Weir flow is known to be subject to streamline curvature effects since the 18th century, when Boussinesq conducted his pioneer developments. A number of investigations have focused on the development of related theoretical models. However, hydraulic practice is often based on model test research, e. g. for weir flow features where the standard hydraulic theory based on the specific energy equation fails. In this paper, a hydraulic theory is presented describing flows over broad-crested weirs allowing both for streamline curvature effects and the so-called scale effect, originated by the boundary layer development on the weir crest. The theoretical results are compared to model test data, resulting in an excellent agreement. Further, it is shown that based on the hydraulic theory the features of broad-crested weir flow may be explained, and the contradictions coming from a standard hydraulic approach are overcome.

Der Erstautor wurde durch Junta para la Ampliación de Estudios, CSIC, National Research Council of Spain sowie FSE un terstützt.

Peer Reviewed