Open Channel Hydraulics Chapter Three Lecture Notes

3. UNIFORM FLOW
Uniform flow in open channels has the following main characteristics
a. the depth, water area, velocity, and discharge at every section of the channel are constant;
b. the energy line, water surface, and channel bottom are all parallel; i.e. their slopes are all
equal Sf = Sw = So
Uniform flow is considered to be steady only, since unsteady uniform flow is practically nonexistent.
In natural streams, even steady uniform flow is rare, for rivers and streams in natural states scarcely
ever experience a strict uniform flow condition. Despite this deviation from the truth, the uniform
flow condition is frequently assumed in the computation of flow in natural streams. The results
obtained from this assumption are understood to be approximate and general, but they offer a
relatively simple and satisfactory solution to many practical problems.

3.1. Establishment of uniform flow

When flow occurs in an open channel, the water encounters resistance as it flows downstream.
This resistance is generally counteracted by the components of gravity forces acting on the body of
the water in the direction of motion. A uniform flow will be developed if the resistance is balanced
by the gravity forces, i.e., the head loss due to turbulent flow is exactly balanced by the reduction in
potential energy due to the uniform decrease in the elevation of the channel. The magnitude of the
resistance, when other physical factors of the channel are kept unchanged, depends on the velocity of
flow.
If the water enters the channel slowly, the velocity and hence the resistance are small and the
resistance is outbalanced by the gravity forces, resulting in an accelerating flow in the upstream
reach. The velocity and the resistance will gradually increase until a balance between resistance and
gravity force is reached. At this moment and afterwards the flow become uniform. The upstream
reach that is required for the establishment of uniform flow is known as the transitory zone. In this
zone the flow is accelerating and varied. If the channel is shorter than the transitory length required
by the given conditions, uniform flow couldn't be attained. Towards the end of the channel the
resistance may again be exceeded by the gravity forces and the flow may become varied. In general,
uniform flow can occur only in very long, straight, prismatic channels where a terminal velocity of
flow can be achieved.

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Figure 3.1. Establishment of uniform flow in longitudinal channel

For purposes of explanation, a long channel is shown with three different slopes (figures given
during your lecture or refer VenTe Chow): sub critical, critical and supercritical. At the sub critical
slope the water surface in the transitory zone appears adulatory. The flow is uniform in the middle
reach of the channel but varied at the two ends. At the critical slope (middle sketch) the water
surface of the critical flow is unstable. Possible undulations may occur in the middle reach, but on
the average the depth is constant and the flow may be considered uniform. At the supercritical slope
the transitory water surface passes from the sub critical stage to the supercritical stage through a
gradual hydraulic drop. Beyond the transitory zone the flow is approaching uniformity. The depth of
uniform flow is called the normal depth. In the figures the long dashed lines represents the normal-
depth line, abbreviated as N. D. L, and the short dashed or dotted lines represents the critical –depth
line, or C. D .L.

3.2. Computation of Uniform flow

For computational purposes, the average velocity of a uniform flow can be computed approximately
by one of a number of semi empirical uniform flow equations. All of these equations have the form

V = CRx Sy
Where
V = average velocity
R = hydraulic radius
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S = channel longitudinal slope

C = resistance coefficient
X and y coefficients
The popular two equations are the Chezy equation, developed in 1769, and the Manning equation,
developed in 1889.
The chezy equation can be derived from the definition of uniform flow with an assumption regarding
the form of the flow resistance coefficient, with reference to the figure below, the definition of
uniform flow requires that the forces resisting flow exactly equal the forces causing motion. The
force causing motion is

Figure 3.2. Forces on a column of flowing water

F = W sin =  A L sin 
Where: W = weight of third within control volume
R = third specific weight (98)
L = control volume length
 = Longitudinal slope angle of a channel.

If  is small, which is usually the case, then sin   S0. Thus

F = AL So = gAL S0
For a reach of length L with a wetted perimeter p, the force of resistance is
Ff =  * P * L

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Open Channel Hydraulics Chapter Three Lecture Notes

Equating F = Ff
 * P * L = g AL So
A
   g S o  g R S 0
P

 is shear stress along the perimeter, if we let shear velocity V* = gRS 0 the above equation

implies.
 =  V*2
V* is known as shear velocity.
From experiments it is shown that the force per unit area of the channel perimeter resisting motion.
Ff, is proportional to the square of the average velocity or
Ff  V2
Therefore, for a reach of length L with a wetted perimeter P, the force of resistance can also be
written as
Ff = KLPV2
Where K = constant of proportionality. Setting the force casing motion equal to the force resisting
motion, i.e. F = Ff.
gALS o  KLPV 2

  ALS o  KLPV 2

   1/ 2 A
 V    S0
K P

 
1/ 2

V    RS o
k

   1/ 2
V   RS
k
Where the subscript associated with s has been dropped. For convenience define.

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Open Channel Hydraulics Chapter Three Lecture Notes

 
1/ 2

C =  
k

 
1/ 2

The resistance coefficient, c, defined as   is commonly known as the Chezy C and in practice is
k
determined by either measurement or estimate. The coefficient of resistance defined by the above
equation is not dimensionless but has dimensions of acceleration; i.e. length /time2 or LT-2.
Substituting this gives the famous Chezy Formula
V = C RS
Where V is the mean velocity is m/s, R is the hydraulic radius in m, S is the slope of energy line
(m/m), and C is a factor of flow resistance, called Chezy’s C.
The Manning equation is the result of a curve fitting process and thus is completely empirical in
nature. In application of the Manning equation, it is essential that the system of units being used be
identified and that the appropriate coefficient is used. In the SI system of units, the Manning
equation is
V = 1/n R2/3 S
Where n = Manning resistance coefficient. As was the case with the chezy resistance coefficient, n is
not dimensionless but has dimensions of TL-1/3 or in the specific case of the equation above S/m1/3.
From the viewpoint of modern fluid mechanics, the dimensions of the resistance coefficients C and
 and to take these dimensions into account where appropriate.
Since the chezy and Manning equations describe the same phenomena, the coefficients C and n must
be related setting equation (*) is equal to equation (**), i.e Vchezy = VManning yields.
C = 1/n R1/6

3.3. Calculation of Normal Depth and Velocity

From the previous section:
 The Manning equation gives V = 1/n R2/3 S1/2
 The Chezy equation gives V = C RS  CR 1 / 2 S1 / 2
and by law of conservation of mass this equations, when multiplied by the flow area, yields an
equation for uniform flow rate or

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Open Channel Hydraulics Chapter Three Lecture Notes

 Manning Q = 1/n AR2/3S1/2

 Chezy Q = C AR1/2 S1/2
2/3
In Manning equation the parameter 1/n AR and in the Chezy equation the parameters CAR1/2 are
called the conveyance of a channel section. It is measure of the carrying capacity of a channel
section; since it is directly proportional to Q.
Q
 Manning K = 1/n AR2/3 =
S1 / 2
Q
 Chezy K = CAR1/2 =
S1 / 2
The above two equations are used to compute the conveyance when the geometry of the water area
and the resistance factor or roughness coefficient are given. Since Manning formula is used
extensively, most of the following discussions and computations will be based on Manning’s
equation.
Conveyance of a channel section increases with increase in hydraulic Radius R or with decrease in
the wetted perimeter.
K  R  1/P Q = 1/n AR2/3 S1/2
Q = 1/n K S1/2
From a hydraulic viewpoint, therefore, the channel section having the least wetted perimeter for a
given area has a maximum conveyance; such a section is known as the best hydraulic section.

In Manning’s equation the parameter AR2/3 is termed as the section factor for uniform flow
computation; it is an important element in the computation of uniform flow. From Manning’s
equation
nQ
AR2/3 =
S
The right side of the equation contains the values of n, Q, and S; but the left side depends only on the
geometry of the water area. Therefore, it shows that, for a given condition of n, Q, and S, there is
only one possible depth for maintaining uniform flow, provided that the value of AR2/3 always
increases with increase in depth, which is true in most cases. This depth is the normal depth. When
n and S are known at a channel section, from the equation there can be only one discharge for

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maintaining a uniform flow through the section, provided that AR2/3 always increases with increase
of depth. This discharge is the normal discharge.
When the discharge, slope, and roughness are known, this equation gives the section factor AR 2/3
and hence, the normal depth yn. On the other land, when n, s and yn, hence the section factor are
given, the normal discharge Q can be computed from
Q = 1/nAR2/3 S1/2
This essentially the product of the water area and the velocity defined by the Manning formula.
In general, the most difficult and tedious normal flow calculation occurs when Q, the shape of the
channel, bottom slope and n are known and yn must be estimated. In such cases, an explicit solution
is not possible and problem must be solved by
 Trial and error (Algebric method)
 Numerical method (using computer)
 Design chart (using graph)
In order to simplify the computation, dimensionless curves showing the relation between depth and
section factor AR2/3 have been prepared for rectangular, trapezoidal, and circular channel sections.
1) Rectangular channel
a) Wide Rectangular Channel(Yo/B<0.02)

Figure 3.3. Rectangular Channel Section

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b) Rectangular cahnnnel(Yo/B>0.02)

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2) Trapezoidal Channel

Figure 3.4. Trapezoidal Channnel Section

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3) Circular Channel
Let D be the diameter of a circular channel and 2Ө be the angle in the radians subtended by the
water surface at the centre.

Figure 3.5. Circular Channel section

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Wetted area = Area of sector – Area of Triangle portion

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Figure 3.6. Curves for determining the normal depth

This self-explanatory curves will help to determine the depth for a given section factor AR2/3, and
the vice versa.
In the case of a closed conduit having a gradually closing top, the value of AR 2/3 will first increase
with depth and then decrease with depth when the full depth is approached, because a maximum
value of AR2/3 usually occurs in such a condition at a depth slightly less than the full depth.
Consequently, it is possible to have two depths for the same AR2/3.
3.4. Most economical section of a channel
A channel section is said to be efficient (best) if it gives the maximum discharge for the given shape,
area & roughness. The velocity in an open channel is:
V= f(R, S)…………………………… (a)

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Q=A*V= A. f(R, S)……………….…. (b)

Equation (b) indicates that for the given area of cross-section & slope the discharge Q will be
maximum, when R – is maximum.

Since, R= A/P, R will be maximum when p- is minimum for a given area.

We can conclude that for most efficient and economical channel section the wetted perimeter should
be minimum & also frictional resistance, τo is minimum.

1. Efficient Rectangular Channel Section

Consider a rectangular channel of depth Y and width, B
A= BY………………………….. (i)
P= B+2Y………………………..(ii)
From eqn. (i), B= A/Y
Substituting in (ii) P=A/Y+ 2Y…………………….(iii) Y
For maximum Q, p- is minimum.

Thus the rectangular channel is most efficient & economical when the depth of water is one half of
the width of the channel and the discharge flow will be maximum. Similarly we can develop
relationship between geometrical elements for different types of channel (such as trapezoidal,
triangular, circular channels.etc)

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Accordingly, the most efficient channel shape is the semi-circle .The usual shape for new channels
& canals is the rectangular or trapezoidal, such that the inscribed semi-circle is tangential to the bed
&sides.
3.5. EQUIVALENT (COMPOSITE) ROUGHNESS
In some channels different parts of the channel perimeter may have different roughness
Example:- channels in which only sides are lined
-laboratory flumes with sides are glass
-rivers with sides are covered by grass and beds are sand covered
for such channels it is important to determine the equivalent roughness coefficient that can be
applied to the entire cross-section perimeter in using discharge calculation formula’s. Let’s consider
a channel having its perimeter composed of N types of roughness N1, N2, N3...Nn for the respective
perimeter p 1, p 2, p 3,....P n

Figure 3.7. Channel with different roughness

Each parts of perimeter pi associated with a partial area ai such that

Assume that the mean velocity in each partial area is the mean velocity “V” for the entire area of
flow, i.e V1 =V2 =V3 = ...=VN =V
Using Manning’s formula,

Where n= equivalent roughness

From equation (1)

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If the Darcy-Weisbatch friction formula is used under the same assumption of

i. Velocity being the same in all partial area
ii. ii. Bed Slope is common to all partial area, then

Exercise: - Repeat the equation if Chezy’s equation is used with the same assumptions.

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3.6. Compound section

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Open Channel Hydraulics Chapter Three Lecture Notes

3.7. DESIGN OF IRRIGATION CHANNEL

3.7.1 Introduction
The success of the irrigation system depends on the design of the network of canals. The canals may
be excavated through the difference types of soils such as alluvial soil, non-alluvial soil etc. The
design consideration naturally varies according to the type of soil.
Based on the water requirements of the crops on the area to be irrigated the entire system of main
canal, secondary canal, tertiary canal and field distributaries/main canal, branch canal, distributaries
and water courses should be designed properly for a certain realistic value of peak discharge that
must pass through them, so as to provide sufficient irrigation to the commands. Again, the design of
unlined and lined canals involves different practical and economical consideration.

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The design of a channel involves the selection of channel alignment, shape, size, and bottom slope
and whether the channel should be lined to reduce seepage and/or to prevent the erosion of channel
sides and bottom. The design of the capacity of an irrigation channel consists of the determination of
the cross-sectional areas, depth, width, side slopes and the longitudinal slope, etc. for the given
boundary surface. Once these parameters have been determined, the longitudinal & cross-section of
the channels may be drawn.
Procedures are not presently available for selecting optimum channel parameters directly. Each site
has unique features that require special considerations. Typically, the design of a channel is done by
trial and error. Channel parameters are selected and an analysis is done to verify that the operational
requirements are met with these parameters. A number of alternatives are considered, and their
costs are compared. Then, the most economical alternative that gives satisfactory performance is
selected.
The design discharge of an irrigation channel depends up on the irrigated area of crops in different
seasons and the water requirement of crops. The design of the canal is mainly governed by the
quantity of silt in the water and the type of boundary surface of the channel. Depending up on these
factors, the irrigation channels can be broadly classified in to the following types.
1. Non-alluvial channels
2. Rigid boundary channels
3. Alluvial channels
1. The non- alluvial channels are excavated in non-alluvial soils such as loam, clay, boulder etc.
Generally there is no silt problem in these channels and they are relatively stable.
2. In rigid boundary channels, the surface of the channel is lined. The quantity of silt transported
by such channels remains more or less the same as that has entered the channel at the head. In
such channels, relatively high velocity of flow is usually permitted which does not allow the silt
to get deposited. Therefore for these channels, the problem of silt usually does not exist.
3. The alluvial channels are excavated in alluvial soils, such as silt. In the case of alluvial channels
the quantity of silt may vary from section to section along reach. The silt content may increase
due to scouring of bed & sides of the channel. The silt content may due to silting at some
sections. If the velocity is high, scouring will occur, but when the velocity is low, silting occurs.
Both these phenomena result in modifying the cross-section of the channel.
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If the bed and sides are scoured, the cross-section increases and the full supply level falls, which
results in the decrease of command. On the other hand, if so silting occurs, the cross-section
decreases and the discharge capacity decreases, which also results in a decrease of command,
such channels should be designed for a non-scouring and non-silting velocity, called critical
velocity.
3.8. Design of Non-Alluvial Channels
In non- alluvial channels the water is clear and therefore, no silting problem occurs. Non-alluvial
soils relatively are clay, hard loam or soils formed as a result of disintegration of rocks.
Non- alluvial channels are considered stable if there is no silt problem in such channels. These
channels are usually designed based on the maximum permissible velocity which the channel
boundary surface can resist without scouring.
In the permissible velocity method, the channel size is selected such that the mean flow velocity for
the design discharge under uniform flow conditions is less than the permissible flow velocity. The
permissible velocity is defined as the mean velocity at or below which the channel bottom and sides
are not eroded. This velocity depends primarily upon the type of soil and the size of particles even
though it has been recognized that it should depend upon the flow depth as well as whether the
channel is straight or not. Table 1 below gives the typical values of the maximum permissible
velocity in different type of materials.
Table 3.1: Permissible velocity
S.No Type of material Permissible velocity (m/s)
1 Lean clay soil or loam 0.38 to 1.37
2 Clay 0.41 to 1.67
3 Heavy clay 0.45 to 1.70
4 Sandy clay 0.52 to 1.83
5 Gravel 1.20
6 Boulders 1.5 to 1.8
7 Soft rock 1.8 to 2.4
8 Hard rock > 3.0
The side slopes of the channel
 For channels excavated in clay: 1:1 in cutting & 1:1.5 in filling
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 For channels in gist, soft rock & hard rock taken respectively as 1:0.5, 1:0.25 and
1:0.125.
 In hard rock, the sides may be kept vertical.
The design of non-alluvial channels is usually done by using Manning's formula or Chezy's
equation.
1. Manning's Formula.
1 2 3 12
Where V  R S
n
V  Velocity of flow in the channel, m s
n  Mannings roughness Coefficient
R  Hydraulic radius of the channel
S  Longitudinal or hydraulic slope of a channel
The value of n depends up on the type of surface. Table 2 below gives n values.
Table 3.2: Manning's Coefficient, n
S.No Type of surface Manning's n
1 Earth channels, clean straight & uniform 0.016 to 0.020
2 Earth channels, clean but weathered 0.018 to 0.025
3 Earth channels, with grass & weeds 0.022 to 0.033
4 Channels in gravels with stones 0.03 to 0.035
5 Channels in rock, smooth & uniform 0.025 to 0.040
6 Channels in rock, rough 0.035 to 0.050

2. Chezy's Equation

V  C RS
Where C is Chezy's Coefficient. The value of Chezy's Coefficient is usually determined from Bazin's
equation
87
C
K
1
R

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Where k is Basin's Coefficient, which depends up on the surface of the channel. Table 3 below
shows the basins coefficient.
Table 3.3: Basin's Coefficient (K)
S.No Type of surface Basin's K
1 Smooth Plaster 0.06
2 Ashlar, neat brick work 0.16
3 Rubble masonry 0.46
4 Plaster, very smooth earth 0.85
5 Earth channels in good condition 1.30
6 Earth channels in poor condition 1.75
Channels in which silting problems are anticipated should be designed to have some minimum
permissible velocity or non-silting velocity. A minimum velocity of 0.5m/s is usually taken.
Procedure
The following procedure is used for the design of non-alluvial channels by Manning's formula.
Similar procedure applies for the design by Chezy's equation.
Given: The discharge Q  , the maximum permissible velocity (V), Manning's Coefficient (n), Bed
slope (S), and the side slope (Z:1) are given or have been assumed.
Steps
1. Determine the area of the cross-sections from the continuity equation

Q  AV or AQ
V
2. Determine the hydraulic radius R from the Manning formula
3
1 2 1 V  2
V  R 3 S 2  R   1n 

n S 2 

3. Determine the wetted perimeter from the relation P  A

R
4. Determine the depth, D and bed width B from the values of A and P obtained above by
solving the equations given below. See Fig below.

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Open Channel Hydraulics Chapter Three Lecture Notes
B+2ZD

D 1  Z2

A  ( B  ZD) D
P  B  2D 1  Z 2

Example 1
Design an irrigation channel in a non-erodible material to carry a discharge of 15cumecs when the
maximum permissible velocity is 0.8m/s. Assume the bed slope of 1 in 4000, side slope= 1:1 and
Manning’s n=0.025

For a trapezoidal cros sec tion

Given The cross  sec tional area, A  DB  ZD 
Q=15m3/s 18.75  D( B  1D)         Eq. (1)

V=0.8m/s The wetted perimeter, P  B  2 D 1  z 2

S=1 in 4000 13.2  B  2 D 1  12

SS=1:1 13.2  B  2 2 D
13.2  B  2.828D
n= 0.025
B  13.2  2.828D          Eq. (2)
Solution
Step 1: Determine the cross-sectional area, A
Q 15
A   18.75m 2
V 0.8
Substitutethe valuesof B from eq. 2 in to eq.1,
DU/CET/HWRE/2022 solve for D 22

D( B  D)  18.75
D13.2  2.828D   D   18.75
13.2 D  2.828D 2  D 2  18.75
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Open Channel Hydraulics Chapter Three Lecture Notes

Step 2: Compute the hydraulic radius, R

3
1 2 1  Vn  2
V  R 3S 2 R 1 
n  S 2 
3
  2

R  0.8 * 0.025
 1.42m
 1

 4000  
0.5 

Step 3: Determine the wetted perimeter, P

A 18.75m 2
P   13.20m
R 1.42m 13.2   13.22  4 *1.828 *18.75
D1, 2 
Step 4: Determine the depth, D and bed width B 2 * 1.828
13.2  6.094
As the side slopes are given the section is trapezoidal. 
3.656
B+2z
13.2  6.094
D D1   5.28m
3.656
13.2  6.094
D D2   1.94m
1V:1H 3.656
If D  D1  5.28m
B  13.2  2.828 * 5.28  1.725m
B This is absurd and not acceptable.
If D  D2  1.94m
B  13.2  2.828 * 1.94  7.70m
Hence the answersare
Depth, D  1.94m
Bottom width, B  7.7 m

3.8. Design of Alluvial Channels

An alluvial channel is defined as a channel in which the flow transports sediment having the same
characteristics as that of the material in the channel bottom. In the case of alluvial channels, the
channel surface consists of alluvial soil which can be easily scoured. Moreover, the velocity is low
which encourages silting. Therefore, in an alluvial channel, both scouring and silting may occur if
the channel is not properly designed. The quantity of silt transported by water in alluvial channel
varies from section to section due to scouring of bed & sides as well as due to silting (or deposition).

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If the velocity is too high, scouring may occur. On the hand, fi the velocity is too low, silting may
occur.
The command of an irrigation channel decreases if the scouring occurs because the full supply level
falls. The discharge capacity is decreased if the silting occurs because the reduction in cross-
sectional area. Therefore, the alluvial channel should be designed such that neither scouring nor
silting occurs. The velocity at which this condition occurs is called the critical velocity. Such an
alluvial channel is called a stable channel. A stable channel is one in which banks and bed are not
scoured and also in which no silting occurs. Even if there is some minor scouring and silting, the bed
and banks of a stable channel remain more or less unaltered over a long period of time.
Two approaches have been used for the design of stable alluvial channels:
(1) Regime theory (2) tractive force method
The tractive force approach is more rational, since it utilizes the laws governing sediment transport
and resistance to flow. The regime theory is purely empirical in nature.
1. Regime Theory
The definition of regime channel varies according to the investigating authors. Lacey [1930] defined
a regime channel as a channel carrying a constant discharge under uniform flow in an unlimited
incoherent alluvium having the same characteristics as that transported without changing the bottom
slope, shape, or size of the cross section over a period of time. The regime theory is purely empirical
in nature and was developed based on observations on a number of irrigation canals in the Indo-
Pakistan subcontinent. Since the sediment concentration in these canals is usually less than 500 ppm
by weight, the regime theory should be assumed to be applicable to channels carrying similar
concentration of sediment load.
Generally speaking, the design of alluvial canals using regime theory depends on the investigations
made on sediment/silt load of channels. Several investigators have studied the problem and
suggested various theories. These are known as silt theories. The following two theories are
extensively used for the design of canals in alluvial soils.
1. Kennedy's silt theory
2. Lacey's silt theory.
5.3.1 Kennedy's Theory

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Gerard Kennedy, from his observation concluded that the silt supporting power in a channel cross-
section is mainly dependent up on the generation of eddies from the bottom width of the channel
section, rising to the surface. See Fig 3.8. These eddies are generated due to the friction of the
flowing water with the channel bottom surface. The vertical component of the eddies try to move the
sediment up, while the weight of the sediment tries to bring it down, thus keeping the sediment in
suspension. Thus he added if the velocity is sufficient to generate these eddies, so as to keep the
sediment just in suspension, silting will be avoided. Then Kennedy stated that a channel is said to be
in a state of "regime" if there is neither silting nor scouring in the channel.

Fig 3.8: Generation of eddies from bottom of the channel

Based on that, he defined the critical velocity (Vo) in channel as the mean velocity, which will keep
the channel free from silting or scouring & related it the depth of flow by equation.

Vo  C1 .y c 2 C1 & C2 are constant depending on silt discharge

C1 = 0.55 & C2 = 0.64 in M.K.S units

V0  0.55y 0.64 Vo  0.55my 0.64 m = critical velocity ratio

Later on he introduced a factor m to account for soil type through which the canal passes. This factor
which depends on silt grade is named as critical velocity ratio (C.V.R) denoted by m. Table 6 below
shows the value of m for different types of silt. The equation for the critical velocity was then
modified as:

Vo  0.55my 0.64

Vo = Critical velocity in channel in m/sec

y = depth of water in meters
m= critical velocity ratio (C.V.R)

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Open Channel Hydraulics Chapter Three Lecture Notes

Table 3.4: Silt type and m value

No Type of silt Value
1 Silt 0.7
2 Light sandy silt 1.0
3 Light sandy silt a little coarser 1.1
4 Sandy, Loamy silt 1.2
5 Debris of hard soil 1.3

Design of Procedure

The critical velocity Vo is to be determined by the equation Vo  0.55my 0.64 by assuming a

trial depth.
Then determine the area of the channel by dividing the discharge by the critical velocity. VO
Next determine the channel dimensions.
Finally compute the actual mean velocity (V) that will prevail in the channel o f this cross-
section by Kutter's formula
Compare the mean velocity, V and critical velocity, Vo. If the two velocities Vo and V works
out to be the same, then the assumed depth is all right, otherwise change it & repeat the
procedure till Vo and V becomes equal.

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