Gauging the flow in natural streams can never be precise because the channel is usually irregular and so is the relationship between stage and flow rate. Natural stream channels are also subject to change by erosion or deposition. More reliable estimates can be obtained when the flow is passed through a section where these problems have been reduced. This could be simply smoothing the bottom and sides of the channel, or perhaps lining it with masonry or concrete, or installing a purpose-built structure. There is a wide variety of such devices, mostly suitable for a particular application. A selection of those simple to install and operate are described here with reference to appropriate manuals for more expensive or complicated structures.
In general, structures across the stream which change the upstream level are called weirs, and channel-type structures are called flumes, but this distinction is not always followed. A more important distinction is between standard and non-standard devices. A standard weir or flume is one where if it is built and installed to a standard published specification, the flow can be directly obtained from the depth of flow by the use of charts or discharge tables, that is the flume is pre-calibrated. A non-standard weir or flume is one which needs to be individually calibrated after installation by using the velocity/area method as when rating a stream. There is such a wide range of standard devices available, that non-standard structures are best avoided except for one-off estimates of flood flows using the velocity/area method at a bridge, or ford, or culvert.
 
Gauging the flow in natural streams can never be precise because the channel is usually irregular and so is the relationship between stage and flow rate. Natural stream channels are also subject to change by erosion or deposition. More reliable estimates can be obtained when the flow is passed through a section where these problems have been reduced. This could be simply smoothing the bottom and sides of the channel, or perhaps lining it with masonry or concrete, or installing a purpose-built structure. There is a wide variety of such devices, mostly suitable for a particular application. A selection of those simple to install and operate are described here with reference to appropriate manuals for more expensive or complicated structures.In general, structures across the stream which change the upstream level are called weirs, and channel-type structures are called flumes, but this distinction is not always followed. A more important distinction is between standard and non-standard devices. A standard weir or flume is one where if it is built and installed to a standard published specification, the flow can be directly obtained from the depth of flow by the use of charts or discharge tables, that is the flume is pre-calibrated. A non-standard weir or flume is one which needs to be individually calibrated after installation by using the velocity/area method as when rating a stream. There is such a wide range of standard devices available, that non-standard structures are best avoided except for one-off estimates of flood flows using the velocity/area method at a bridge, or ford, or culvert.
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