Calibration of Stainless Steel-edged V-Notch Weir Stop Logs for Water Level Control Structures

Abstract. Dependable flow rate measurements are necessary to calculate flow volumes and resulting nutrient loads from subsurface drainage systems and associated conservation practices. The objectives of this study were (1) to develop appropriate weir equations for a new stainless steel-edged 45° V-notch weir developed for AgriDrain inline water level control structures and (2) to determine if the equation was independent of flow depth in the structure. Weirs for 15 cm (6 in.) and 25 cm (10 in.) inline water level control structures were placed at three heights in each structure: at the base, 48 cm from the base, or 97 cm from the base, and the height of the nappe above the weir crest was recorded over a range of flow rates. The resulting data were fitted to equations of the form Q = aHb where Q is the flow rate, H is the height of the nappe above the weir crest, and a and b are fitted parameters. There were no significant differences in the fitted parameters across the two structure sizes or across the three weir placements. The fitted equation for these new stainless steel-edged V-notch weirs was Q = 0.011H2.28 with Q in liters per second and H in centimeters, and Q = 1.44H2.28, with Q in gallons per minute and H in inches. These equations can be used for measuring flow through AgriDrain in-line structures, although in-house weir calibration is highly recommended for specific applications, when possible.