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Save reservoir-flood-routing2 For Later USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
National Employee Development Center
Module 211
Reservoir Flood Routing
EDC
National Employee Development CenterDC
Engineering
Hydrology Training Series
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing
National Employee Development Center
Natural Resources Conservation Service
United States Department of Agriculture
duly 1999Mention of trademarked or copyrighted items or equipment in this
workbook does not constitute endorsement by the United States
Department of Agriculture.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits
discrimination in its programs on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, and marital or
family status. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)
Persons with disabilities who require altemative means for commu-
nication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape,
etc.) should contact the USDA Office of Communications at (202)
720-5881 (voice) or (202) 720-7808 (TDD).
To file a complaint, write the Secretary of Agriculture, U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, or call (202)
720-7327 (voice) or (202) 720-1127 (TDD). USDA is an equal
employment opportunity employer.Preface
This module consists of a study guide which provides a brief
overview of reservoir flood routing.
Proceed through this module at your own pace. Be sure you
completely understand each section before moving on. If you have
questions or need help, please request assistance from your
supervisor. If your supervisor cannot clear up your problems, he/
she will contact the state-appointed resource person. The resource
person is familiar with the material and should be able to answer
any questions you may have.
Be sure to write out your answers to the included activities. This
will help to reinforce your leaming. After completing each activity,
compare your answers with the included solution.
Acknowledgment
The design and development of this training module is the result
of a concentrated effort by practicing engineers in the Natural
Resources Conservation Service. The contributions from many
technical and procedural reviews have helped make this module
one that will provide needed knowledge of hydrology and
hydraulics to NRCS employees.Engineering Hydrology Training SeriesEngineering Hydrology Training Series
Table of Contents
Preface ..
Acknowledgment ......
Introduction ........00000
Storage Indication Procedure
The Continuity Equation ...
Data Needed for Routing
Comparison of Common Routing Methods . 12
Mass Curve Method
Graphical Methods...
Storage Indication Method
Activity 1...
Shortcut Reservoir Routing Methods
Activity 2..
Activity 3.
NNTC Shortcut Procedure .. .
Emergency Spillway Routing Shortcut . 129
NRCS Computer Programs for Reservoir Flood Routing... 231
Test «0.0.0.
Summary ..
Bibliography .......
Activity and Test Solutions ........cstststsessiststreietstseetstst 39
Certificate of Completion .......sasssssiessistte see AdEngineering Hydrology Training SeriesEngineering Hydrology Training Series
Module Description
Overview
This module presents information NRCS engineers need to know
about flood routing in order to design or understand the
functioning of water control structures that temporarily impound
flood water, such as dams, ponds, and other detention type
structures. The module discusses the background and applications
of different types of reservoir routing procedures with emphasis
on the Storage Indication method. NRCS shortcut reservoir
routing procedures are also discussed. Applicable NRCS computer
programs that use the Storage Indication method and the shortcut
procedures are identified and the routing procedure described.
Information on how to use the programs is covered in the
Computer Program Module series
Objectives
Upon completion of this module, you will be able to
* Describe the Storage Indication method of reservoir routing.
* Identify shortcut reservoir routing methods
+ Identify computer programs the NRCS uses to route floods
through structures and describe their general range of
applicability.
* Perform at ASK Level 3 (Perform with supervision).
viiEngineering Hydrology Training Series
Prerequisite
Module 111—Reservoir Flood Routing
Duration
The participant should take as long as necessary to complete the
module. Training time for the module is approximately three
hours.
Eligibility
This module is intended for all NRCS personnel who use reservoir
flood routing procedures.
Method of Completion
This module is self-paced, but the state should select a resource
person to answer any questions that the participant's supervisor
cannot handleIEDC
Engineering Hydrology Training Series
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing
Introduction
In this module, you will be introduced to background information
used to develop the Natural Resources Conservation Service
reservoir routing procedures. You should have already completed
Module 111—Reservoir Flood Routing. This module should give
you a thorough understanding of reservoir flood routing, but you
will need additional experience and supervision before doing them
on your own.
Storage Indication Procedure
In Module 111, you learned that flood routing is the process of
determining the timing and shape of a flood wave. In a reservoir,
this is done by accounting for the storage available in the
reservoir. In a channel, the flood wave is observed at successive
points along a river. The storage and outflow are interdependent.
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing 1Engineering Hydrology Training Series
The Continuity Equation
The continuity equation used in reservoir routing observes the
principle of conservation of mass. For a given time interval, the
volume of inflow minus the volume of outflow equals the change
in volume of storage. The equation is often written in one of the
two forms given below.
At (T- 0) = aS ie)
) = aS/At (2)
At = a time interval
average rate of inflow during the time interval
average rate of outflow during the time interval
o-
AS = change in volume of storage during the time interval
The treatment of reservoir routing in this module is based on the
assumption that the reservoir is level. This means that both the
outflow and the storage depend only on the water level in the
reservoir. This is valid in the majority of reservoirs designed by
NRCS, It is not valid in a reservoir where the backwater effect is
such that a significant percentage of the temporary storage occurs
as wedge storage between the sloping backwater surface and a
horizontal plane extending upstream from the water surface
elevation at the dam.
July 1999Engineering Hydrology Training Series
In many applications, the flow and storage variables are expanded
as shown below.
, + 1y/2 (2a)
(0, + O72
time at the beginning of the interval
t, = time at the end of the interval
inflow rate at t1
inflow rate at t2
outflow rate at tl
outflow rate at t2
S, = storage volume at t1
storage volume at t2
Figure 1 shows the general configuration for a reservoir. As
inflow exceeds outflow, the storage increases. If the outflow is
greater than the inflow, the storage decreases as long as the
water level is higher than the crest of the outlet device.
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing 3Figure 1. General Configuration of a Reservoir
Figure 2 shows another important principle of reservoir routing.
The outflow is a maximum when the storage is a maximum. The
outflow is dependent on the height of water above the crest of
the outflow device, h. In the equations for orifice flow and weir
flow given below, h is the only variable. So when h is a
maximum, the discharge Q will be a maximum.
Figure 2. Reservoir Operations: Ouitiow is a maximum when Storage is a maximum as
both are dependent on “h"
July 1999Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing
Engineering Hydrology Training S«
Weir Flow: Q = CLh’? (3)
Orifice Flow: Q = CA(2gh)'? (4)
where
Q = discharge, cfs
h = height of water above the weir crest, ft, OR distance
from the center of the orifice to upstream free water
surface
A. = cross-sectional area, sq. ft.
C = coefficient (typically 3.1 in equation 3 and 0.6 in
equation 4)
L = weir length, feet
g = gravitational constant = 32.2 ft/sec?
Under average conditions, the reservoir water level will stay at or
near the crest of the outflow device. This is because the inflow
from rain tends to offset the losses by evaporation, infiltration,
and seepage. It then follows that outflow begins as soon as inflow
does. Inflow raises the reservoir level by a small amount, which
causes h in equations three and four and in figure 3 to become
slightly larger than zero. This produces an initial small outflow. It
is relatively small as the inflow’s magnitude is dampened by the
storage reservoir's volume.
In times of heavy rainfall, the outlet may flow for a long period
of time and the reservoir's level may be higher than normal for a
long period. This is illustrated in figure 3 by the letter a. In time
of drought, evaporation and infiltration may exceed inflow; the
water level in the reservoir will then fall below the crest of the
outlet device. This is illustrated in figure 3 by the letter b. The
first rains that appear will then have to restore the permanent pool
level to the crest of the outflow device before outflow will begin.Engineering Hydrology Training Series
Figure 3. Reservoir Operations: (a) reservoir level after large rain; (b) reservoir level after
prolonged drought; (h) reservoir level in typical case just after inflow begins so h is
slightly more than zero.
Figure 4 illustrates the principle that the peak outflow falls on a
point on the inflow hydrograph. This occurs when the inflow rate
equals the rate at which the outflow device is releasing the water.
The area abdca, or the difference between the inflow and outflow
hydrographs, represents the volume stored. The volume of
storage depleted is represented by area diged, which equals area
abdca.
500
g bla
© 400 ict
&
S 300
3 / ey
© 200
100 LLY a
i [ |
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Time, Days
= = = inom hydrooragh cut hydrograph
Figure 4. Peak outflow falls on a point on the inflow hydrograph. Hydrographs indicate
volume stored and later released.
July 1999Engineering Hydrology Training Series
Data Needed for Routing
Numerous pieces of information are needed to complete a
successful routing. The four listed here will be described in the
following paragraphs.
© Stage-storage relationship
+ Stage-discharge relationship
* Starting elevation (stage)
* Inflow hydrograph and baseflow
Stage-storage relationship
In order to relate inflow to storage, one must be able to relate
the storage volume in the reservoir to elevation. This is depicted
graphically or in a table, Figure 5 illustrates a stage-storage
relationship. This may be estimated from maps or surveyed in the
field. Stage may be expressed as it relates to a surveyed or
assumed benchmark elevation or as it relates to a selected point,
such as the bottom of the storage reservoir. Calculation of storage
was discussed in module 111
4000
3500. Elev.(f) Storage:
000 570 °
_ 572 9.64
% 2500 574 36.74
tenon 576 81.60
2 seo 41450
@ 1500 585 947.85
1000 590 1715.85
500 595 2744.05
| 600 3994.10
° Lo 59410 |
Elevation, feet
Figure 5. Elevation-Storage relationship for a reservoir
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing 7Engineering Hydrology Training Series
Stage-discharge relationship
This relationship depends on the type of outflow device in the
reservoir. Formulas such as equations three and four are used to
relate the elevation of the water surface to the discharge. The
elevation of the outlet device is known or assumed. The head, h,
is added to this elevation to obtain the elevation of the water
surface. An example of a stage (or elevation)-discharge table is
given in figure 6. The elevation-discharge relationship can be
combined with the stage-storage relationship described above to
relate storage to discharge. This is illustrated in figure seven. One
can then apply the storage indication method to route a
hydrograph through the reservoir.
crest of riser ' ; my
es ae
400 a3
350 45.8
@ 300 3
#50 i:
g i
£ 200 149
2 204
0 150 289
100. ey
od 367
Elevation, feet 401
432
Crest of orifice
Figure 6. Elevation-cischarge relationship for a reservoir with a two-stage principal spilway
8 July 1999,eering Hydrology Training Series
400 Pa
Elevation, feet
Figure 7. Storage-Discharge Relationship
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing 9Engineering Hydrology Training Series
Starting elevation
A starting elevation is assumed for the routing. If it has been
extremely dry, the water surface level may be below the crest of
the outlet device. In wet conditions, the reservoir may be above
the crest of the outlet device so a small discharge is occurring. In
average conditions, the water surface is likely to be at the crest of
the outlet device.
Inflow hydrograph and baseflow
An inflow hydrograph must be known or assumed. This may be
known from gage records. Several techniques for developing a
synthetic hydrograph are described in literature. Module 207 also
discusses hydrograph development. If there is a constant baseflow
into the reservoir, this should be identified and considered in the
routing.
Units
The units used in reservoir routing are commonly acre-feet,
inches, cfs-hours and cfs-days. These terms are related to each
other. One acre-foot of water is the volume of water that covers
‘one acre of land with a depth of one foot. This unit is frequently
used to describe the volume of a reservoir because the area is
measured in acres and the depth in feet. “Inches” describes a
volume of water that is one inch deep over the area of the
watershed. “Cfs-hours” describes a volume of water that
accumulates when a one cfs discharge flows for one hour.
Similarly, “cfs-days” describes a volume of water that accumulates
if a one cfs discharge flows for one day (24 hours). The
relationship between these is shown below.
10 July 1999Engineering Hydrology Trail
ing Sel
©)
1 cfs-day = 24 cfs-hours
feeday 3600 sec 24 brs acre eteot (6)
sec hour *~ day * 43,560
1 cfsday = 1.98 acre-feet
; 1 foot
1 inch x Drainage Area (acres) ——°" = acre-feet a
12 inches
Time Increment
The time increment is the interval at which the ordinates of a
hydrograph used in the routing are represented. The time
increment selected ‘for the reservoir routing must be sufficiently
short to capture the changes in the reservoir level and to define
the hydrograph adequately, yet long enough to be practical and
reasonable. The period should be short enough so that the
hydrograph during the period approximates a straight line.
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing "1Engineering Hydrology Training Series
Comparison of Common Routing Methods
Mass Curve Method
The mass-curve method of reservoir routing is very versatile. It
can be applied numerically or graphically. A mass flow curve is a
plotting of accumulated volume of flow and time. At any point,
that is, at any time, the slope of the mass flow curve, since it is
‘a volume dimension divided by a time dimension, is equal to the
rate of flow. The mass flow curve is the integral of the
hydrograph since its ordinates measure accumulated volume at
any time. The numerical routing operation is a trial and error
procedure while the graphical approach is a direct solution. Each
operation is a solution of equation eight below.
MI, - (MO, + Oat) = S, (8)
where
MI, = mass inflow at time 2
MO, = mass outflow at time 1
© = average discharge during the routing interval
At = routing interval = time 2 minus time 1
S, = storage at time 2
12 July 1999,Engineering Hydrology Training Series
Graphical Methods
These methods basically involve a graphical integration of the
mass curve. They are time-consuming as significant quantities of
data must be plotted to complete the analysis, yet they are much
quicker than numerically solving all the equations involved.
Additional information and examples for this method are given in
NEH 5, Chapter 8. This is reference two in the bibliography.
Storage Indication Method
Reservoir routing methods that can also be used for stream rout-
ing are generally discharge methods, not mass methods, because
a discharge hydrograph is the desired output. This method uses
discharge rates as both input and output. Two shortcomings of
the method should be acknowledged.
* Outflow begins at the same time inflow begins so, presum-
ably, the inflow at the head of the reservoir passes instanta-
neously through the reservoir regardless of its length. This is
not serious if the time to peak on the inflow hydrograph is
at least twice as long as the travel time through the reser-
voir.
‘+ There is no rule for selecting the proper time increment.
Page 17-22 of the August 1972 edition of NEH 4 deals
with this concern and how it can be addressed. The reser-
voir routing in NRCS’s TR-20 program is done by the
storage-indication method. SITES also uses the storage-
indication method. This method is examined further and a
sample exercise provided.
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing 13Engineering Hydrology Training Series
Storage Indication Procedure
Figure 8 illustrates the derivation of the storage indication equation
from the continuity equation. This provides the working form of
‘equation ten used below in the storage indication procedure.
Ts S\/At - Oy, = S,/At + On (10)
(-5) = asiat (equation 2)
Insert terms from equations 2a,
= (O40 SS:
i- =
i-(-S-)--F
Oe & &
2 2 at at
Tate (10)
at 2 at 2
Figure 8. Derivation of Storage-Indication Method Equation from the Continuity Equation
The following steps identify the procedure for reservoir routing,
Examples in NEH 4, Chapter 17 begin on page 17-24 in the
August 1972 edition.
Step 1
Identify the elevation-discharge relationship for the reservoir. This
is illustrated in figure 6.
Step 2
Develop the elevation-storage curve for the structure. Figure 5
identifies this relationship. Sample calculations for an elevation-
storage curve were shown in module 111.
14 July 1999Engineering Hydrology Training Series
Step 3
Develop and plot the inflow hydrograph. A principal spillway
hydrograph is plotted in figure 9.
g
Discharge, cfs
” “i
Time, days
Figure 9. Inflow Hydrograph
Step 4
The routing interval must be selected. It may be advantageous to
select two intervals—a longer one for small changes and a shorter
one for larger changes.
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing 15Step 5
Prepare the working curves—one for each routing interval if more
than one time unit is used. An example of this is given in table
one. Column 2 in table one is read from figure 6, and likewise
column 3 is read from figure 5 for the elevations selected in
column 1. Column 4 is the values in column 2 divided by two.
The values in columns 5 and 7 are those from column 3 divided
by the respective time increments. Column 6 is the sum of
columns 4 and 5, and likewise column 8 is the sum of columns
4 and 7.
0 eo ® ® © © ® @®
Elevation Discharge Storage 0,2 For At=0.5 days For At= 0.1 days
® © 6) SJAt SJA40,2 S/At S/AuO/2
(cts) (cts-days) (cts) (ts) (els) (ls). (cts)
580.2 00 = =90 «000 0m 0.00
se12116 «49S 580-98 103.80 © 490» 495.00
5622 «328981840198. 21240980 —996.40
5632 «60.3159 30.15 3184.15 1500 1620.15,
sexe 108.0 «2052.00 472 528.00 2300 2412.00
586.0 193.0 933. 6.50 GBB 79260 9380 3306.50
587.0 1490 © 407 « «7450 «814. «888.50 4070 «4144.50
587.5 2040 444 —«102.00 888.980.0440 «4542.00
5880 289.0 482««144.60 «964 1108.50 4820 «4964.50
5885 353.0 $25 176.50 1060 1226.50 5250 5426.50
5900 365.0 655182501310 1492.50 6550 «6732.50
592.0 382.0 838.-«191.00 1676 1867.00 8380 8571.00
595.0 401.0 1174 200.50 2348 2548.50 11740 11940.50
From Fig6 Fiom FigS Col22 Col ist Gol 4xCal5 Gal Slat Col A4Cal7
Table 1. Preparation of working curves. Note conversion in Column 8 from acre-feet to
fs-days. Use equation 6.
16 July 1999,Engineering Hydrology Tr
Step 6
Prepare table 2—operations table with the headings and fill in
columns 1 and 2 from the table in figure 9. These rates will be
used for getting the T values as it is difficult to select T values
accurately from some portions of the plotted hydrograph.
@ @ ® © © ®
Time Inflow T SJasoJ2 SJat 0/2 Outflow
(days) (ets) (fs) (cts) * (es) (ef) (ets)
00 ° 00 0.0 ° ° °
os. 10 350 35.0 33 2 4
10 79 7451055 99 6 2
15 a Bs 175016, 13 26
20 a8 602080216 19 38
25 99 935 2010267 24 48
30 «110210457. 30 60
35128 11904080269 37 4
40155 14.0 47k 46 2
45 285 2005582058 58 112
26840 2628 56 112
46 269 257.0 28200-2771 58 116
47° 308-2885 3001.0 ©2040 6 122
48 9803440 20803159 64 128
49 baz aD BH B87 oy 138
50 200212820 46700 «4555118, 230
51 104918255 500805787179 358
52 S77 1302.0 23982 368
53 383405065420 «636082 2368
54 312352585800 GMB 366
55 2672895 ASSO 274182 368
56 217,242.03 362
57 200 ©2085 «6180.0 © «6000180 380
5B 184 192.0« 012.0 Sa2S«180 360
59 1741790 saa1.0 «5652179 358,
60 = tes t60.0S 642.0 Bae 178 356
ja30 115178 356
65 198151. 1088048135, 270
70 «118 = 1280 9.0 as 89 178
75 08 1120S 8750 m4 148
80 4 1000 87.0788 n 142
85 88 910760707 6 138
90 8 507230657 6s 132
95 74 7e0 6620-07 62 124
100 67 75 6185857 59 118
105 10 385536584 53 106
110 10 100 4810309 2 a4
115. 10 100 © 3670335, 22 64
120 10 100 3180287 26 52
Ts Sat 0/2 = 8,at+ 0/2
3540-0=35
Table 2. Operations Table,
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing
17Engineering Hydrology Training Series
18
Step 7
Using the operations table, average the rates of inflow for each
time unit and express it in the T column. Add the inflow rate
from the previous time unit to the rate in the present time.
increment and divide by two.
Step 8
Do the routing. This involves use of equation ten. S,/At and
0,/2 in columns 5 and 6 respectively become S,/At and
©,/2 in the next time increment when the equation is applied.
The outflow in column 7 is twice the value in column 6 (Outflow
= 2x O,/2). The term S,/At+O,/2 is broken into the two
components (S,/At and O,/2) using the appropriate columns from
the working table developed in step five. The values are
interpolated. Column 5 is subtracted from column four to obtain
the value in column 6. Or, the value in column 6 could also be
interpolated from the working table (such as using column 4 in
table one).
Step 9
The maximum storage attained in the routing occurs when the
inflow equals the outflow. This occurs at approximately time 5.3
hours in table 2. For this time, the value of (S,/At+O,/2) is
6,542 cfs and O, = 364 cfs. Solving for S, and converting it to
acre-feet, results in a maximum storage value of 1,259 acre-feet.
(see computations at the bottom of table 2). Using this value with
figure 5, the maximum storage value is reached when the
reservoir is at elevation 587.3. The maximum outflow is 364 cfs,
identifiable from column 7 in table 2.
July 1999Engineering Hydrology Training Series
At this time, complete activity one in the Study Guide to review
the material just covered. After finishing the activity, compare.
your answers with the solution provided near the end of this
module. When you are satisfied that you understand the material,
continue with the Study Guide text
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing 19Engineering Hydrology Trai
Activity 1
Given
An engineer is interested in knowing the maximum storage that
will be needed for a reservoir. The design inflow hydrograph is
given as part of table four. Table three is a working table that
identifies the elevation-discharge-storage relationships. The time
interval has been selected. The routing is complete but several
gaps in tables 3 and 4 are left to be filled in.
Find
The missing data entries in tables 3 and 4. Then determine the
maximum storage volume needed for the design storm.
Solution
o @ o @ © © ” ©
Elevation Discharge Storage 0,2 For At = 0.5 days For At = 0.1 days.
Cc) ©) 8) SYAt SJAtOJ2 SJAt SJAt+0 J2
(cfs) (cts-days) (cfs) (els) (cfs) (cts)——_(efs)
820 ° ° ° ° ° ° °
821 12 25 6 50 56 25056
822 36 46 18 90 108
823 66 70
824 100 110
825 136156
826 150 190-75 980455 19001975
8277 200-210-100 4z0S «820 « 2100» 2200
828 290286 472 2360
29-3504 508 2540
e30 976 = 8018888200888
Table 8. Working Table for Activity 1
20
July 1999leering Hydrology Training Series
a
Time
(says)
00
09
os
10
15
20
2a
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
3a
32
33
a4
35
490
45
50
55
60
65
70
@
Inflow
(ets)
°
0
35,
40
510
360
300
270
240
220
9A
180
160
140
124
110
96
78
60
I
(cfs)
00
00
os
as
470
625
102.5
185.0
470.0
330.0
285.0
255.0
230.0
209.0
109.0
170.0
150.0
132.0
117.0
103.0
87.0
69.0
® ©)
te At
Sei et)
0.0 °
0.0 °
178 16
52.0 46
810 69
100.0 a4
433.0 a7
448.0 431
4765 458
542.0 520
683.0 653
2797.0
27730 ©2897
27080 2832
26130 2447
2511.0 2365
papRo 2908
463.0 385
439.0 365,
408.0 337
369.0 303
324.0 265
275.0 228
©)
ee
°
09
18
60
12.0
160
160
170
185
220
30.0
176.0
1740
168.0
148.0
1340
78.0
740
710
66.0
59.0
51.0
o
Outflow
(cts)
EGEBBRBwoo
352
348
332
290
26a
156
148
142
132
118
102
Table 4. Operations Table
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing
21Engineering Hydrology Trai
22
ig Series
Shortcut Reservoir Routing Methods
Various equations and charts have been developed for quickly
estimating the required storage in a reservoir or the required
capacity of a spillway. Usually these estimates are for preliminary
studies of structures or projects. In most cases, the equations and
charts are based on the results of actual routings so that using
the equation or chart is, in effect, a form of routing.
Several methods are available as manual shortcuts for routing a
principal spillway storm to determine the maximum amount of
storage needed. They are discussed below.
Technical Release 33
Technical Release 33 presents a method to determine the
minimum storage requirement for a floodwater retarding structure
which has only a single-stage principal spillway, governed
primarily by pipe flow. This procedure can only be used with
Principle Spillway/Dam, TR-60, and assumes a 10-day
hydrograph from TR-60. It saves plotting the mass curve. Eight
charts estimate the storage needed in inches. The maximum time
of concentration that can be used with this method is nine hours.
In shallow reservoirs with gently sloping topography, the
procedure may underestimate the required storage volume. This
procedure has been used infrequently since the advent of
microcomputers
Technical Release 55
Technical Release 55, Chapter 6, offers the most recent
development in the area of shortcut routing for reservoirs.
Temporary storage was estimated initially using a statistical
relationship that came to be known as the “beta equation”. The
basic equation is given as equation 11.
July 1999Engineering Hydrology Training Series
VAN, = Cy + Cila/a) +Cila,/a)2 +Cla/a)? (41)
where
VV, = ratio of storage volume (V) to runoff volume (V)
@/a, = ratio of peak outflow discharge (q,) to peak inflow
discharge (q)
CyCrCy.C, = coefficients (see table F-1 on page F-2 in June
1986 version of TR-55)
This was first developed many years ago as a single curve. In
recent years, sufficient data has become available to develop the
two curves shown in figure 10 for the different storm types used
in NRCS.
Tees em
yes 13 Te
va 2 3 # s € 7
Peak outfiow discharge ($0)
Speak tatlow sischarae (Gy
Figure 10. Approximate detention basin routing for rainfall types |, 1A, Il, and Il,
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing 23Engineering Hydrology Tr
24
ing Si
Figure 11 identifies the general geographic locations that use a
given storm type. Figures 10 and 11 are taken from Chapter 6
of TRSS.
Tyee 11
NW
Figure 11. Approximate geographic boundaties for NRCS rainfall distributions.
The relationships in figure 10 were determined on the basis of
single stage outflow devices. Some were controlled by pipe flow
and others by weir flow. Verification runs were made using mul
tiple stage outflow devices, and the variance was similar to that in
the base data. The method can therefore be used for both single
and multiple stage outlets. There are two constraints.
* Each stage requires a design storm and computation of the
storage required.
* The discharge of the upper stage(s) includes the discharge of
the lower stage(s).
July 1999Engineering Hydrology Training S
Figure 10 can be used in two ways. If the storage volume is
known, the peak outflow can be identified. If the peak outflow is
known, the storage volume needed can be determined. This figure
is biased to prevent undersizing outflow devices, but it may
significantly overestimate the required storage capacity (by as
much as 25 percent). The problems in activities 2 and 3 use this
method as do the examples below.
Example A
A sediment basin is planned for a 25-acre site that has a peak
inflow discharge of 24 cfs. The outlet structure has a peak
capacity of seven cfs. The runoff volume from a four-inch rain is
2.04 inches. Assume a Type II storm distribution. What volume of
storage is needed to handle this storm?
Solution
a/q, = Tels/24cKs = 0.292
From Figure 10, using q,/a, = .292, V/V, = .386
0.386 x 2.04 inches = 0.787 inches
0.787 inches x 25 acres x 1 foot/12 inches = 1.64 acre-feet
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing 25Engineering Hydrology Training Series
26
Example B
A sediment basin is planned for a 120-acre site that has a peak
inflow discharge of 124 cfs. The runoff volume from a four-inch
rain is 2.04 inches. Assume a Type II storm distribution. The site
has natural storage capacity of five acre-feet. What does the
capacity of the outlet structure need to be?
Solution
2.04 inches x 120 acres x 1 foot/12 inches = 20.4 acre-feet
Vs/Vr = 5.0/20.4 = 0.245
Using Figure 10 with the Type Il curve, qo/qi = 0.59
go = gi x 0.59 = 124 cfs x 0.59 = 73.2 cfs
Activities 2 and 3
At this time, complete Activities 2 and 3 in the Study Guide to
review the material just covered. After finishing the activities,
compare your answers with the solutions provided. When you are
satisfied that you understand the material, continue with the study
guide text.
July 1999Engineering Hydrology Training Series
Activity 2
Given
‘A 153 acre watershed receives a five-inch rainfall. Since the
watershed has a curve number of 75, 2.45 inches of rain are
expected to run off (EFM, Exhibit 2-7). The maximum inflow to
the reservoir is expected to be 190 cfs. (EFM, Chapter 2) The
maximum discharge the outlet pipe can produce is 45 cfs
Find
Using figure 10, determine the storage volume required.
Solution
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing 27Engineering Hydrology Trai
28
jing Series
Activity 3
Given
A 153 acre watershed receives a five-inch rainfall. Since the
watershed has a curve number of 75, 2.45 inches of rain are
expected to run off (EFM, Exhibit 2-7). The maximum inflow to
the reservoir is expected to be 190 cfs. (EFM, Chapter 2) The
maximum storage available at the site is 13.4 acre-feet.
Find
Using figure 10, determine the peak outflow discharge the pond
must have.
Solution
July 1999Engineering Hydrology Training Series
NNTC Shortcut Procedure
‘The former Northeast NTC developed a shortcut procedure for
the hydraulic design of two-stage risers in April 1983. The
procedure relies heavily on the January 1975 version of TR-55,
which has been replaced by the June 1986 version of TR-55.
Eleven limitations are given for the procedure in the document,
now known as Technical Note N3. The procedure is limited to
geographic locations where Type II rainfall is used. The procedure
is intended for class “a” structures with drainage areas less than
2000 acres. The lower stage of the riser is to be controlled by
orifice flow and the high stage must be controlled by weir flow.
Emergency Spillway Routing Shortcut
Emergency spillway routing also has several shortcut methods.
Two methods are described in NRCS Technical Releases 35 and
2. A third is illustrated in Figure 17-11 from NEH-4. Alll three of
these methods are rarely used today hecause of the widespread
availability of computers and software.
Technical Release 35 is a shortcut method for routing the
emergency spillway and freeboard hydrographs which can be used
when the principal spillway discharge is primarily pipe flow. It is
based on a modification of Culp’s relationship for outflow
hydrographs. The method utilizes dimensionless charts for the
routing of freeboard and emergency spillway hydrographs through
reservoirs and provides a quick means of arriving at the proper
proportioning of water impounding structures.
Figure 17-11 from NEH-4 is included here as figure 12. It is
similar to charts used with the beta equations (such as figure 10
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing 29Engineering Hydrology Training Series
30
included in this document). The noted difference is that figure 12
is for routing the combined flow for the principal and emergency
spilways. The emergency spillway “surcharge” storage is included
when computing the volume ratio. The curve shown here appears
to be an enveloping curve valid for many types of structures and,
as such, provides a conservative estimate, often useful in
preliminary work
10 — T
© FROM “LOW DAMS"
4 FROM EXAMPLE 17.6
+ MISCELLANEOUS ROPTINGS
o>
6
RESERVOIR DETENTION VOLUME
INFLOW RUNOFF VOLUME
° 2 4 6
QUTFLOW PEAK RATE
INFLOW PEAK RATE
Figure 12. Typical shortcut method of reservoir flood routing
July 1999Engineering Hydrology Training Series
NRCS Computer Programs
for Reservoir Flood Routing
The Natural Resources Conservation Service has developed several
computer programs to assist with the design of reservoirs, and the
routing of storms through reservoirs. Four will be discussed briefly
here with appropriate references.
TR-55 is a shortcut routing procedure.
A microcomputer program is available that facilitates computations
and trying alternatives. This method approximates TR-20, in that
a series of runs of TR-20 were done to develop the tables and
charts contained in TR-55. The method is intended for “small
watersheds” (less than 2000 acres) and is limited to applications
where the time of concentration is less than two hours, TR-55.
does not give the entire runoff hydrograph, nor does it give the
entire runoff volume.
TR-55 is excellent for use with small watersheds, especially those
changing from agricultural use to urban or industrial use.
Hydrology Training Series module 251 is a study guide for using
TR-55. It is recommended that you obtain and try this module if
you plan to use TR-55.
The HYDRO-YARDAGE (lowa Pond) Program
The HYDRO-YARDAGE (lowa Pond) Program was developed in
1988 by Jack Langford. It is intended for the design of ponds
falling under the 378 standard, but NOT for structures that
require TR-60 criteria. It allows computation of earthwork
yardages and cost estimates as well as the routing of the principal
and emergency spillway storms. It is similar to SITES in some
regards, but is more user-friendly, and offers input of survey data.
It plots cross-sections and profiles on the screen and on paper.
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing 3Engineering Hydrology Training Series
32
TR-20
TR-20 is the original NRCS program for project formulation, or
the planning of watersheds. It allows one to examine the effects
of a watershed with and without improvement measures such as
reservoirs, diversions, and channel improvements. TR-20 routes
water as it moves from the top of a watershed to the point of
interest. It is written in FORTRAN so has very specific
requirements for data in fields. This has been aided in recent
years by the development of an input program and a checking
program. TR-20 takes some time to set up for an average
watershed, but then can be a real time-saver for examining
alternatives. The information requested as output from the
program can be very detailed or general. Summary tables are
provided to easily track the flow of water.
TR-20 uses the storage-indication method of reservoir routing. It
handles large numbers of subwatersheds and channel cross-
sections. It readily allows one to evaluate the effects of change in
storage volume and outflow devices for one or more structures at
any given time.
SITES
SITES is intended for the design of a flood retarding structure. It
routes principal and emergency spillway storms through alternative
designs and selects the outflow device size and the storage
needed. It was developed for ponds and structures that must meet.
the criteria in TR-60 but is also satisfactory for ponds that must
meet the criteria in standard 378.
Other programs may be available in your geographic area.
Consult the State Conservation Engineer for other programs that
should be included in this module for your state or area.
July 1999Engineering Hydrology Training Series
Test
Problem 1
‘An engineer wishes to determine the maximum storage elevation
that will be reached in a reservoir. The outflow device is a four-
foot long weir with a crest elevation of 580.0 feet. The storage
table on the next page identifies the natural storage area that is
available at the site. The inflow hydrograph is given in the first
and second columns of the operations table for problem 1
Find
The maximum storage elevation that will be reached in a reservoir
by this storm using the storage-indication method of routing.
Solution
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing 33Engineering Hydrology Training Series
34
Problem 2
‘A 720 acre drainage area has a runoff curve number of 81. The
25-year precipitation event is 4.8 inches. Use a time of
concentration of 2.4 hours with a Type Il storm distribution. The
natural storage available for a reservoir is 73.8 acre-feet. Using a
shortcut routing technique, determine the peak outflow discharge
needed to handle the storm.
Solution
July 1999Engineering Hydrology Trai
ing Si
Problem 3
A 582 acre drainage area has a runoff curve number of 73. The
10-year precipitation event is 6.2 inches. Use a time of
concentration of 1.8 hours with a Type Il storm distribution. The
maximum outflow that is allowed by the local governing body is
250 cfs. Determine the volume of storage needed using a
shortcut routing procedure.
Solution
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing 35Engineering Hydrology Trai
ing Series
Summary
Now that you have completed Module 211, you should be able
to:
* Describe the storage indication method of routing
* Identify several shortcut reservoir routing methods and pro-
vide justification for their use.
‘+ Identify computer programs NRCS uses to flood route struc-
tures and describe their range of applicability
You will need more practice and perhaps an additional training
session before you become skilled in reservoir flood routing. The
module on TR-55 is suggested as is examination of the Technical
Releases mentioned.
Retain this study guide as a reference until you are satisfied that
you have successfully mastered all the methods covered. It will
provide an easy review at any time if you should encounter a
problem,
If you have had problems understanding the module or if you
would like to take additional, related modules, contact your
supervisor.
When you are satisfied that you have completed this module,
remove the Certification of Completion sheet (last page of the
study guide), fill it out, and give it to your supervisor to submit,
through channels, to your Training Officer.
July 1999Engineering Hydrology Training Series
Bibliography
USDA, Soil Conservation Service, National Engineering
Handbook, Section 4, Hydrology, Chapter 17—Flood Routing,
August 1972.
USDA, Soil Conservation Service, National Engineering
Handbook, Section 5, Hydraulics, Chapter 8—Flood Routing
Through Reservoirs.
USDA, Soil Conservation Service, Engineering Field Manual,
Chapter 11—Ponds and Reservoirs, April 1980.
USDA, Soil Conservation Service, Technical Release No. 55,
Urban Hydrology for Small Watersheds, Chapter 6—Storage
Volume for Detention Basins, June 1986.
USDA, Soil Conservation Service, Technical Release No. 2, Earth
Spillways, Tentative Issue, Oct. 1, 1956, 42 pages. Supplement
A issued in May 1957, 10 pages.
USDA, Soil Conservation Service, Technical Release No. 35, UD
Method of Reservoir Flood Routing, February 1967
USDA, Soil Conservation Service, Technical Release No. 33,
Simplified Method for Determining Floodwater Retarding
Storage, 11 pages, April 1978.
Chow, Ven Te, Handbook of Applied Hydrology, McGraw Hill
Book Company, 1964.
Schwab, Glenn, Richard Frevert, Talcott Edminster, Kenneth
Barnes, Soil and Water Conservation Engineering, John Wiley
and Sons, Inc., 1955, Revised 1966, 683 pages.
USDA Soil Conservation Service, Northeast NTC, Engineering
Technical Note N3 (formerly #28), Hydraulic Design of Two-
Stage Risers By a Shortcut Method, April 1983, 13 pages.
Compiled by Donald E. Woodward.
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing 371g Hydrology Training Series
38 July 1999Engineering Hydrology Training Series
Activity and Test Solutions
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing 39Engineering Hydrology Training Series
40
Activity 1
Given
An engineer is interested in knowing the maximum storage that
will be needed for a reservoir. The design inflow hydrograph is
given as part of table 4, Table 3 is a working table that identifies
the elevation-discharge-storage relationships. The time interval has
been selected. The routing is complete but several gaps in tables
3 and 4 are left to be filled in.
Find
The missing data entries in tables 3 and 4. Then determine the
maximum storage volume needed for the design storm.
Solution
The maximum storage volume occurs when the inflow equals
the outflow from the reservoir. This occurs at time 2.9 days
when (S/At +0/2) equals 2797 cfs.
8, 0, Ss,
—+ — = 2797 cp = ——— +177
at 2 0.1 days
(2797 - 177)0.1 = 262 cfs - days
1.98 ac ft
262 ofs - days x 228 I «519 ac. ft
fs - days
Maximum storage volume needed = 519 ac. ft.
July 1999Engineering Hydrology Training Series
“ 2
Elevation Discharge Storage
® ©) 8)
(ets) (cfe-deys)
820 ° °
at 2 2s
822 36 48
823 68 70
224 100110
225198188
220150190
827200210
e820 286,
eo 35084
80 = 378.320
@)
oye
(ets)
°
6
18
33
50
68
75
100
145
175
188,
6
6
”
@)
For At=0.5 days For At= 0.1 days
SYAUOJ2 SJAt SJAtO /2
Syat
(ets)
°
50
90
140
220
312
380
420,
472
508,
640
(ets)
°
56
1085
173
270
380
455
520
617
828
(cts)
°
250
450
700
1100
1560
1900
2100
2960
2540
3200
(cfs)
°
256
468
733
1150
1628
1975
2200
2505
2715
3388
Table 3 Solution. Working Table for Activity 1
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing
“4Engineering Hydrology Training Series
42
a
Time
(days)
oo
00
os
10
18
20
2a
22
23
24
25
26
a7
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
49
4s
50
55
60
65
70
)
Inflow
(ets)
°
°
35
40
42
44
50
75
190
240
700
820
680
510
360
300
270
240
220
198
180
160
140
124
110
96
78
60
®
T
(cfs)
00
00
a
a8
as
470
25
102.5
185.0
470.0
760.0
750.0
595.0
435.0
330.0
285.0
255.0
230.0
209.0
189.0
170.0
160.0
192.0
1170
103.0
87.0
69.0
“
SJAt40 /2
(cts)
00
00
175
520
81.0
100.0
433.0
448.0
476.5
542.0
683.0
1098.0
1757.0
2365.0
2710.0
2797.0
2773.0
2708.0
26120
2511.0
2428.0
2349.0
567.0
493.0
463.0
439.0
408.0
369.0
324.0
275.0
6)
syat
(és)
°
°
16
46
69
84
a7
431
458
520
653
1045
1686
2240
2536
2620
2597
2532
24a7
2365
2204
2227
403
385
265
228
120
160
160
170
185
220
30.0
48.0
71.0
126.0
1740
1770
176.0
1740
166.0
146.0
1340
122.0
1220
90.0
780
740
710
66.0
59.0
51.0
142
250
348
354
352
348,
332
202
258
244
244
180
156
148
142
132
118
102
Table 4 Solution. Operations Table Solution
July 1999Engineering Hydrology Training Series
Activity 2
Given
A. 153 acre watershed receives a five-inch rainfall. Since the
watershed has a curve number of 75, 2.45 inches of rain are
expected to run off (EFM, Exhibit 2-7). The maximum inflow to
the reservoir is expected to be 190 cfs. (EFM, Chapter 2) The
maximum discharge the outlet pipe can produce is 45 cls.
Find
Using figure 10, determine the storage volume required.
Solution
(a) V, = Ad/12 = 153 x 2.45/12 = 31.24 acre-feet
Q/Q, = 45/190 = 0.237
Using Figure 10 with Q/Q, = .237, and a Type II storm distribu-
tion,
V/V, = 0.422
V, = (0.422)Vr = 0.422 x 31.24 = 13.18 acre-feet
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing 43Engineering Hydrology Tr:
Activity 3
Given
A 153 acre watershed receives a five-inch rainfall. Since the
watershed has a curve number of 75, 2.45 inches of rain are
expected to run off (EFM, Exhibit 2-7). The maximum inflow to
the reservoir is expected to be 190 cfs. (EFM, Chapter 2) The
maximum storage available at the site is 13.4 acre-feet.
Find
Using figure 10, determine the peak outflow discharge the pond
must have.
Solution
V, = 2.45 inches x 153 acres/12 = 31.24 acre-feet
VM, = 13.4/31.24 = 0.429
Using Figure 10, and a Type Il storm distribution, Q/Q, is
0.23. Q, = 0.23 x Q, = 0.23 x 190 = 43.7 cfs,
44 July 1999Engineering Hydrology Training Series
Test
Problem 1
Determine the elevation-discharge relationship using the weir flow
equation, Q = CLH*? with C = 3.2 and L=4 ft.
Elevation _ Discharge, cfs
580 0.0
581 12.8 Add this table of data
582 36.2 to the working table
583 66.5 for Problem 1
584 102.4
585 143.1
586 188.1
See the storage table on the next page to see the computations
of storage. These values were added to the working table also.
The working table was completed using the mathematical relation-
ships as defined for each factor.
The inflow hydrograph points were averaged in the operations
table and recorded in column 3 of the operations table. Using the
storage-indication equation, columns 4 through 6 were completed
as shown, by interpolating the values from the working table for
problem 1. The values in column 7 are twice the values in col-
umn 6. This is the outflow hydrograph.
The maximum storage needed is at a point where the inflow
equals the outflow, which is the same point where the storage
function is maximized. In the operations table this is at about 4.4
hours.
S/t + 02/2 = 681 cfs = S/0.2 days + 76 cfs
S, = (681-76) x 0.2 = 121 cfs-days
S, = 121 cfs-days x 1.98 ac-fi/cfs-day = 239.6 ac-ft
Interpolating from the storage table, this volume correlates to
an elevation of 585.24 feet.
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing 45Engineering Hydrology Tr:
46
ing Series
Problem 2
The document used for the solution is TR-55. Using the graphical
method in Chapter 4, for a curve number of 81 the la value is
0.469. Dividing 0.469/4.8 inches, la/P = 0.0977 or approxi-
mately 0.1
720 acres x 1 sq.mi./640 acres = 1.125 sq. mi. drainage area
Using Exhibit 4-II (page 4-6) for a type Il rainfall, with a time of
concentration of 2.4 hours, the unit peak discharge is 200 csm/
inch.
Using Table 2-1 on page 2-3, interpolate to obtain the runoff for
4.8 inches of rain and a curve number of 81.
80 85
45 2.46 2.91 from TR-55
5.0 2.89 3.37 from TR-55.
48 2.72 3.19 interpolated from above lines
Further interpolation shows 2.81 is the runoff when RCN =81
Q, = 200 csm/inch x 2.81 inches x 1.125 sq. mi = 632 cfs
Runoff volume expected is 2.81 inches x 720 acres x 1 ft/12
inches = 168.6 acre feet. Therefore V/V, = 73.8/168.6 =
0.438,
Using Figure 6-1 on page 6-2, with V/V, = 0.438, and a Type
Il storm distribution, q/q, = 0.223. Q, = q, x 0.223 = 632 cfs x
0.223 = 141 cfs.
July 1999Engineering Hydrology Training Series
Problem 3
532 acres x 1 sq mi/640 acres = 0.83 sq. mi drainage area
Using Table 2-1 in TR-55, interpolate for a precipitation of 6.2
inches and a runoff curve number of 73. The runoff is 3.26
inches.
Using Chapter 4 of TR-55 on the graphical method, determine
the peak discharge. A curve number of 73 has an initial abstrac-
tion, la, of 0.740. Therefore la/P = 0.74/6.2 = 0.12. Use the
curve for 0.1 Use Exhibit 4 on page 4-6 with the time of
concentration of 1.8 hours and find a q, of 243 csm/inch. Q =
243 csm/inch x 3.26 inches x 0.83 sq mi = 657 cfs.
Q/Q, = 250 cfs/657 cfs =0.38
Using this ratio, determine V/V, from Figure 6-1 on page 6-2 of
TR-55.
WA, = 0.332
V, = V, x 0.332 = 3.26 inches x 0.332 = 1.08 inches
Convert this to acre feet: 1.08 inches x 532 acres x 1 ft/12
inches = 47.9 acre feet of storage is needed.
Module 211—Reservoir Flood Routing 47Engineering Hydrology Training Series
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