Engineering Commons^™

Water Vapor Measurements Using Infrared Absorption, Duard S. Woffinden

Reports

Man’s attempt to control the amount of available water has taken two approaches, i.e., weather modification and water storage through the use of man-made reservoirs. In either case, it is necessary to ascertain the water vapor content of the atmosphere. In the case of weather modification, if the water vapor content is insufficient, it is futile to attempt to start precipitation. In the case of reservoirs, it is important to know the evaporation rate since it has been demonstrated that some reservoirs provide a net negative contribution to the total water supply by increasing the normal evaporation losses. Any attempt …

Submerged Parshall Flumes Of Small Size, Gaylord V. Skogerboe, M. Leon Hyatt, J. Raymond Johnson, Joe D. England

Reports

The calibration of small Parshall flumes for measuring flows ranging in magnitude from 0.1 to 1.1 cubic feet per second (cfs) was accomplished by A. R. Robinson (1960) at Colorado State University. The purpose of Robinson’s investigation was to accurately calibrate and standardize the design of small Parshall measuring flumes. The rated flumes were constructed of galvanized sheet metal. Data was collected for Parshall flumes having throat widths of 1-, 2-, and 3- inches. Calibration tables or curves were prepared for both free and submerged flow. The dimensions of the Parshall flumes rated by Robinson are shown in Figure 1. …

Submergence In A Two-Foot Parshall Flume, Gaylord V. Skogerboe, M. Leon Hyatt, Joe D. England, J. Raymond Johnson

Reports

The primary objective in this study was to ascertain the validity of the method of analyzing submergence developed by Hyatt (1965) in a standard 2-foot Parshall flume. The method of analyzing submergence was first developed for a trapezoidal flume (Hyatt, 1965), was later verified for a rectangular flume (Skogerboe, walker and Robinson, 1965), and has been shown by the authors to be valid for small Parshall flumes (Skogerboe, Hyatt, Johnson, and England, 1965). In view of previous findings, it was felt the method would also be valid for large Parshall flumes, and for this purpose the 2-foot flume was selected. …

Proceedings Of A Summer Institute In Water Resources: Volume 3 - Water Quality Control And Management, P. H. Mcgauhey

Reports

Foreward: Recognizing the need for training of individuals to meet the rapidly rising problems connected with water resources development, Utah State University, with National Science Foundation support, organized a Summer Institute in Water Resources for college teachers. it was hoped that participants carefully selected from all regions of the country would receive additional insight and stimulation to improve and enlarge water resources training programs at their own institutions. Thus, the accelerated dissemination of such knowledge on a national scale could be facilitated. Realizing further that the key to a successful institute of this nature lay in the excellence of its …

Flow Rate Measurement Of Logan Outfall Effluents, M. Leon Hyatt, J. Raymond Johnson, Joe D. England

Reports

No abstract provided.

Design, Calibration, And Evaluation Of A Trapezoidal Measuring Flume By Model Study, M. Leon Hyatt

Reports

SCOPE AND PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

The discharge occurring in an open channel can be measured by placing a constriction in the channel. Flumes are commonly used as constriction in open channels. A flume is a specially designed and calibrated section built into a channel, the physical properties of which allow the calculation of the discharge. The narrowest section of the flume is usually called the throat. The velocity of flow through the throat, for any given flow rate, increases with a decrease in the flow depth. The ideal condition for measurement of discharge is a throat sufficiently constricted to produce …

Proceedings Of A Summer Institute In Water Resources: Volume Ii - The Economics Of Water Resource Development And Conservation, B. Delworth Gardner, Allen Lebaron

Reports

Foreward: Recognizing the need for training of individuals to meet the rapidly rising problems connected with water resources development, Utah State University, with National Science Foundation support, organized a Summer Institute in Water Resources for college teachers. it was hoped that participants carefully selected from all regions of the country would receive additional insight and stimulation to improve and enlarge water resources training programs at their own institutions. Thus, the accelerated dissemination of such knowledge on a national scale could be facilitated. Realizing further that the key to a successful institute of this nature lay in the excellence of its …

Estimation Of Pan Evaporation From Climatological Data, Jerald Emmet Christiansen, Ashwin D. Mehta

Reports

A new formula and coefficients for climatological factors was developed for estimating pan evaporation based on an analysis of data from 23 states in the U. S. and from five other countries. This formula may be written: Ev=K R Ct Cw Ch Cs Ce Cm in which K is a dimensionless constant R is the theoretical radiation reaching the outer atmosphere, expressed as equivalent evaporation in the same units~ , as Ev. Ct, Cw, Ch,and Cs are dimensionless sub-coefficients for temperature , wind, humidity, and sunshine. Ce is a sub-coefficient for elevation, and Cm is a monthly coefficient Equations were …

Construction, Instrumentation, And Preliminary Verification Of A Physical Hydrologic Model, Donald L. Chery Jr.

Reports

From theoretical consideration involving a rationalized dimensional analysis of the rainfall-runoff phenomena, dimensionless products of the pertinent variables are derived. These dimensionless products guided the design and construction of a rainstorm simulator and topographic model. The design and construction of these two basic elements of the physical hydrologic model are described. A description of the instrumentation and several relevant calibration tests is followed by a discussion of two preliminary verification test sets. The tests indicated that some necessary refinements in equipment and instrumentation were needed before more precise experimental data could be obtained. Further, the tests produced results which encouraged …

Design, Operation, And Calibration Of The Canal "A" Submerged Rectangular Measuring Flume, Gaylord V. Skogerboe, W. Roger Walker, Lawrence R. Robinson

Reports

The D.M.A.D. dam and reservoir are located on the Servier River northeast of Delta, utah, and serve as a stroage reservoir for the winter and spring flows of the Sevier River below Sevier Bridge Reservoir. The D.M.A.D. dam has been constructed with two outlet works, one for feeding Canal "A", which serves the Delta and Melville Irrigation Companies, while the other canal serves the Abraham and Desert Irrigation Companies.

A gaging station located along Canal"A" has been used for many years to obtain flow measurements. The gaging station measurements appeared to be very inconsistent, and consequently, in 1963 a study …

Equipment And Techniques For Aerial Application Of Evaporation-Reducing Monlayer-Forming Materials To Lakes And Reservoirs, Vaughn E. Hansen, Gaylord V. Skogerboe

Reports

The authors wish to express their gratitude and sincere appreciation to the many organizations and individual who assisted in this research effort. The U. S. Bureau of Reclamation has sponsored the investigation of aerial application equipment and techniques. U.S. Bureau of Reclamation personnel concerned with the evaporation reduction research program have b en most cooperative in supporting the efforts at Utah State University. The Reeder Flying Service has worked with Utah State University in the developn1 pilot of aerial application equipment since the inception of the project in 1961. Mr. Charles Reeder ha been very cooperative throughout the research program. …

Water Yields In Utah Developing A State Water Plan, Jay M. Bagley, Roland W. Jeppson, Cleve H. Milligan

Reports

Need and Importance of Study

Utah's problems of water use and water supply are becoming increasingly important. They are also becoming increasingly complex as competition for our water resources becomes more keen among various types of uses. In the formulation of plans for sound and efficient use of water it is essential to know the characteristics of occurrence and use of water supplies so that requirements can be balanced most effectively and economically against supply. This ordinarily requires basic hydrologic data to determine relations among climate, water losses, and water yield from watersheds.

Such data are often unavailable - especially …

Evaporation And Potential Evapotranspiration In Central Iraq, Ala H. Al-Barrak

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The principal objectives of this study were to compare several formulas for estimating pan evaporation and evapotranspiration and to derive new formulas or modify existing formulas that will better fit the data for central Iraq. Computed evaporation was compared with measured evaporation by determining the differences and the ratios. The pan evaporation formulas were also compared by expressing them all in the form
Ev = K C_RC_TC_WC_HC_DTC_SC_M

Three pan evaporation formulas were modified. For the Meyer and Utah formulas, the constants were changed and expressions were derived …

Simplified Approach To The Problem Of Stability Of Soil Slopes Under Horizontal Earthquake And Pore Pressure, Dalim Kumar Majumdar

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A problem that has confronted engineers for a great number of years is that of determining the stability of soil slopes. Many factors introduce complications into stability analysis. Most embankments contain heterogeneous soils, often of several types. This and other complications usually necessitate the use of a simplified cross section. At the same time, it is often necessary to adopt simplified average soil characteristics which represent actual characteristics as best as possible. Those steps which bear on the choice of the simplified section and the simplified soil characteristics are always important in stability analysis work. These steps are independent, however, …

Point Flow Measurements In Irrigation Furrows, David Ernest Mortin

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A new flow measurement concept is needed to facilitate the study of intake characteristics of the soil under furrow irrigation. Knowledge of the flow rate at various points throughout the furrow length is required but measurement must be made without altering the normal flow regime. Conventional water measuring devices such as weirs, orifices or flumes which require a loss of head in their operation, are usually unsatisfactory because to create a measuring head would alter the normal flow depth upstream thus changing the intake pattern.

The purpose of this study is to develop a simple, reliable method of measuring small …

Calibration Of Irrigation Headgates By Model Analysis, Gaylord V. Skogerboe, Vaughn E. Hansen

Reports

Introduction

The purpose of this research project was to calibrate the slide gates used by the D.M.A.D. Company (Delta, Melville, Abraham and Deseret Irrigation Companies). These gates, which number more than 600, are located throughout the distribution system. Each gate is placed in a concrete box 4 feet wide, 3-1/2 feet deep and 4 feet long. The structure is used as a means of diverting the water and is also used as a measuring device.

A similar structure, but with a different type of slide gate, was calibrated in 1914. At the time rating tables were prepared which listed the …

Aerial Application Of Evaporation-Reducing Chemicals, Development And Evaluation Of Equipment And Techniques, C. Earl Israelsen, Vaughn E. Hansen

Reports

Aerial applications of both liquid and powder evaporation retardants have been made in parallel strips on large lakes for purposes of comparison. Films formed from powder spread more rapidly than did those from liquid, but usually both films ultimately spread to approximately equal widths and had the same degree of compression as determined with indicator oils. Evaporation retarding materials with large numbers of particles having diameters smaller than 75 microns are greatly affected by the wind. As the chemical is dispensed from the airplane. the fine particles drift with the wind and in some instances are carried onto the land …

Utah State University Stilling Basin Pipe Flow To Open Channels, Hameed Rasheed

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Energy dissipation problems are often encountered where pipelines discharge into open channels. Normal pipe flow velocities most often result in super-critical velocities in canals. These high velocities may cause scour, overtopping, and unstable flow in the channel.

The principal objective of the study was to find an efficient and economical design of a stilling basin transition from pipe flow to open channels. Pertinent variables were selected and their effects determined by extensive experimentation.

An efficient stilling basin was developed utilizing a short dissipator pipe on the wall opposite the inflow pipe. The optimum diameter, length, and differential elevation between center …

Developing A State Water Plan Utah's Water Resources--Problems And Needs--A Challenge, Utah Water Research Laboratory

Reports

Of all the natural resources with which Utah has been endowed none is more vital to the social and economic well-being of the people than it water resource. We cannot manufacture water. We have found no acceptable substitute. Not one more drop of water is available for our use today than was available to the pioneers. Yet water uses and water demands have multiplied over the years. Since we can do little to change nature's water allotment to Utah we must learn how to utilize our existing supplies more judiciously. This means devoting increasingly more attention to problems of water …

A Study Of Sprinkler Uniformity Evaluation Methods, Baha Dabbous

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The use of water in homes, on farms, by factories, and for recreational purposes has been increasing rapidly. Water use has doubled in the last three decades. By 1980, water use is expected to be double the current use. In arid and semi-arid regions, the practice of successful profit-yielding agriculture often depends on irrigation. Irrigation is, in turn, dependent upon a water supply which is limited. The highest possible efficiency should be maintained if maximum utilization of the available water resources for irrigation is desired. Sprinkler irrigation allows, among other things, high water application efficiencies with good distribution uniformities.

Water Requirements For Waterfowl Areas Near The Great Salt Lake Parts V-Vi, J. E. Christainsen, Ming Chang Tsai, D. K. Kaushik, J. B. Law, J. W. Teeter

Reports

This report reviews activities on this project since the Progress Report, Part IV, June 1961.

The summer of 1961 has been one of the driest on record for Ogden Bay and Howard Slough Refuge. The extreme shortage of irrigation water has resulted in very little flow in the Howard Slough which originates from return flow. The available water from the Weber River for the Ogden Bay Refuge was also the lowest on record. The scarcity of water at these two refuges has resulted in increased salinity.

Most of the routine work on the project during the summer was done by …

Soil Moisture As A Factor In Streamflow Forecasting For Logan River, Utah, Yu Kam Fok

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Purpose

Forecasting the annual water supply in an arid area by using the water content of snow on watersheds on some particular date, such as April 1, has become a very useful practice. Although these forecasts have given results of great practical value, they have sometimes been considerably in error. Seeking to minimize error, forecasters have incorporated various additional data such as temperature and antecedent rain to improve the relation between snow measurement and measured runoff.

Numerous methods have been suggested in the search for a reliable streamflow forecasting equation and various data have been used. Nearly all of the …

The Influence Of Water-Reducing Admixtures On The Curing Of Concrete, Wallace Don Budge

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The use of water-reducing admixtures in concrete has grown continuously since their introduction over 25 years ago, with a present estimated usage in the production of 25 million cubic yards of concrete annually in the United States alone. Opposition to anything added to concrete, other than cement, aggregates, and water, is gradually disappearing, and considerable recognition is being given to the value of using other ingredients.

The research contained in this study may be divided into two portions: tests to determine the rate of volume change of cement paste and compressive strength tests to indicate the effect of moist curing …

Model Analysis Of Spillway And Stilling Basin Of Porcupine Dam, Gordon H. Flammer, C. Earl Israelsen

Reports

Introduction: The Engineering Experiment Station at Utah State University was engaged by the Utah Water and Power Board to make a model analysis of the spillway and stilling basin of the Porcupine Dam. This dam will be located on the East Fork of Litle Bear River, just east of Avon, Utah. It will be approximately 650 feet long and 160 feet high, composed of zones earth fill with rock rip-rap facing. The spillway will have a reinforced concrete inlet section and the remainder of the chute and stilling basin will be excavated out of the rock and leck unlined. The …

A Rational Approach To The Estimation Of Evaporation And Evapotranspiration From Climatological Data, Jerald Emmet Christiansen, B. B. Patil

Reports

Many attempts have been made to derive mathematical expressions relating evaporation and evapotranspiration, or consumptive use, to climatological data. IN the United States, the Blaney-Criddle formula is probably the best known for estimating consumptive use (2 and 3). Blaney (1) has also suggested that this formula is suitable for estimating evaporation as measured with a Weather Bureau pan. Other well known formulas are the Penman formulas (10), the Thornthwaite formula (15) and the Hargreaves formulas (8). Halkias, Beihmeyer and Hendrickson (6) suggest that water requirements of crops can be determined from atmometer data. Lowry and Johnson (() in an early …

Irrigation And Drainage Problems In Uruguay, Jerald Emmet Christiansen

Reports

Synopsis: Uruguay irrigates about 65,000 acres, mostly rice (74%) and sugar cane (15%). Summer rainfall averages about 3.5 in. per month, but frequent droughts seriously affect both crops and livestock. Irrigation can be increased by storage in small reservoirs on tributary streams by means of low earth dams. Some areas will require flood control and draiange before intensive agriculture can be practiced.

Streamflow Forecasting For Blacksmith Fork River, Utah, Yu-Si Fok

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The method for streamflow forecasting by using Fourier Series and Multiple Regression as a mathematical model have been suggested and proved with high accuracy for the streamflow forecasting on Logan River, Utah by Professor Cleve H. Milligan and Dr. Rex L. Hurst. ^1/

In this thesis the method is extended to the forecasting for the Blacksmith Fork River, south of the Logan River.

Because the climatological data are not available in the Blacksmith Fork watershed, this thesis also provides a technique for using the available data from adjacent watersheds.

Report Of Engineering Research With Recommendations For Strengthening The Program, Vaughn E. Hansen

Reports

Progress of Engineering Research: The growth initiated with the reorganization of the Engineering Experiment Station in 1957-58 has been stready and consistant through 1958-59. Every sign points to continued expansion through the coming year. This growth is shown in Table 1. The number of active projects this year has increased to nineteen, the funds allocated for Engineering research were $53,861 plus $17,826 to contract research, exclusive of approximately $75,000 in the Agricultural Experiment Station. The number of staff members engaged in research is now twelve. Contract research money has been obtained to finance four projects which were financed previously with …

The Importance Of Hydraulics Of Surface Irrigation, Vaughn E. Hansen

Reports

Summary: Surface irrigation is a complex hydraulic phenomenon. The hydraulic elements involved in surface irrigation are listed and discussed. Relating these hydraulic elements is the key to efficient irrigation, good design, and permanent agriculture.

Temperature Forecasting At Logan, Utah, For The Snowmelt-Runoff Season, Clifton Johnson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the practicability of forecasting temperatures for the spring and summer snowmelt-runoff season. A successful temperature forecast for Logan, Utah, would be useful in studies of Logan River streamflow, as well as other related applications.

Logan, Utah, is situated in a region where the snow accumulates during the winter and early spring at high altitudes and remains until the proper sequence of meteorological events provides the thermodynamic conditions essential for melting. Snow surveys provide an index to the water available on a watershed. Temperature conditions during the melt period largely determine the available …