SCHOOL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

OPEN CHANNEL PROJECT
Section. 3

Group members name Id

group
1.Haymanot nigussie ugr/26362/14 6
2.Emanda belay ugr/26442/14 5
3.Nardos endrias ugr/25 5
4.Nebiyat bekele ugr/25657/14 6
5,Daniel abebe. ugr/25962/14 5
Submitted to : Inst.SEGNI.L
Submitting date: Jan 20
/2024

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No. Table of Contents Page no.

1 Introduction 3

2 Main objective of the project 5

3 Area of investigation 5

4 Method and equipment 7

5 Result 9

6 Observed points 12

7 Conclusion 14

8 Reference 15

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INTRODUCTION

The movement of liquids can occur in two primary forms:-

open channel flow and pressure flow.

Pressure flow is characterized by the movement of liquid within a

closed conduit, such as a pipe, where pressure serves as the main
driving force behind the flow. In contrast, open channel flow
occurs when the liquid has a free surface exposed to atmospheric
pressure, with gravity acting as the primary force driving the
flow. This type of flow is commonly found in natural waterways
like rivers, streams, and lakes, as well as in human-made
channels designed for transporting wastewater, stormwater, or
irrigation. Open channels can vary significantly in shape, size,
and material, influencing how water flows through them. The
design of these channels often considers ecological impacts, such
as providing habitats for aquatic life or facilitating recreational
activities like kayaking and fishing.
This type of flow is essential in various engineering applications,
including water supply systems, sewage disposal, and industrial
processes, where the liquid is often transported under pressure
to ensure efficient delivery. Additionally, pressure flow systems
can be designed to minimize leaks and conserve energy,
contributing to sustainability in urban water management.

The terms "uniform flow" and "varied flow" describe how depth
and velocity change with respect to distance. Uniform flow is
observed when the water surface is parallel to the channel
bottom, indicating that the flow remains consistent, usually at
what is deemed normal depth. In contrast, varied flow—also
referred to as non-uniform flow—occurs when either the depth or
velocity changes over a certain distance, such as in areas where
the channel narrows or over riffles. Gradually varied flow is
characterized by minor changes, while rapidly varied flow is
marked by significant changes, which can be seen in phenomena
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such as waves, waterfalls, or when a stream transitions quickly
into the inlet of a culvert.

The concepts of steady and unsteady flow are determined by

whether the depth and velocity of the flow change over time at a
specific point. Generally, if the volume of water entering and
exiting a section of the channel remains constant, the flow is
categorized as steady. Steady flow can further be classified into
uniform or non-uniform categories. Uniform flow occurs when the
average velocities at successive cross-sections of the channel
remain constant, which typically happens in channels with a
uniform cross-sectional area.

Conversely, non-uniform flow arises when there are gradual or

abrupt changes in the cross-sectional area of the channel, leading
to variations in flow conditions. Varied flow can be observed in
many natural landscapes, such as streams that meander through
valleys or rivers that narrow at certain points, causing changes in
velocity and depth. The study of these variations is crucial for
understanding sediment transport, nutrient cycling, and the
ecological health of water bodies.

The terms "uniform flow" and "varied flow" describe how depth
and velocity change with respect to distance. Uniform flow is
characterized by a water surface that is parallel to the channel
bottom, indicating that the flow remains consistent, usually at
what is deemed normal depth. This condition is essential for
maintaining ecological balance in aquatic environments, as it
supports habitats for various species.

In contrast, varied flow—also referred to as non-uniform flow—

occurs when either the depth or velocity changes over a certain
distance, such as in areas where the channel narrows, over riffles,
or around bends. Gradually varied flow is characterized by minor,

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smooth changes in depth, often resulting from gentle slopes or
minor obstructions in the channel. This type of flow is important
for sediment transport and nutrient cycling within aquatic
ecosystems.

Rapidly varied flow, on the other hand, is marked by significant

changes in flow conditions, which can be seen in phenomena such
as waves, waterfalls, or when a stream transitions quickly into
the inlet of a culvert. These abrupt changes can lead to
turbulence, increased erosion, and sediment deposition, making
them critical factors in river engineering and environmental
management. Additionally, rapidly varied flow conditions can
significantly impact the design of hydraulic structures, such as
spillways and weirs, which must be engineered to withstand the
forces exerted by such turbulent flows. Understanding the
dynamics of both steady and varied flows is essential for effective
water resource management, flood control, and habitat
conservation, as well as for addressing the challenges posed by
climate change, such as altered precipitation patterns and
increased flooding events.

MAIN OBJECTIVE OF PROJECT

 Factors (input parameters) that are considered for the

roadway open channel during

design and construction phase.

 To determine the selected type of open channel system.

 Collecting dimension data ( Such as Width (B), depth (y) ,

side slope(s )and longitudinal
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slope(So ) of the constructed open channel structure.

 Confirm if the constructed open channel were economical

 Check the limitations and compare your results with

constructed open channel

structure. Write conclusive remarks, and reports,then

present your finding

So in general this project is to investigate the design of the

channel constructed at Adama Science and Technology university
in front of civil engineering department. the estimation of
uniform velocity, V and rate of flow, Q (assumed maximum depth
of flow) based on Manning flow resistance equation.

AREA OF INVESTIGATION

The area that our group choose is the area infront of civil
enginnering department adjacent to the school of natural science
building . The surrounding environment of the channel is man-
made environment that is building, pedestrians and sewer. The
channel that we has choose is made from concrete, the shape is
rectangular channel (Figure 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3) and it clear
from mud or any obstacle that can affect the flow. The on-site
investigation at the time 11:45 on 22 jan 2025 is mostly a little bit
hot make the drain is dry. The flow direction of the channel is
flowing down into the sewer.

The drain is a Uniform flow at every section along the drain

channel. This because every 1 meter the depth of the drain we be
add 0.33 cm which is the depth of flow is the same at every
dy
section along the channel, =0.
dx

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 27.5cm 27.5 cm

13.5cm 24cm 14.5cm 26cm

8.5cm

8.5cm Point A
Point B

A B

24cm

3.5 Meter

Point C

1. METHOD AND EQUIPMENT

 EQUIPMENT

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1.

Measuring Tape: use to measure

length of channel, width and
depth.

2.

Ruler: to measure a length.

PROCDURE

Step 1:- By using measuring tape, measure the length of 3m

that start at any place of the channel that has been chosen

for the upstream, middle and downstream.

Step 2:-Mark the start point as Point A and the end of it is

mark as point B.

Step 3:- Sketch the drain shape/ channel geometries.

Step 4:-Measure the bottom width, B and depth, y for the

rectangular and half circle of the channel from point A.

Step 5:-Record the values B and y of the Point A channel.

Step 6:-Repeat the step 4 and 5 for the point B Channel.

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 CALCULATION (USED EQUATIONS)

o Hydraulic radius, R

o Area of flow, A

o Wetted perimeter, P

o Longitudinal channel bed slope, So

o Uniform velocity of flow, V (manning formula)

o Rate of flow/ Discharge, Q

5. VELOCITY AND DISCHARGE FLOW

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 RESULT

 DATA ANALYSIS

Formula:

∆Z
So =
∆H

n = from table 1
2 1
1
V = R 3 So2
n

Q= AV

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 A
R=
P

1. Area, A

Rectangular
A = 0.275 X 0.24

= 0.066 m2

2. Wetted Perimeter, P

Rectangular
P = 0.275 + 2(0.24)
= 0.73m
= 0.755

3. Longitudinal Slope, S0

0.2 75 −0.24
So = = 1.167*10^-2
3

4.

C.-a.-1. Clean
recently completed
there for n = 0.018

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5. Velocity of flow, V

0.066
R=
0.755

= 0.087m

1
1 2
V¿ ( 0.0 87 ¿ ¿ )(1.167 ∗10 − 2 2 )¿
0.0 18 3

= 1.1688 m/s

6. Rate of flow, Q

Q = 0.066× 1.1688

= 0.077 m3/s

6. OBSERVED POINTS

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 The movement of water in an open channel is a common
sight, whether in natural settings like rivers or in man-made
structures such as irrigation ditches. While analyzing this
flow can be complex due to the variability of natural
channels, many key characteristics can be captured using
just a few variables, which a straightforward theory can
effectively describe. The main forces involved are inertia,
gravity, and viscosity, each contributing significantly to the
flow dynamics. Additionally, the width and depth of channels
play a crucial role in determining the velocity and discharge
rate of the water.

Natural channel

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artificial or manmade channel

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7. CONCLUSIONS

The artificial or manmade channel is plays an

important role to find the Uniform velocity of flow,

V and rate of flow, Q because the channel that be

made has various type of shape, different measure

in width and depth.

In conclusion, this project has highlighted the

fundamental principles governing the flow of water

in open channels, emphasizing the interplay

between inertia, gravity, and viscosity. Through

analysis and observation, we have established that

key characteristics of flow can be effectively

described using a few critical variables. The study

also underscores the importance of channel design

—specifically, width and depth—in influencing both

the velocity and discharge rate of water. These

findings not only enhance our understanding of

fluid dynamics in natural and artificial channels but

also provide valuable insights for effective water

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 management and engineering applications. Overall,

the research reinforces the significance of

integrating theoretical knowledge with practical

observations to optimize channel design for various

purposes, including irrigation and flood control.

8. REFERENCE

1. GRANT, D. M., Open Channel Flow Measurement Handbook,

1st edition, Lincoln, Instrumentation Specialties Company
(1979).
2. COLLINGE, V. K. and Simpson, James R., Dilution Techniques
for Flow Measurement, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne,
Department of Civil Engineering (1963).
3. MANNING ENVIRONMENTAL CORP., Flumes, Publication #
FL-778, Manning Environmental Corp., Santa Cruz.

4. INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ORGANISATION, Liquid Flow

Measurement in Open Channels - Velocity-area Methods -
Collection and Processing of Data for Determination of
Errors in Measurement, ISO 1088, Second Edition (1985).

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