CHAPTER 13 - SPECIAL MEASUREMENT METHODS IN OPEN CHANNELS

6. Slope-Area Method

The slope-area method consists of using the slope of the water surface in a uniform reach of channel and the average cross-sectional area of that reach to give a rate of discharge. The discharge may be computed from the Manning formula:

Q = (1.486/n)AR_h^2/3S^1/2

where:

Q = discharge (ft³/s)

A = mean area of the channel cross section (ft²)

R_h = mean hydraulic radius of the channel (ft)

= energy slope of the flow

n = a roughness factor depending on the character of the channel lining

A straight reach of the channel should be chosen at least 200 ft and preferably 1,000 ft in length. If the reach is free of rapids, abrupt falls, or sudden contractions or expansions, then the water surface slope is the same as the energy slope.

The slope, , may be determined by dividing the difference in the water surface elevations at the two ends of the reach by the length of the reach. A gage point, carefully referenced to a common datum level, should be placed on each bank of the channel and in the center of the reach, in stilling wells if possible.

The hydraulic radius, R_h, is defined as the area of the cross section divided by its wetted perimeter. Where the channel or canal is of regular cross section, and the depths at the ends of the course are equal, the area and the wetted perimeter will be constant through-out the course. In irregular channels, the area and the wetted perimeter at several cross sections will be required, and a mean value will be used in computing the hydraulic radius. A static pressure tube, discussed in chapter 8, can be used to measure depth of flow.

The factor, n, depends on the character of the channel. It may vary from 0.010, where conditions approaching the ideal are maintained, to 0.060, where the channel is strewn with stones and debris or is about one-third full of vegetation.

Because the proper selection of the roughness factor, n, for many streams is difficult and is, at best, an estimate, the discharge determined by the slope-area method is only approximate. Care must be taken to determine the slope and areas simultaneously if the water levels are changing. Chapter 2 provides other flow equations, their friction factors that can be used with this method, and references with tables of friction factors.