CHAPTER 7 - WEIRS
2. Definition of Weirs
A measuring weir is simply an overflow structure built perpendicular to an open channel axis to measure the rate of flow of water. Inspecting and checking the critical parts of weir structures for degradation and improper operation are easy.
A properly built and operated weir of a given shape has a unique depth of water at the measuring station in the upstream pool for each discharge. Thus, weirs can be rated with respect to an upstream head relative to the crest elevation versus discharge, and equations or tables which apply to the particular shape and size weir can be generated. The crest overflow shape governs how the discharge varies with head measurement.