝐸𝐺𝐿
1
* For 𝑆 < 10 , (𝜃 < 5.7°), 𝑺 = 𝑺𝒐
1 𝒎
𝑣= (2.4)2⁄3 (0.0025)1⁄2 = 𝟔. 𝟖𝟗𝟒𝟓
0.013 𝒔𝒆𝒄 Sample Problem 02
Compute for the boundary shearing stress given in Sample problem 01.
𝑄 = 𝐴𝑣 = (12 × 4)(6.8945) = 𝟑𝟑𝟎. 𝟗𝟑 𝐦𝟑 /𝐬𝐞𝐜
Solution
𝝉𝒐 = 𝜸𝑹𝑺 = 9810(2.4)(0.0025) = 𝟓𝟖. 𝟖𝟔 𝑷𝒂 ANS: 58.86 Pa
ANS: 6.8945 m/sec, 330.93 m3/sec
MOST EFFICIENT CROSS SECTIONS (MES) NORMAL DEPTH, 𝒅𝒏
Also known as the most economical sections, these are sections that for a given slope
S, channel cross-sectional area A, and roughness coefficient n, the flow rate or the rate of The normal depth 𝑑𝑛 , is the depth at which uniform flow will occur in an open channel.
discharge is a maximum. Normal depth may determine from Chezy formula with 𝑺 = 𝑺𝑶 .

From Manning Formula, Sample Problem 03

1 A rectangular, concrete channel, 15 meters wide is to carry water at a rate of 22 m3
𝑄 = 𝐴𝑣 = 𝐴 𝑅 2⁄3 𝑆 1⁄2
𝑛 /sec. If the channel slope is 0.00025, determine the normal depth of flow. Use roughness
𝐴
With A, n, and S are constant, 𝑄 is maximum when 𝑅 is maximum and since = 𝑃 , then 𝑅 is coefficient 𝑛 = 0.013.
maximum when 𝑃 is minimum. Therefore the most efficient section is the one that have the Solution
least wetted perimeter and therefore requires the least cost of grading and lining, which For a normal depth flow, 𝑆 = 𝑆𝑂 .
makes it economical.
Given the width/ base of the channel, 𝑏 = 15, with unknown 𝑑;

𝟏 𝟏⁄𝟐
𝑸 = 𝑨𝒗 = 𝑨 𝒏 𝑹𝟐 𝟑 𝑺
⁄
,
SECTION MOST EFFICIENT SECTIONS
Rectangular 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑡𝑤𝑖𝑐𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑜𝑟 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑙, 𝑏 = 2𝑑 𝑨 = 𝒃𝒅 = 𝟏𝟓𝒅
𝑡𝑜𝑝 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ (𝑥)𝑖𝑠 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑚 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑤𝑜 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑠 (2𝑦), 𝑨 𝟏𝟓𝒅
Trapezoidal 𝑹= =
𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑎𝑙 (ℎ𝑎𝑙𝑓 𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟 ℎ𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑛) 𝑷 (𝟏𝟓 + 𝟐𝒅)
Triangular 𝜃 = 90° → 𝑇ℎ𝑒 90° 𝑉 − 𝑛𝑜𝑡𝑐ℎ
Given Q = 22 m3/sec,𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑆 so;
𝑄𝑚𝑎𝑥 , 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤, 𝑑 = 93.8% 𝐷𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑙 1 15𝑑 2
⁄3
Circular Sections 𝑣𝑚𝑎𝑥 , 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤, 𝑑 = 82% 𝐷𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑙 22 = 15𝑑 ( ) (0.00025)1⁄2
0.013 15 + 2𝑑

Using the calculator; 𝒅 = 𝟏. 𝟏𝟖𝟔𝟔 𝒎 ANS: 1.1866 m.

* Refer for the derived proportions for the most efficient sections in pgs. 487- 490 Fluid
Sample Problem 04
Mechanics and Hydraulics by DIT Gillesania.
A rectangular canal is 5.7 meters wide and 1.4 m deep has a roughness coefficient of
Of all canal shapes, the semi-circular open channel is the most efficient in computing
0.013 and is laid on a slope of 0.002.
MES. However, semi-circular sections are often built of pressed steel and other form of
metals but for some other types of construction the section of such shape is very impractical
A. Determine the capacity of the canal when flowing full.
to use. For wooden flumes the rectangular shape is common and canal excavated in earth
B. What is the savings in excavation volume (per meter length of the canal) if the most
must have a trapezoidal cross section, with side slope less than angle of repose( the maximum
efficient section is used for the same discharge and slope.
slope or angle at which unconsolidated material such as sand can be made into a mound
C. What is the savings in lining (per meter length of canal) if the most efficient section is
before it begins to slide) of the bank material.
used for the same discharge and slope.
Solution Sample Problem 05
Given: 𝑏 = 5.7𝑚, 𝑑 = 1.4 𝑚 Sample Problem 06
𝑛 = 0.013, 𝑆0 = 0.002 = 𝑆
FROUDE NUMBER
𝟏 𝟏⁄𝟐
𝑨 𝑹𝟐 𝟑 𝑺
⁄ The ratio of the inertia force to gravity force and is computed as:
A. 𝑄 = 𝐴𝑣 =
𝒏 𝑣
1 5.7 × 1.4 2⁄3 𝐹𝑁 =
𝑄 = (5.7 × 1.4) ( ) (0.002)1⁄2 √𝑔𝐿
0.013 5.7 + 2(1.4) 𝑣
𝟑 For rectangular channel, 𝐿 = 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤, 𝑑. 𝐹𝑁 =
𝑸 = 𝟐𝟔. 𝟑𝟐𝟏 𝒎 ⁄𝒔𝒆𝒄 √𝑔𝑑

B. For MES of rectangular section ALTERNATE STAGES OF FLOW

𝑏 = 2𝑑 The channel shown in the figure below carries water at a depth of d and a mean velocity of
𝐴 = 𝑏𝑑 = 2𝑑𝑑 = 2𝑑2 V.
𝐴 2𝑑 2 𝑑 𝒗𝟐
𝑅 = 𝑃 = 2𝑑+2𝑑 = The total specific energy in the channel is 𝑯 = + 𝒅 .
2 𝟐𝒈

Solving for 𝑣, 𝑣 = √2𝑔 (𝐻 − 𝑑) and the discharge 𝑄 = 𝐴√2𝑔(𝐻 − 𝑑)

𝟏 𝟏⁄𝟐
𝑨 𝑹𝟐 𝟑 𝑺
⁄
. 𝑄 = 𝐴𝑣 =
𝒏 If the equation will be plotted ( as shown in the figure at the right side), it can be seen that
𝟑
same discharge and slope; 𝑸 = 𝟐𝟔. 𝟑𝟐𝟏 𝒎 ⁄𝒔𝒆𝒄 ; when 𝑑 = 0, 𝑄 = 0 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑑 = 𝐻, 𝑄 = 0

𝟏 𝒅 𝟐⁄𝟑
𝟐𝟔. 𝟑𝟐𝟏 = 𝟐𝒅𝟐 𝟎.𝟎𝟏𝟑 (𝟐) (𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟐)𝟏⁄𝟐
Using the calculator: 𝑑 = 1.967 𝑚; 𝑏 = 2𝑑 = 3.934 𝑚

Excavation per meter length = 𝑏𝑑𝐿 = 3.934(1.967)(1) = 7.737𝑚3

For the original canal:

Excavation per meter length = 𝑏𝑑𝐿 = 5.7(1.4)(1) = 7.98𝑚3

Therefore; SAVINGS= 7.98 − 7.737 = 𝟎. 𝟐𝟒𝟑𝒎𝟑 𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉

C. Original Lining = (5.7 + 2 × 1.4)(1) = 8.5 𝑚2 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟

New Lining = (3.934 + 2 × 1.967)(1) = 7.868 𝑚2 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟

Therefore; SAVINGS= 8.5 − 7.868 = 𝟎. 𝟔𝟑𝟐𝒎𝟐 𝒑𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉

𝟑
ANS: 𝟔. 𝟑𝟐𝟏 𝒎 ⁄𝒔𝒆𝒄 , 𝟎. 𝟐𝟒𝟑𝒎𝟑 , and 𝟎 . 𝟔𝟑𝟐𝒎𝟐
It appears in the curve that within limits ( from 0 to H), there are two depths at which any 𝑑 = 2𝐻 − 2𝑑
given discharge will flow the same energy content. These two depths are called alternate 3𝑑 = 2𝐻
stages, and are spoken as the tranquil or upper stage and the rapid or lower stage. 𝟐 𝟑
𝒅 = 𝒅𝒄 = 𝟑 𝑯 𝒐𝒓 𝑯 = 𝟐 𝒅𝒄
𝟐
On the upper stage, the Froude number 𝐹𝑁 < 1.0, while on the lower stage 𝐹𝑁 > 1.0 * Critical depth of a rectangular section is the Specific energy, H
𝟑
𝟑
With = 𝒅𝒄 ,
CRITICAL DEPTH, 𝒅𝒄 𝟐

From the figure as shown, there is a certain depth or critical depth, 𝑑𝑐 that for a given total 3
specific energy,𝑯., the discharge is maximum. Critical depth is the depth at which for a given 𝑞 = 𝑑√2𝑔 ( 𝑑 − 𝑑)
2
total head, the discharge is maximum, or conversely, the depth at which for a given flow, the
specific energy is minimum. 𝑞 = √𝑔𝑑 square both sides:
𝑞 2 = 𝑑2 (𝑔𝑑)
Critical depth can be obtained by differentiating 𝑄 = 𝐴√2𝑔(𝐻 − 𝑑) for alternates stages of 𝑞2 𝟑 𝒒𝟐
flow. 𝑑3 = or 𝒅𝒄 = √
𝑔 𝒈

Critical depth of a rectangular section

𝑸
The discharge per meter width of a rectangular channel is expressed as; * Take note that 𝒒 = 𝒗𝒅 =
𝒃
𝑞 = 𝑑√2𝑔(𝐻 − 𝑑)
(𝑣𝑑)2 𝑑3 𝑣2
Where: 𝑞 = 𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡 𝑓𝑙𝑜𝑤 𝑖𝑛 𝑚3 ⁄𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑎𝑙 = 𝑣𝑑 Replacing 𝑞 = 𝑣𝑑 equation becomes 𝑑 3 = ; =
𝑔 𝑑2 𝑔
From: 𝑄 = 𝑎𝑣
𝑣
𝑄 𝑎𝑣 𝑏𝑑𝑣 Then 𝑣 2 = 𝑔𝑑; 𝑣 = √𝑔𝑑 𝑜𝑟 = 1 (𝐹𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑑𝑒 𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟, 𝐹𝑁 )
= = √𝑔𝑑
𝑏 𝑏 𝑏

𝑄
𝑞 = 𝑣𝑑 = * Thus the Froude number, 𝐹𝑁 for critical depth is equal to 1.
𝑏
Differentiate 𝑞 = 𝑑√2𝑔(𝐻 − 𝑑), 𝑞 𝑖𝑛 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑑
CRITICAL SLOPE
𝑞 = √2𝑔 (𝑑√(𝐻 − 𝑑))
𝑑𝑞 (−1) The slope required to give a uniform flow at critical depth is known as the critical slope
= √2𝑔 [√𝐻 − 𝑑(1) + 𝑑 2√𝐻−𝑑 ] = 0 Transpose the other term in the right
𝑑𝑑 𝑺𝒐 . The equation for critical slope for a wide rectangular channel is:
side of the equation and √2𝑔 will
be cancelled out, then equation becomes;
𝑑 𝒈𝒏𝟐
= √𝐻 − 𝑑 𝑺𝒐 = 𝟏
2√𝐻 − 𝑑
𝑑 = 2(𝐻 − 𝑑) 𝒅𝒄 𝟑
CRITICAL DEPTH AT ANY SECTION
SAMPLE PROBLEM
𝟐 𝟑 A 2-m wide rectangular cannal carries a flow of 2.6 m3/sec. Determine the critical
𝑸
The critical depth at any section can be computed as 𝒈 = 𝑨𝑩 where A and/ or B if velocity in m/s.
variable must be expressed in terms of 𝑑. Where A is the area of the section and B is the top
width of the section as shown in the figure. Solution

𝑄 2.6 𝑚3 ⁄𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝑞= = = 1.3 𝑚3 ⁄𝑠 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ
𝑏 2𝑚
3 𝑞 2 3 1.32
𝑑𝑐 = √ =√ = 0.556 𝑚
𝑔 9.81
𝑄 = 𝐴𝑐 𝑣𝑐 = (𝑏𝑑)𝑣
2.6 = (2 × 0.556)𝑣
𝒗 = 𝟐. 𝟑𝟑𝟖 𝒎/𝒔 ANS: 2.338 m/s

SAMPLE PROBLEM
Water flows at a rate of 350 cfs in a trapezoidal canal having a base width of 12 feet
The critical velocity, 𝑣𝑐 in irregular channel can be taken by replacing 𝑄 = 𝐴𝑐 𝑣𝑐 from the and side slope of 2H to 1V. Determine the critical depth. Assume 𝑛 = 0.015 and 𝑆 = 0.002.
equation of the critical depth at any section therefore,
𝒈 𝑨𝒄 Solution
𝒗𝒄 = √
𝑩𝒄
2 3
𝑄 𝐴
At critical stage , 𝑔 =
𝐵
SAMPLE PROBLEM
𝑄 = 350 𝑐𝑓𝑠
Water flows in a 10 feet wide rectangular channel at the rate of 64 cubic feet per
𝐵 = 12 + 4𝑑
second. What is the critical depth for this condition?
1
𝐴 = 12𝑑 + (𝑑)(2𝑑) × 2 = 12𝑑 + 2𝑑2
2
Solution
𝑄 64 𝑓𝑡 3 ⁄𝑠𝑒𝑐
𝑞= = = 6.4 𝑓𝑡 3 ⁄𝑠𝑒𝑐 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ 2
𝑏 10 𝑓𝑡 350 = (12𝑑 + 2𝑑2)3
𝟑 𝒒𝟐 𝟑 𝟔. 𝟒𝟐 32.2 12 + 4𝑑
𝒅𝒄 = √ =√ = 𝟏. 𝟎𝟖𝟑𝟓 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒕
𝒈 𝟑𝟐. 𝟐
Using the calculator; 𝒅 = 𝟐. 𝟓𝟔𝟑𝟕 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒕 ANS: 2.5637 feet

ANS: 1.0835 feet