Unit HYDRAULICS

Module 3 –Hydrostatic Force on Surfaces

Learning After finishing this module, you are expected to:
Objectives

1. Explain center of pressure and hydrostatically

equivalent force. Describe how pressure is related to
pressure force.
2. Apply the panel equations to predict forces and
moments.
3. Solve problems that involve curved surfaces.

Topics 3.1 Predicting Forces on Plane Surfaces

3.2 Calculating Forces on Curved Surfaces

Engineering Fluid Mechanics 9th Edition, Crowe C., Elger D., Williams B., Roberson J.
Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics, Dit Gillesania
Hydraulics, Besavilla

3.1 Predicting Forces on Plane Surfaces

Engineers predict hydrostatic forces on large structures such as dams. Thus, this section
explains how to relate pressure to force. Next, this section describes how to calculate
hydrostatic forces on panels, where a panel is a fl at surface.
The Pressure Distribution
A pressure distribution is a visual or mathematical description that shows how pressure
varies from Point to point along a surface. For example, in the Figure the pressure will be
high in the front of the cylinder and low in the back of the cylinder.

Force of a Uniform Pressure Distribution

When pressure is the same at every point, as shown in Figure, the pressure distribution is
called a uniform pressure distribution. For a uniform pressure distribution, reduces to
𝐹𝑝 = 𝑝𝐴
The resultant force of pressure Fp passes through a point called the center of pressure
(CP). Notice that the CP is represented using a circle with a “plus symbol” inside. For a
uniform pressure distribution on a panel, the CP is Located at the centroid of area.

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Figure: Uniform pressure distribution and equivalent force.

Hydrostatic Pressure Distribution

When a pressure distribution is produced by a fluid in hydrostatic equilibrium, then the
pressure distribution is called a hydrostatic pressure distribution. Notice that a hydrostatic
pressure distribution is linear with depth. In the figure, the pressure distribution is
represented by a resultant force that acts at the CP. Notice that the CP is located below
the centroid of area.

TOTAL HYDROSTATIC FORCE ON PLANE SURFACES

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FORMULA:
𝐹 = 𝛾ℎ̅𝐴
Location of F (yp)

𝐼𝑠
𝑦𝑝 =
𝐴𝑌̅
By transfer of moment of inertia:

𝐼𝑔
𝑦𝑝 = 𝑌̅ +
𝐴𝑌̅
Eccentricity
𝐼𝑔
𝑒=
𝐴𝑌̅
Where:
Is=moment of inertia of the plane with respect to the water surface
Ig=moment of inertia with respect in C.G.

Properties of Plane Areas

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EXAMPLE
Determine the force acting on one side of a concrete form 2.4m high and 1.2m wide that is
used for pouring a basement wall. The specific weight of concrete is 23.5kN/m3.

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EXAMPLE
A triangular gate with base = 4m and altitude of 3m is submerged in water. If the vertex is
2m below the surface determine:
a. Location of center of pressure
b. Hydrostatic force on one side of the gate

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EXAMPLE
A vertical gate 1.6m wide and 2m high has water on one side and is inclined 45° with the
horizontal. Water is 2m above the top of the gate.
a. Compute the hydrostatic force acting on the gate.
b. Compute its location of the center of pressure from B.
c. If the gate is hinged at the top (B), what force is needed at the bottom (A) to open the
gate

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3.2 TOTAL HYDROSTATIC FORCE ON CURVED SURFACES

As engineers, we calculate forces on curved surfaces when we are designing
components such as tanks, pipes, and curved gates.
Consider the curved surface AB in the Figure. The goal is to represent the pressure
distribution with a resultant force that passes through the center of pressure. One approach
is to integrate the pressure force along the curved surface and find the equivalent force.
Using the FBD and summing forces in the horizontal direction shows that

𝐹𝑥 = 𝐹𝐴𝐶

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The line of action for the force FAC is through the center of pressure for side AC.
The vertical component of the equivalent force is

𝐹𝑦 = 𝛾𝑉
Where:

𝛾=unit weight of fluid

𝑉=volume above the curved surface to
the liquid surface
To determine the volume, draw vertical
lines(orange) from endpoints in contact with the
liquid of the curved surface up to the liquid
surface. The boundary covered by the curved
surface, vertical lines, and the liquid surface is
now the volume required (shaded in green) to
determine the vertical force.
The direction of the vertical force will be known
depending on where the water is located.

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EXAMPLE:
Surface AB is a circular arc with a radius of 2 m and a width of 1 m into the paper. Th e
distance EB is 5 m. The fluid above surface AB is water. Find the magnitude and line of
action of the hydrostatic force acting on surface AB.

Vertical
Hydrostatic Force

Horizontal
Hydrostatic Force

Resultant
Hydrostatic
Location of FH Force
From water surface
Location of Fy:

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Line of action of the resultant force:

EXAMPLE:
A sluice gate is in the form of a circular arc of radius 4m as shown.
a. Compute the horizontal force acting on the gate.
b. Compute the vertical force acting on the gate.
c. Compute the magnitude of the resultant force acting on the gate.

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EXAMPLE:
A sluice gate is in the form of a circular arc of radius 5m as shown in the figure.
a. Compute the horizontal force acting on the gate
b. Compute the vertical force acting on the gate
c. Compute the magnitude of the resultant force acting on the gate.

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3.2 ANALYSIS OF GRAVITY DAM
A dam is a structure built across a stream or river to hold water back. Dams can be used
to store water, control flooding, and generate electricity.
A dam is subjected to hydrostatic forces due to water on its upstream side. These forces
cause dam to slide horizontally on its foundation and overturn of about its downstream edge or
toe. These tendencies are resisted by friction on the base of the dam and gravitational forces
which causes a moment opposite to the overturning moment. The dam may also be prevented
from sliding by keying its base.

Gravity Dam Analysis

Step 1
Consider 1 unit length (1 m length) of dam perpendicular to the cross section.
Step 2
Determine all the forces acting:
Vertical forces
W = Weight of dam
FV = Weight of water in the upstream side (if any)
U = Hydrostatic uplift
Weight of permanent structures on the dam

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Horizontal forces
FH = Horizontal component of total hydrostatic force
Wind pressure, wave action, floating bodies, earthquake load, etc.
Step 3
Solve for the reaction

Horizontal component of the reaction

Rx=ΣFH
Vertical component of the reaction
Ry=ΣFV

Step 4
Moment about the toe
Righting moment, RM
RM = Sum of all rotation towards the upstream side
Overturning moment, OM
OM = Sum of all rotation towards the downstream side
Step 5
Location of Ry as measured from the toe
𝑅𝑀 − 𝑂𝑀
𝑥=
𝑅𝑦
Factors of Safety
Factor of safety against sliding, FSs
𝜇𝑅𝑦
𝐹𝑆𝑠 = > 1.0
𝑅𝑥

Factor of safety against overturning, FSo

𝑅𝑀
𝐹𝑆𝑜 = > 1.0
𝑂𝑀

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Where μ = coefficient of friction between the base of the dam and the foundation.

Foundation Pressure
Eccentricity, e
1
𝑒 = | 𝐵 − 𝑥̅ |
2
If e≤B/6, Ry is within the middle third and the foundation pressure is trapezoidal acting from heel
to toe. If e is exactly B/6, the shape of foundation pressure is triangular also acting from heel to
toe.

𝑅𝑦 6𝑒
𝑞=− (1 ± )
𝐵 𝐵

For the sign of 6e/B, use (+) at point where Ry is nearest. From the diagram above, use (+) for
qT and (-) for qH. A negative q indicates compressive stress and a positive q indicates tensile
stress. A positive q will occur when e>B/6. In foundation design, soil is not allowed to carry
tensile stress, thus, any +q will be neglected in the analysis.
If e>B/6, Ry is outside the middle third and the foundation pressure is triangular.

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2𝜋𝑦
𝑞𝑒 =
3𝑥
EXAMPLE:
A rectangular dam having a width of 15m has a height of 23.5m. The depth of water on
one side of the dam is 20 m. If the coefficient of friction between the dam and the foundation is
0.85. (Assume a 1m length of dam)
a. Determine the hydrostatic force acting on the wall.
b. Determine the factor of safety for sliding if the density of concrete is 2310kg/m3.
c. Determine the factor of safety against overturning.

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EXAMPLE: CE BOARD MAY 2002
The section of a concrete gravity dam shown. Neglect hydrostatic uplift and use unit
weight of concrete to 23.5kN/m3. Coefficient of friction between the base of the dam and the
foundation is 0.6. Determine the following:
a. Factor of safety against sliding
b. Factor of safety against overturning
c. The overturning moment acting against the dam in kN-m

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https://youtu.be/nkLP9gTqwoQ
https://youtu.be/k6ggfxDJafw

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WORKSHEET No. 2: Hydrostatic Force on Surfaces

Name: _____________________________________ Course/Year: ___________

Instructor: __________________________________ Rating: ________________

Instructions: Answer the following problems and write your solutions.

1. A semicircle gate with radius = 4m is submerged in water as shown. Determine:

a. Location of center of pressure
b. Hydrostatic force on one side of the gate

2. The 5m diameter weighs 200kN and is 4m long. Determine:

a. The hydrostatic upward force and location(measured horizontally from A) due to
the effect of oil in the right side.
b. The horizontal reaction at A.
c. The vertical reaction at B.
d. Resultant Hydrostatic force on the cylinder

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