Instruments for Measuring Stream Velocity

Stream velocities are commonly determined either by the use of floats or by the use of current
meters. Float measurements are not as reliable or accurate as measurements done by current
meters. The use of floats is usually limited to velocity measurements artificial channels where
the stretch is straight and having a fairly uniform cross-section throughout the length of the
reach. The current meter is the most reliable instrument for measuring stream flow since
velocities can be accurately determined at nearly all points in the cross-section of the stream and
over a sufficient period of time. Current meters are used to indirectly measure subsurface
velocities in streams while floats primarily measure surface velocities. Also, current meters can
be better used in natural channels and streams where cross-sections are variable and stretches are
irregular.

Figure 1. Sample of Floats

 Figure 2. Sample of Current Meters

Measurement of Stream Discharge

Measurement of stream discharge are usually made in connection with the design of water
supply systems, flood protection works, hydroelectric power development, irrigation systems,
and fish farming structures. In the construction of a bridge, stream discharge data is also needed
in order to position the structure safely above flood levels. It is also important to determine
maximum discharge of a stream when estimating size of culverts and waterway areas needed
under some structures.
The principal information sought in a discharge measurement is the volume of water flowing
past a measuring section of a stream in a given period of time. The discharge of streams, ditches,
flumes, canals, and other waterways is expressed in cubic meters per second ( /sec). Discharge
measurements are made on several occasions at times of low, average, and flood stages. A single
discharge figure is seldom useful. In the analysis of an engineering problem a discharge
measurement only becomes effective after it is combined with several other measurements made
at the same section at various other stages. Accurate knowledge of stream flow can only be
obtained if regular observations are made, and these observations often extend over a period of
years.

There are various methods of determining stream discharge. The nature of the problem to be
solved will define the type of field information to be gathered and the particular method to be
used. Three of the more distinct methods of determining discharge in streams and open channels
are the: Velocity-Area Method, Slope-Area Method, and the Weir Method.

1. Velocity-Area Method.

The velocity-area method of measuring discharge is commonly employed in channels and rivers.
It consists essentially of making observations of velocity at selected depths on several verticals
or subsections along a line transverse to the direction of flow.

Total Cross-sectional Area

Where:

IRP = initial reference point

LWE = left water edge
RWE = right water edge
a, b, c, … n = are subsections
= areas of subsections (areas near water edges are areas of triangles
while the rest are areas of trapezoids.)
= horizontal lengths of subsections
= velocity of vertical lines (velocity at water edges is zero)
= depth of vertical lines
= average velocity of subsections
 Total Discharge

Where:

Average Velocity

2. Slope-Area Method.

The slope-area method of determining discharge is used primarily for obtaining the peak flow of
a stream after the stage has receded. A straight stretch of river of uniform slope and cross-section
is required. The fall and the distance between the points at which it is measured should be
sufficiently great that the inclination can be determined without serious error.

Chezy formula:

Hydraulic Radius

Kutter’s coefficient

Manning’s coefficient
Where:

Q = discharge (cu.m/sec)
V = mean velocity (m/sec)
A = cross-sectional area (sq.m)
C = Kutter’s or Manning’s variable coefficient
R = hydraulic radius (m)
S = longitudinal slope of the water surface
n = roughness coefficient
P = wetted perimeter

3. Weir Method

A weir is an overflow structure built across an open channel or stream. They are frequently used
to measure discharge in streams, irrigation ditches, canals, large sewers, and other hydraulic
channels where the velocities and depths are not suitable for measurement by current meters.
Velocity-Area Method Problem. From the current meter notes taken on the Pasig River, the
main outlet of the Laguna Lake.

a. Compute the total cross sectional area ( )

b. Compute the total discharge ( )
c. Compute the mean velocity ( )

Distances of verticals from Depth Velocity

Reference Point
33 m (Water Edge) 0 0
45 m 2.5 m 0.27 m/sec
60 m 3.3 m 0.32 m/sec
75 m 2m 0.21 m/sec
85 m (Water Edge) 0 0

Note:

Procedure:

1. Compute for the area of each sub-section.

2. Compute for the total cross sectional area. (Summation of sub-sections)
3. Compute for the velocity of each sub-section.
4. Compute for the discharge of each sub-section.
5. Compute for the total discharge. (Summation of sub-sections)
6. Compute for the mean velocity.

SOLUTION

Solving for

Note:

The cross section of the river is divided into four sub-sections namely [a], [b], [c], and [d]. Get
each area. Sub-sections [a] and [d] are to be considered as right triangles. Sub-sections [b] and
[c] are to be considered as trapezoids. The summation of the area of each sub-section is the total
cross sectional area of the river.
 Solving for

Note:
Compute first the velocity of each sub-section by getting the average of the velocity of the
verticals. Water edge has zero velocity.

Get the discharge of each sub-section. The summation of the discharge of each sub-section is the
total discharge of the river.
Solving for
Slope-Area Method Problem. Given the following data for stream of uniform flow.

A = 6.97 sq.m. (average stream cross-sectional area)

P = 9.76 m. (watted perimeter)
S = 0.007 (slope of stream bed)
n = 0.025 (roughness coefficient)

Assuming constant stream bed slope and little variation on the cross-section and condition of the
bed, determine the following:

a. Hydraulic radius
b. Average velocity of the stream using Manning’s coefficient, and the corresponding
discharge.
c. Average velocity of the stream using Kutter’s coefficient, and the corresponding
discharge.

SOLUTION

Solving for R

Solving for V and Q using Manning’s Coefficient

Solving for V and Q using Kutter’s Coefficient