Discharge Characteristics of a Novel Inclined-Bed Triangular Side Weir in Subcritical Flow

Abstract

As hydraulic control structures, side weirs are generally employed for irrigation, drainage, and many other water regulation purposes. Researchers have studied the use of labyrinth geometry to increase the length of side weir crests while maintaining the same channel opening length. The present work proposes a novel inclined-bed triangular side weir design and evaluates its discharge characteristics. A total of 159 experimental tests were performed using different geometric designs and hydraulic variables. The experimental data were analyzed, and results were evaluated to develop a nonlinear equation for the discharge coefficient of the introduced side weir. An error analysis for the equation showed fairly acceptable accuracy, with most results falling within ±7% of the measured values. Final results demonstrate a significant improvement in efficiency of up to 78% and 39% for the discharge coefficient of the proposed design compared with conventional rectangular side weirs and orthogonal-bed triangular side weirs, respectively.