SESSION 2024/2025 SEMESTER I

REPORT
WORK BASED PROJECT

OPEN CHANNEL SYSTEM

PREPARED BY: -

NO GROUP MEMEBERS ID SECTION

1 TSION MESFEN ETS1329/15 C

2 TSION NADEW ETS1330/15 C

3 TSION AYANA ETS1331/15 C

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4 WINTANA HADGU ETS1347/15 C

5 WONDWOSEN GETNET ETS1349/15 C

PREPARED FOR:

MR.CHALCHISA MILKECHA

LECTURE OPEN CHANNEL HYDRAULICS

TABLE OF CONTENT

NO CONTENT PAGE

1 Introduction 3

2 Key words 5

3 Objectives 6

4 Study area and open channel 7

5 governing equations 9

6 Sketch of the channel 9

7 Calculation 10

8 Conclusion 15

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 References 16

INTRODUCTION

Open-channel flow is a form of liquid flow that occurs within a conduit with a
free surface, also known as a channel, in fluid mechanics and hydraulics. Pipe
flow is the other form of flow that occurs within a conduit. In many respects,
these two forms of flow are similar, but they differ in one crucial way that is
open-channel flow has a free surface, whereas pipe flow does not.Open
channel flow refers to the movement of water in a channel that is open to the
atmosphere. This means the flow is not confined by a completely enclosed
conduit like a pipe, but rather by a channel with a free surface exposed to air.
Think of rivers, canals, streams, irrigation ditches, and even storm sewers as
examples of open channels.

Open channel is very necessary in the construction of an area. We must

carefully consider the goal of an open channel system in each application since
its function varies depending on its kind and design. The goal of an open
channel is to get water flowing into a certain region or catchment area.
What makes open channel flow unique are Free Surface: The most defining
feature of open channel flow is the presence of a free surface. This surface
interacts directly with the atmosphere, allowing for variations in water depth
and flow conditions. Gravity Driven: Open channel flow is primarily driven by
gravity. Water flows downhill, seeking the lowest elevation, with the flow rate
and depth determined by the channel's geometry and the force of gravity.

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Complex Interactions: Open channel flow involves complex interactions
between the water, the channel boundaries, and the surrounding environment.
Factors like channel roughness, shape, and slope, as well as external influences
like rainfall, evaporation, and infiltration, all play a role in the flow behavior.

Understanding open channel flow is crucial for a variety of reasons for Water
Resource Management: Open channels are essential for water supply, irrigation,
and flood control. Analyzing flow patterns helps optimize water distribution and
manage flood risks,Civil Engineering Design: Engineers use open channel flow
principles to design structures like bridges, culverts, and dams. Environmental
Applications: Open channel flow is important for understanding ecological
processes in rivers and wetlands, as well as for managing water pollution.

Key Concepts in Open Channel Flow Are Discharge are volume of water
flowing through a channel per unit time.
Depth are the vertical distance from the channel bed to the free surface
,Velocity are the speed at which water flows, Shear Stress are the force
exerted by the water on the channel bed and sides, Friction are the resistance
to flow caused by the interaction of water with the channel boundaries.

Open channel flow is a fascinating and complex area of study with wide-
ranging applications. By understanding the principles of open channel flow, we
can better manage our water resources and design infrastructure that is safe
and environmentally responsible.
In this project, we were asked to measure the size of an open channel drainage
system in AASTU campus for running water, hence calculating its velocity,
runoff estimation and discharge. In addition to the measurement, we were

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asked to an AutoCad design of the buoy with the measurements taken. This is
an overall report of our measurement process and calculation.

Key words
1 Natural Open Channel Flows: refers to the flow of water in rivers, streams,
and other watercourses in their natural state, without significant human
modifications.
2 Artificial Open Channel Flows: refers to the flow of water in man-made
channels or canals that have been intentionally designed and constructed for
specific purposes. These channels are created to control the movement of
water, facilitate irrigation, drainage, flood control, or provide water supply for
various human activities.
3 Open Channel Flow: refers to the flow of fluid, typically water, in an open
channel such as a river, canal, or an artificial channel with a free surface
exposed to the atmosphere
4 Flow Discharge: refers to the volume of fluid that passes through a given
cross-sectional area of a flow channel per unit of time. It represents the rate at
which the fluid is flowing and is typically expressed in terms of volume per unit
time, such as cubic meters per second (m³/s) or gallons per minute (GPM).
5 Flow Velocity: refers to the speed at which a fluid is moving in a particular
direction within a flow channel. The flow velocity can vary within a flow channel,
depending on factors such as the channel geometry, roughness, slope, and the
presence of obstacles or constraints.
6 Steady and Unsteady Flow: Time is the criterion. Flow is said to be steady if
the depth of flow at a particular point does not change or can be considered

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constant for the time interval under consideration. The flow is unsteady if
depth changes with time.
7 Uniform and non-uniform Flow: Space as the criterion. Open Channel flow is
said to be uniform if the depth and velocity of flow are the same at every
section of the channel.
8 Steady uniform flow, in which the depth is constant, both with time and
distance. This constitutes the fundamental type of flow in an open channel in
which the gravity forces are in equilibrium with the resistance forces.
9 Steady non-uniform flow, in which the depth varies with distance, but not with
time. The flow may be either (a) gradually varied or (b) rapidly varied.
10 Unsteady non uniform flow, in which the depth varies with both time and
distance (unsteady uniform flow is very rare).
11 Depth (y) - the vertical distance of the lowest point of a channel section
from the free surface.
12 Stage (h) - the vertical distance of the free surface from an arbitrary datum.
13 Area (A) - the cross-sectional area of flow normal to the direction of flow.
14 Wetted perimeter (P) - the length of the wetted surface measured normal
to the direction of flow.
15 Surface width (B) - the width of the channel section at the free surface.
16 Hydraulic radius (R) - the ratio of area to wetted perimeter (A / P).
17 Hydraulic mean depth (Dm) -the ratio of area to surface width (A /B)

2.0 OBJECTIVES
 To define and identify the type of open channel system and the flow of
the channel pattern.
 To calculate the flow rate that may cause an overflow to occur in the
channel.

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  To determine the condition of the channel by using related equation.
 To calculate the discharge of the flow , the velocity,area ,parameter of
cross section (trapezium)

STUDY AREA & OPEN CHANNEL

TRAPEZOIDAL CHANNEL
The study area for this project is University of Addis Ababa Science and
Technology. This project will focus on flow pattern in open channel system and
the equation that we use to calculate the flow rate in the channel chosen. From
this area, the shape of open channel system that we choose are Rectangular

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Channel and Trapezoidal Channel system. Based on our selected channel
above, we can describe the channel based on occurrence as a man-made
channel or also known as artificial channel because the channels develop by
human such as drains, dams and water rope. They're usually made up of
geometric shapes that are arranged in a regular pattern. Just a few examples
include canals, laboratory flumes, spillway chutes, waterfalls, culverts, and
roadside gutters. This water canal is place near to the hydraulics workshop lab
to control the water flow during raining season and to avoid float.

The type of open channel system and the flow of the channel pattern.
Open channel flow refers to the movement of water (or other fluids) in a
conduit that is not completely enclosed, such as rivers, streams, ditches, and
canals. Here’s a detailed overview of open channel flow:
Characteristics of Open Channel Flow
1 Free Surface: The flow has a free surface exposed to the atmosphere,
which distinguishes it from closed conduit flow (like pipes)
2 Gravity-Driven: The flow is primarily driven by gravity, as the water moves
from higher elevations to lower elevations.
3. Variable Cross-Section: The cross-sectional area of the channel can change
along its length, affecting flow velocity and depth.
4. Flow Regimes:
• Subcritical Flow: Occurs when the flow velocity is less than the wave speed.
It is characterized by tranquil conditions and a depth that adjusts to changes in
flow rate.
• Supercritical Flow: Occurs when the flow velocity exceeds wave speed.
This flow is typically rapid and can lead to turbulent conditions.
• Critical Flow: The state at which the flow velocity equals the wave speed; it

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represents a transition between subcritical and supercritical flow
Governing Equations
1. Continuity Equation: This principle states that mass must be conserved in the
flow:
Q=A⋅V
Where Q is the discharge (flow rate), A is the cross-sectional area, and V is
the flow velocity.
2. Bernoulli’s Equation: For open channel flow, Bernoulli’s equation can be
modified to account for elevation changes and friction losses:
h = z + V² / 2g + P / ρ g
Where h is the total head, z is the elevation head, V is the velocity head, P is
the pressure head, ρ is fluid density, and g is gravitational acceleration.
3. Manning’s Equation: A commonly used empirical formula for calculating flow
velocity in open channels:
V = 1 / n R^(2/3) S^(1/2)
Where V is the flow velocity, n is Manning’s roughness coefficient, R is the
hydraulic radius (cross-sectional area divided by wetted perimeter), and S is
the slope of the energy grade line.
Applications
• Water Resource Management: Design of irrigation systems, drainage
systems, and flood control measures.
• Environmental Engineering: Assessment of river health and ecosystem
management.
• Hydraulic Engineering: Design of channels, weirs, and spillways.
Challenges
1. Erosion and Sedimentation: Open channels are subject to erosion and
sediment deposition, which can affect their capacity and stability.

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 2. Flow Measurement: Measuring flow rates can be challenging due to varying
conditions and channel shapes.
3. Flooding Risks: Open channels can overflow during heavy rainfall or rapid
snowmelt, leading to flooding

3.0SKETCH OF THE CHANNLE

TRAPEZOIDAL CHANNEL

Trapezium channel solid work of trapezium channel

The depth of 84 CM
the canal
Thickness of 39 CM
the left side
Thickness of 38 CM
the right side
Bottom Width 106 CM
Top Width 175.5 CM

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 4.0CALCULATION

TRAPEZOIDAL CHANNEL

As we can see in the photo of trapezoidal channel system that we selected

from our study area, the water does not pass through thechannel wall. So, we
just assume the value of the depth, y is meter from the bottom surface. Below
are the data for the trapezoidal channel
We calculate the trapezoidal cross-section using the formula given: A = ½ (b +
T)y
But, before we proceed to calculate the trapezoidal cross-section, we need to
find the value of Top width,

Using the provided values for a trapezoidal channel with a top width of 1.75
meters, a bottom width of 1.06 meter, a slant height of 0.84 meters, a height of
0.76meter, Manning's roughness coefficient (n) of 0.021, and a slope (S) of
0.027, we can calculate the remaining parameters as follows

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Required:

Area =?

Perimeter =?

wetted perimeter =?

Velocity =?

Discharge =?

Manning’s coefficient and slope of the channel

The Manning's roughness coefficient (n) and the slope (S) of the channel
depend on various factors, including the surface roughness and the flow
conditions. However, I can provide you with some general values that are
commonly used for concrete lined trapezoidal channels:

Manning's roughness coefficient for concrete-lined channels:

Smoothly finished concrete: n = 0.013 - 0.015

Roughly finished concrete: n = 0.015 - 0.025

- Our channel had a roughly finished concrete so we used n= 0.021.

Slope of the channel (S):

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The slope of the channel can be determined by measuring the vertical drop in
elevation over the channel's length. It is usually expressed as a ratio of the
vertical change to the horizontal distance.

- In our case our vertical change was 0.7 meters to 25.6 meters in horizontal
length.

Calculating the slope: 0.7meters/25.6meters= 0.027

Solution

Top width = B +2 X

175.5 = 106 +2X

175.5_106=2X

2X/2= 69.5/2

X= 34.75

To find our height we use Pythagoras theorem

C²=A²+B²

84²=34.75²+A²

7056=1207.56+A

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A=7056-1207.56

A= √5785.44= 76cm

1 Area = ½(T+B) Y

= ½(1.75+1.06)0.76

A = 1.727 m²

2 .1 parameter

= 2( 0.84) + 1.06 +1.75= 4.495m

2.2Wetted Parameter =Yl+B

=2(84)+106

= 274cm or 2.74m

3 Hydraulics radius (R)

R=AREA/PERMETER

=1.727/2.74

=0.63m

4 velocity of discharge

V = (1/n) * R^(2/3) * S^(1/2)

V = (1/0.021) * 0.63^(2/3) * 0.021^(1/2)

V= 5.742m/s

5 Discharge

Q= A*V

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Q = 1.727 m² * 5.742m/s

Q = 9.916 m³/s

Therefore, for the specified trapezoidal channel, the determined values are:

Area (A) = 1.72m²

Perimeter (p)= 4.495m

Wetted Perimeter (P) =2,74 m

Velocity of Discharge (V) =5.742m/s

Discharge (Q) = 9.916m³/s

Hydraulic Radius (R) =0.63m

Hydraulic Depth (Dm) =0.84m

Conclusion

The analysis of the canal adjacent to the hydraulics lab has provided valuable
insights into its hydraulic behavior and discharge characteristics. The canal, a
rectangular channel with a width of 1.75 meters and an average depth of 0.84
meters, exhibits a bed slope of 0.027 and is constructed of concrete.

our project aimed to measure the open channel drainage system in the AASTU
campus and calculate its velocity, runoff estimation, and discharge. Through our
measurements and calculations, we obtained valuable data regarding the
dimensions and hydraulic characteristics of the channel.

By utilizing the trapezoidal shape for the channel, we determined its top width,
bottom width, slant height, and height, which allowed us to calculate important
parameters such as the area, wetted perimeter, hydraulic radius, hydraulic

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depth, velocity of discharge, and discharge. These values provide crucial
insights into the flow characteristics and efficiency of the drainage system.

Throughout the project, we employed various tools and methods, including tape
measures for physical measurements and AutoCAD for designing the channel
in 2D.

These tools facilitated accurate measurements and aided in the visualization of

the channel's structure.

It is worth noting that the Manning's roughness coefficient and slope of the
channel play a significant role in determining the flowcharacteristics. For our
roughly finished concrete channel, we utilized a Manning's roughness
coefficient of 0.021 and a slope of 0.027, which were appropriate for our
specific conditions.

The results of our calculations revealed that the channel had an area of
approximately 1.72 square meters, a wetted perimeter of 2.74 meters, a
velocity of discharge of approximately 5.742 meters per second, a discharge
of around 9.916 cubic meters per second, a hydraulic radius of approximately
0.63 meters, and a hydraulic depth of approximately 0.84 meters.

This project has explored the design, analysis, and applications of trapezoidal
channels, highlighting their versatility and importance in water resource
management. Our investigation revealed that the side slopes of a trapezoidal
channel significantly impact its hydraulic performance, influencing flow velocity,
discharge, and stability. By utilizing the Manning's equation, we were able to
analyze the flow characteristics and optimize channel design based on specific
project requirements. Notably, understanding the concept of critical depth
proved crucial for ensuring stable and efficient flow within the channel.

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The findings of this project demonstrate the effectiveness of trapezoidal
channels in various applications, including irrigation, drainage, and flood control.
Their ability to adapt to diverse environmental conditions and manage water
flow efficiently makes them a valuable choice for a wide range of engineering
projects.

While this project provided valuable insights into the complexities of trapezoidal
channels, further research is necessary to explore specific design challenges,
optimize channel performance under varying conditions, and develop innovative
solutions for complex hydrological scenarios. By continuing to investigate and
refine our understanding of trapezoidal channels, we can enhance our ability to
effectively manage water resources and create sustainable infrastructure
solutions for a wide range of needs.

Reference

Open channel hydraulics-chow

R.h French open channel hydraulics McGraw hill

Open channel hydraulics- chow

Terry strum open channel hydraulics McGraw hill

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