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Cipoletti Trapezoidal Weir Discharge Calculator

Calculate discharge through Cipoletti trapezoidal open-channel flow measurement weirs with 1:4 slope end contraction compensation and velocity of approach correction.

Bottom horizontal notch length of the trapezoidal weir.

Water surface head measured at least 4·H upstream of the weir crest.

Height from channel invert to horizontal weir crest.

Width of upstream supply canal.

Calculated Result
0.462 m³/s

Discharge Rate

Discharge in Liters/sec

462 L/s

Discharge in US cfs

16.31 cfs

Velocity of Approach

0.174 m/s

Corrected Discharge

0.4665 m³/s

Calculation Breakdown

  1. Standard Cipoletti Equation (1:4 slope compensation)Q = 1.8592 · L · H^(1.5) = 1.8592 · 1.2 · (0.35)^1.5 => 0.462 m³/s
  2. Approach Velocity & Kinetic HeadV_a = Q / [B·(P + H)] = 0.174 m/s; h_v = V_a² / 2g => 0.0015 m
  3. Approach-Corrected DischargeQ_corr = 1.8592 · L · (H + 1.5·h_v)^1.5 => 0.4665 m³/s

Cipoletti Flow Metrics

Interactive visualization based on your current inputs

Value
0.012233547Discharge (L/s/10)CfsApproach Vel (m/s ×10)Corrected Q (L/s/10)MetricValue

What Is the Cipoletti Trapezoidal Weir Discharge Calculator?

Calculate discharge through Cipoletti trapezoidal open-channel flow measurement weirs with 1:4 slope end contraction compensation and velocity of approach correction.

The Cipoletti Trapezoidal Weir Discharge Calculator is an analytical tool in the construction domain designed to evaluate Horizontal Crest Length (L), Measured Head Over Crest (H), Crest Height Above Channel Bed (P), Approach Channel Width (B) using verified mathematical equations. It provides reproducible, deterministic calculations for academic, professional, and practical applications.

How Does the Cipoletti Trapezoidal Weir Discharge Calculator Work?

This calculator computes results by taking input values for Horizontal Crest Length (L), Measured Head Over Crest (H), Crest Height Above Channel Bed (P), Approach Channel Width (B) and applying the governing equation: Standard metric discharge formula utilizes Francis rectangular constant while trapezoidal flanks balance end contraction losses.. Values are checked for dimensional consistency and processed through standard arithmetic routines.

Cipoletti Trapezoidal Weir Discharge Calculator Formula & Variables

The core mathematical equation utilized by this calculator is expressed as:

Q=1.8592LH1.5,Va=QB(P+H),hv=Va22g,Qcorr=1.8592L(H+1.5hv)1.5Q = 1.8592 L H^{1.5}, \quad V_a = \frac{Q}{B(P + H)}, \quad h_v = \frac{V_a^2}{2g}, \quad Q_{corr} = 1.8592 L (H + 1.5 h_v)^{1.5}

Standard metric discharge formula utilizes Francis rectangular constant while trapezoidal flanks balance end contraction losses.

How to Use the Cipoletti Trapezoidal Weir Discharge Calculator

  1. Enter your value for Horizontal Crest Length (L) in m.
  2. Enter your value for Measured Head Over Crest (H) in m.
  3. Enter your value for Crest Height Above Channel Bed (P) in m.
  4. Enter your value for Approach Channel Width (B) in m.
  5. Verify your input parameters to ensure they match your design or problem specifications.
  6. Review the calculated results, intermediate mathematical steps, and graphical visualization below.

Step-by-Step Example Calculation

Agricultural Irrigation Canal Measurement Weir

Input Values:

crestWidthM:1.2
headOverCrestHM:0.35
weirCrestHeightAboveBedP:0.6
approachChannelWidthB:2.8
Worked Steps: Standard discharge is 0.462 m³/s (462.4 L/s or 16.33 cfs). Approach velocity is 0.174 m/s, yielding a corrected discharge of 0.466 m³/s.

Understanding Your Result

The calculated output gives the primary solution for Cipoletti Trapezoidal Weir Discharge under the specified conditions. Use this value to compare against standard design tolerances, benchmarks, or reference ranges in construction.

Factors That Affect the Result

  • Input precision and measurement accuracy of Horizontal Crest Length (L), Measured Head Over Crest (H), Crest Height Above Channel Bed (P), Approach Channel Width (B).
  • Operating conditions, environmental parameters, and specific construction tolerances.
  • Boundary constraints and deviations from nominal theoretical model assumptions.

When Should You Use This Calculator?

  • When performing technical analysis or dimensioning related to Cipoletti Trapezoidal Weir Discharge.
  • To cross-verify manual calculations or theoretical models in construction.
  • For preliminary estimates before conducting detailed field measurements or laboratory testing.

Assumptions & Limitations

  • The 1:4 side slope compensation eliminates Francis end-contraction subtraction terms, keeping the discharge coefficient constant.
  • Head H must not exceed one-third of crest length L (H ≤ L/3) to preserve 1:4 compensation accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was the 1:4 slope chosen by Cesare Cipoletti?+
Francis showed rectangular end contractions reduce effective crest length by 0.2·H. The two triangular flanks of a 1:4 sloped weir add a flow component of 0.2·H·H^1.5, which precisely offsets this reduction.
Where should the head measurement staff gauge be installed?+
Staff gauges or ultrasonic sensors must be located upstream at a distance of 4 to 5 times maximum head (4H) to avoid the surface drawdown curve near the crest.

Calculation Accuracy & Reference Note

This calculator implements verified mathematical formulas for Cipoletti Trapezoidal Weir Discharge Calculator. Always verify critical results against official domain standards and manufacturer documentation.

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