What Is A Weir?: 1. Types of Weirs Based On Shape of The Opening
What Is A Weir?: 1. Types of Weirs Based On Shape of The Opening
A weir is a concrete or masonry structure which is constructed across the open channel
(such as a river) to change its water flow characteristics. Weirs are constructed as an
obstruction to flow of water. These are commonly used to measure the volumetric rate of
water flow, prevent flooding and make rivers navigable.
Types of Weirs:
Weirs are classified according to:
Area of strip = L x dh
By integrating above equation with limits 0 to H we can get the total discharge Q.
Triangular weir:
The shape of the weir is actually reverse triangle like V. so, it is also called V-notch weir.
This type of weirs are well suitable for measuring discharge over small flows with greater
accuracy.
By integrating the above equation with limits 0 to H we can get the total discharge Q.
Therefore,
Finally, we get
Trapezoidal weir:
Trapezoidal weir is also called as Cippoletti weir. This is trapezoidal in shape and is the
modification of rectangular weir with slightly higher capacity for same crest strength.
The sides are inclined outwards with a slope 1:4 (horizontal : vertical)
So, Total discharge over trapezoidal weir Q = discharge over rectangular weir +
discharge over triangular weir
Classification according to shape of the crest:
Sharp-crested weir
The crest of the weir is very sharp such that the water will springs clear of the crest.
The weir plate is bevelled at the crest edges to obtain necessary thickness. And weir plate
should be made of smooth metal which is free from rust and nicks.
Flow over sharp-crested weir is similar as rectangular weir.
Broad-crested weir:
These are constructed only in rectangular shape and are suitable for the larger flows.
Head loss will be small in case of broad crested weir.
Narrow-crested weir:
It is similar to rectangular weir with narrow shaped crest at the top.
The discharge over narrow crested weir is similar to discharge over rectangular weir.
Ogee-shaped weir:
Generally ogee shaped weirs are provided for the spillway of a storage dam.
The crest of the ogee weir is slightly rises and falls into parabolic form.
Flow over ogee weir is also similar to flow over rectangular weir.
Classification based on end contractions:
Contracted weir
The crest is cut in the form of notch and then it is similar to rectangular weir. Head loss
will occur in this type.
Suppressed weir
The crest is running all the way across the channel so head loss will be negligible.