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Laboratory Exercise No. 3

Conventional Methods of Measuring Flow

in Open Channels

In Module Nos. 4 and 5, measuring flow in open channels using standard hydraulic
devices such as weirs and flumes are discussed, respectively. In this laboratory exercise, the use
of two conventional techniques such as the float method and the velocity head rod method
are illustrated. Compared with weirs and flumes, these conventional methods are inferior in
terms of accuracy. However, where high degree of accuracy is not required and the cost is a
limiting factor, these conventional methods are generally useful.

After accomplishing the required activities, you should be knowledgeable and skilful in
using the float method and velocity head rod method to estimate flow in open channels.

Qty Description/Specification

1 unit Scientific calculator

1 pc Stop watch
1 pc Tape measure
1 pc Meter stick
40 m String
12 pcs Bamboo pegs about 1 foot long
1 pc Any plastic object to float on water (not too big nor too small)
1 pc Pencil
1 pc Record book

I. Float Method

Step 1 Select a straight section of the canal from 15 to 30 m long with fairly uniform cross
sections and mark the starting and finish lines as shown in Figure 1 overleaf.
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Modified from Taghvaeian (Undated)

Figure 1. Float method

Step 2 Divide the length into five equal sections.

Mark these with pegs as these are the points of measurement.

Step 3 Construct a 3-column table similar to Table 1.

Table 1. Width and depth of the canal at different sections

Point of Measurement Top Width (m) Depth (m)
1
2
3
4
5
Total
Mean
Do not use the table above to enter your measurements. Another table to work on is provided
at the end of this exercise.
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Step 4 Measure the width and depth of the test sections and record the measurements in
Table 1.

Step 5 Solve the total and mean of top width and depth and enter results in Table 1.

Step 6 Construct a 2-column table similar to Table 2.

Table 2. Time of the floating object to travel a known canal length

Trial Time Elapsed (sec)
1
2
3
4
5
Total
Mean
Do not use the table above to enter your measurements. Another table to work on is provided
at the end of this exercise.

Step 7 Place the floating object in the ditch a few meters above the starting point and
time the number of seconds for this object to reach the finish line.

Record the measurement in Table 2 along Row 1.

Step 8 Repeat Step 5 for at least four more times.

Record these measurements in Table 2 along Rows 2 to 5, respectively.

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Step 9 Solve the total and mean of time elapsed, and enter results in Table 2.

Step 10 Determine the velocity in meters per second (mps) by dividing the length of the test
section (meter) by the average time elapsed (seconds).

Step 11 Since the velocity of water at the surface is greater than the average velocity of the
stream, multiply the estimated surface velocity by a coefficient (C) given in Table 3
below to obtain the average stream velocity.

Table 3. Coefficient to correct surface float velocities to mean channel velocities

Average Depth (ft) Coefficient (C)
1 0.66
2 0.68
3 0.70
4 0.72
5 0.74
6 0.76
9 0.77
12 0.78
15 0.79
20 0.80
Source: United States Department of the Interior-Bureau of Reclamation (1997)

Step 12 Compute the average cross-sectional area (A) of the canal (m2) using the
appropriate equation depending on the cross-section of the test channel.

Refer to Module No. 3 regarding the formulas of cross-sectional area (A) of different open
channel geometric shapes.

Step 13 Calculate the flow rate (Q) using Equation 1, thus:

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Q = AV (Eq. 1)

where: Q Discharge, ft3/sec (cfs) or m3/sec

A Cross-sectional area of the flowing water normal to the direction of
flow, ft2 or m2
V Average flow velocity perpendicular to the cross-sectional area,
ft/sec (fps) or m/sec (mps)

II. Velocity Head Rod Method

Step 1 Construct a 4-column table similar to Table 4.

Table 4. Normal and turbulent depths of flow

Point of Measurement Normal Depth Turbulent Depth Jump or Head
(D1, inch) (D2, inch) (H = D2 – D1)
1
2
3
4
5
Total
Mean
Do not use the table above to enter your measurements. Another table to work on is provided
at the end of this exercise.

Step 2 Place the meter stick with the narrow edge upstream as shown in Figure 2a
overleaf.

Record the depth of the water (normal depth) in Table 4.

Step 3 Place the meter stick sideways as in Figure 2b above. This will cause some
turbulence and the water level will “jump” causing the water level to rise.

Record the level again (turbulent depth) in Table 4.

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Source: Waterwatch Australia National Technical Manual (2002)

Figure 2. Velocity head rod method

Step 4 Subtract the normal depth (D1) from the turbulent depth (D2) and enter the
difference in Table 4.

Step 5 Solve the total and mean of normal depth, turbulent depth and head, and enter
results in Table 4.

Step 6 Find the corresponding velocity from Table 5 overleaf.

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Table 5. Conversion table for velocity head rod measurements from inches to ft/sec
Jump or Head (H, inches) Corresponding Velocity (ft/sec)
0.5 1.6
1 2.3
2 3.3
3 4.0
4 4.6
5 5.2
6 5.7
7 6.1
8 6.5
9 6.9
10 7.3
11 7.7
12 8.0
15 9.0
18 9.8
Source: Martin (2011)

Step 7 To get the flow rate (Q), multiply this converted velocity by the cross-sectional area
of the ditch as already determined in Step 12 of the Float Method above.
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Due Date: ASAP but not later than ____________________________________.

Penalty for Late Submission: 5 points deduction per day of delay

If space is not enough, continue at the left-side directly opposite the term being defined.

This should be performed by a group of five students. The final report, however, will be
submitted individually though the contents may be the same. Provide pictures of the activities to
show proof they were indeed conducted. Indicate the names of the group members below:

Leader:
Members:

A. Float Method (45 pts)

1. Find a straight section of a canal about 25 m long with fairly uniform cross sections and mark
the starting and finish lines.

2. Divide the total length into five 5-m lengths and mark these with pegs. These pegs are the
points of measurement for the top width and depth of flow. Enter measurements in the table
below.

Width and depth of the canal at different sections

Point of Measurement Top Width (m) Depth (m)
1

Total

Mean
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3. Solve for total and mean for both top width and depth of flow. Enter results in Table 1 above.
Show computations.

4. Place the floating object in the canal a few meters above the starting point and time the
number of seconds for this object to reach the finish line. Perform this for at least five times
and record measurements in the table below.

Time of the floating object to travel a known canal length

Trial Time Elapsed (sec)
1

Total

Mean

5. Solve for total and mean time elapsed and enter results in the table above. Show
computations.

6. Solve for velocity of flow (V) using the equation:

V = Length (L)/Time elapsed (T)

Note: This V is the velocity of flow at the surface.

7. Convert the velocity of flow at the surface to mean velocity of the canal, thus:

Mean Vcanal = Correction coefficient from Table 3 above x Velocity of flow at the surface

Interpret result:
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8. Solve for average cross-sectional area (A) of the canal using any of the equations in Step 12
above depending on the cross-section of the test canal.

A=

Interpret result:

9. Solve for rate of flow (Q) using the equation:

Q = AV

Interpret result:
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B. Velocity Head Rod Method (45 pts)

1. On the same test canal used in the float method, place at the middle in any section of the
test canal the meter stick with the narrow edge upstream (see Figure 2a above). Record this
normal depth (D1) in the table below.

Normal and turbulent depths of flow

Point of Measurement Normal Depth Turbulent Depth Jump or Head
(D1, inch) (D2, inch) (H = D2 – D1)
1

Total

Mean

2. On the same spot in Step 1, turn the meter stick so that its position is perpendicular to the
direction of flow in the canal (see Figure 2b above). Record this turbulent depth (D2) in the
table above opposite the first D1 measurement.

3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 in four other different spots within the test canal. Record
measurements in the table above.

4. Solve for the “jump” or head (H = D2 – D1) and enter results in Table 4 above. Show
computations.

5. Solve for total and mean for both D1 and D2 including the head and enter results in the table
above. Show computations.
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6. Convert the mean head in inches to ft/sec using the appropriate conversion factor in Table
5 above, thus:

Mean Vcanal = Correction factor from Table 5 above x Mean head in inches from Table 4

Interpret result:

7. Solve for rate of flow rate (Q) using the equation:

Q = AV

Interpret result:
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Compare the results of the float and velocity head rod methods and draw conclusions. (10 pts)
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Food and Agriculture Organization. (n.d). Guidelines for designing and evaluating surface
irrigation systems. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/docrep/T0231E/t0231e00.htm

International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage. (n.d). ICID [Logo]. Retrieved from
https://icid2019.com/international-commision-on-irrigation-and-drainage/

Martin, E.C. (2011). Measuring water flow in surface irrigation ditches and gated pipe. Retrieved
from http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. (n.d). NASEM [Logo]. Retrieved
from http://sites.nationalacademies.org/PGA/biso/SS/index.htm

Peterson, M. & Cromwell, C.F. Jr. (1993). Measuring irrigation water in a ditch, stream or reservoir.
Retrieved from http://www.missouri.edu

Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standard 603. (2016). Open channels – Design of main canals,
laterals and farm ditches.

Sabia Landscaping and Tree Service. (n.d). SLTS [Logos]. Retrieved from
http://www.sabialandscaping.com/landscaping/seasonal-yard-garden-services/ and
http://www.sabialandscaping.com/irrigation-drainage/

Taghvaeian, S. (n.d). Irrigation water flow measurement. Retrieved from

http://osufacts.okstate.edu

United States Department of the Interior – Bureau of Reclamation. (1997). Water measurement
manual. 3rd ed.

Waterwatch Australia National Technical Manual. (2002). Module 4 – Physical and chemical
parameters.