Hydrology

“Course notes”
Dr. Amr A. El-Sayed

1- Basic Hydrologic cycle

The main processes in the hydrologic cycle are:

1- Precipitation (rainfall) P
2- Runoff (surface) R
3- Transpiration (from plants) T
4- Evaporation E
5- Infiltration F
6- Groundwater flow G

1-1 Water budget equation

For any hydrologic system, a water budget can be developed to account for various flow
pathways and storage components. The simplest system is an impervious inclined plan, confined
on all four sides with a single outlet. The hydrologic continuity equation for any system is:

dS
Qin − Qout = ………. (1-1)
dt

Where:

Qin inflow rate (volume / time)

Qout outflow rate (volume / time)
dS
Change in storage in (volume / time)
dt

You can think of inflow in the form of (Precipitation),

And the outflow (Runoff, Groundwater flow, Evaporation, and Transpiration)

P–R–G–E–T=∆S ………. (1-2)

Note:

When dealing with the surface hydrology, infiltration “I” is considered as “loss”, but when
dealing with subsurface hydrology, infiltration “I” is considered as a gain to the ground water
surface, which is called “recharge”.

1 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

1-3 Watershed boundaries

Watershed
A watershed is defined as an area of land that drains to a single outlet and is separated
from other watersheds by a watershed divide.

Base Flow
The channel or the stream may contain a certain amount of “Base Flow” coming from
groundwater and soil contribution even if there is no rainfall, and that amount of water appeared
in the gage devices when estimating the runoff into channels or streams. Discharge from rainfall
excess, after losses have been subtracted, makes up the direct runoff hydrograph. The total runoff
hydrograph is direct runoff + Base flow.

2 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

3 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]
Water balance unit conversion:

Each process in the hydrologic cycle may be presented in the same flow rate units
(Volume / time), and when this volume is spread over a certain area (like watershed), one can use
depth units. The depth units represent a volume of water when multiplied by the surface area of
the watershed.

Length units:
1.0 inch = 2.54 cm 1 ft = 12 inches 1 yard = 3 feet
1 mile = 1.6093 km 1 ft = 30.48 cm 1 mile = 5280 ft

Area units:
1 acre = 4047 square meters 1 acre = 43560 ft2 1 mile2 = 640 acre
1 hectare (ha) = 2.471 acre 1 ha = 10000 m2
1- Volume:

1 cfs-hr = 3600 ft3

1 cfs.day = 1 * 24 * 60 * 60 = 86400 ft3

2- Depth:

The volume is expressed as a depth of water over a certain area, thus:

Volume = Depth of water * Area.

1 cfs.hr = 3600 ft3, this volume is spread over an area of 1 acre.

1 acre 12inches
depth = 3600 ft 3 * * = 0.9917 in ≅ 1.0 inch over 1.0 acre
43560 ft 2 ft

1 cfs.hr = 1.0 acre-inch

1 cfs.day = 86400 ft3 (over an area of 1.0 acre = 43560 ft2)

86400
depth = = 1.9834 ft ≅ 2.0 ft over 1.0 acre
43560

1 cfs.day = 2.0 acre-ft

4 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

Example:

For a given month, a 300 acre lake has 15.0 cfs of inflow, 13 cfs of outflow, and a total
storage increase of 16 acre-ft. A USGS “United States Geological Service” gage next to the
lake recorded a total of 1.3 in. precipitation for the lake for the month. Assuming that
infiltration is insignificant for the lake, determine the evaporation loss in inches over the lake.

Solution:

Putting all the income and outcome flow into depth units (inches):

1- inflow = 15 cubic feet / sec. (cfs)

a- Converting the flow rate into volume = flow rate * time (one month).

= 15.0 “ft3/s * 30 “days” * 24 “hours” * 3600 “seconds” = 38880000.0 ft3.

b- Expressing the volume as a depth over unit area (acre-ft):

acre
38880000 ft 3 * = 892.562 acre-ft.
43560 ft 2

c- Converting the volume into depth over the watershed area:

1 acre
= 38880000 ft 3 * * = 2.975 ft = 2.975 * 12 = 35.7024 in.
300 acre 43560 ft 2

2- outflow = 13 cfs.

a- Converting flow rate into volume:

= 13 * 30 * 24 * 3600 = 33696000 ft3.

b- Expressing the volume as a depth over unit area (acre-ft):

acre
33696000 ft 3 * = 773.554 acre-ft.
43560 ft 2

c- converting the volume to depth over the watershed area:

5 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 33696000
= = 2.573 ft = 2.573 * 12 = 30.9421 inches.
300 * 43650

3- Precipitation “P” = 1.30 in

4- change in storage = 16.0 acre-ft

12 in 1
= 16 acre. ft * * = 0.64 inches.
ft 300 acre

The water budget equation:

Inflow – Outflow = Change in Storage.

Inflow + Precipitation - Evaporation - outflow = Change in storage

I P E O ∆S

E = I − O + P − ∆S = 35.7024 - 30.9421 + 1.30 – 0.64

E = 5.4203 inches

6 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

Example (2)

In a given year, a watershed with an area of 2500 km2 received 130 cm of precipitation.
The average rate of flow measured in a river draining the watershed was 30 m3/s. Estimate the
amount of water lost due to the combined effects of evaporation, transpiration, and infiltration
to groundwater. How much runoff reached the river for the year (in cm)? What is the runoff
coefficient?

1- converting the output rate of flow into water depth (cm)

m 3 365 * 24 * 60 * 60s
a- Volume of outflow = 30 * *1 year = 94608*104 m3.
s year

b- depth of the flow volume over the area:

1km 2 1
= 94608 *10 4 m 3 * * = 0.3784 m
(1000)2 m 2 2500km 2

= 37.8432 cm

In flow – out flow = change in storage

The losses are:

Surface runoff “R” + Groundwater flow “G” + Evaporation “E” + Transpiration “T”

P–R–G–E–T=∆S

Assume that the water levels are the same at (time = 0.0, and at time = 1.0 year)
∆ S = 0.0

The water reached the river as an out flow is from the surface runoff. Drained water to the
river = 37.8432 cm.

P – R = G + ET, where “ET” is evaporation + transpiration.

130 – 37.8432 = G + ET “LOSSES”

G + ET = 92.1568 cm

The runoff coefficient, defined as runoff divided by Precipitation:

7 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 Runoff
The Runoff Coefficient =
Precipitation

37.8432
= = 0.2911
130

2. Principal Water Resources Agencies and Data Sources

2-1 Water Resources Data, Virginia

Water-resources data for the 2005 water year for Virginia includes records of stage, discharge,
and water quality of streams and stage, contents, and water quality of lakes and reservoirs. This
volume contains records for water discharge at 172 gaging stations; stage only at 2 gaging
stations; elevation at 2 reservoirs and 2 tide gages; contents at 1 reservoir, and water quality at 25
gaging stations. Also included are data for 50 crest-stage partial-record stations. Locations of
these sites are shown on figures 4A-B and 5A-B. Miscellaneous hydrologic data were collected at
128 measuring sites and 19 water-quality sampling sites not involved in the systematic data-
collection program. The data in this report represent that part of the National Water Data System
collected by the U.S. Geological Survey and cooperating State and Federal agencies in Virginia.

http://pubs.usgs.gov/wdr/2005/wdr-va-05-1/

3. Precipitation Mechanisms and Meteorology Definitions

Precipitation is the primary mechanism for transporting water from the atmosphere to the surface
of the earth. There are several forms of precipitation, the most common of which for the United
States is rain.

3-1 Rainfall Mechanism

3-2 Saturation vapor pressure

Is the partial pressure of water vapor when the air is completely saturated ( no further
evaporation occurs) and is a function of temperature.

3-3 Relative humidity “H”

is approximately the ratio of water vapor pressure to that which would prevail under
saturated conditions at the same temperature.

8 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 e
H= *100
es
Where:
e vapor pressure in (mb)
es Saturated vapor pressure in (mb),

Thus, a 50% relative humidity means that the atmosphere contains 50% of the maximum
moisture it could hold under saturated conditions at that temperature.

3-4 Dew point temperature Td

Is the value at which an air mass just becomes saturated (e = es), when cooled at constant
pressure and moisture content.

An approximation relationship for saturated vapor pressure over water es as a function of

dew point Td is:

⎛ 4278.6 ⎞
es = 2.7489 *108 * exp⎜⎜ − ⎟⎟
⎝ d T + 242 .79 ⎠
Where, es is in (mb), and Td is in oC.

3-5 Example:

Use Penman equation (combined with Meyers equation) to estimate monthly evaporation from a
lake surface in July, given the following data:

Temperature of water at the lake surface “Tw” = 70o F

Relative humidity = 60%
Temperature of air at 25 ft above water surface = 80o F
Wind velocity “W” at 25 ft above water surface = 15 mph

Solution:

Tair = 80o F = 26.70o C @ 25 ft above the lake surface.

∆ γ
Eh = .Q N + .E A
∆ +γ ∆ +γ
Where:
energy
Eh Flux of latent heat due to evaporation = − time
area
E h = q.Le .E , with E in units of L/T (Length / Time).

9 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 Le Latent heat of vaporization in cal/g:
Le = 597.30 − 0.57 * T oC

∆ Slope of “es” (saturated vapor pressure) vs. T air (temperature) curve.

mb
∆ in units of
oC
P
γ Psychometric constant from equation: γ = 0.66 *
1000
P Atmospheric pressure (mb).

QN net radiation absorbed by the water body.

des 2.7489 *108 * 4278.6 ⎛ 4278.6 ⎞

∆= = . exp⎜⎜ − ⎟⎟
dT (Tair + 242.79)2 ⎝ Tair + 242.79 ⎠

Where:
Tair in that equation is in Co. 80 Fo = 26.7 Co.

∆ = 2.058 mb/ Co.

P
γ = 0.66 * , assume P (atmospheric) = 1000 mb,
1000
1000
then γ = 0.66 * = 0.66
1000

According to Meyers

E a = 0.0106(1 + 0.1 *W )(es − ea ) * ρ .Le

Le = 597.30 − 0.57 * 26.7 oC = 582.1 cal/g

ρ = 1.0 gm/cm3

At the level of (25.0 ft), the relative humidity was 60%, and the temperature was 80 F0

The saturation pressure “es” at 80 F0 “26.7 oC” = 35.0 m bar ???

0.60 = ea / 35.0

Actual vapor pressure ( ea ) = 0.60 * 35 = 21.0 m bar

10 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 g ⎛ cal ⎞
E a = 0.0106(1 + 0.1 *15)(25 − 21)mb *1.0 * 582.1⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
cm3 ⎝ g ⎠

Ea = 0.27

Q N = Qθ − Qv + Qh + Qe

4. Rainfall Intensity-Duration-Frequency Curves

http://hdsc.nws.noaa.gov/hdsc/pfds/

11 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

4-1 Design storm Hyetograph

4-2 Example

5. Rainfall Abstraction by Phi-index and SCS method

5-1 Rainfall Runoff analysis:

5-1-1 Precipitation:

1- Gross precipitation - ∑ Losses = Pe

Pe excess rain,
net rain
effective precipitation
direct runoff

∑ Losses = Hydrologic Abstractions

pond ing / evaporation
surface detention storage
infiltration

Methods:

1- Pabt Horton
2- Ф index
3- USDA soil conservation surface
4- NRCA soil cover complex method.

5-2 Pabt Horton Method.

Ft = Fc + (Fo − Fc ).e − kt
where:
Fo
Fc
k slope constant

12 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

5-2-1 Example

Problem 1-14 “text”

Data: 5 hour storm, 5 in rainfall

Time Rain rate Ft average Pe

hours in/hr Ft = Fc + (Fo − Fc ).e − kt Ft
0 0.0 0.90
0.66 0.54
1 1.20 0.43
0.35 1.75
2 2.10 0.28
0.25 0.65
3 0.90 0.23
0.22 0.18
4 0.40 0.21
0.21 0.18
5 0.40 0.20
Σ = 5.0

apply Horton equation:

k = 1.10 1/hr
Fc = 0.20 in/hr
Fo = 0.90 in/hr

Ft = Fc + (Fo − Fc ).e − kt
Ft = 0.20 + (0.90 − 0.20).e −1.10t

5-3 Phi-index

5-3-1 Example

5-4 Development of SCS Rainfall-Runoff Equation and Runoff Curve No.

(Soil-cover-complex method)

5-4-1

5-4-2 Drive SCS Rainfall-Runoff equation

13 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

6. Unit Hydrograph Derivation and Application

Hydrograph of excess runoff:

we can’t measure “Q” directly

This step depends on hydraulic control, and geometry. The control establish a critical
depth condition.

Types of stream gauges:

1- Non-recording gages: ex (Staff gauges)

2- Recording gauges:
* Stilling well
* Gas bulbar (air or nitrogen gas)
* Electromagnetic devices.
* A costic Doppler devices.
Site characteristics for good gauging location:

1- section control : overall fall weir, bridge pad, or constriction, or anything forces critical depth
to occur.

2- Channel control:

Q vs. H curve controlled by geometry, roughness, slope, as according to Manning’s

equation:

1
Q = .R 2 3 .S 1 2 . A
n

3- Avoid backwater:

14 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 ∆w
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
1.20

4.10

7.50

8.60

7.30

5.40

4.40

3.20

2.00

1.30
Depth
0.0

0.0
Method of measuring discharge:

Measurement Distance Width Measured Mean Area Discharge

Station across (ft) Depth velocity (ft2) ft3/s
stream (ft) (ft) ft/s

1 0 1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

2 2 2 1.2 1.20 2.40 2.88
3 4 2 4.1 1.80 8.20 14.76
4 6 2 7.5 2.45 15.0 36.75
5 8 2 8.6 2.75 17.20 47.30
6 10 2 7.3 2.55 14.60 37.23
7 12 2 5.4 2.25 10.80 24.30
8 14 2 4.4 2.05 8.80 18.04
9 16 2 3.2 1.90 6.40 12.16
10 18 2 2.0 1.60 4.00 6.4
11 20 2 1.3 1.40 2.60 3.64
12 22 1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
90.0 203.46

15 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 The first Hydrology test:

1- You are the engineer representing a group of tobacco farmers in the Danville, VA area who
want to construct a small irrigation reservoir on the Dan River for storage of flood flows in order
to irrigate their fields during the summer growing season. The farmers will need to withdraw
1500 acre-feet of water each year for irrigation and processing purposes. Average surface area of
the lake is 500 acre (constant for year).

Lake evaporation is estimated to be 57 inches/year; while reservoir seepage losses are

estimated to be approximately 4.0 inches/month. Average annual rainfall in the area is 44 inches.
Average daily runoff diverted into the reservoir from the Dan river is estimated to be 2 cfs.
Treated waste-water from the city’s wastewater treatment plant will also flow into the reservoir at
the rate of 1.0 mgd (million gallons/day; 1 mgd = 1.547 cfs.

In your opinion, is reservoir construction feasible?, assuming the irrigation demand is the
only outflow from the reservoir?. Work in acre.feet units.

Solution:

Water budget equation over the watershed:

dS
Qin − Qout =
dt

Where:

Qin inflow rate (volume / time)

Qout outflow rate (volume / time)
dS
Change in storage in (volume / time)
dt

Qin, (+) sign means input:

(+) Precipitation (Rainfall) over a period of one year = 44.0 inches

Volume of Rainfall (over one year)
=
Surface area of the lake

ft
Volume of Rainfall = 44.0 inch * 500 acre * = 1833.33 acre-feet
12 inch

16 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

(+) Runoff = 2 cfs per day

Volume of Runoff over one year = 2.0 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 365 = 63072000 ft3

acre
Depth of Runoff over the area of 1.0 acre = 63072000 ft 3 *
43560 ft 2
= 1447.93 acre.ft

(+) Rin from treated wastewater = 1.0 mgd

Volume = 1.547 cfs.day

Volume over one year = 1.547 * 24 * 60 * 60 * 365 = 48786192.0 ft3.
acre
Depth of Rin over the area of 1.0 acre = 48786192 ft 3 *
43560 ft 2
= 1119.97 acre.ft

Qout, (-) sign means output:

(-) Rout Irrigation demand = 1500 acre.ft (for one year).

(-) Evaporation from lake = 57.0 inches/year

Volume of Evaporation (over one year)

= 57.0 inches.
Surface area of the lake

ft
Volume of Evaporation from lake over one year = 57.0 inch * 500 acre *
12 inch
= 2375.0 acre.ft

(-) Seepage loss = 4.0 inches per month = 4*12 = 48.0 inches/year

ft
Volume of seepage losses over one year = 48.0 inch * 500 acre *
12 inch
= 2000 acre.ft

Applying water budget equation:

dS
Qin − Qout =
dt

Change in storage = (1833.33 + 1447.93 + 1119.97) – ( 1500 + 2000 + 2375 ) =

= -1473.77 acre.ft.

17 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 So, actually with this income flow and outflow the construction of a reservoir in this area
is not feasible.

2- Match the definitions on the right with items on the left by placing the letter of the best
definition in space provided. There may be up to two definitions per item. Not all are used.

J Method for potential lake A Housing unit on a Navajo

evaporation estimate. Reservation.
G Dewpoint. B Snyder method
I,M Basin-wide rainfall C Iso-average method
E,P Ф-index D Regional rainfall frequency
method
H Greenhouse effect E Alternative to Horton
infiltration equation
P Precipitation excess F Isotropic averaging
L TP No. 40 G Temperature of saturated air.
N Stable channel with section H Helps compensate for radiation
control imbalance.
O Raindrop growth I Iso-hyetal method.
D VDOT IDF charts J Pan measurement
Effective precipitation K Fraternity house drop-out rate.
E SCS rainfall-runoff equation L National rainfall frequency
atlas.
N Critical depth M Thiessen method
E Green-Ampt equation N Desirable site for stream gage
location.
I,M Mean-areal precipitation. O Ice-crystal and raindrop
coalescence.
P Depth of direct runoff.

18 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

3- The direct runoff from a 2.20 sq. mile watershed is measured by digitizing the area beneath the
direct runoff hydrograph, which has been separated from baseflow. This volume is 5040 cfs-
hours. The hydrograph was produced by a 3-hour rainfall with a constant intensity of 2.0 inches
per hour. Determine:

A- The net rain or excess rainfall (or depth of direct runoff) in inches.

B- The Ф-index in inches per hour.

C- The SCS runoff curve number, CN (only to the nearest whole number; consider using Fig.
2.14, page 130 text).

D- S, and Ia in the SCS rainfall-runoff equation.

Solution:

Volume of direct runoff = 5040.0 * 60 *60 = 18144000 ft3

Depth of DRO = Volume / Area

18144000 ft 3 mi 2 12 in
= * * = 3.55 inches.
2.2 mi 2 (5280)2 ft 2 ft
b-

The Ф-index line is taken that 1.0

the volume of the hatched area
equals to the depth of direct 0.8
Rainfall in (inch/hr)

runoff.
0.6

0.4

0.2 Φ-index line

0.0
0 6 12 18 24
Time in Hours

In our case rainfall intensity is constant, and equals to 2.0 inches per hour.

19 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 4.0

Rainfall in (inch/hr) 3.0

Area = 3.55 inches

2.0

1.0
Φ-index line

Φ-index
0.0
0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0
Time in Hours

(2 - Ф-index) * 3 = 3.55 Ф-index = 2 – 3.55 / 3 = 0.8167 inch / hr

C- Total rainfall depth = Rain intensity (in / hr) * Rainfall duration time (hr).

P = 2.0 (in/hr) * 3.0 (hrs) = 6.0 inches.

Pe (rainfall excess “DRO”) = 3.55 inches.

Q=
(P − 0.20 * S )2
P + 0.80 * S

Where:

Q Total accumulative runoff depth, inches

P Total accumulative precipitation at time t

3.55 =
(6 − 0.20 * S )2
6 + 0.80 * S

21.30 + 2.84 S = 36 – 2.40 S + 0.040 S2

S2 – 131 S + 367.50 = 0.0

Which is a second degree equation, and the solution will be on the form:

20 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 − b ± b 2 − 4ac 2
S=
2a

131 − 1312 − 4 *1 * 367.50

S= = 2.868
2 *1

1000
CN = = 77.71
S + 10

D- S = 2.868
Ia = 0.20 S = 0.20 * 2.868 = 0.5736

21 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

Unit Hydrograph

Looking for a method of forecasting a storm hydrograph, given the time distribution of
rainfall excess.

The unit hydrograph is defined as the direct runoff hydrograph (DRH), we get from
exactly 1.0 inch of rain excess over a T. hr period, or Unit hydrograph is a hydrograph of direct
runoff produced by 1.0 inch of rain excess.

The unit hydrograph once defined becomes a property of a watershed, and it can’t be
applied to any future storms, provided that no significant land-use change in the watershed since
it was established.

The direct runoff hydrograph ordinates for a future storm are directly proportional to
ordinates of the T. hr unit hydrograph when it is applied to rainfall excess distribution in T. hr
intervals.

Basic steps in Unit Hydrograph (UH):

1- Derivation of a (UH) from an isolated storm rainfall and stream flow observation are required.
(Gauged rainfall hydrograph plus gauged stream flow hydrograph).

2- Separate base flow from total runoff hydrograph to get direct runoff or (rainfall excess). This is
done by extending the portion (A) of the runoff hydrograph to point (1) “under the peak”, and
then construct a line from point (1) to point (2), where point (2) lies on the rainfall hydrograph at
a distance :

N = A 0 .2
where:
N number of days beyond peak where base flow becomes 100% of discharge.
A drainage area in sq. miles.

(The period of the Unit Hydrograph “UH” is equal to the period of Direct runoff)

3- construct the direct runoff hydrograph, by subtracting base flow from total runoff:

Direct runoff = Total runoff – Base flow.

4- Find the area under the direct runoff hydrograph, and this is done by adding the vertical
ordinates of the DRH, and multiply the summation by the time interval.

n
Volume of DR = ∑ H i * time interval
i =1

22 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

5- Find the direct runoff as a depth over the drainage area:

Total DRH volume

Depth of direct runoff =
Drainage area

6- Divide each ordinate of the DRH by the depth of direct runoff, thus obtaining the ordinates of
the unit hydrograph.

Example:

Design a unit hydrograph for an isolated storm (has only one peak), the rainfall, and total runoff
gauges are given.

It is noticed from the rainfall data that the time period that caused the direct runoff
(rainfall excess) is 6.0 hours, so, the resulted unit hydrograph is called “a 6-hr UH”.

Date Time Total

flow
16-Feb 600 500
800 5600
1000 9200
1200 10100
1400 7800
1600 6600
1800 5550
2000 4700
2200 4000
2400 3300
17-Feb 200 2700
400 2300
600 1950
800 1650
1000 1400
1200 1200
1400 1000
1600 800

23 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

Steps:

1- Estimate the base flow:

- Extend the Recession Limb (1) to a point just under the peak “point B”
- Draw a vertical line parallel to line “AB”, and to a distance: N = A0.2 (convert N from days
to hours).
- The vertical line will intersect with the right recession limb in point “C”
- Construct a line between “B”, and “C”
- The dashed line will be the base flow line, and the ordinates from that line to the X-axis will be
subtracted from the total flow ordinates to give the DRO ordinates.

Total Flow
12

A
10
Discahrge (1000) cfs

4
Base Flow
2
1 B N (hr) C
0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40
Time (Hours)

Volume of direct runoff = Area under the DRO Hydrograph

= ∑ of DRO Ordinates * Time Interval

ft 3 3600 sec .
Volume of DRO = 59850 * 2.0hr * = 430920000 ft3
sec . hr

Covering the volume of DRO into depth over area:

430920000 ft 3 mi 2
Depth of DRO = * = 0.3864 ft
40.0 mi 2 (5280)2 * ft 2

24 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

Depth of DRO = 0.3864 * 12 = 4.637 inches

All the ordinates of the DRO are to be divided on (4.637) to give the ordinates of the UH.

A B C D E F
Date Time Total Base Direct UH Hours
flow flow
runoff Ordinate
s
16-Feb 600 500 500 0 0 0
800 5600 450 5150 1111 2
1000 9200 400 8800 1898 4
1200 10100 400 9700 2092 6
1400 7800 450 7350 1585 8
1600 6600 450 6150 1326 10
1800 5550 500 5050 1089 12
2000 4700 550 4150 895 14
2200 4000 600 3400 733 16
2400 3300 600 2700 582 18
17-Feb 200 2700 600 2100 453 20
400 2300 650 1650 356 22
600 1950 650 1300 280 24
800 1650 700 950 205 26
1000 1400 700 700 151 28
1200 1200 750 450 97 30
1400 1000 750 250 54 32
1600 800 800 0 0 34

59850 12907

To check and see if the results are correct, find the volume under the UH, and divide that volume
over the area to get the water depth, the result must be (1 inch) according to the definition of the
Unit Hydrograph:

1
Depth of water of UH = 12907 * 2 * 3600 *12 = 1.000025
40 * 5280 2

25 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 Total Flow Unit Hydrograph
12

10
Discahrge (1000) cfs

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40
Time (Hours)

Example (Application of the Unit Hydrograph)

Apply the Unit Hydrograph “of the previous example” to the storm:

Time (Hours) 0-6 6-12 12-18 18-24 24-30

Rainfall 0.317 0.383 0.55 0.20 0.35
in/hr
Total Rainfall 0.317*6 0.383*6 0.55*6 0.20*6 0.35*6
(inch) = 1.9 = 2.3 = 3.3 = 1.2 = 2.1

The Ф-index = 0.30 in/hr.

Steps:

1- break up the storm into (time-hour) period, each period equals to the UH period (6-hr).
2- Apply the loss rate and determine the precipitation excess in each time-hour period.

Rainfall excess (DRO) = (Total rainfall depth - Ф-index) * time (inches)

for example:

DRO for the period (0-6) = (0.317 – 0.30) * 6 = 0.102 inch.

The DRO volumes are presented as hatched area in the following chart.

26 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 Rainfall Hyetograaph Phi-index
0.6

0.5

0.4
Rainfall depth (in/hr)

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
6 12 18 24 30
Time in Hours

Time (Hours) 0-6 6-12 12-18 18-24 24-30

Rainfall 0.317 0.383 0.55 0.20 0.35
in/hr
Total Rainfall 1.9 2.3 3.3 1.2 2.1
(inch)
DRO (inch) 0.102 0.498 1.5 0 0.30

3- Apply UH to each 6-hr intervals by multiplying interval rain excess by each ordinate in (time-
hour) UH.

27 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 Individual DRO Hydrographs
Day Cloc Elapse Unit (0 - 6) (6 - 12) (12 - (18 - (24 - Base Storm
k d Hyd 18) 24) 30)
Time Hours Ord. 0.1 0.5 1.5 0.0 0.3 Flow Hyd.
inch inch inch inch inch cfs
(cfs) Assum cfs
ed

0 0 0 500 500
2 1111 111 500 611
4 1898 190 500 690
6 2092 209 0 500 709
8 1585 159 555 500 1214
10 1326 133 949 500 1582
12 1089 109 1046 0 500 1655
14 895 89 793 1666 500 3048
16 733 73 663 2847 500 4083
18 582 58 545 3138 0 500 4241
20 453 45 447 2378 0 500 3370
22 356 36 367 1989 0 500 2892
24 280 28 291 1634 0 0 500 2453
26 205 20 226 1342 0 333 500 2423
28 151 15 178 1100 0 569 500 2362
30 97 10 140 873 0 628 500 2151
32 54 5 102 679 0 476 500 1763
34 0 0 75 534 0 398 500 1507
36 49 421 0 327 500 1296
38 27 307 0 268 500 1103
40 0 226 0 220 500 946
42 146 0 175 500 820
44 81 0 136 500 717
46 0 0 107 500 607
48 0 84 500 584
50 0 61 500 561
52 0 45 500 545
54 29 500 529
56 16 500 516
58 0 500 500

28 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 Storm Hydrograph cfs 0.1 in cfs 0.5 in cfs
1.5 in cfs 0.0 in cfs 0.3 in cfs
5000

4500

4000

3500

3000
Rainfall (cfs)

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0
0 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60
Time hr

29 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

7. Lagging and S-curves for Unit Hydrograph

The main problem is that we have a t-hr unit Hydrograph, and we want to get another t-hr
Unit Hydrograph from the original UH.

What if the rainfall comes in 30-min intervals, and the UH is a 60-min UH?, there are two
options:

1- Add the rainfall data (every 0.5-hr) to form 1.0-hr UH intervals and continue to use 1-hr Unit
Hydrograph.

2- Use 0.5-hr UH rainfall record and redefine 1.0-hr to be a 0.5-hr UH, and apply it to rainfall
data.

The method that is used to convert a D-hr UH into a t-hr UH is called (S-Hydrograph) which
means how to develop a new t-hr UH from an original D-hr UH:

where:

t-hr (new UH we want)

D-hr (Original UH we have).

Example:

The original Unit Hydrograph is a 12-hr UH, and we want to get a 6-hr UH from that 12-
hr UH.

Steps:

1- Build D-hr (S-Hydrograph) from D-hr UH, use alternative addition at D-hr intervals. (A
curve).

2- Locate a second D-hr (S-Hydrograph) behind the original at a distance of (t-hr) (B curve).
t: the label of the new UH(time).

3- Subtract (A-curve) from (B-curve).

D
4- Multiply differences (A-B) by , and this will produce the new t-hr UH.
t

30 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 Curve A Curve B
Time 12-hr UH 12-hr 12-hr S- A-B 6-hr UH
in hours in cfs S-Hyd. Hyd. shifted
D-hr UH 6-hr ( A − B)* D
t

6 900 900 900 1800

12 3400 3400 900 2500 5000
18 6900 7800 3400 4400 8800
24 10100 13500 7800 5700 11400
30 12300 20100 13500 6600 13200
36 13600 27100 20100 7000 14000
42 13900 34000 27100 6900 13800
48 13200 40300 34000 6300 12600
54 11800 45800 40300 5500 11000
60 10300 50600 45800 4800 9600
66 8950 54750 50600 4150 8300
72 7650 58250 54750 3500 7000
78 6400 61150 58250 2900 5800
84 5250 63500 61150 2350 4700
90 4200 65350 63500 1850 3700
96 3200 66700 65350 1350 2700
102 2280 67630 66700 930 1860
108 1580 68280 67630 650 1300
114 1100 68730 68280 450 900
120 750 69030 68730 300 600
126 500 69230 69030 200 400
132 300 69330 69230 100 200
138 150 69380 69330 50 100
144 50 69380 69380 0 0
69380

31 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 12-hr S-Hyd. 12-hr S-Hyd. shifted 6-hr new 6-hr UH
70

60

50
Discharge in thouthanss cfs

40

30

20

10

102
108
114
120
126
132
138
144
0
6
12
18
24
30
36
42
48
54
60
66
72
78
84
90
96 Time in (Hours)

32 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 12-hr UH 6-hr UH
16
15
14
13
12
Rainfall in thousand cfs

11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0

102
108
114
120
126
132
138
144
0
6
12
18
24
30
36
42
48
54
60
66
72
78
84
90
96
Time in hr

33 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

Example (2)

It is required to design a 3-hr UH from a given 2-hr UH by using S-Hydrograph

Procedure.

The given 2-hr UH

Time 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Total 0 50 150 300 600 750 650 550 450 350 250 150 50 0 0
Discharge
cfs

Solution:

Curve A Curve B
Time 2-hr UH 2-hr 2-hr S-Hyd. A-B 3-hr UH
in cfs S-Hyd. shifted 3-hr
D-hr UH ( A − B)* 2
3
0 0 0 0 0 0
1 50 50 0 50 33
2 150 150 0 150 100
3 300 350 0 350 233
4 600 750 50 700 467
5 750 1100 150 950 633
6 650 1400 350 1050 700
7 550 1650 750 900 600
8 450 1850 1100 750 500
9 350 2000 1400 600 400
10 250 2100 1650 450 300
11 150 2150 1850 300 200
12 50 2150 2000 150 100
13 0 2150 2100 50 33
14 0 2150 2150 0 0

34 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

Note:

If the 2-hr UH is tabulated in 3-hr intervals, 16

then plot the UH, and interpret for the values 15

14
A 2-hr UH tabulated in 3-hr period
each 2-hr intervals 13

Rainfall in thousand cfs

12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36
Time in hr

2500

2-hr S-Hydr.
2-hr S-Hydr. shifted 3-hr
3-hr UH 
   
2000 


1500
Discharge in cfs


1000


500


0  
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Time in Hours

35 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 It is an interesting exercise to get the original 2-hr UH, from the resulted 3-hr UH
considering it as a given data:

Example:

It is required to design a 2-hr UH from a given 3-hr UH

The given 2-hr UH

Time 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Total 0 33 100 233 467 633 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 33 0
Discharge
cfs

Solution:

Curve A Curve B
Time 3-hr UH 3-hr 3-hr S-Hyd. A-B 2-hr UH
in cfs S-Hyd. shifted 2-hr
D-hr UH ( A − B)* 3
2
0 0 0 0 0
1 33 33 33 50
2 100 100 0 100 150
3 233 233 33 200 300
4 467 500 100 400 600
5 633 733 233 500 750
6 700 933 500 433 650
7 600 1100 733 367 550
8 500 1233 933 300 450
9 400 1333 1100 233 350
10 300 1400 1233 167 250
11 200 1433 1333 100 150
12 100 1433 1400 33 50
13 33 1433 1433 0 0
14 0 1433 1433 0 0

It is obvious that we got the same original 2-hr UH.

36 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

8. Dimensionless Unit Hydrograph by SCS

This method is used for ungaged watersheds, and there are mainly two methods:

1- Snyder Synthetic UH (1940): for large watershed sometimes (1000 mi2)

2- Soil Conservation Service “SCS” Dimensionless UH : for smaller areas ≤ 50 sqm.

Water drop

path in the stream path on the ground

Drainage area
( Watershed Boundaries )

Target Point
No gages at this point

The required data are:

1- A full topographic map of the watershed, from which we can determine:

a- The drainage area (A)

b- How long it takes for a drop of water from the moment of hitting the ground surface untill
reaching the target point, which is called (Concentration time), or (Traveling time) TC.

The Concentration Time “TC” is defined as the time of travailing of the most distant point
in the watershed to the target point (over the ground, and in the streams).

We have to check every possible path of a water drop to know approximately the most
distant point in the watershed. TC value is affected very much by the nature of streams, and land
development over the watershed.
c- Rainfall time distribution.

37 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

d- Infiltration loss curve or SCS runoff curve number CN.

Equations:

Peak Discharge Q p (cfs ) =

( )
484 * A mi 2 * Q(in )
T p (hrs )
∆D
Time to Peak T p (hrs ) = + Tl
2
Where:

484 constant refers to the shape factor

A Drainage area in square miles.
Q Depth of rainfall excess (1.0 inch) for UH.
Tp Time to hydrograph peak in hours, referenced from origin.
Tl Basin lag time in hours = time laps from mid-point of rain excess period to
peak.
∆D
Rainfall in cfs

Tp
Time in hr

An approximate equation to calculate “ Tl ” :

L0.8 * (1000 − 9 * CN )0.7

Basin lag time Tl (hrs ) =
1900 * CN 0.7 * Y 0.5

38 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

Where:

L Length along main channel to divide, ft.

Y Average land slope (%).
CN SCS runoff curve number.

Example:

There is a storm over a watershed area of 40.0 mi2, has a CN of 75, and the mean slope of
the land = 1.20 %. The total length along main channel to divide = 6.92 miles. The period of
rainfall excess equals 6.0 hours. Construct the 6-hr UH for that watershed.

Solution:

L0.8 * (1000 − 9 * CN )0.7

Tl (hrs ) = L = 6.92 mi = 6.92*5280 = 36537.6 ft
1900 * CN 0.7 * Y 0.5

Tl (hrs ) =
(36537.6 )0.8 * (1000 − 9 * 75)0.7
= 5.9927 ≈ 6.0 hours
1900 * 750.7 * (1.2 )0.5

∆D
Time to peak T p = + Tl = 6/2 + 6 = 9.0 hr.
2

484 * A(mi 2 ) * Q(in ) 484 * 40 * (1)

Q p (cfs ) = = = 2151.11 cfs
T p (hrs ) 9

Note:
if we have perfect data about the watershed, ∆D ≅ 0.133Tc , and 0.20 ≤ ∆D/Tp ≤ 0.25
∆D = 0.133 *10 = 1.33 hr, but ∆D = 6.0 hrs, so, the resulted UH will not be optimal.

39 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

The SCS dimensionless UH ordinates:

t Q t Q t Q t Q t Q
tp Qp tp Qp tp Qp tp Qp tp Qp
0.00 0.00
0.20 0.10 1.20 0.93 2.20 0.207 3.20 0.040 4.20 0.0100
0.40 0.31 1.40 0.78 2.40 0.147 3.40 0.029 4.40 0.0070
0.60 0.66 1.60 0.56 2.60 0.107 3.60 0.021 4.60 0.0030
0.80 0.93 1.80 0.39 2.80 0.077 3.80 0.015 4.80 0.0015
1.00 1.00 2.00 0.28 3.00 0.055 4.00 0.011 5.00 0.000

1.0

0.9

0.8

0.7

0.6
Q / Qp

0.5

0.4

0.3

0.2

0.1

0.0
0 1 2 3 4 5
t / tp

From the above table, results for t, and Q can be obtained, this is done in the following
table:

t
t (of SCS UH ) = (from table) * t p (calculated)
tp
Q
Q(of SCS UH ) = (from table) * Q p (calculated)
Qp

40 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 A B tp = 9 Qp=2151 A B tp = 9 Qp=2151
t Q t Q t Q t Q
A * tp B * Qp A * tp B * Qp
tp Qp tp Qp
0.00 0.00 0.0 0 2.60 0.107 23.4 230.157
0.20 0.10 1.80 215 2.80 0.077 25.2 165.627
0.40 0.31 3.60 667 3.00 0.055 27 118.305
0.60 0.66 5.40 1420 3.20 0.040 28.8 86.04
0.80 0.93 7.20 2000 3.40 0.029 30.6 62.379
1.00 1.00 9.00 2151 3.60 0.021 32.4 45.171
1.20 0.93 10.80 2000 3.80 0.015 34.2 32.265
1.40 0.78 12.60 1678 4.00 0.011 36 23.661
1.60 0.56 14.40 1205 4.20 0.0100 37.8 21.51
1.80 0.39 16.20 839 4.40 0.0070 39.6 15.057
2.00 0.28 18.0 602 4.60 0.0030 41.4 6.453
2.20 0.207 19.80 445 4.80 0.0015 43.2 3.2265
2.40 0.147 21.60 316 5.00 0.000 45 0

2400
UH by SCS UH obs.
2200

2000

1800
1600 
1400

Q cfs

1200
 
1000

800

600 
400 


200 

0 
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44

Time (hours)

The UH produced by the SCS method comes with non-steady time intervals, so, after
plotting the UH, interpret for points of (Q) at suitable fixed time intervals (every 2, 3 … hours).

41 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 2200
time UH UH by SCS
Ordinat 2000
es 1800
0 0
1600
3 470
6 1708 1400
9 2153 1200

Q cfs
12 1818
15 1063 1000
18 603 800
21 352
600
24 206
27 118 400
30 69
200
33 41
36 24 0
0

12

15

18

21

24

27

30

33

36

39

42

45
39 18
Time (hours)
42 5
45 0
8648

To check the resulted 6-hr UH, the height of DRO over the watershed area must equal
(1.0 inch):

1
Depth of water of UH = 8648 * 3 * 3600 *12 = 1.04 inch
40.0 * 5280 2

42 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

Application to the SCS UH:

Example:

Given a Hyetograph of a storm over periods of 6.0 hours.

Given data: Curve number CN = 75, find the direct runoff, by using the SCS curve number
method, and then apply the resulted UH from the previous example to that storm to produce the
storm Hydrograph.

Time (Hours) 0-6 6-12 12-18 18-24 24-30

Rainfall 0.317 0.383 0.55 0.20 0.35
in/hr
Total Rainfall 0.317*6 0.383*6 0.55*6 0.20*6 0.35*6
(inch) = 1.9 = 2.3 = 3.3 = 1.2 = 2.1

Rainfall Hyetograaph
0.6

0.5

0.4
Rainfall depth (in/hr)

0.3

0.2

0.1

0
0-06 6-12 12-18 18-24 24 - 30
Time in Hours

43 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

Solution:

Q=
(P − 0.20 * S )2 S=
1000
− 10
P + 0.80 * S CN

where:
Q (depth of Direct Runoff in inches).

1000
S= − 10 = 3.33
75

The calculations of (Q) are tabulated in the following table.

Q=
(P − 0.20 * 3.33)2
Direct runoff
P + 0.80 * 3.33

Time P (total rainfall) P (cumulative) Q (cumulative) ∆Q

in hours inches inches inches inches

0–6 1.90 1.90 0.333 0.333

6 – 12 2.30 4.20 1.818 1.485
12 – 18 3.30 7.50 4.593 2.775
18 – 24 1.20 8.70 5.678 1.085
24 – 30 2.10 10.80 7.625 1.948

44 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

Applying the UH to the direct runoff results to get the actual DRO hydrograph:

time UH** Pe=0.33 Pe=1.48 Pe=2.77 Pe=1.08 Pe=1.94 Base Storm Hyd.
3 5 5 5 8
Flow cfs
0 0 0 500 500
3 470 156 500 656
6 1708 569 0 500 1069
9 2153 717 697 500 1914
12 1818 605 2536 0 500 3642
15 1063 354 3197 1303 500 5354
18 603 201 2700 4740 0 500 8140
21 352 117 1579 5974 510 500 8679
24 206 68 895 5045 1853 0 500 8362
27 118 39 522 2951 2336 915 500 7263
30 69 23 305 1672 1973 3327 500 7801
33 41 14 176 976 1154 4193 500 7012
36 24 8 103 571 654 3542 500 5377
39 18 6 61 328 382 2071 500 3348
42 5 2 35 192 223 1174 500 2126
45 0 0 26 113 128 685 500 1453
7 66 75 401 500 1049
0 49 44 231 500 824
14 26 135 500 674
0 19 80 500 599
5 46 500 552
0 34 500 534
10 500 510
0 500 500

45 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 Storm Hyd. UH
10000

8000
Total Rainfall cfs

6000

4000

2000 
 

 
0  
0
3
6
9
12
15
18
21
24
27
30
33
36
39
42
45
48
51
54
57
60
63
66
69
72
Time in Hours

Snyder method for ungaged watersheds:

The Snyder method to construct a unit hydrograph for watersheds with areas ≤ 10000 mi2,

Steps of the method:

a- t p = Ct (L * Lc )0.3
where:

tp Basin lag time in hours

Ct Empirical slope coefficient. ( 0.40 ≤ Ct ≤ 2.20 )
If the value of Ct = 0.40 it indicates the watershed surface slope is steep “Y > 1.60
%, and if Ct = 2.20 it indicates the watershed surface slope is flat (Y < 0.50 %).

L Main channel length in miles.

Lc Main channel length to a point nearest to the watershed centroid.

∆D
The time to peak is referred from in units of hours.
2

46 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 Water drop
A

path on the ground

C
D

Drainage area
( Watershed Boundaries )

B
Target Point
No gages at this point

L = distance AB

Point C is the centroid point of the watershed, from that point draw a perpendicular line to the
main channel, will intersect in D.

Lc = distance DB.

640 * C p * A
b- Qp =
tp
Where:

Qp Peak discharge in
A Drainage area of the watershed in square miles.
Cp Storage coefficient, 0.40 ≤ Cp ≤ 0.80,
If the value of Cp = 0.40 it indicates that watershed surface is swampy, and if the
value of Cp = 0.80 it indicates that there is no storage in the form of flood plains
cover bank areas.

Note: Large Ct and small Cp go together.

c- Tb = ( 4 ~ 5 ) tp

47 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 The form of equation Tb = 3 days + tp / 8 is suitable only for ***????

−1.08
⎛ Qp ⎞ W75
d- W75 = 440 * ⎜⎜ ⎟
⎟ “place to the left of vertical line through Qp”
⎝ A ⎠ 3

−1.08
⎛ Qp ⎞
W50 = 770 * ⎜⎜ ⎟
⎟
⎝ A ⎠

W75, and W50 are in hours.

Tp
∆D

4
Rainfall in cfs

3
W 75
3 5
W 75
6
3 Qp

W 50
2
Qp
3
4

W 50
Qp
2

7
1
Tb
Time in hr
Adjustment equation for tp, and Qp:

t`p is the working value of tp:

t ` p = t p + 0.25(D`− D )
Where:
tp
D = tr =
5.50
D` is the working duration of rainfall excess.

48 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

Apply the value of t`p to get the value of Q`p:

640 * C p * A
Q` p =
t`p

Example:

Develop a 6-hr Unit Hydrograph for the watershed of 40.0 mi2, by using Snyder method,
knowing that:
L = 6.92 mi, Lc = 5.0 mi
∆D = D`= t `r = 6.0 hours
Ct = 1.90 “semi-flat watershed”
Cp = 0.54

Solution:

t p = Ct (L * Lc )0.3
t p = 1.90 * (6.92 * 5.0 )0.3 = 5.5 hours

tp
D = tr = “Snyder saturated rain excess duration”
5.50
D = 5.50 / 5.50 = 1.0 hour

but, we want a 6-hr UH, so, adjust D to 6-hr by applying the equation:

t ` p = t p + 0.25(D`− D ) , where D` = 6.0 hours

t ` p = 5.50 + 0.25(6.0 − 1.0 ) = 6.75 hrs

640 * C p * A 640 * 0.54 * 40

Q` p = =
t`p 6.75

Q`p = 2048 cfs

Tb = (4~5) t`p = (27~33.75) hours

−1.08 −1.08
⎛ Qp ⎞ ⎛ 2048 ⎞
W75 = 440 * ⎜⎜ ⎟
⎟ = 440 * ⎜ ⎟ = 6.27 hours
⎝ A ⎠ ⎝ 40 ⎠

49 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 −1.08 −1.08
⎛ Qp ⎞ ⎛ 2048 ⎞
W50 = 770 * ⎜⎜ ⎟
⎟ = 770 * ⎜ ⎟ = 11.0 hours
⎝ A ⎠ ⎝ 40 ⎠

3 6.75

2.1 4.2
Q cfs

2048 cfs
1536 cfs
3.67 7.33
1024 cfs

33.75 hours

Time in Hours

50 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

9- Reservoir and Channel Routing

Tank Analogy for reservoir routing:

I2
Inflow Hydrograph
Inflow

I1
I 1+ I 2
2

t1 t2
Time in hr

Fig. (9-1)

The inflow hydrograph can be estimated before the actual storm by Unit Hydrograph.

Storage Equation:

∆S I +I O + O2
= I −O = 1 2 − 1 ………. (9-1)
∆t 2 2

∆S = S 2 − S1 = (h2 − h1 ) * At

Substituting for ∆S in equation (9-1)

⎛ h2 − h1 ⎞ I +I O + O2
⎜ ⎟ * At = 1 2 − 1 ………. (9-2)
⎝ ∆t ⎠ 2 2

I1, and I2 are always known from the inflow hydrograph.

h1 is the water level in the reservoir at time t = t1, and is known too.

51 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 The two unknowns in equation (9-2) are h2, and O2.

t2
h1 - h 2
t1

Tank

Fig. (9-2)

The outflow rating equation, considering the reservoir as a tank, and the outlet as an
orifice:

O = CAo 2 gh

As there is two unknowns, and only one equation (9-2), the second equation needed for
solution comes from Storage vs. Elevation table, and Outflow vs. Elevation table.

Rearranging equation 9-1

∆S I +I O + O2
= I −O = 1 2 − 1
∆t 2 2
I1 + I 2 O1 + O2 S 2 − S1
− = ………. (9-1)
2 2 ∆t

Multiply by 2
S −S 2 S 2 2 S1
I1 + I 2 = O1 + O2 + 2 2 1 I1 + I 2 = O1 + O2 + −
∆t ∆t ∆t

52 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 ⎛ 2S ⎞ ⎛ 2S ⎞
I1 + I 2 = ⎜ − 1 + O1 ⎟ + ⎜ 2 + O2 ⎟
⎝ ∆t ⎠ ⎝ ∆t ⎠

⎛ 2S ⎞ ⎛ 2S ⎞
I1 + I 2 + ⎜ 1 − O1 ⎟ = ⎜ 2 + O2 ⎟
⎝ ∆t ⎠ ⎝ ∆t ⎠

⎛ 2S ⎞ ⎛ 2S ⎞
I1 + I 2 + ⎜ − O⎟ =⎜ + O⎟ ………. (9-3)
⎝ ∆t ⎠ at step 1 ⎝ ∆t ⎠ at step 2

Equation (9-3) represents the basic procedure to reservoir routing, which is done step by
step:

Steps in reservoir routing:

1- the inflow hydrograph is known. Select ∆t , use (5~6) points on the rising side of
inflow hydrograph to the peak point.

2- The water surface elevation of the pool is known for different values of storage S, and
2S
output O, from that curve design a table relating + O and O, and draw a curve
∆t
2S
between + O , and outflow O
∆t

3- At the initial step “step (1)”, Inflow (I1, and I2) are known from the inflow hydrograph.

4- At the same initial step (1), the storage S1, and output O1 are known from the (water
surface elevation of the reservoir vs storage, and outflow curve).

⎛ 2S 2 ⎞
5- from 3, and 4, the right hand side of equation 9-3 ⎜ + O2 ⎟ is determined.
⎝ ∆t ⎠

6- Go to the curve constructed in step 1, and find the outflow O2 corresponding to the
⎛ 2S 2 ⎞
value ⎜ + O2 ⎟ .
⎝ ∆t ⎠

⎛ 2S ⎞ ⎛ 2S ⎞
7- ⎜ − O⎟ =⎜ + O⎟ − 2*O
⎝ ∆t ⎠ at next step ⎝ ∆t ⎠

53 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 The work is continuos till the table is completed, then the outflow hydrograph is
determined. It is preferable to plot both the input, and output flow hydrograph together to find out
if the reservoir is doing its job efficiently. The area between the inflow, and outflow curves
represents the maximum storage capacity required for the reservoir.

Example:

The design inflow hydrograph shown in fig. (9-3 ), developed for a commercial area, is to
be routed through a reservoir. Assume that initially the reservoir is empty (S0 = 0 “storage at time
zero = 0.0), and there is no initial outflow (O0 = 0.0). Using the water surface elevation, Storage
and outflow relationships given in table (9-1), rout the hydrograph through the reservoir. What is
the maximum height reached in the reservoir for this inflow? Use ∆t = 10 min.

Table (9-1) Water surface elevation, Storage and outflow

Water surface Storage Outflow

elevation “ft” (acre-ft) (cfs)

0.0 0.0 0
1.0 1.0 15
2.0 2.0 32
3.0 3.0 55
4.0 4.0 90
5.0 5.0 125
6.0 6.0 158
7.0 7.50 185
8.0 10.50 210
9.0 12.0 230
10.0 13.50 250
11.0 20.0 270
12.0 22.0 290

54 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 400

350

Inflow Hydrograph cfs 300

250

200

150

100

50

0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160
Time in min
Fig. (9-3) Inflow Hydrograph

Storage cfs.hr Outflow cfs

300 300

250 250

200 200
Storage cfs.hr

Outflow cfs
150 150

100 100

50 50

0 0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Water surface elev. ft
Fig. (9-4) Water surface elevation, Storage and outflow

Note: The water surface elevation in the reservoir, and the corresponding storage is determined
by using the contour map of the reservoir to find the volume of water in the reservoir
corresponding to each water elevation.

55 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

For example:

∆S (storage between contour lines h1, and h2) = h2

A1 + A2 h 2 - h1
* (h2 − h1 ) h1
2
A2

A1

Steps:

1- ∆t = time to peak / (5~6) = 10.0 min

2S
2- table relating + O and O:
∆t
∆t = 10.0 min = 1 / 6 hr

Table (9.)
Reservoir Storage Storage Outflow 2S*∆t+O
Elev. Ft acre-ft cfs-hr conduit cfs cfs

0.0 0.0 0 0 0
1.0 1.0 12 15 160
2.0 2.0 24 32 322
3.0 3.0 36 55 491
4.0 4.0 48 90 671
5.0 5.0 61 125 851
6.0 6.0 73 158 1029
7.0 7.50 91 185 1274
8.0 10.50 127 210 1735
9.0 12.0 145 230 1972
10.0 13.50 163 250 2210
11.0 20.0 242 270 3174
12.0 22.0 266 290 3484

To convert from acre.ft to cfs.hr:

43560 ft 2 hr
1.0acre. ft * * = 12.10 cfs.hr
acre 60 * 60 sec

56 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 300

250

200
Outflow cfs

150

100

50

0
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1800
2000
2200
2400
2600
2800
3000
3200
3400
3600
3800
4000
2*S / delta t + O (cfs)

2S
Fig. (9-5) + O vs. Outflow
∆t

4- Initial conditions:

At t = 0.0:
S0 = 0.0 O0 = 0.0
2* S
− O = 0.0 “at time = 0.0”
∆t

1- add the number in the column (I1 + I2) for example “420” to the number in the column
2* S 2* S
( − O ) “378”, that will give the number in the column ( + O ) “798”.
∆t ∆t

2* S
2- Use that number + O “798” and by the curve produced before “Fig. (9.5)”to determine
∆t
the corresponding value of “O” “115”.

2* S 2* S
3- Apply the equation + O - (2*O) to determine − O of the next step
∆t ∆t
“798 – 2*115 = 568”.
4- Use the values of O to determine both Storage, and water surface elevation by using the curve
in Fig. (9.4).

57 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 Table (9.3) Routing table.

Time Inflow I1+I2 2S/∆t - 2S/∆t + Outflow Storage Elevatio

Hyd. O O n
in Min cfs In + cfs cfs O (cfs) cfs.hr ft
In+1
0 0 60 + 0 0.0
0
10 60 180 50 60 5 4.2 0.27
20 120 300 186 230 22 17.4 1.45
30 180 420 + 486 54 35.6 2.95
378
40 240 540 568 798 115 57.2 4.7
50 300 660 774 1108 167 77.1 6.3
60 360 680 1046 1434 194 99.8 7.25
70 320 600 1306 1726 210 127.0 8
80 280 520 1458 1906 224 139.8 8.7
90 240 440 1516 1978 231 145.9 9.05
100 200 360 1498 1956 229 144.2 8.95
110 160 280 1418 1858 220 112.5 7.6
120 120 200 1282 1698 208 124.7 7.9
130 80 120 1090 1482 196 105.3 7.4
140 40 40 854 1210 178 84.6 6.7
150 0 0 628 894 133 63.7 5.2
160 0 464 628 82 45.3 3.8
170 0 362 464 51 34.3 2.85
180 0 288 362 37 27.0 2.25
190 0 232 288 28 21.5 1.8
200 0 186 232 23 18.2 1.5

58 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 Inflow Hyd. Outflow Hyd.
400

350

300

250
Q cfs

200

150

100

50

0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Time in Min

Fig. (9- ), Inflow, and Outflow hydrographs.

59 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

Muskingum Channel Routing

The routing techniques can be used for design systems when the target outflow
hydrograph is given.

We should be able to develop sub area out flow hydrograph given are rainfall and
watershed properties using one of the unit hydrograph procedures.

SA 1

SA 2

SA 3
SA 4

Reservoir

Channel routing methods:

1- Hydraulic routing method

Mathematically and physically correct. Based on Partial Deferential Equations PDE of

mass and momentum conservation. They are generally varied unsteady flow equations, and they
are difficult to solve.

2- Hydrologic routing procedures (like Muskingum), based only on mass conservation + a simple
storage inflow-outflow relationship.

60 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 Inflow Hydrograph

L
Rainfall in cfs

k = vL
v
Time in hr

v Average velocity through the channel.

k Travel time.

Channels, like reservoirs, have storage associated with it causing inflow hydrograph to
attenuate (stretch out), and lag.

So, flow in channel will affect the shape of inflow hydrograph at the end of traveling in
the channel.

Fundamental Equations:

1- Mass conservation equation:

I1 + I 2 O1 + O2 S 2 − S1
− = (9-1)
2 2 ∆t

I1, I2, O1, and S1 are known.

O2, and S2 are unknown.

Bring in second relationship between O2, and S2 besides equation (9-1):

S = k {xI + (1 − x )O}
Where:

k Travel time through the reach in hours or days.

x Wedge coefficient. ( 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.50 )

if x = 0.0, it will indicated that there is only the prism, and water surface is parallel to the
channel bed.

61 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

Total storage beneath flood wave:

S = prism + wedge
= k .O + k .x(I − O )
S = k {x.I + (1 − x )O}

Wedge
Inflow Storage= k.x (
I-O)

Prism
Storage= k.O

Outflow

L=k.v

If x = 0.0 means that reservoir exists.

if x = 0.50 means very steep wave, or storm sewer, and it means also that there will be very little
storage in the channel. The outflow will be like inflow but shifted in time.

S1 = k {x.I1 + (1 − x )O1}

S 2 = k {x.I 2 + (1 − x )O2 }

S 2 − S1 = k {x(I 2 − I1 ) + (1 − x )(O2 − O1 )} ………. (

Substitute into equation (9-1), combine terms, and solve for O2

O2 = C0 .I 2 + C1.I1 + C 2 .O1 ………. (9-

62 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

Where:

− k .x + 0.50 * ∆t
C0 =
k (1 − x ) + 0.50 * ∆t

k .x + 0.50 * ∆t
C1 =
k (1 − x ) + 0.50 * ∆t

k − k .x − 0.50 * ∆t
C2 =
k (1 − x ) + 0.50 * ∆t

3
∑ Ci = 1 or –1, and this is a check if the values are correct.
i =1

Steps in channel routing:

1
1- set ∆t = * t p “on the rising side of inflow hydrograph”
5~6

2- Estimate or compute x, and k such that:

2.k .x ≤ ∆t ≤ k “Compatibility condition”

2
3- Compute C0, C1, and C2, ∑ Ci = 1
i =0

4- Organize routing table in ∆t intervals.

63 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 If the compatibility condition is not satisfied, the output hydrograph will be of strange
shape, and to overcome that problem one can divide the total channel length into two or more
reaches, and by that decrease the travel time “k”. The output hydrograph from the first portion of
the channel is considered inflow hydrograph for the second portion, and so on.

Inflow Hydrograph

Outflow Hydrograph
at the end of portion 1

Outflow Hydrograph

Portion 1

Portion 2

Example:

Perform the flood routing for a reach of river given:

x = 0.2, and k = 2 days.

The inflow hydrograph with ∆t = 1 day is given, assume equal inflow and outflow rates
on day 1.

Time 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Days
Inflow 4260 7646 1116 1673 2159 2095 2657 4600 5996 5774 4789 3446 2166
cfs 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Time 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Days
Inflow 3468 4518 4914 4129 3383 2051 1472 1143 9294 7831 6228 6083
cfs 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6

Solution:

Choose ∆t = 1 day, note that k, and ∆t must be in the same time units (min, hr, or day).

64 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

2.k .x ≤ ∆t ≤ k 2*2*0.2 ≤ 1 ≤ 2 o.k
− k .x + 0.50 * ∆t − 2 * 0.20 + 0.5 *1 0.10
C0 = = = = 0.04762
k (1 − x ) + 0.50∆t 2(1 − 0.20 ) + 0.50 *1 2.10

k .x + 0.50 * ∆t 0.90
C1 = = = 0.42857
k (1 − x ) + 0.50 * ∆t 2.10

k (1 − x ) − 0.50 * ∆t 1.10
C2 = = = 0.52381
k (1 − x ) + 0.50 * ∆t 2.10

2
∑ Ci = 0.04762 + 0.42857 + 0.52381 = 1.0
i =0

Time Inflow C0 * I2 C1 * I1 C2 * O1 Outflow

Days cfs cfs
1 4260 4260
2 7646 364 1826 2231 4421
3 11167 532 3277 2316 6125
4 16730 797 4786 3208 8791
5 21590 1028 7170 4605 12803
6 20950 998 9253 6706 16957
7 26570 1265 8979 8882 19126
8 46000 2190 11387 10018 23596
9 59960 2855 19714 12360 34929
10 57740 2750 25697 18296 46743
11 47890 2280 24746 24484 51511
12 34460 1641 20524 26982 49147
13 21660 1031 14769 25744 41544
14 34680 1651 9283 21761 32695
15 45180 2151 14863 17126 34140
16 49140 2340 19363 17883 39586
17 41290 1966 21060 20735 43762
18 33830 1611 17696 22923 42229
19 20510 977 14499 22120 37595
20 14720 701 8790 19693 29184
21 11436 545 6309 15287 22140
22 9294 443 4901 11597 16941
23 7831 373 3983 8874 13230
24 6228 297 3356 6930 10583
25 6083 290 2669 5543 8502

65 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 Inflow Outflow
70

60

50
Discharge (1000 cfs)

40

30

20

10

0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Time in days

66 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 Task / Hydrologic Data Output
Operation Input

1- Define Rainfall time distribution for some TP40 . National Rainfall Hydrograph.
specified storm weather services and a
known distribution

2- Define Sub-area boundaries, and measure USGS map, or Sub-area boundaries,

drainage areas. 30 m DEM and areas.

3- Land use and soil data Montgomery County HSG type and CN
Arial photography, long term zoning map, or soil map.
comprehensive plan for the area.

4- Estimate time of concentration from the Land slope, length of Tc for each sub-area.
most distant point Tc. channels (flow
elements).

5- Unit Hydrograph for each sub-area Lag for Tc, and UH for all sub-areas for
SCS Unit Hydrograph drainage area. specified time duration.

6- Apply Uh in each sub-area to distribution

of rain excess using ∆t intervals = time
labels of UH.

7- Combine SA1 + SA2 storm hydrograph.

8- Main channel routing x, L, k

+combined inflow
hydrograph from step 7

9- Combine outflow from step 8 with SA3.

10- Reservoir routing of step 9 inflow inflow from step 9 +

hydrograph elevation vs. outflow,
elevation vs. storage

67 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

Step (1) in problem set “8”

Summarizing the data for each sub-area:

Sub area Drainage Curve No TC Main Channel

No. area m2 CN min Depth Dn VBF L ft TCh.
1 58 211 5.0 ft 4.56 37488 2.28
2 79 5.0
3 90 9.0 AB
12.0 BC

Where:

CN curve number of each sub-area according to the land use.

TC Time of concentration (the time required for a water drop at the most
distant point in the sub-area to reach the target point).
VBF the mean velocity of water in the channel.
L Length of the channel.
L
TCh. Time of traveling water through the channel =
VBF

Methods of calculating Tc

By definition, the time of concentration is the time of travel for a drop of water leaving
the most distant point in the contributing area and arriving at the downstream point of interest.

The time of concentration includes:

1- Overland or sheet flow time.

2- Ditch or swale flow time.
3- Flow in channel or pipe.

An example calculation of the total flow time in the upper reach sub-area of the Calder
Ally watershed in downtown Salem, VA is shown by different methods:

68 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 Method Formulas for TC Remarks
and Date minutes

1- Kirpich 0.385 Developed from SCS data for

1940 ⎛ L2 ⎞ 7 rural basins in Tennessee
Tc = 0.0078 * ⎜ ⎟
⎜ S ⎟ with well-defined channel and
⎝ ⎠ steep slopes (3% to 10%). For
overland flow on concrete or
L Length of channel/ditch asphalt surface multiply TC by
from head water to outlet. 0.40. For concrete channels
S Average gully slope, ft / ft multiply by 0.20. No
adjustment for overland flow
on bare soil or flow in roadside
ditches.
Reference: Civil Engineering,
Vol. 10, No. 6, June 1940.

2- Izzard Developed in laboratory

41.025(0.0007i + c )L0.33
1946 Tc = experiments by Bureau of
S 0.333 .i 0.667 public Roads for overland flow
i Rainfall intensity, in/hr on roadway and turf surface.
c Retardance coefficient Values of the retardance
L Length of flow path, feet coefficient range from 0.007
S Slope of flow path, ft/ft for very smooth pavement, C =
0.012 for concrete pavement;
C = 0.06 for dense turf.
Solution is extremely tedious
and requires iteration. Product
(i times L) should be < 500.
Reference: Proc. Highway
Research Board Vol. 26, pp.
129-146, 1946

69 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 L:

3- Federal Aviation Agency

1970

4- Kinamatic wave formula

Morgali 1965

5- Old SCS lag equation

1975

6- New SCS sheet flow eqn.

70 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 Flood Frequency Analysis:

Example:

Water year Date Flow cfs Max. flow in

a single year
1928-29 3 Feb 1520 1520
1929-30 15 Dec 6000 6000
1930-31 23 Jan 1500 1500
1931-32 24 Dec 5440 5440
1932-33 16 Mar 1080 1080
1933-34 29 Dec 2630 2630
1934-35 4 Jan 4010 4010
1934-35 28 Feb 3190
1934-35 8 Apr 3040
1935-36 11 Jan 3930
1935-36 21 Feb 4380 4380
1936-37 14 Feb 3310 3310
1937-38 20 Nov 4700
1937-38 11 Dec 23000 23000
1937-38 2 Feb 5050
1937-38 23 Mar 4950
1938-39 8 Mar 1260 1260
1939-40 2 Jan 4600
1939-40 28 Feb 11400 11400
1939-40 30 Mar 9360
1940-41 24 Dec 6240
1940-41 10 Feb 12200 12200
1940-41 1 Mar 4250
1940-41 4 Apr 7260
1941-42 3 Dec 4130
1941-42 16 Dec 6910
1941-42 27 Jan 5450
1941-42 6 Feb 11000 11000
1942-43 21 Jan 6450
1942-43 8 Mar 6970 6970

71 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 Water year Date Flow cfs Max. flow in
a single year
1943-44 4 Mar 3220 3220
1944-45 5 Feb 3230 3230
1945-46 4 Dec 3660 6180
1945-46 21 Dec 6180
1946-47 12 Feb 4070 4070
1947-48 23 Mar 7320 7320
1947-48 28 Apr 3380
1948-49 11 Mar 3870 3870
1949-50 4 Feb 4430 4430
1950-51 16 Nov 3870
1950-51 22 Jan 3510 3870
1950-51 11 Feb 3660
1951-52 1 Dec 4930
1951-52 26 Dec 5280 5280
1951-52 1 Feb 4650
1952-53 9 Jan 7710 7710
1952-53 27 Apr 3070
1953-54 17 Jan 4910 4910
1953-54 13 Feb 3300
1953-54 4 Apr 4240
1954-55 11 Nov 2480 2480
1955-56 22 Dec 9180 9180
1955-56 7 Jan 5020
1955-56 22 Feb 6480
1956-57 24 Feb 6140 6140
1957-58 26 Jan 3060
1957-58 12 Feb 4330
1957-58 24 Feb 6880 6880
1957-58 21 Mar 4540
1957-58 2 Apr 3970

72 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 No. Max. flow Plotting
in descending order Position
1 23000 1.67
2 12200 5.00
3 11400 8.33
4 11000 11.67
5 9180 15.00
6 7710 18.33
7 7320 21.67
8 6970 25.00
9 6880 28.33
10 6180 31.67
11 6140 35.00
12 6000 38.33
13 5440 41.67
14 5280 45.00
15 4910 48.33
16 4430 51.67
17 4380 55.00
18 4070 58.33
19 4010 61.67
20 3870 65.00
21 3870 68.33
22 3310 71.67
23 3230 75.00
24 3220 78.33
25 2630 81.67
26 2480 85.00
27 1520 88.33
28 1500 91.67
29 1260 95.00
30 1080 98.33
174470

PE (The expedience probability):

m
1- According to Weibll PE =
N +1
2m − 1
2- According to Hazen PE =
2N
2m − 1
Plotting Position =
2N

73 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

Statistical Operations

1- Mean value:
1 N
Q= ∑ Qi
N i =1
Where:

N No. of years in the sample.

2- Standard deviation:

SQ =
1 N
(
∑ Qi − Q
N − 1 i =1
) 2

Another simpler form of standard deviation:

1 ⎛N 2 2⎞
SQ = ⎜⎜ ∑ Qi − N .Q ⎟⎟
N − 1 ⎝ i =1 ⎠

3- Mean log:

x = “mean log10 of Qi = log10 (Qi ) ≠ log10 Q ( )

1
x = * [log10 (Q1 ) + log10 (Q2 ) + log10 (Q3 ) + .................. + log10 (QN )]
N
or:
xi = log10 (Qi ), and
1 N
x = ∑ xi
N i =1

4- Standard deviation of logs of Q:

1 ⎛N 2 2⎞
Sx = ⎜⎜ ∑ xi − N x ⎟⎟
N − 1 ⎝ i =1 ⎠

5- Skew coefficient of xi

( )
N
N 3
gx = * ∑ xi − x
(N − 1)(N − 2 )(Sx ) 3
i =1

74 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

Example:

For the previous table:

1
Q= * 174470 = 5815.67 ≅ 5816 cfs
30

1 ⎛N 2 2⎞
SQ = ⎜⎜ ∑ Qi − N .Q ⎟⎟
N − 1 ⎝ i =1 ⎠

SQ =
1
30 − 1
(
1569033500 − 30 * (5815.67 ) = 4372.225 cfs
2
)

1 N
x = ∑ xi
N i =1
1
x= * 109.9673 = 3.67
30

4- Standard deviation of logs of Q:

1 ⎛N 2 2⎞
Sx = ⎜⎜ ∑ xi − N x ⎟⎟
N − 1 ⎝ i =1 ⎠

1
Sx = (405.7572 − 30 * 3.67 ) = 0.303
30 − 1

5- Skew coefficient of xi

( )
N
N 3
gx = * ∑ xi − x
(N − 1)(N − 2 )(Sx )3 i =1

30
gx = * (− 0.12425) = -0.165
(30 − 1)(30 − 2 )(0.303)3

75 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

1- Normal Distribution to flood flows:

Fit standard normal distribution to annual series, use Cumulative Distribution Function CDF
table (table D.3.1)

F(z)

- z
8

8
z
1
F (z ) =
2

∫ e .dz
−z 2
2π −∞

QTR = Q + K TR * SQ “General frequency factor method for QTR”

Where:

QTR flood discharge in a return period of (TR).

KTR factor determined from standard normal table “SND”.

Ex:

Q = 5816 cfs SQ = 4372 cfs x = 3.67 Sx = 0.303

Find:
1- Q2 (the flood discharge of a return period of 2 years)
2- Q

Solution:

QTR = Q + K TR * SQ
Q2 = Q + K 2 * SQ

To find K2 use (cumulative probability of the standard normal distribution table), and note
that the value of (z) in the table will equal to the non-exceeding probability of (K).

76 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

For example, if (K = 2),
1 1
PE = , non-exceeding probability = 1 − = 1- 0.50 = 0.50
K K
You will find that the value of (z) corresponding to (0.50) is (0.0), so K2 = 0.0
Q2 = Q + K 2 * SQ

Q2 = 5816 + 0.0 * 4372 = 5816 cfs.

K=5
Non-exceeding probability = 1 – 1/5 = 0.80

You will find that the value of (z) corresponding to (0.80) is between (0.84, and 0.85)

You can find K5 by linear interpolation between (0.7995, and 0.8023)

0.04 0.001785714 0.05

0.80
0.7995 0.8 0.8023

K5 = 0.8+0.04+0.001785714 = 0.8418

Q5 = 5816 + 0.8418 * 4372 = 9496 cfs.

K = 10

K10
Non-exceeding probability = 1 – 1/10 = 0.90

You will find that the value of (z) corresponding to (0.90) is between (1.28, and 1.29)
you can find K10 by linear interpolation between (0.8997, and 0.9015)

0.08 0.001666667 0.09

1.20
0.8997 0.9 0.9015

K10 = 1.20 + 0.80 + 0.0016667 = 1.2816

Q10 = 5816 + 1.2816 * 4372 = 11,419 cfs.

77 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

z 0.00 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06 0.07 0.08 0.09
0.0 0.500
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4

0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8 0.7995 0.8023
0.9

1.0
1.1
1.2 0.8997 0.9015
1.3
1.4

1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9

2.0 0.9798 0.9803

2.1
2.2
2.3 0.9898 0.9901
2.4

K = 50
K50
Non-exceeding probability = 1 – 1/50 = 0.98
You will find that the value of (z) corresponding to (0.98) is between (2.05, and 2.06)
You can find K50 by linear interpolation between (0.9798, and 0.9803)

0.05 0.004 0.06

2.0
0.9798 0.98 0.9803

K50 = 2.0 + 0.05 + 0.004 = 2.054

Q50 = 5816 + 2.054 * 4372 = 14,796 cfs

78 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 K = 100

K100
Non-exceeding probability = 1 – 1/50 = 0.99
You will find that the value of (z) corresponding to (0.98) is between (2.32, and 2.33)
You can find K100 by linear interpolation between (0.9898, and 0.9901)

0.02 0.0067 0.03

2.3
0.9898 0.98 0.9901

K100 = 2.30 + 0.02 + 0.0067 = 2.3267

Q50 = 5816 + 2.3267 * 4372 = 15,988 cfs

Q Return period KTR QTR = Q + K TR * SQ

TR (years)
5816 2 0.0 5816
5 0.8418 9496
10 1.2816 11,419
50 2.054 14,796
100 2.3267 15,988

Plot the data on a special probability graph.

Example:

Calculate Q1.5 by using the Cumulative Distribution Function, and the following results from a
sample size = 30 years:
Q = 5816 cfs SQ = 4372 cfs x = 3.67 Sx = 0.303

Solution:

For K1.5, PE = 1 / 1.50 = 66.667 %

Non-exceeding probability = 1 – 0.66667 = 0.333

The smallest value in the CDF table is 0.50

79 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

2- Log Normal Distribution
The lognormal probability density function (PDF) analysis of flood flow:

xTR = x + K TR * Sx

Where:
xTR
x Mean log10 of Qi =
KTR
Sx Standard deviation of logs of Q

Example:

From a field data of flood peaks of a sample equals to 30 years, the following results were
obtained:

Q = 5816 cfs SQ = 4372 cfs x = 3.67 Sx = 0.303 gx = -0.165

By using the lognormal distribution, find Q2, Q5, Q10, Q50, and Q100.

Solution:

TR = 2
K2 = 0.0 “As calculated before by using CDF table”

xTR = x + K TR * Sx
x2 = 3.67 + 0.0 * 0.303 = 3.67

Q2 = 103.67 = 4677 cfs

TR = 5
K5 = 0.8418
x5 = 3.67 + 0.8418 * 0.303 = 3.925

Q5 = 103.925 = 8415 cfs

TR = 10
K10 = 1.2816
x10 = 3.67 + 1.2816 * 0.303 = 4.058

Q10 = 104.058 = 11,437 cfs

80 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

 TR = 50
K50 = 2.054
x50 = 3.67 + 2.054 * 0.303 = 4.29

Q50 = 104.29 = 19,605 cfs

TR = 100
K100 = 2.3267
x100 = 3.67 + 2.3267 * 0.303 = 4.375

Q100 = 104.375 = 23,713 cfs

x Return period KTR xTR = x + K TR * Sx QTR = 10 xTR

TR (years)
3.67 2 0.0 3.67 4677
5 0.8418 3.925 8415
10 1.2816 4.058 11,437
50 2.054 4.29 19,605
100 2.3267 4.375 23,713

3- The Log-Pearson type III Distribution:

xTR = x + K TR * Sx
where:
KTR Factor depends on the skew coefficient (gx), and the exceeding probability
(PE).
The values of KTR are placed in table (3.4) in the text book.

Example:

From a field data of flood peaks of a sample equals to 30 years, the following results were
obtained:

Q = 5816 cfs SQ = 4372 cfs x = 3.67 Sx = 0.303 gx = -0.165

By using the Log-Pearson type III Distribution find Q2, Q5, Q10, Q50, and Q100.

81 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

Solution:

The skew coefficient (gx) is rounded to one decimal digit.

gx = -0.165 ≅ -0.20

TR = 2

PE = 1 / 2 = 50 %

From the table: PE (Percent change) = 50, and Skew coefficient = -0.20, KTR = 0.033

x2 = 3.67 + 0.033 * 0.303 = 3.68

Q2 = 103.68 = 4786 cfs.

TR = 5

PE = 1 / 5 = 20 %

From the table: PE (Percent change) = 20, and Skew coefficient = -0.20, KTR = 0.850

x5 = 3.67 + 0.850 * 0.303 = 3.93

Q5 = 103.93 = 8464 cfs.

TR = 10

PE = 1 / 10 = 10 %

From the table: PE (Percent change) = 10, and Skew coefficient = -0.20, KTR = 1.258

x10 = 3.67 + 1.258 * 0.303 = 4.05

Q10 = 104.05 = 11,251 cfs.

TR = 50

PE = 1 / 50 = 2 %

From the table: PE (Percent change) = 2, and Skew coefficient = -0.20, KTR = 1.945
x50 = 3.67 + 1.945 * 0.303 = 4.26
Q50 = 104.26 = 18,169 cfs.

TR = 100

PE = 1 / 100 = 1 %

82 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]

From the table: PE (Percent change) = 1, and Skew coefficient = -0.20, KTR = 2.178

x100 = 3.67 + 2.178 * 0.303 = 4.33

Q100 = 104.33 = 21,376 cfs.

x Return period KTR xTR = x + K TR * Sx QTR = 10 xTR

TR (years)
3.67 2 0.033 3.68 4786
5 0.850 3.93 8464
10 1.258 4.05 11,251
50 1.945 4.26 18,169
100 2.178 4.33 21,376

4- The Gumbel (Extreme Value Type I) Distribution:

Gumbel Extreme-Value Frequency Factors

Sample Recurrence Intervals
Size 10 20 25 50 75 100
15 1.703 2.410 2.632 3.321 3.721 4.005
20 1.625 2.302 2.517 3.179 3.583 3.836
25 1.575 2.235 2.444 3.068 3.463 3.729
30 1.541 2.188 2.393 3.026 3.3393 3.653
40 1.495 2.126 2.326 2.943 3.301 3.554
50 1.466 2.086 2.283 2.889 3.241 3.491
60 1.446 2.059 2.253 2.852 3.200 3.446
70 1.430 2.038 2.230 2.824 3.169 3.413
75 1.423 2.029 2.220 2.812 3.155 3.400
100 1.401 1.998 2.187 2.770 3.109 3.394
1.305 1.866 2.044 2.592 2.911 3.137

83 Prepared by Amr A. El Sayed, [email protected]