Introduction

A weir is a barrier across a river designed to alter its flow characteristics. In most cases, weirs
take the form of obstructions smaller than most conventional dams, pooling water behind them
while also allowing it to flow steadily over their tops. Weirs are commonly used to alter the flow
of rivers to prevent flooding, measure discharge, and help render rivers navigable.
Types
There are several different types of weirs. Some are discussed below
Broad-crested
A broad-crested weir is a flat-crested structure, with a long crest compared to the flow thickness.
When the crest is "broad", the streamlines become parallel to the crest invert and the pressure
distribution above the crest is hydrostatic. Practical experience showed that the weir overflow is
affected by the upstream flow conditions and the weir.
Sharp crested
A sharp-crested weir allows the water to fall cleanly away from the weir. Sharp crested weirs are
typically 14 inch (6.4 mm) or thinner metal plates. Sharp crested weirs come in many different
shapes and styles, such as rectangular (with and without end contractions).

Rectangular weir without contractions

3.2.1. Description
A weir is said to be without contraction when its sides are shaped by the sides of the canal and when
flow covers the entire width of the channel.
It consists of a straight-edge plate, that is placed perpendicular to the flow and
that is level horizontally and vertically.

The discharge equation, which is the result of the depth/flow relationship associated with free flow
conditions, is as follows:

where:
Q is the flowrate in cubic meters or feet per second;
C is the coefficient (1.8384 for m3/s and 3.33 for ft3/s);
b is the length of the weir crest in meters or feet;
h is the water depth measured in the weir, in meters or feet.
Rectangular weir with contractions
A rectangular weir with contractions is a weir where the opening is smaller than the channel in which
is it placed.
1 Description
This type of weir is built with a rectangular opening and is placed in the centre
of the channel. It is a sharp-crested weir, placed perpendicular to the direction
of flow and is horizontally and vertically level.

Discharge equation in free flow conditions

Water flow in a weir is significantly influenced by the physical characteristics of the weir and the
approach channel. Ideally, the equation should reflect these factors of influence. In the case of weirs,
there is no universal equation that can accommodate all factors that control flow or that can apply to
all types of systems(24).
The Francis equation is the discharge equation that is generally used for the depth/flow relationship
associated with free flow conditions. The equation is expressed as follows:

where:
Q is the flowrate in cubic meters or cubic feet per second;
C is the coefficient (1.8384 for m3/s and 3.33 for ft3/s);
b is the length of the weir crest in meters or feet;
n is the number of contractions;
h is the water depth measured in the weir in meters or feet.