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This paper presents physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) to approximate the Serre–Green–Naghdi equations (SGNEs) that model steady-state weir flows. Four PINNs are proposed to solve the forward problem and three types of inverse problem. For the forward problem in which continuous and smooth beds are available, we constructed PINN 1 to predict the water depth profile over a weir. Good agreements between the PINN 1 solutions and experimental data demonstrated the capability of PINN 1 to resolve the steady-state weir flows. For the inverse problems with input discretized beds, PINN 2 was designed to output both the water depth profile and the bed profile. The free-surface profiles based on the PINN 2 solutions were in good agreement with the experimental data, and the reconstructed bed profiles of PINN 2 agreed well with the input discretized beds, demonstrating that PINN 2 can reproduce weir flows accurately when only discretized beds are available. For the inverse problems with input measured free surface, PINN 3 and PINN 4 were built to output both the free-surface profile and the bed profile. The output free-surface profiles of PINN 3 and PINN 4 showed good agreement with the experimental data. The inferred bed profiles of PINN 3 agreed generally well with the analytical weir profile or the control points of the weir profile, and the inferred bed profiles of PINN 4 were in good agreement with the analytical weir profile for the investigated test case. These indicate that the proposed PINN 3 and PINN 4 can satisfactorily infer weir profiles. Overall, PINNs are comparable to the traditional numerical models for forward problems, but they can resolve the inverse problems which cannot be solved directly using traditional numerical models. Practical Applications: There has been tremendous progress in solving governing equations using traditional numerical methods. However, when solving inverse problems, traditional numerical methods usually are time consuming and require new algorithms. Most importantly, traditional numerical methods are unable to resolve problems with missing or noisy initial and boundary conditions. Compared with traditional numerical methods, physics-informed neural networks implement a mesh-free algorithm and are effective and efficient for inverse and even ill-posed problems. Physics-informed neural networks integrate physical governing equations and relevant data, e.g., initial and boundary conditions or measured data, to infer unknown variables for forward and inverse problems, and have been applied to solve various types of governing equations. To the best of our knowledge, no PINNs have been presented to solve weir flows. This paper proposes physics-informed neural networks to solve forward and inverse weir flows. Research findings indicate that physics-informed neural networks are comparable to traditional numerical methods for the forward problem and are capable of resolving the inverse problems in which the discretized bed elevations or the measured free surface are available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document titled "Acknowledgment of Reviewers 2024" from the journal Thyroid expresses gratitude to the expert reviewers who have contributed to maintaining the high quality of the journal's content. The list of reviewers for 2024 includes a diverse group of individuals from various backgrounds and expertise, showcasing the collaborative effort in ensuring the journal's standards. The document highlights the importance of peer review in scholarly publishing and acknowledges the valuable contributions of the reviewers. [Extracted from the article]

The removal of inclusion particles is an important function of tundish metallurgy. During ladle change, the liquid level fluctuation around the ladle shroud is severe, which may affect the effectiveness of inclusion removal. In the present study, the fluid flow characteristics and inclusion‐removal behavior in the tundish during ladle change are investigated by numerical simulation method. And the effectiveness of flow control devices on the flow characteristics of molten steel is evaluated. It is found that the escape rate of inclusion particles during ladle change is ordered as emptying process < steady process < filling process. The proper combination of weir, dam, and turbulence inhibitor can optimize the conditions for the floating and removal of inclusion particles to the greatest extent. In the tundish with weir and dam, the escape rates of inclusion particles with sizes of 10, 50, and 100 μm throughout the entire ladle change period are respectively reduced by 9.8%, 1.6%, and 1.4%, compared to not using flow control devices. With a combination of weir, dam, and turbulence inhibitor, the escape rates of the three types of inclusion particles are reduced by 24.7%, 9.9%, and 1.2%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the dynamics of air-water flow and the resulting forces on a broad-crested weir with a vertical face under both ventilated and non-ventilated cavity conditions. The focus is on measured forces and flow characteristics across various upstream water depths and flume outlet heights, categorized by distinct groups based on flow regimes. The experimental setup incorporates measurements of air-water mixture density, air cavity pressure, cavity water depth, and velocity profiles in the recirculation pool downstream of the weir. Results indicate that under supercritical downstream flow conditions, the forces exerted on the weir are directly proportional to the upstream water depth, while the downstream flume depth has a minimal impact. Conversely, in subcritical downstream conditions, the downstream flume depth significantly influences stabilizing forces due to increased cavity water depth. Additionally, pressure profile estimations on the downstream-facing wall of the weir using hydrostatic, Bernoulli, and Navier-Stokes equations show that the hydrostatic assumption is inadequate for estimating pressures and sliding forces in non-ventilated cavities. This study offers crucial insights into air-water flow dynamics in weirs, underscoring the importance of incorporating dynamic factors into weir design and hydraulic modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To cope with the change of inflow runoff caused by climate change, many old reservoirs need to evaluate the change of discharge capacity of spillway after installing retaining wall or other renovation measures, to formulate safe operation and management measures of reservoir. Taking an old reservoir as a study case, the formula of the correction coefficient of weir pier, a unified formula for calculating the discharge capacity of different weir flow type, the classification method of weir flow type were obtained based on theoretical analysis, the relationship between water level and discharge and the flow type of weir flow are observed through physical model tests, and then the relation of the correction coefficient for weir pier and comprehensive discharge coefficient with water head and the change condition of flow type are determined based on the observed data. The research results show that: the discharge capacity of weir flow is significantly different for weir flow and orifice flow, the unified formula is suitable and practical for such case, the relationship between the comprehensive discharge coefficient and the water head is quadratic for weir flow and linear for orifice flow, and the relationship between the coefficient of pier correction and the ratio of water head and pier shape parameters is an approximate linear. These results can be used as a theoretical basis for the assessment of the discharge capacity of the spillway of hydropower station with the addition of retaining wall to the dam roof to cope with climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The conventional piano key weir (PKW), characterized by a rectangularly cranked planform, is an effective discharge structure. Its hydraulic performance is primarily influenced by several geometrical parameters, including crest length, key width, and weir height. To enhance its hydraulic efficiency, each key is modified with an isosceles triangle at both the crest and the vertical base surface. In this way, the weir crest is extended both up and downstream; the key floor is lowered accordingly, resulting in a triangular prism-shaped floor. Laboratory tests are conducted to compare the hydraulic performance of this modified weir with that of the standard design. The results demonstrate that the geometrical adjustments noticeably improve the overflow discharge. With an equilateral triangle extending the crest length by ~23%, the discharge capacity is enhanced by 16–20% within the examined flow conditions. The modified weir outperforms the conventional design in terms of hydraulic performance. The improvements can be attributed to several factors: elongated crest length enhancing the flow capacity; triangular upstream overhangs improving the inflow condition along the inlet key's height; lowered inlet key floor increasing the flow volume, promoting better flow movement towards the crest; lowered outlet key floor reducing the submergence effect under high flow conditions; and the triangular crest of the inlet key facilitating jet spreading and promoting air entrainment. These modifications make the redesigned PKW a promising option for improved hydraulic performance in engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sharp-crested weirs are commonly used in hydraulic engineering for flow measurement and control. Despite extensive research on sharp-crested weirs, particularly regarding their discharge coefficients, more information is needed via research on their energy dissipation downstream. This study conducted experimental tests to assess the influence of contraction ratio (b/B) of rectangular sharp-crested weirs (RSCWs) on energy dissipation downstream under free flow conditions. Five RSCWs with different b/B equals 6/24, 7/24, 8/24, 9/24, and 10/24 were used. The results showed a consistent decrease in relative energy dissipation (ΔEr) with an increase in the head over the weir. Furthermore, as the discharge per unit width (q) increased, the relative energy dissipation (ΔEr) decreased, indicating more efficient discharge over the weir. A higher b/B further reduces ΔEr, suggesting that wider weirs are more effective in minimizing energy losses. The maximum relative residual energy (E1/E0) and relative energy dissipation (ΔEr) occurred at b/B = 10/24 and 6/24, with values of 0.825 and 0.613, respectively. Additionally, the maximum discharge coefficient (Cd) of RSCWs is found at b/B = 6/24, with an average value of 0.623. The results support the accuracy of the proposed equation with R2 = 0.988, RMSE = 0.0083, and MAPE = 1.43%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the effectiveness of flow splitters in reducing scour downstream of trapezoidal Piano Key Weirs through a comprehensive experimental study. Three distinct geometries of flow splitters—square, rectangular, and circular—are examined under various hydraulic conditions to assess their impact on local scouring. The experiments were conducted in a dedicated channel measuring 10 m in length, 0.75 m in width, and 0.80 m in height. The results indicate that flow splitters facilitate flow separation by linking trapped air beneath the flow to the free surface, thereby mitigating nappe oscillation. Additionally, the geometric variations of flow splitters did not significantly influence the upstream water head, with rectangular-shaped flow splitters proving more effective than square and circular splitters. On average, the maximum scour depth for the weir with rectangular, square, and circular splitters is reduced by approximately 13, 11, and 10%, respectively, compared to the weir without splitters. Furthermore, the volume of scour holes in tests with rectangular, square, and circular splitters showed reductions of 18.53, 17.77, and 14.92%, respectively, compared to tests without splitters. As discharge decreases, the effectiveness of these flow splitters in reducing scour depth becomes more pronounced. Due to the existence of splitters, the location of maximum scour depth approaches the weir. New equations were developed for predicting scour hole parameters with and without flow splitters, incorporating various splitter geometries. These equations were formulated using non-linear regression, achieving high accuracy with a correction factor, yielding R2 values between 0.78 and 0.94, and RMSE values ranging from 0.09 to 0.54. Overall, the findings underscore the significance of flow splitter geometry in mitigating scour effects, providing valuable insights for future engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding and improving passage by diadromous species at tidal barriers is less well advanced than that for non-tidal anthropogenic river barriers. This study assessed factors affecting upstream passage of anadromous river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis) at a tidal weir with pool-and-weir (PAW) and bypass (BP) fishways. A Continuous Time Markov Model (CTMM) was used to analyse migration behaviours of 120 acoustic- and PIT-tagged lamprey across 2 years. The weir was a major barrier to upstream migration with a mean time of 31.0 days taken to pass the weir compared to 2.5 days for the unobstructed reach immediately downstream. River stage was the most important variable associated with weir passage, with a 5.68 (CI = 3.95, 8.17) increase in passage probability for every 1 m river stage increase. Passage was predominately over the weir directly rather than by the fishways. Monitoring the fishways using additional PIT-tagged lamprey (n = 2814) suggested poor entrance efficiency (BP2018, 28.6%; BP2019, 53.1%; PAW2018, 37.0%). Successful fishway passage was estimated as 5.4% (BP2019)–9.0% (PAW2018) of lamprey that entered. Effective fishway entrance for lamprey is probably facilitated by high fishway discharge, yet high-velocity areas may have made it difficult for river lamprey to successfully ascend the fishways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant number of dams worldwide are very old and thus require a reassessment of maximum flood discharges due to siltation and climate change effects. The Piano Key Weir (PKW) is a relatively new labyrinth-type weir that has emerged as a viable solution for dam rehabilitation and new projects with space constraints. While various studies have been conducted in the past to investigate the influence of geometrical parameters of PKW, there is a lack of information regarding the effect of non-linear slope profile of keys on the discharge efficiency. In this paper, ogee profiles have been introduced in the outlet keys to study their influence on the discharge coefficient. The experiments were performed at the Hydraulics Laboratory, IIT Roorkee, India, using a flume 15 m long, 0.39 m wide and 0.52 m deep. These experiments involved four PKW models with different slope profiles in the outlet key. The results of the laboratory studies and RANS model simulations indicate that the PKW models with ogee shaped outlet keys are more efficient than the linear shaped counterpart for heads higher than their design head. The maximum increase in discharge coefficient for the PKW models with curvilinear outlet keys was 9%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rectangular slit weir is used to measure small flows, namely, those flows less than 5 L/s and contraction ratios (b/B) less than 0.25. In the present study, flow tests were conducted in a laboratory setup with various contraction ratios (b/B) under models A (b/B = 1/12), B (b/B = 1/8), C (b/B = 1/6), D (b/B = 5/24), and E (b/B = 1/4). The dimensional analysis revealed that b/B, the height of the flow on the crest of the weir to the height of the weir crest (h/P), the Reynolds number (Re), and the Weber number (We) are effective parameters for predicting the discharge coefficient of the slit weir. The experimental results indicated that the discharge coefficient is variable for different contraction ratios; the maximum average discharge coefficient was achieved at the lowest b/B (Model A), with a value of 0.72. The minimum average discharge coefficient obtained in Model B equals 0.639. In addition, former prediction equations were compared with the obtained experimental data, and the minimum, average, and maximum errors were calculated. Furthermore, a relationship was established for deriving the discharge coefficient in slit weirs with R2 = 0.9212, RMSE = 0.02244, and MAE = 0.0134 based on the obtained experimental data with four effective parameters, b/B, h/P, Re, and We. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main aim of the present experimental study was to investigate the performance of bendway weirs (BWs) in large-scale channel bends with three different relative curvatures (i.e. the ratio of central-bend radius to top channel width). The geometry of BWs (such as inclination angle, length, and spacing) was chosen based on the state-of-the-art of design criteria. However, the significance of important hydraulic geometry (crest slope) was also examined in these different bends. The results indicate that the performance of sloped crest weirs in protecting the concave bend erosion was better and worse in moderate and sharp bends, respectively, compared to flat crest. Bendway weirs with horizontal crest and submergence ratio of 0.7 are found to be the most efficient in developing sediment deposition near the outer bank, even in sharp bends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Side weirs are hydraulic structures employed in irrigation and drainage channels as diversion devices or head regulators. The increasing efficiency of the structure of side weirs for constant head has been one of the concerns of researchers in the last decade. The use of different forms of sharp crest, labyrinth, piano key, and increasing the length of the overflow by changing the geometry of the crest have been investigated. In this research, a new type of triangular-shaped side weir has been studied in the laboratory under different hydraulic conditions in sub-critical flow conditions. The results demonstrated that by inclining the crests of the triangular side weir, the amount of vortex created at the entrance of the opening was reduced. So the discharge coefficient and the flow volume over the side weir showed an increase of up to 27% and 48%, respectively, compared to the normal triangular and rectangular side weirs. Also, after analyzing the data, a non-linear equation was presented to estimate the discharge coefficient with the dimensionless parameters of the ratio of the upstream depth to the weir height (y1/p) and the upstream Froud number (Fr1) with an accuracy of ±15% and NRMSE=0.134. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Piano key weirs are a type of non-linear weir that have a higher discharge coefficient than similar linear weirs. These hydraulic structures have a lightweight foundation and a simple structure is designed and installed on dams and drainage channels. Due to the high efficiency of these weirs, the investigation of downstream scour and ways to reduce it has been the focus of engineers in recent years. In the present study, a trapezoidal type C piano key weir, three discharges, and three tailwater depths were used. Two obstacles with heights of 0.02 and 0.04 meters were also used at the end of the weir exit keys. The results showed that the presence of an obstacle reduces scour at the toe of the weir. The amount of reduction in scour at the toe of the weir was greater in the weir with a larger obstacle height than in the weir with a smaller obstacle height, and in both cases was less than in the simple weir. The presence of an obstacle reduces the maximum depth of scour and moves the distance of the maximum depth of scour away from the toe of the weir. In the weir with obstacle heights of 0.02 and 0.04 meters, compared to the weir without an obstacle, the amount of maximum scour depth is approximately 16.4% and 26.9% less, and the distance of the maximum scour depth is approximately 8.7% and 19.1% more than the weir without an obstacle. The scour index in weirs with obstacles is less than in weirs without obstacles, which can reduce the risk of weir overturning. The lowest value of the scour index was observed in the weir with an obstacle height of 0.04 meters, which is approximately 41.2% less than the weir without an obstacle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dams and other in‐stream obstacles disrupt longitudinal connectivity and hinder fish from moving between habitats. Fishways and other fish passage solutions are used to pass fish over these artificial migration barriers. Fish passage functionality, however, varies greatly with fish passage design and environmental conditions and depends on fish species and characteristics. In particular, swimming performance and fish behaviour are considered key characteristics to predict fish passage performance. It is also well known, but not well quantified, that the presence of conspecifics affects fish passage behaviour. In this study, we quantified individual passage rates of PIT‐tagged gudgeons (Gobio gobio) over a scaled deep side notch weir in an hydraulic flume. We then quantified individual swimming capability (time to fatigue) and activity level (distance moved in an open field test) for the same individual fish and tested for potential effects on fish passage rate. To check for potential group effects, we then repeated the passage experiment for fish individually or in groups of five. More active fish displayed higher passage rates compared to less active fish, and fish passed the obstacle at higher rates in groups of five compared to alone. No effect of fish swimming capability on passage rates was detected. This result highlights the need to take both individual variation as well as the presence and behaviour of conspecifics into account in fish passage studies and evaluations. Doing so has the potential to improve the understanding of fish behaviour, and in the end, the design of fish passage solutions. Future studies should explore these results on free ranging fish and in relation to in‐situ fish passage solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study examines the flow characteristics under free flow conditions over a crump weir. The impact of the side slopes of the weir on the coefficient of discharge (Cd) is taken into account. Four physical models with crest heights of 0.15 m under free flow circumstances and four upstream side slope (1:3, 1:2.5, 1:2 and 1:1.5) were used to investigate the impact of various variables on discharge coefficient (Cd). Using the dimensional analysis technique, the elements influencing the crump weir's discharge coefficient were determined based on laboratory tests. For the same flow rate, Cd value decrease by decreasing upstream side slope. It notices that a decrease in upstream slope (from 1:3 to 1:2.5) reducing Cd value about (2.61 %), decrease upstream slope from (1:3 to 1:2) reducing Cd value about (4.16 %) and when decrease upstream slope from (1:3 to 1:1.5) reducing Cd value about (5.81 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weir, as a hydraulic structure with an upstream and downstream flow pattern, has been of key importance to many researchers in the field of civil engineering. Energy dissipation is considered a challenge that forces researchers to make it high priority. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of the use of different shapes as obstacles at the downstream of a weir on the scour hole depth downstream of its structure. The speculated results were then compared with actual measurements to present the efficiency of CFD techniques to current actual hydraulic-structure problems. The flow 3-D package was considered as the simulation tool in this study. In order to achieve the highest energy dissipation, thus, the minimum scour depth at the downstream, nine various models of different shapes of weirs were numerically and experimentally analyzed. The shapes of the weir models were optimized by numerical simulations then they were physically tested in laboratory experiments. The models have a width of 0.8 m and a height of 0.59 m, while their lengths range from 0.72 to 1.12 m. The bottom of the channel was covered by a sand layer of 0.2 m thickness with a grain gradient rate of 0.002 m. Three different discharge values of 0.015, 0.02 and 0.025 m³ ·s-1 were utilized in the experiments. The experimental and numerical simulation results showed similarities with the maximum depths of scour for all analyses were noted to be between 0.003 m and 0.012 m. Six models have been explored, the SU3 model was found to demonstrate the minimum scour depth ranging from 0.003 to 0.005 m under all flow conditions, In this model, the scour has settled during the first (15) minutes of experiment for the first and second discharges (0.015, 0.020 m³ ·s-1) to be (0.018, 0.02 m) (Table 2) while the scour has settled for the third discharge (0.025 m³ ·s-1) after four hours to reach (0.03 m), therefore, presenting the best performance in terms of energy dissipation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streamgage designs often include a full-width artificial hydraulic control (e.g., concrete weir) to aid in the computation of streamflow. While important to water resource managers, these weirs also tend to act as full or partial barriers to fish migration, effectively hindering the health and survival of these populations. In this study, we conducted experiments to quantify the effect of head drop and submergence of a common streamgage weir on the passage performance of an important migratory fish species, the American Shad. Three treatment conditions were selected based on the tailwater surface elevation (ElTW): unsubmerged (ElTW = 1.05 m; head drop = 0.46 m), equal to the weir crest (ElTW = 1.20 m; head drop = 0.31 m), and submerged (ElTW = 1.36 m; head drop = 0.15 m). Fish movements were recorded via passive integrated transponder telemetry techniques. Results revealed that the backwatered Columbus-type weir was not a complete barrier at any of the three treatments, but passage was shown to be significantly impaired when the weir was unsubmerged. Passage efficiency for the unsubmerged, equal, and submerged treatments was 20.2 ± 6.2, 49.2 ± 7.2, and 64.2 ± 7.4%. Backwatering a weir, rather than removal or other major alterations that would affect weir calibration, may be an acceptable retrofit to increase fish passage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their superior technical and hydraulic performance and minimal environmental impact, porous weirs have emerged as a feasible alternative to traditional impermeable solid weirs in water transmission and distribution systems. This research study assesses the hydraulic performance of porous broad-crested weirs (PBCWs) with sloping crests. To accomplish this, 30 PBCW models were designed and tested under various operating conditions, including free and submerged flow scenarios. A comparative analysis was conducted to evaluate the performance of PBCWs with and without sloping crests, with the results being compared against a solid broad-crested weir (SBCW) model. The findings revealed that PBCWs with an upstream crest slope exhibited an average increase of 38% in the discharge coefficient compared to similar SBCWs. Similarly, PBCWs with a downstream crest slope demonstrated an average increase of 28% in the discharge coefficient. Additionally, PBCWs with sloping crests showcased heightened sensitivity to changes in tailwater levels compared to PBCWs with horizontal crests, with PBCWs featuring an upstream crest slope being more responsive than those with a downstream crest slope. Finally, leveraging extensive experimental data, empirical equations were derived using nonlinear multi-variable regression and gene-expression programming techniques to accurately represent the free flow discharge coefficient and submerged flow discharge reduction factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research delves into the effects of weir‐induced habitat fragmentation on the diversity and structure of benthic macroinvertebrate communities in Topyeong Stream in the Republic of Korea. Through comprehensive zonation, environmental assessments and analyses of macroinvertebrate populations, the study brings to light the significant impact of physical barriers within aquatic ecosystems. Findings reveal notable differences in macroinvertebrate diversity among various stream zones, with alpha diversity measurements demonstrating the significant influence of habitat conditions on biodiversity. Beta diversity analyses uncovered considerable species turnover, pointing to distinct ecological features within fragmented habitats. Mantel tests solidified a significant link between geographical separation and species composition, highlighting the critical impact of spatial isolation arising from habitat fragmentation. The research also pinpointed environmental factors, including habitat size and depth variation, as critical influences on macroinvertebrate community dynamics. Discussions on conservation tactics centered on habitat restoration and forward‐thinking water management strategies aim to counteract the negative consequences of fragmentation and drought. This study emphasizes the essential need for cohesive conservation initiatives to preserve aquatic biodiversity and the functionality of ecosystems amidst human‐induced challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study experimentally investigated the temporal evolution of the scour parameters downstream of a trapezoidal piano key weir. The densimetric Froude number (Frd50) in the range of 0.39–0.57 and the relative vertical distance of the sediment bed level to the weir toe (Δz/P) in the range of 0.025–0.5 were taken into consideration. In general, with an increase in Frd50, the scouring rate, maximum scour depth, scour hole area and scour hole volume enhanced over time. The increases in the scour parameters were greater at the initial stages of the tests. About 87, 80, 65 and 70% of the maximum scour depth, weir toe scour, scour hole area and scour hole volume occurred within the first 20% of the durations of the tests, respectively. Any increase in Frd50 and Δz/P augmented the scour depth at the weir toe. The results also indicated that the distance of maximum scour depth from the weir increased for greater values of Δz/P and Frd50. The amounts of scour downstream of the outlet keys were greater than those downstream of the inlet keys. The trend of variations of the longitudinal bed profiles remained nearly unchanged over time. New equations were developed to predict the temporal variations of scour parameters, with acceptable accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consequences are presented from flume experiments regarding bed scour at rock vanes and bendway weirs constructed of loose rock placed on sand bed channels. The experiments involved three flow discharges adjusted to replicate approximately the rising limb of a hydrograph and two bed-material sizes (a medium sand and a very coarse sand) subject to live-bed and clearwater scour. Observations show that these structures shortened due to rock dislodgement triggered by relatively modest contraction scour, which undermined the toe of the crest tip of these loose rock structures, causing the tips to become geotechnically unstable. Additionally, flow dislodgment of rock destabilized by tip slope failure further shortened the crest length of these structures and decreased tip slope. Displaced rock partially armored the scour zone and, thereby, affected scour depth and thalweg development. The experiments illustrated thalweg development as flow rate increased. Design dimensions are given for rock vanes and bendway weirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the rehabilitation of spillways and design of new dam constructions have considered the combination of a stepped chute with a labyrinth weir crest, highlighting the need for hydraulic information for this specific spillway type. To address currently missing design guidance, a novel study was conducted on a 10.7° round-crested labyrinth weir with a 3H:1V sloped chute with multiple step heights. The results include guidance for estimating flow depths along the chute and selecting a chute wall height; the role of the labyrinth weir on aeration, streamwise and transverse flow uniformity, and general flow patterns; and energy dissipation by the labyrinth crest and by individual steps. It was found that stepped chutes with a labyrinth crest are aerated from the impact of the nappes in the labyrinth outlet cycles, which continued to the chute entrance where the maximum air concentrations and flow depths occurred. The labyrinth crest also generates nonuniform flow patterns and air-water flow properties that have a significant effect on energy dissipation as the nonuniformity and potential drag reduction (due to the stronger aeration) results in less energy dissipated compared with published literature of stepped spillways with linear crests. The present findings provide first guidance for practitioners to combine labyrinth weirs with stepped chutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weirs are hydraulic constructions typically employed in dam spillways and channel control structures. The shape and size of the crest will determine whether the weir is linear or nonlinear. Of the two types, non-linear weirs are often selected due to their ability to allow different discharge levels at the minimal heads. A recently introduced variation of the nonlinear kind is the piano key weir. This research undertakes a comprehensive analysis of the hydraulic functionality of the type-C piano key weir under conditions of free flow. The research methodology involved modifying the models by adding stages to the sides and monitoring the effect on the efficacy of discharge, represented by the discharge coefficient. The study further extrapolated formulae linking critical variables to the discharge coefficient, using dimensional analysis and SPSS software. The findings of this study revealed that the introduction of stages significantly bolstered the discharge coefficient in the altered models compared to the standard model. This enhancement was reflected in a 6% and 11% ascent with length expansion of the stages and a 6% and 8% rise with height increase of the stages. Additionally, the model's performance was augmented with a drop in the total head ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Designing hydraulic structures requires careful consideration of local scouring downstream. This study investigated the performance of trapezoidal labyrinth weirs in controlling flow and mitigating scour in straight channels through physical model experiments. Sixty configurations were examined, using weir apex angles of 20°, 45°, 60°, and 80°, heights of 30 cm, 35 cm, and 40 cm, and flow rates of 50–200 L/s. A linear weir served as a reference. The results showed that the 60° apex angle consistently outperformed other configurations, reducing scour depth by up to 41% and scour length by up to 50% compared to the linear weir. It also decreased deposition depth by 40% and length by 50%. Lowering weir height from 40 cm to 30 cm led to reductions of 35% in scour depth and 40% in scour length at low discharges. These improvements remained significant even at higher flow rates, with a 29% reduction in scour depth and 25% in scour length at 200 L/s. This study provides evidence-based recommendations for optimizing labyrinth weir designs to define the relationship between hydraulic efficiency and erosion control. It offers valuable insights into weir geometry, flow conditions, and the resulting scour and deposition patterns. These findings contribute to the optimization of labyrinth weir designs to minimize downstream bed configurations. The tests were conducted under limited flow conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Labyrinth weirs are well known for their superiority in providing higher flow capacity for a given hydraulic head, especially in areas where space is limited. This study presents an experimental and numerical study to determine the hydraulic efficiency of triangular labyrinth weirs. The discharge coefficient of a weir was determined in two different ways, depending on the width of the channel (Cd) and the length of the crest of the weir (CL). Although the crest length is the most important factor in increasing the discharge coefficient per unit channel width, the discharge coefficient per unit crest length decreases with increasing the crest length for a given head. It can be said that the main reason for the reduction in weir efficiency, particularly at high headwater, is nappe interference and therefore local submergence between cycles. From the results of systematic analyses, some new highly correlated multiple regression equations calculating these two coefficients in relation to the weir geometries and the flow conditions were obtained. As a result of the literature comparison, although they were found to be generally compatible with the results of similar studies in the literature, the reasons for the differences between them were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the scouring effect downstream of a type-A trapezoidal stepped Piano key weir using experimental methods. The experiments were performed on weirs, both with and without steps at the outlet keys, while considering various discharge rates, tailwater depths, and bed material sizes. The study scrutinized three unique weir configurations, each with different dimensions and step counts at the outlet keys: the first, second, and third weirs had 5, 10, and 15 steps respectively. The findings indicate that the maximum scour depths in the Piano key weirs with 5, 10, and 15 steps were, on average, 17.5%, 31%, and 19% less than those in the non-stepped weir. It was also noted that an increase in discharge and a decrease in tailwater depth and bed material size led to an increase in the maximum scour depth. Moreover, an increase in the number of steps and a decrease in the size of the bed materials resulted in a reduction in sediment ridge height. The analysis suggests that the average scour index values in the 10-stepped weir were about 21% lower compared to the non-stepped weir. These insights contribute to the design and optimization of hydraulic structures to effectively mitigate scouring effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, piano key (PK) weir with an expanded crest length are often used to deal with surplus discharge in dams due to unexpected climate change effects, increasing safety. The present study deals with the numerical modelling of a group of PK weirs with auxiliary geometrical parameters to predict the flow over a PK weir using different FLOW-3D turbulence models. The numerical outcomes were compared with the experimental results to check the accuracy of the underlying FLOW-3D models. It was found that the k-ε turbulence model of FLOW-3D estimated the flow over a piano key weir more closely to the experimental results than the RNG (renormalized group) and LES (large eddy simulation) models. Statistical parameters were used to evaluate the simulated results. It was observed that the coefficient of correlation (CC) was close to one and the root mean square error (RMSE) close to zero when numerical outcomes were compared with experimental datasets. The results show that the FLOW-3D software is quite effective in estimating the flow. Therefore, the present study will help to understand the best combination of mesh, models, adaption and convergence processes in simulation and provide an insight into the numerical analysis of flow configuration over PKW by considering one of the best numerical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phenomenon of hydraulic jumps has been widely studied in laboratory flumes. However, few studies have been made to bridge the discrepancy encountered in the formulation of relations ascribing hydraulic jumps based on laboratory model studies and that occur in natural conditions. Most of the predictive formulae for sequent depth ratio and length of jump proposed in the literature have not been verified in the field. The present study attempts to link the field investigation data of hydraulic jump in a weir with laboratory channel flume observation for similar flow conditions. The hydraulic jump parameters were collected in the field using feasible technologies in the study weir. The weir selected for this study has geometric, kinematic and Froude similarities with the laboratory model. The comparison of laboratory model data and field measurements showed inconsistency. It is observed that the sequent depth ratio and length of the jump are inaccurately predicted by the laboratory relation compared to the field observations by the laboratory relation. A fieldvalidated-based relationship is suggested for the calculation of sequent depth and length of jump in a smooth rectangular channel for Froude numbers ranging from 4 to 10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature-based solutions (NbS) to water scarcity, environmental degradation, climate change, and biodiversity losses are enjoying increasing implementation throughout the world. This manuscript reviews three case studies from Brazil, Panama, and Portugal that illustrate NbS and searches for commonalities that may assist their usefulness in new sites. The Tijuca Forest in Rio de Janeiro is a remarkable story of centuries of forest management and restoration that initially aimed at providing water security for the capital of the country during the XIX Century while it was still a monarchy. Today, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Panama Canal Watershed produces water for canal operations, electricity generation, and drinking water for half the country's population. Traditional water mills and weirs near streams in the Alentejo Region, Portugal, have largely been abandoned due to the damming of the Guadiana River. Yet today, weirs are increasingly recognized for their important contribution to water provisioning in this dry region. All have a primary goal related to water provisioning, yet their ecosystem benefits are multiple. The cases offer important lessons for adaptation to climate change, cultural benefits from traditional human activities, and concerns about social equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scour is a significant concern for bridge design/maintenance, and scour countermeasures are often used to prevent or reduce erosion caused by scouring. The W weir is a grade control structure serving many purposes, including scour control at bridge piers. A series of laboratory experimental runs was conducted, changing the size, height and location of the pier in relation to the weir to optimise the structural configuration of the downscaled W weir. These experiments revealed that the scour hole profile upstream of the downscaled W weir changes with weir height. At a weir height of 1.0D (D = diameter of pier), two small depressions of almost identical size were observed inside the main scour hole, one just in front of each upstream apex of the W weir. One cone-shaped scour hole was observed when the W weir height was 0.5D with its maximum depth in between the upstream apexes. Reduction of scour in front of the pier was greater when the weir height was 1.0D. The maximum scour control achieved among all different structural combinations of downscaled W weir was 47.66%. This was achieved when the downscaled W weir was 2.0D in size and 1.0D high, placed 2.0D distant from the pier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to numerically investigate the effect of bed slope on the hydraulic performance of side weirs in supercritical and subcritical flow regimes. Increasing the bed slope decreases the weir efficiency and discharge coefficient in the subcritical flow regime up to 14.54% and in the supercritical flow regime up to 9.26%. By examining the longitudinal velocity distribution, it was observed that in the subcritical flow regime, the maximum longitudinal velocity occurs at the beginning of the upstream of the side weir, and by moving towards the downstream of the weir, the flow velocity decreases and increases again after leaving the length of the weir. In the supercritical flow regime, it has an increasing trend when the flow enters from the upstream of the side weir. The increase in discharge coefficient with the increase of the weir height varied between 4.6% and 7.8%. With increase of the slope of the channel bed, the velocity along the length of the weir increases by 10.88% and 6.17%, respectively, in the subcritical and supercritical regimes, and the transverse velocity along the transverse direction for the subcritical and supercritical flow regimes decreased by 22.23% and 4.80%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are possible worlds in which time is circular and finite in duration, forming a loop of, say, 12,000 years. There are also possible worlds in which time is linear and infinite in both directions and in which history is repetitive, consisting of infinitely many 12,000-year epochs, each two of which are exactly alike with respect to all intrinsic, purely qualitative properties. Could one ever have empirical evidence that one inhabits a world of the first kind rather than a world of the second kind? We argue for the affirmative answer, contra Quine, Newton-Smith, and Bergström. Our argument for that conclusion differs from an argument for the same conclusion due to Weir. Weir's argument is probabilistic and explicitly requires having evidence against determinism. Our argument is a direct appeal to the simplicity of laws, and it involves no probabilistic component. It is modeled on Shoemaker's argument that one could have evidence of time without change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A potential flow model of the semi-inverse type is proposed to simulate flow over round crested weirs. This technique involves the construction of only streamlines over the weir instead of constructing the entire flow net. A Serre–Green–Naghdi (SGN) equation is employed to determine the initial free-surface profile, which is solved using a combined finite volume-finite difference scheme. The potential flow equations were numerically solved using a five-point central finite difference scheme. The model was applied to define the pressure and velocity fields in channel controls involving transcritical flow, such as the Gaussian weir, parabolic weir, and semicircular weir. The impact of streamline curvature on pressure and velocity distributions was investigated in the study. The curvature of the streamline strongly influenced the rise and drop of the bed pressures along the test section. A semicircular weir experiment was also conducted to validate the pressure and velocity profiles obtained using the proposed 2-D fluid flow model. The computed pressure and flow profiles from the solution of the potential flow equation agree perfectly with the present experiment and similar experiments available in the literature. In conclusion, the SGN equation provides an excellent initial profile to solve a 2-D ideal fluid flow numerically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rock weirs, typically created by the placement of loose rocks, are eco-friendly hydraulic structures used for raising the upstream water level, which has benefits for irrigation, shipping, and grade control. Although rock weirs are frequently submerged in rivers, few studies have systematically investigated their impacts on the upstream water level under submerged conditions. A series of flume experiments regarding this topic were conducted. Different flow discharges, tail-water depths, and void ratios were adopted in the experiments. The results show that (1) the submerged rock weirs primarily function to raise the upstream water level, while having a limited impact on the tail-water level; (2) for a given tail-water depth and void ratio, the upstream water level rise increases with increased discharge, although this response becomes insignificant as tail-water depth increases; (3) as void ratio increases, the upstream water level rise is expected to decrease for a given tail-water depth and discharge; and (4) based on the data and observations, a predictor including the effects of Froude number, submergence, and void ratio is proposed for estimating the upstream water level rise of submerged rock weirs. These results contribute to further understanding the hydraulic properties of rock weirs and are important for river training practices using rock weirs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of scour depth downstream of weirs holds paramount importance in ensuring the structural stability of these hydraulic structures. This study presents groundbreaking experimental investigations highlighting the innovative use of baffles to enhance energy dissipation and mitigate scour in the downstream beds of rectangular piano key weirs (RPKWs) and trapezoidal piano key weirs (TPKWs). By leveraging three state-of-the-art supervised machine learning algorithms—multi-layer perceptron (MLP), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and support vector regression (SVR)—to estimate scour hole parameters, this research showcases significant advancements in predictive modeling for scour analysis. Experimental results reveal that the incorporation of baffles leads to a remarkable 18–22% increase in energy dissipation and an 11–14% reduction in scour depth for both RPKWs and TPKWs. Specifically, introducing baffles in RPKWs resulted in a noteworthy 26.7% reduction in scour hole area and a 30.3% decrease in scour volume compared to RPKWs without baffles. Moreover, novel empirical equations were developed to estimate scour parameters, achieving impressive performance metrics with an average R2 = 0.951, RMSE = 0.145, and MRPE = 4.429%. The MLP models demonstrate superior performance in predicting maximum scour depth across all scenarios with an average R2 = 0.988, RMSE = 0.035, and MRPE = 1.036%. However, the predictive capabilities varied when estimating weir toe scour depth under diverse circumstances, with the XGBoost model proving more accurate in scenarios involving baffled TPKWs with R2 = 0.965, RMSE = 0.048, and MRPE = 2.798% than the MLP and SVR models. This research underscores the significant role of baffles in minimizing scouring effects in TPKWs compared to RPKWs, showcasing the potential for improved design and efficiency in water-management systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to evaluate the performance of compound gates in flow energy dissipation using a two-tiered structure (15 and 30 cm high). Four heights of the lower opening of the structure (0, 1, 2, 3 cm) were used, and seven values of flow depth over the edge of the structure (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 cm) were used for each case. The study concluded that the efficiency of compound gates in dissipating flow energy decreases with increasing flow depth over the edge of the structure. However, this performance increases in hydraulic structures with high elevations, especially when the height of the opening under those gates is increased, provided that the flow depth over the edge of these structures is constant. Compound gates are considered effective energy dissipaters for low-elevation structures if the opening under the gate is small.

Mass capture of small fishes with a variety of nets, traps, and weirs was widely practiced and economically important across East Polynesia at western contact. Archaeological research, however, has suggested these technologies were less important during the early settlement period and gained prominence over time. Several explanations have been proposed, including resource depression, changes in marine environments, and/or social and economic reorientations. In the Marquesas Islands, pelagic and offshore fishes were historically well represented in early assemblages relative to most Polynesian islands. Here we report on fishbone assemblages from Nuku Hiva Island that were recovered with fine mesh screens, identified using a wide range of skeletal elements, and analysed with morphometric methods. The Hakaea Beach results demonstrate that mass capture of small fishes was especially important at this locality and sustained over three early, successive occupations. These patterns may reflect the nature of the local fisheries, preferential use of high‐return capture strategies in this reef‐limited setting, and/or purposeful avoidance of ciguatera‐prone fishes and a preference for less vulnerable fishes. Overall, our findings highlight geographic variation in early Marquesan fisheries and provide archaeological evidence that mass capture technologies had an important place in the maritime toolkits of the earliest East Polynesian fishers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The piano key weir has been successfully used to address discharge deficiencies and site limitations for run-of-river structures and new and existing spillways, serving as an economical alternative to traditional weirs. In addition to upstream sedimentation, weirs may also be exposed to floating driftwood mobilized by hydrologic events. Driftwood accumulation immediately upstream of or on a weir crest can decrease hydraulic performance, potentially increasing upstream flooding and altering hydrodynamic forces on the weir that may cause structural or foundational concerns. It is unclear if floating driftwood accumulation might also influence the sediment self-cleaning characteristics of piano key weirs. Thus, this study used physical experiments to systematically investigate the sediment self-cleaning ability of a Type A piano key weir with driftwood accumulation in a run-of-river setting. The simulated substrate was an alluvial sand bed and the driftwood was naturally shaped. Experiments included combinations of discharge and different driftwood volumes. Results indicate that driftwood accumulations can have a significant influence on the flow field upstream of a piano key weir and positively affect the self-cleaning of sediment. For the conditions considered herein, the cleaning capacity was a function of driftwood volume, accumulation surface area or its extent in the upstream reach, and discharge. Higher flow rates and increased driftwood volume increased and extended upstream scour, resulting in higher sediment transport and self-cleaning without causing a significant backwater or increase in upstream water elevation. With sufficient flow depths at the piano key weir, driftwood would also be anticipated to pass downstream. Based on the results, driftwood accumulation can positively affect the ability of a piano key weir to remove adjacent upstream noncohesive sediment deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of simple weirs and the ability of rural farmers to construct durable weirs are still areas of concern in rural areas in Zambia. The objective of this study is to investigate the factors contributing to the varying levels of durability of the simple weir structures used for the diversion of river flows. This study was conducted in five districts where 33 simple weirs located in similar geographical zones were analyzed for their longevity. The research delved into catchment and climatic variables, as well as the social and psychological perception of simple weirs. This study conducted interviews with key informants who were familiar with the use of simple weirs in Muchinga Provinces between 26 December 2023 and 15 January 2024 using semi-structured questions. The findings of this study indicated that simple weirs constructed on relatively square-shaped catchments and narrow-shaped catchment areas were less vulnerable to damage and easy to operate and maintain. The study also found that climatic factors such as storm rainfall events had little impact on the operation and maintenance of these weirs in Muchinga province, as most sites are in the rainfall shadow while farmers' views about the structures varied from site to site. Overall, planning is necessary for implementing small or large irrigation structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document discusses a research article that examines the impact of the downstream slope on the flow hydraulics and conveyance features of short-crested trapezoidal weirs. The authors conducted physical experiments and numerical computations to study this effect and proposed a modified equation for the discharge coefficient that considers both the upstream and downstream slopes. The document also explores the influence of the downstream slope on the water surface profile and the effect of a stilling basin downstream of the weir. The authors emphasize the importance of considering the slopes when calculating the discharge coefficient and provide experimental data to support their findings. The research was funded by various sources. [Extracted from the article]

This document is a discussion of a research paper that examines the discharge coefficient of symmetrical stepped and triangular labyrinth side weirs in a subcritical flow regime. The authors conducted experiments and numerical simulations to understand how the design of these weirs affects hydraulics and discharge capacity. They found that the discharge coefficient increased with certain design changes, but there were still hydraulic phenomena that impacted the weir's ability to effectively drain water. The discussers suggest the use of antivortex structures to address these concerns and improve discharge efficiency. The research was supported by various funding sources, and the data and models used in the study are available for further exploration. [Extracted from the article]

Diversion head works, also called weirs or barrages, are structures constructed across rivers or canals to store water or raise the water level. The design of diversion weir structures involves calculating the depth, length and thickness of the horizontal and sloping aprons and sheet pile cut-offs. The design parameters of a diversion weir structure, which have complex non-linear relationships, are traditionally determined using empirically derived recommendations and iterations to achieve structural stability against failures due to scour, uplift, sliding, piping and overturning. However, current design approaches do not explicitly explore the trade-offs between the many relevant design objectives and thus fail to reveal possibly superior designs. A multi-objective optimisation design approach for a diversion weir structure is proposed in this article. A free and open-source code that can be used as a design tool is also provided. The method is demonstrated on a stylised design problem. The results show that the method reveals solutions with diverse balances of stability metrics and cost, with the optimal relationships of parameter values of components also varying based on the relative cost of the construction materials for sheet piles and aprons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to evaluate the performance of compound gates in flow energy dissipation using a two-tiered structure (15 and 30 cm high). Four heights of the lower opening of the structure (0, 1, 2, 3 cm) were used, and seven values of flow depth over the edge of the structure (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 cm) were used for each case. The study concluded that the efficiency of compound gates in dissipating flow energy decreases with increasing flow depth over the edge of the structure. However, this performance increases in hydraulic structures with high elevations, especially when the height of the opening under those gates is increased, provided that the flow depth over the edge of these structures is constant. Compound gates are considered effective energy dissipaters for low-elevation structures if the opening under the gate is small. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]