International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology (IJEAT)

ISSN: 2249 – 8958, Volume-9 Issue-1, October 2019

Flow Over Side Weirs with Experimental &

CFD Results
Ansari U.S., Patil L.G.

Abstract: In irrigation, sewer systems and drainage engineering De Marchi (1934) equation was extensively used for
side weirs are used to as a hydraulic control structure from many coefficient of discharge for side weirs which includes
decades. Labyrinth side weir is a side weir with increased crest different types of side weirs such as rectangular side weir,
length due to folding in plan view as it provides additional length
trapezoidal side weir, circular side, labyrinth side weirs etc.
for a given opening. As a flow diversion structure in irrigation,
land drainage, urban sewage systems and in intake structures. Researchers have used different parameters which depend
Labyrinth side weirs can be used more efficiently than upon the Cd. In this paper we have reviewed papers on
conventional side weirs. In this review paper some investigations different types of side weirs and discussed different
of researchers with different parameter affecting coefficient of parameters. Also some CFD model results are presented
discharge and discharging capacity of side weirs are presented. In which required more detailed investigations of different
review it seems that different parameters are affecting on parameters.
discharge of side weir has been considered in empirical equations
given by researcher but few parameters are left for consideration.
In this paper effect of additional parameters like side weir
II. LITERATURE REVIEW SIDE WEIR
thickness and submergence condition is evaluated by CFD models Side weir discharge coefficient equation was given by
which can be a research tool to investigate future scope. Subramanya et al. (1972)[2], Nandesamoorthy et al.
Keyword: Side weir, CFD, Labyrinth side weir, Coefficient of (1972)[3], Yu-tech [(1972)[4], Ranga Raju et al. (1979)[5],
discharge. Hager (1987)[6] and Cheong (1991)[7], etc. have given
equations of coefficient of discharge which depends on
I. INTRODUCTION Froude number as shown in Fig 1.Figure clearly shows that
the equation given by all researchers does not verify the result
A side weir is used for flow regulating device in irrigation,
of one another although in all cases Cd decreases with
water distribution, waste-water engineering, drainage, flood
increase in Froude number.
control and other hydraulic structures. It is used to divert flow
from main channel to side channel when water level raised
above maximum allowable limit. The flow over a side weir is
a typical case of spatially varied flow with decreasing
discharge. The governing differential equation for such a
flow is:

(1)

Discharge over side weir is proposed by De Marchi (1934)[1]

which is used by several researchers. In De Marchi equation
an elementary strip of discharge dQ of length ds along the Fig 1. Cd versus Froude number by researchers
side weir in rectangular main channel is considered, given as Singh et al. (1995)[8] had conducted experiments in a
below. prismatic rectangular channel to determine the Froude
(2) number effect also analyzed the results of sill height variation
on coefficient of discharge for range of Froude number of
where Q=discharge in the main channel; dQ/ds or q= per unit
subcritical condition. The experimental setup was consisting
length spilling discharge of the side weir; g=acceleration due
of 23m long channel with 0.25m width and 0.35m depth. And
to gravity; h=depth of flow measured from the channel bottom
side channel has 4m length with 0.25m width and 0.35m
along the channel centerline; p=height of the side weir,
depth. Result shows that there was a rising trend of water
s=distance from the beginning of the side weir;; and Cd
surface profile along the length of crest of side weir. The
=discharge coefficient of rectangular side weir.
experiments was for Cd range of 0.45 to 0.84 and it was
observed that coefficient of discharge decreases with the
Revised Manuscript Received on October 15, 2019
increase in Froude number as shown in Fig.2. They had given
Ansari U.S., Research Scholar, , Department of Civil Engineering, a empirical equation for coefficient of discharge which
ShriGuru Gobind Singhji Institute of Engineering & Technology, Nanded, depends on ratio of sill height to upstream flow depth and
Mahrashtra, India -431606 Email: [email protected] upstream Froude number.
Dr. Patil L.G., Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering,
Shri Guru Gobind Singhji Institute of Engineering & Technology, Nanded,
Mahrashtra, India -431606 Email: [email protected]

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DOI: 10.35940/ijeat.A9650.109119 1315 & Sciences Publication
 Flow Over Side Weirs with Experimental & CFD Results

boundaries of solid wall, free surface and inlet, outlet has been
defined considering nature. Uniform distributions were given
for all of dependent variables with separate inlet for water and
air. Pressure outlet conditions were defined in main channel
and side channel from where fluid will exit the mesh. In
simulations they found that water surface profile is quite
similar in higher over flow condition of side weir and low
overflow condition of normal weir. In comparison of
maximum depth in downstream along the side weir section,
water depth is reduced.
In experimentation under high over flow rate occurrence of
separation zone was found at near to wall with decreasing
height, and this separation zone moved to downstream end
Fig. 2. Cd versus Froude number with different P/H with increasing width of side weir.
values. ( Singh et al. 1994) Crest height and of side weir opening has varied to find the
Swamee et al. (1994) [9] explained the elementary side weir effect on discharge and hydraulic characteristics and
coefficient of discharge on the basis of numerical solution. He comparison has been done. Doppler velocity meter has been
has solved the ordinary differential equations of flow depth used to measure Velocity variation and alteration in x, y and z
and discharge. The variation of width of crest of triangular component of velocity above the crest and vicinity of the side
side weir has been investigated and equation of coefficient of weir. At larger distance in both upstream and downstream
discharge for broad crested and sharp crested weir has form weir plan was horizontal and values of velocities in y
presented. and z directions are very small and x component of velocity is
Bagheri. S. et al (2012) [10] has conducted experiments to highest at the beginning of the weir and near the end it was
investigate the hydraulic features of rectangular sharp crested lowest. The vertical velocity gradually decreases with
side weirs. The experimental setup consists of 8m long increase of depth of flow. The analysis of 3D velocities shows
rectangular flume having 0.4m width and 0.6m depth. Steel that stagnation zone occurs close to the side weir end. At the
plate made weirs with 600 angle were fixed. Variation of side weirs end the hydraulic behavior is same as normal weir
parameters is shown in Fig.3 and Fig 4. and evacuation can be increased.
Emiroglu et al. (2010) [12] investigated the hydraulic
characteristics of triangular labyrinth side weirs. He attracted
due to larger discharging capacity due to increased crest
length for a fixed opening. The experimental setup consists of
experimentation in a 12m long rectangular flume with 0.5m
width and 0.5m depth with 0.001 bed slope. For controlling
the discharge and height of water in downstream sluice gate is
installed. The flow over labyrinth side weir was collected in
separate side channel. In that experimentation they had
studied coefficient of discharge, longitudinal velocities of
triangular labyrinth side weir and water surface profile. They
have tested labyrinth side weirs with included angle of 1200,
Fig. 3. Cd versus Froude number with different P/H 900,450, 600and linear side weir for different side weir
values. For L/B =1 ( Borghei et al. 2012) openings.
The effect of ration of side weir opening and main channel
width on coefficient of discharge for lesser labyrinth side weir
included angles (450 and 600) is very significant. But, the
effect for larger side weir included angles (1200 and 1500) is
less than low labyrinth weir included angle. They found that
discharge coefficient is directly proportional to Froude
number as shown in Fig.5. They found that the coefficient of
discharge for the labyrinth side weir is 1.5–4.5 times higher as
compared with rectangular side weir. An equation for
coefficient of discharge is also defined as given in equation 3.
They concluded that the discharge coefficient increases when
L/b ratio and p/b ratio variation in the labyrinth weir included
angle causes a considerable increase in Cd due to increasing
Fig. 4. Cd versus Froude number with different P/H the overflow length.
values. For L/B =1.5 (Borghei et al. 2012) Cd = [18.6-23.535 (L/B)0.012 + 6.769 (L/l)0.112 – 0.502
Sharareh Mahmodinia et al (2014) [11] has conducted (P/h)4.024 +0.094Sinθ]-1.431 (3)
numerical simulations by using Volume of Fluid (VOF)
scheme in CFD. Among various turbulence models they
preferred Reynolds Stress Model (RSM) turbulence model to
study free surface flow over a side weir. In geometry

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DOI: 10.35940/ijeat.A9650.109119 1316 & Sciences Publication
 International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology (IJEAT)
ISSN: 2249 – 8958, Volume-9 Issue-1, October 2019

number is increasing, with rise in surface elevation jump

moves to the downstream of side weir.

III. EMPIRICAL EQUATIONS OF SIDE WEIRS

Many researchers have investigated the flow properties side
weirs considering different parameters and developed
empirical equations for determination of coefficient of
discharges as given in Table No.I. It can be seen that most of
the researcher considered only few parameters. But present
study of few CFD simulation shows that additional
Fig. 5. Cd versus Froude number with different P/H parameters may increase the accuracy of equations presented
values. For L/B =0.5, L/l = 0.5 (Emiroglu et al. (2010)
IV. METHODOLOGY, GEOMETRY AND
M. Cihan Aydin (2012)[13] investigated characteristics and BOUNDARY CONDITION
hydraulic behavior of over the triangular labyrinth side weirs
& surface profiles pattern has been analyzed in the subcritical The geometry of the labyrinth side weir consists of a main
flow condition, by using CFD simulations with Fluent code. channel 0.5m wide with depth of 0.5m. The side weir opening
Water surface profiles under subcritical condition were is provided at the center of this channel. Floor of the main
plotted computationally and compared with experimentally channel is also modeled and it is 0.05m thick. 0.75m Side weir
along the side-weir length and in the channel centerline, opening is provided with crest height of 0.12m for all the
variation were reported in the water level along the side weir cases. Thickness of the side weir wall is kept at 0.03m. At the
upstream and downstream. Initially at upstream water level end of the channel there is an obstruction for raising the water
decline and at downstream water level rises. Water level drop level in the channel which is 0.2m tall and 0.1m thick. The
is due to effect of entrance of side weir opening. In sharp edge bottom boundary in the channel is blocked by the channel bed
side weirs, a vortex or circular motion occurred in the but after the side weir there is an opening left which will
triangular labyrinth which causes a drop of water level at the expose the bottom boundary to the fluid and fluid can pass out
upstream of weir. Significant occurrence of surface jump was of the domain through it. Uniform hexahedral fine mesh of
observed when Froude number is more than 0.3on 13mm is used.
downstream of minimum water level while the Froude

Table: I Empirical equation given by researchers

Researchers Coefficient of discharge Range of Froude Type of channel/ Side
Number weir
Subramanya and Awasthy Cd =0.864(1-F21/2+F21)0.5 0.02 to 0.85
(1972)
Yu-Tech ( 1972) Cd =0.415−0.148F1 --
Nandesamoorthy and Cd =0.288 (2−F21 /1+2F21)0.5 --
Thomson (1972)
Ranga Raju et al. (1979) Cd= 0.54−0.40F1 0.10 to 0.50
Hager _1987_ Cd= 0.485 ( 2+F21/2+3F21)0.5 0.0 to 0.87
Cheong (1991) Cd=0.30−0.14F21 0.28 to 0.78 for trapezoidal channel
Singh et al. (1994) Cd=0.33−0.18.F1+0.49p/h 0.23 to 0.43
Borghei et al. (1999) Cd=0.7−0.48F1−0.3p/h1+0.06L/b 0.1 to 0.9
Ura et al. (2001) Cd = 0.611 [ cosθ(3F21/2+ F21)0.5 + Oblique side weir
Sinθ ( 1-(3F21/2 + F21))0.5] sinθ

Emiroglu et al (2010) Cd = [18.6-23.535 (L/B)0.012 + 6.769 0.1 to 0.8 Single cycle labyrinth side
(L/l)0.112 – 0.502 (P/h)4.024 weir
-1.431
+0.094Sinθ]

V. RESULT & DISCUSSION discharge over labyrinth side weir. For 50mm thickness of
labyrinth side weir the discharge is more as compare to
A. Effect of Labyrinth weir thickness on Cd
70mm and 80mm thickness of labyrinth side weirs.
From the research papers review it appears that the
thickness of labyrinth side weir is not considered by the
researchers to investigate coefficient of discharge. In this
paper we are presenting the result of CFD simulation of
labyrinth side weir as shown in Fig. 6 with different
thickness of labyrinth side weirs. As shown in Table .II it is
clear that thickness of labyrinth side weir also affect on

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 Flow Over Side Weirs with Experimental & CFD Results

Fig 8. Flow over a submerged triangular Labyrinth 60

B. Effect of Downstream water of discharge of

labyrinth side weir
Submergence of a side weir is a general case which arises
Fig No.6 Flow over a triangular Labyrinth 60 due to increase of water depth due to less discharging
capacity of side channel. If submergence arises then also
discharge capacity of labyrinth side weir is affected as
shown in table No. III. In submerged condition labyrinth
weir discharging capacity is less as compare to without
water in downstream. The velocity of stream line affected
due to presence of water in downstream. The discharging
capacity of water is depends on divergence of water
streamline from main parent channel to labyrinth side weir
as shown in Fig.7

Fig 7. Velocity vector of streamlines

Table No. II Effect of thickness of labyrinth side weir

Labyrinth Crest Head of Froude Side weir Side weir Side weir
height water No. opening L thickness discharge
Triangular Labyrinth 60 150mm 2007 mm 0.024 500mm 50mm 0.02375 m3
Triangular Labyrinth 60 150mm 2007 mm 0.024 500mm 50mm 0.0233 m3
Triangular Labyrinth 60 150mm 2007 mm 0.024 500mm 50mm 0.02321 m3

Table No. III Effect of submergence of labyrinth side weir

Labyrinth with condition Crest Head of Froude Side weir Side weir Side weir
height water No. opening L thickness discharge
Triangular Labyrinth 60 150mm 2007 mm 0.024 500mm 50mm 0.02375 m3
(Without downstream water)
Triangular Labyrinth 60 150mm 2007 mm 0.024 500mm 50mm 0.01890 m3
( submerged weir)

VI. CONCLUSION
The conclusion can be listed as following which are based on thickness of labyrinth side weir also effect on discharge
investigations of researchers and CFD simulations done for coefficient.
few parameters. c) Effect of submergence also required to investigate because
a) Experimental results of many researcher shows that the it affect coefficient of discharge. CFD simulation can be
variation in the coefficient of discharge for sharp crested successfully used for investigation of different
rectangular side weir located on a rectangular main parameters.
channel depends on many parameters and, the results of
dimensional analysis indicate that the dimensionless REFERENCES
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using FLUENT program. Comparisons with the varied flow over side weir.” J.
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DOI: 10.35940/ijeat.A9650.109119 1318 & Sciences Publication
 International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology (IJEAT)
ISSN: 2249 – 8958, Volume-9 Issue-1, October 2019

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AUTHORS FROFILE

Ansari U.S. is pursuing PhD in Civil Engineering

at Department of Civil Engineering, Shri Guru
Gobind Singhji Institute of Engineering &
Technology, Nanded. He has completed
graduation & post-graduation in 2010 & 2013
respectively. His area of interest is hydraulic
structures, open channel flow. Currently working
on studies of side weirs with special focus on Labyrinth side weirs.

Dr. Patil. L.G. is doctorate in Civil Engineering

from IIT, Bombay in 2006. His area of
specialization is hydraulic structures, open channel
hydraulics & fluid mechanics. He is currently
working as Associate Professor in Department of
Civil Engineering, Shri Guru Gobind Singhji
Institute of Engineering & Technology, Nanded.
He has 2 decades experience with 20 international publications in high
impact journals. He has given expert lecture as a resource person in
many workshops, FDP, short term training program organized by
reputed institute including IITs.

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Retrieval Number: A9650109119/2019©BEIESP
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DOI: 10.35940/ijeat.A9650.109119 1319 & Sciences Publication