Weirs
Introduction
Definition
A structure, used to dam up a stream or river, over which the water flows, is called a weir. The
conditions of flow, in the case of a weir, are practically the same as those of a rectangular notch.
That is why, a notch is, sometimes, called as a weir and vice versa.
The only difference between a notch and a weir is that the notch of a small size and the weir is of a bigger
one. Moreover, a notch is usually made in a plate, whereas a notch is made of masonry or concrete.
Types Of Weirs
There are many types of weirs depending upon their
shape, nature of discharge, width of crest and
nature of crest. But the following are important from
the subject point of view :
1. According to the shape :
Rectangular weir
Cippoletti weir
2. According to the nature of discharge :
Ordinary weir
Submerged or drowned weir
3. According to the width of crest :
Narrow crested weir
Broad crested weir
4. According to the nature of crest :
Sharp crested weir
Ogee weir
Velocity Of Approach
Sometimes, a weir is provided in a stream or a river to measure the flow of water. In such a case,
the water, approaching the weir, has got some velocity, known as velocity of approach. It is
assumed to be uniform over the whole [Link],
A = Cross sectional area of the channel on the
upstream side of the weir, and
Q = Discharge over the weir
Velocity of approach,
Ventilation Of Rectangular Weirs
It has been observed that whenever water is flowing over a rectangular weir, having no end
contractions, the nappe (i.e., the sheet of water flowing over the weir) touches the side walls of
the channel. After flowing over the weir, the nappe falls away from the weir, thus creating a space
beneath the water as shown in fig-1. In such a case, some air is trapped beneath the weir.
This air is carried away by the flowing water, which results in creating a negative pressure
beneath the nappe. The negative pressure drags the lower side of the nappe towards the surface
of the weir wall. This results in more discharge than the normal discharge. In order the keep the
atmospheric pressure in the space below the nappe holes are made through the channel walls
which are connected through the pipes to the atmosphere as shown in figure. Such holes are
called 'Ventilation' of a weir. Though there are many types of the nappes, yet the following are
important from the subject point of view :
Free nappe
Depressed nappe
Clinging nappe
Free Nappe
If the atmospheric pressure exists beneath the
nappe, it is known as a free nappe as shown in fig-
2(a). A free nappe is obtained by ventilating a weir.
Depressed Nappe
Sometimes a weir is not fully ventilated, but is partially ventilated as shown in fig-2(b). If the
pressure below the nappe is negative, it is called a depressed nappe.
The discharge of the nappe, in this case, depends upon the amount of ventilation and the
negative pressure. Generally, the discharge of a depressed nappe is 6% to 7% more than that of
a free nappe.
Clinging Nappe
Sometimes, no air is left below the water, and the nappe adheres or clings to the downstream
side of the weir as shown in fig-2(c). Such a nappe is called clinging nappe or an adhering nappe.
The discharge of a clinging nappe is 25% to 30% more than that of a free nappe.
Notch
A notch may be defined as an opening in one side of a tank or a reservoir, like a large orifice, with the
upstream liquid level below the top edge of the opening.
Since the top edge of the notch above the liquid level serves no purpose, therefore a notch may have only
the bottom edge and sides.
The bottom edge, over which the liquid flows, is known as sill or crest of the notch and the sheet of liquid
flowing over a notch (or a weir) is known as nappe or vein. A notch is, usually made of a metallic plate
and is used to measure the discharge of liquids.
Types Of Notches
There are many types of notches, depending upon their shapes. But the following are important from the
subject point of view.
Rectangular notch
Triangular notch
Trapezoidal notch
Stepped notch
