Question 3

Background

Current gauging is the measurement of discharge or the volume of water moving through a channel per
unit time of a stream.

The height of water in a stream channel is also used to measure discharge in a stream. The height is
used in tandem with velocity and cross-sectional area, the results thereof are then correlated to the
stream discharge.

A weir is a device made of concrete, which is located in a stream channel. The shape and size of the weir
are constant.

For the purpose of this question, a weir is used for a small stream, and the Velocity-Area Method (mean
and mid-sections) are used for a large stream.

Small stream current gauging measure.

Two types of weirs can be used, they are the 90 V-notch weir and the simple Rectangular weir.

Mathematical equations are used where the shape and size of weir are used in tandem with the stage
height, this procedure nullifies the need for velocity measurements.

Method

A dam is created downstream of the weir.

The dam is confined in the weir which results in a more consistent stage height.
Stage heights may be measured using a ruler or a pressure transducer.
Discharge is then measured using the following mathematical equations:

1. Rectangular weir
Do you know the difference between a
Q=1,84(L-0,2H) /
weir and barrage?

2. 90 V-notch weir if water flows over an obstruction,it is called a

weir whereas if water flows through an opening
Q=1,379H / with mechanically operated gates,it is called
barrage
Large stream current gauging method

A current meter is utilized to measure discharge. This is done to establish a continuous record of
discharge in a stream. The velocity-area method is used to achieve this.

1. A propeller-type meter or anemometer is used.

2. The stream is divided into small sections which run perpendicularly to the stream flow.
3. Depth and velocity are measured at a series of intervals across a cross-section of the stream.
4. The width of each sub-section can be changeable throughout the cross section.
5. The widths of the different sub-sections are calculated by subtracting the distance of the
previous vertical from the distance of the next vertical.
6. The depths and velocities for the sub-sections may be taken at up to 20 intervals along a section
for accuracy.
7. Average velocity can be measured using the following methods:
Vertical velocity curve
Two-point method
Three-point method
Two-tenths depth method
Six-tenths depth method
Sub-surface velocity method
8. The area of the different sub-sections is calculated using the equation:

A=D*W
Where A is the area of the sub-sections
D is the depth of the sub-sections
W is the width of the sub-sections

9. The equation to calculate the actual discharge:

Q=A*v, where

Q is the actual discharge for each sub-section

A is the area.

V is the velocity.
 Figure 1: A detailed view of the mean or mid section method would be done.

(https://water.usgs.gov/edu/images/streamflow2-1.gif)

References
1. Weight, W.D. and Sonderreger, J.L. (2001). Manual of Applied Field Hydrology. Bruckner,
M.Z, stream gauging using velocity area method
2. Bruckner, M.Z, stream gauging using velocity area method
3. www.serc.carleton.edu.com
4. www.crf.washington.edu
5. www.es.lancs.ac.uk