Calculation of Flow Rate Over a Rectangular Weir

(Sharp-crested, Contracted)

Inputs Calculations

Height of wier crest above (B - L)/4H = 1.11

channel invert, P = 1 ft
(B - L)/4H > 1 ? yes

Width of channel, B = 4 ft
P/2H = 1.11

Length of weir, L = 2 ft
P/2H > 1 ? yes

Measured head over

the weir, H = 0.45 ft H/L = 0.23

H/L < 0.33 ? yes

If all three answers are yes, flow is fully contracted.

Q = 3.33(L - 0.2 H)(H3/2)

Flow Rate, Q = 1.92 cfs

If the answer to any of the three questions above is "no," then the Kindsvater-Carter Equation,
given below, should be used: (Use the table below and the L/B value to get values for C 1 and C2. Use
the graph below and the L/B value to get a value for k b. Enter C1, C2, & kb, and Q will be calculated.)

Q = (C1(H/P) + C2)(L - 0.003)(H + kb)3/2

L/B = 0.5 C1 = 0.0612 C2 = 3.152

kb = 0.010 Q= 1.981 cfs

 kb as a function of L/B

Source: U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, 2001 revised, 1997, 3rd ed,
Water Measurement Manual http://www.usbr.gov/pmts/hydraulics_lab/pubs/wmm/index.htm

L/B C1 C2

0.2 -0.0087 3.152

0.4 0.0317 3.164
0.5 0.0612 3.173
0.6 0.0995 3.178
0.7 0.1602 3.182
0.8 0.2376 3.189
0.9 0.3447 3.205

1.0 0.4000 3.220

C1 and C2 as functions of L/B

Source: U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, 2001 revised, 1997, 3rd ed,
Water Measurement Manual http://www.usbr.gov/pmts/hydraulics_lab/pubs/wmm/index.htm