Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2015. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: General objective of the study This thesis aims to evaluate the hydraulics of an inflatable weir in its fully inflated position to the almost fully deflated position using different diameter circular weirs with varying discharges, by considering the change in the weir radius and the dynamic pressures on the weir. In the evaluation, three cylindrical weirs were installed in a 2m wide flume and tested over various discharges. Methodology The three weirs, one with a 300mm diameter, another with a 250mm diameter, and the last one with a 100mm diameter, were used to determine the effects of over flow water on the weir as seen in the different stages of the normal operation of an inflatable weir. Simulation involved measurement of the upstream and downstream water levels with the weir height involved at stable over flow conditions. Measurement of pressure variations was done on the weir faces with different water inflow rates to the test flume with three pressure sensors installed on each weir at 0°, 11.25° and 22.5° from the crest to the downstream. Additionally a single 0.15m radius weir was tested for pressures 67.5°, 78.75° and 90° from weir crest. Water level variation on the downstream of the weir was created by means of a variable tail gate to observe its effects. Results of the investigation The effects of upstream arches, stage, radius of curvature, discharge, pressure, energy losses over the weir and the downstream hydraulic jump were investigated in the inflation and deflation of the inflatable weir. The findings were as follows: ►Based on literature by Chanson and Montes (1998), Shabanlou et al. (2013), Schmockeret al. (2011) and Bahzad et al. (2010), upstream arches have insignificant influence onthe performance of the inflatable weir. There is rather reduced afflux due to the shape ofthe upstream of the weir from the Bernoulli’s equation. This shape of the upstream of theweir also contributes to the transport of sediments Gebhardt et al. (2012). ►Investigation of the discharge coefficient and factors influencing showed that: oAs the weir radius is reduced during the deflation, the unit discharge over each weirincreased with increase in head above the crest. oDischarge coefficient of the inflatable weir increases with the increase in head aboveweir crest, and the discharge coefficient is inversely proportional to the radius ofcurvature of the weir. ►Investigation of pressures on the downstream face of the weir models showed that: oThe negative (suction) pressure acting on the downstream face of the weir becomesincreasingly negative with increase in H/R values. oPoint of separation of nappe was seen with pulsations of pressure of the recordpressure. Generally, energy dissipation over the weir decreases with the decrease in the weir radius and the jump is more stable with the smallest circular weir and can be more accurately determined in the case of a small weir. Conclusions and Recommendations The inflatable weir has a high discharge at its fully inflated position. Its hydraulic performance is largely influenced by inflow head and is inversely proportional to the radius of curvature. Nappe pulsation as seen in the nappe vibrations can cause the vibration of weir. Future research on inflatable weirs should aim to monitor the negative pressure on measuring pressures further down the face of the weir because larger negative pressures are expected to develop after 90˚ as with this study.

A piano key (PK) weir is a type of nonlinear (labyrinth-type) weir developed specifically for free-surface flow control structures with relatively small spillway footprints. Currently, no generally accepted standard PK weir design procedure is available. This is due, in part, to the large number of geometric parameters and a limited understanding of their effects on discharge efficiency (discharge efficiency is quantified by the discharge coefficient of the standard weir equation). However, Hydrocoop, a non-profit French dam spillways association, has recommended a PK weir design and a head-discharge relationship specific to that geometry. To develop a better understanding of the effects of PK weir geometry on discharge efficiency, 13 laboratory-scale, 4-cycle PK and rectangular labyrinth weir configurations were tested. As a result, the influence of the following PK weir geometries and/or modifications on discharge efficiency were partially isolated: the inlet-to-outlet key width ratio, upstream, and downstream apex overhangs; sloped floors; raising the crest elevation via a parapet wall; fillets underneath the upstream overhangs; and the crest type. The physical model test matrix also included a PK weir configuration consistent with the Hydrocoop-recommended design. From the experimental results, the appropriateness of the Hydrocoop-recommended head-discharge relationship was evaluated, along with the discharge coefficient behavior associated with the standard weir equation. Finally, trapezoidal labyrinth weirs were compared to PK weirs to make a relative comparison of nonlinear weir discharge efficiency; comparisons were made considering crest length and structure footprint.

This thesis is devoted to the study and designs of two important proportional weirs having the discharge-head characteristics of Q α H 2/3 In the first design a geometrically simple weir in the form of a rectangular weir over a inverted V-notch (Chimney weir) is presented. This weir gives for all flows above a threshold depth a discharge proportional to H 2/3 within a maximum percentage error of ±1.5, (measured above a reference plane) within certain limits of head. Second design is concerned with the self-basing weir in which a portion of the weir above the crest acts as a base. This design is achieved by using the complementary weir profile of a Quadratic weir above the parabolic base which has the significant property of fast convergence. This weir gives discharge for all flows above the threshold depth, proportional to (head)2/3 measured above a reference plane, with increasing accuracy as head increases. Experiments with these two weirs confirm the theory by giving a constant average Coefficient of Discharge (Cd) of 0.62. The importance of these weirs as a sensitive discharge measuring device in field and laboratory is highlighted.

Rock weirs are small dam-like structures composed of large loose rock commonly found in ecological engineering design. By appearing more natural than concrete structures, rock weirs are preferred for use as hydraulic control structures in river engineering, stormwater management, and constructed wetlands. Rock weirs increase hydraulic head upstream, and facilitate fish passage, channel stabilization, floodplain reconnection, and in-stream habitat creation. When used in constructed wetlands, rock weirs play a valuable role in developing appropriate wetland hydrology. Although rock weirs are commonly used, a deficit of knowledge exists relating to the stage-discharge relationship of these structures. Therefore, the goal of this research was to determine a weir equation and corresponding discharge coefficients that improve predictions of flow through rock weirs. A flume study was conducted to develop a rock weir equation and discharge coefficients. Scaled model rock weirs were tested in a 1 m x 8 m x 0.4 m recirculating flume. Rock weirs varied by length (0.152 m, 0.305 m, and 0.457 m), depth (0.152 m and 0.305 m), and minimum rock diameter (12.7 mm, 19.1 mm, 25.4 mm). Three channel slopes were used (0%, 0.5%, 1%), and the flume discharge was varied for five water stages for each rock weir. Buckingham Pi analysis was used to develop seven dimensionless parameters. Regression analyses were then used to develop a model for discharge and the discharge coefficient. Results showed that weir length and depth play a significant role in predicting the discharge coefficient of rock weirs. / Master of Science / Rock weirs are small dam-like structures composed of large loose rock; by appearing more natural, they are preferred for use in river engineering, stormwater management, and constructed wetlands. Rock weirs increase upstream water depth, improving fish passage, channel stabilization, floodplain reconnection, and in-stream habitat creation. When used in design of constructed wetlands, rock weirs are used to establish the necessary water depths for a given type of wetland. Although rock weirs are commonly used in engineering design, there are no equations to predict water velocity or flow rate across these structures. Therefore, the goal of this research was to determine a weir equation that improves predictions of flow through rock weirs. A flume study was conducted to develop a rock weir equation. Miniature rock weirs were tested in a 1 m x 8 m x 0.4 m recirculating laboratory channel. Rock weirs varied by length (0.152 m, 0.305 m, and 0.457 m), depth (0.152 m and 0.305 m), and minimum rock diameter (12.7 mm, 19.1 mm, 25.4 mm). Three channel slopes were used (0%, 0.5%, 1%), and the water flow rate was varied for five water depths for each rock weir. Statistical analyses were conducted to determine an equation that predicts water flow through rock weirs for use in engineering design. Results showed that weir length and depth played a significant role in predicting water flow through rock weirs.

This study is an experimental research to formulate the discharge over sharp-crested rectangular weirs. Firstly, a series of measurements on different weir heights were conducted to find the minimum weir height for which channel bed friction has no effect on discharge capacity. After determining the appropriate weir height, weir width was reduced to collect data on discharge-water head over weir relationship for a variety of different weir openings. Then, the data was analyzed through regression analysis along with utilization of global optimization technique to reach the desired formulation for the discharge. By taking advantage of a newly-introduced &ldquo / weir velocity&rdquo / concept, a simple function was eventually detected for the discharge where no discharge coefficient was involved. The behavior of the weir velocity function obtained in the present study illustrates the transition between the fully contracted and partially contracted weirs. In addition, the proposed weir velocity formulation is simple and robust to calculate the discharge for full range of weir widths.

A hydraulically undersized control structure could result in water overtopping a dam or channel banks. To increase hydraulic capacity and reduce flooding risk, nonlinear spillways are frequently replacing linear weirs. This study investigates four subjects to further knowledge for two types of nonlinear weir, the piano key and labyrinth. Weir submergence is a condition when the downstream water level of a weir exceeds the weir crest elevation, and can influence the head-discharge relationship of the structure. The effects of submergence on laboratory-scale piano key weir head-discharge relationships were evaluated experimentally and compared to published submergence data for linear and labyrinth weirs. For relatively low levels of submergence, the piano key weir requires less upstream head relative to the labyrinth weir (<6%). This increase in efficiency was reversed at higher levels. Staged labyrinth weirs feature multiple weir segments with different crest elevations, which confine base flows and/or satisfy downstream discharge requirements. Head-discharge relationships for various laboratory-scale staged labyrinth weir configurations were established. The accuracy of a head-discharge predictive technique based upon superposition and traditional labyrinth weir empirical data was evaluated, and found to be generally within ±5%. The influence of linear, labyrinth, and staged labyrinth weir head-discharge characteristics on the outflow hydrograph behavior was evaluated by numerically routing various flood discharges through a fictitious reservoir; peak outflow, maximum water surface elevation, and required detention volume data are presented for each weir alternative. A staged labyrinth weir can be an effective alternative for decreasing the peak outflow hydrograph for frequent events, while increasing discharge for higher return period storm events. Approach flow perpendicular to the labyrinth weir centerline axis may not be possible in all situations. The head-discharge characteristics of a laboratory-scale labyrinth weir were evaluated with three different approach flow angles (0°, 15°, and 45°). For approach flow angles up to 15°, no measurable loss in discharge efficiency occurred. The discharge efficiency reduced as much as 11% for the 45° approach angle case. While all data presented are specific to the weir configurations and geometries tested, these data can be beneficial to the general understanding of nonlinear weirs.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Melbourne, Cinema Stduies Program,School of Fine Arts,Classical Studies and Archaeology, 2004. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 292-336).

Water management practices to reduce mass discharge are a major point of concern for aquaculture producers. This study assessed effects of consecutive low-grade weirs on chemical retention and settling of aquaculture pond effluent in a single drainage ditch. Two control and nine treatment discharges were conducted September - October 2012. Control discharge dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) load increased 154%, whereas total inorganic phosphorus (TIP), ammonia, and nitrate loads decreased (47%, 43%, and 63%, respectively). Treatment discharge nutrient loads decreased across all analytes (80% DIP, 86% TIP, 89% ammonia, 89% nitrate). However, control and treatment discharges concentrations of DIP and nitrate increased, whereas TIP and ammonia concentrations decreased. All discharges reduced total and volatile suspended solid loads 72% - 94%, with removal rates of 0.02 ± 0.01 mg/L/min total and 0.02 ± 0.001 mg/L/min volatile suspended solids. Results indicate ditches fit with low-grade weirs may be an innovative management practice.

The aeration potential of a low profile cascade aerator was studied under varying operational conditions in accordance with the ASCE Standard for Measurement of Oxygen Transfer in Clean Water [ASCE 2-06, 2007]. Operational parameters delved into included the channel slope (2.50, 4.50 and 6.50); water flow rate (465.75 L/min.m (37.5 gpm/ft), 931.45 L/min.m (75 gpm/ft) and 1397.20 L/min.m (112.5 gpm/ft)); and weir geometry (rectangular-shaped, inverted T-shaped, W-shaped and inverted Cross shaped weir). The oxygen transfer coefficient, KLa, was derived by use of a FORTRAN-based nonlinear regression analysis computer program and served to assess the effectiveness of various combinations of operational parameters. Statistical tests (ANOVA analysis and main plot, interactive plot) were performed on the results to determine the optimal operating conditions. It was discovered that the combination of the inverted Cross shaped weir and flow rates of 1397.20 L/min.m (112.5 gpm/ft) produced the highest reaeration rates for all slope considered. On the other hand, the W-shaped weir produced better reaeration values at lower flows of 465.75 L/min.m (37.5 gpm/ft) and 931.45 L/min.m (75 gpm/ft) for the range of channel slopes examined. These effects can be respectively attributed to the strong turbulent mixing generated by the plunging nappe flow and recirculating air vortices, which apparently led to substantial air entrainment in the water mass.

Experimental physical model studies of hydraulic structures are often conducted to replicate flow behavior that may occur at the prototype scale. Geometric similitude is most often maintained between the prototype and model when studying reservoir and open channel hydraulic structures to account for the dominant gravity and inertia forces while other fluid forces (e.g., viscosity,surface tension) are assumed negligible. However, as model size and/or upstream head decreases, other fluid forces can exceed the negligible level and influence model flow behavior. This phenomenon is referred to as size-scale effects and is one potential origin of error in predicting the prototype behavior through testing geometrically similar models. To extend the existing research of size-scale effects on nonlinear weirs half-and quarter-round trapezoidal labyrinth weirs and piano key weirs were fabricated at length ratios of 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12. The largest weir model for each weir type (i.e., a weir height of 36 in for labyrinth weir models and a weir height of 33 in for piano key weir models) served as the corresponding prototype.Weir models were hydraulically tested to assess differences among head-discharge relationships and flow behavior. Limiting criteria were recommended to avoid size-scale effects depending on the weir type and model size. The results of this study will help hydraulic modelers determine what limiting criteria should be met to avoid size-scale effects.