ISO 1100-2:2010
(Main)Hydrometry — Measurement of liquid flow in open channels — Part 2: Determination of the stage-discharge relationship
Hydrometry — Measurement of liquid flow in open channels — Part 2: Determination of the stage-discharge relationship
ISO 1100-2:2010 specifies methods of determining the stage-discharge relationship for a gauging station. A sufficient number of discharge measurements, complete with corresponding stage measurements, are required to define a stage-discharge relationship to the accuracy required by ISO 1100-2. Stable and unstable channels are considered, including brief descriptions of the effects on the stage-discharge relationship of shifting controls, variable backwater and hysteresis. Methods of determining discharge for twin-gauge stations, ultrasonic velocity-measurement stations, electromagnetic velocity-measurement stations and other complex rating curves are not described in detail. These types of rating curve are described separately in other International Standards, Technical Specifications and Technical Reports, which are listed in ISO 1100-2.
Hydrométrie — Mesurage du débit des liquides dans les canaux découverts — Partie 2: Détermination de la relation hauteur-débit
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 1100-2
Third edition
2010-12-01
Hydrometry — Measurement of liquid
flow in open channels —
Part 2:
Determination of the stage-discharge
relationship
Hydrométrie — Mesurage du débit des liquides dans les canaux
découverts —
Partie 2: Détermination de la relation hauteur-débit
Reference number
ISO 1100-2:2010(E)
©
ISO 2010
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ISO 1100-2:2010(E)
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ISO 1100-2:2010(E)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
1 Scope.1
2 Normative references.1
3 Symbols.1
4 Principle of the stage-discharge relationship .2
4.1 General .2
4.2 Controls.3
4.3 Governing hydraulic equations .3
4.4 Complexities of stage-discharge relationships .4
5 Stage-discharge calibration of a gauging station.5
5.1 General .5
5.2 Preparation of a stage-discharge relationship.5
5.3 Curve fitting .11
5.4 Combination-control stage-discharge relationships.12
5.5 Stable stage-discharge relationships.12
5.6 Unstable stage-discharge relationships .12
5.7 Shifting controls .13
5.8 Variable-backwater effects .15
5.9 Extrapolation of the stage-discharge relationship .17
6 Methods of testing stage-discharge relationships .18
7 Uncertainty in the stage-discharge relationship.18
7.1 General .18
7.2 Definition of uncertainty .18
7.3 Statistical analysis of the stage-discharge relationship .19
7.4 Uncertainty of predicted discharge.21
7.5 Uncertainty in the daily mean discharge .22
Annex A (informative) Uncertainty in the stage-discharge relationship and in a continuous
measurement of discharge.23
Bibliography.27
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ISO 1100-2:2010(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 1100-2 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 113, Hydrometry, Subcommittee SC 1, Velocity
area methods.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 1100-2:1998). Most of the clauses have been
updated and technically revised. Major revisions have been made to Clause 5, including a new figure of a
stage-discharge relationship and shift curves. Clause 7 has been revised to be consistent with new standards
on uncertainty.
It also incorporates the Technical Corrigendum ISO 1100-2:1998/Cor.1:2000.
ISO 1100 consists of the following parts, under the general title Hydrometry — Measurement of liquid flow in
open channels:
⎯ Part 1: Establishment and operation of a gauging station
⎯ Part 2: Determination of the stage-discharge relationship
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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 1100-2:2010(E)
Hydrometry — Measurement of liquid flow in open channels —
Part 2:
Determination of the stage-discharge relationship
1 Scope
This part of ISO 1100 specifies methods of determining the stage-discharge relationship for a gauging station.
A sufficient number of discharge measurements, complete with corresponding stage measurements, are
required to define a stage-discharge relationship to the accuracy required by this part of ISO 1100.
Stable and unstable channels are considered, including brief descriptions of the effects on the
stage-discharge relationship of shifting controls, variable backwater and hysteresis. Methods of determining
discharge for twin-gauge stations, ultrasonic velocity-measurement stations, electromagnetic
velocity-measurement stations and other complex rating curves are not described in detail. These types of
rating curve are described separately in other International Standards, Technical Specifications and Technical
Reports, which are listed in Clause 2 and the Bibliography.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 748, Hydrometry — Measurement of liquid flow in open channels using current-meters or floats
ISO 772, Hydrometry — Vocabulary and symbols
ISO 5168, Measurement of fluid flow — Procedures for the evaluation of uncertainties
ISO 9123, Measurement of liquid flow in open channels — Stage-fall-discharge relationships
ISO 15769, Hydrometry — Guidelines for the application of acoustic velocity meters using the Doppler and
echo correlation methods
ISO/TS 24154, Hydrometry — Measuring river velocity and discharge with acoustic Doppler profilers
3 Symbols
For the purposes of this document, the symbols given in ISO 772 and the following apply:
A cross-sectional area
B cross-sectional width
β power-law exponent (slope on logarithmic plot) of the rating curve
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ISO 1100-2:2010(E)
C coefficient of discharge
D
C Chezy's channel roughness coefficient
e effective gauge height of zero flow
h gauge height of the water surface
(h − e) effective depth
H total head (hydraulic head)
n Manning's channel roughness coefficient
N number of stage-discharge measurements (gaugings) used to define the rating curve
p number of rating-curve parameters (Q , β, e) estimated from the N gaugings
1
P wetted perimeter
w
Q total discharge
Q steady-state discharge
o
Q power-law scale factor of rating curve, equal to discharge when effective depth of flow (h − e) is
1
equal to 1
r hydraulic radius, equal to the effective cross-sectional area divided by the wetted perimeter, A/P
h w
S standard error of estimate
S friction slope
f
S water surface slope corresponding to steady discharge
o
t time
u standard uncertainty
U expanded uncertainty
V velocity of a flood wave
w
4 Principle of the stage-discharge relationship
4.1 General
The stage-discharge relationship is the relationship at a gauging station between stage and discharge and is
sometimes referred to as a rating curve or rating. The principles of the establishment and operation of a
gauging station are described in ISO 1100-1.
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ISO 1100-2:2010(E)
4.2 Controls
4.2.1 General
The stage-discharge relationship for open-channel flow at a gauging station is governed by channel conditions
at and downstream from the gauge, referred to as a control. Two types of control can exist, depending on
channel and flow conditions. Low flows are usually controlled by a section control, whereas high flows are
usually controlled by a channel control. Medium flows can be controlled by either type of control. At some
stages, a combination of section and channel control might occur. These are general rules, and exceptions
can and do occur. Knowledge of the channel features that control the stage-discharge relationship is important.
The development of stage-discharge curves where more than one control is effective, where control features
change and where the number of measurements is limited requires judgement in interpolating between
measurements and in extrapolating beyond the highest or lowest measurements. This is particularly true
where the controls are not permanent and tend to shift from time to time, resulting in changes in the
positioning of segments of the stage-discharge relationship.
4.2.2 Section control
A section control is a specific cross-section of a stream channel, located downstream from a water-level
gauge that controls the relationship between gauge height and discharge at the gauge. A section control can
be a natural feature, such as a rock ledge, a gravel bar, a severe constriction in the channel or an
accumulation of debris. A section control can also be a man-made feature, such as a small dam, a weir, a
flume or an overflow spillway. Section controls can often be visually identified in the field by observing a riffle,
or pronounced drop in the water surface, as the flow passes over the control. Frequently, as gauge height
increases because of higher flows, the section control will become submerged to the extent that it no longer
controls the relationship between gauge height and discharge. At this point, the riffle is no longer observable,
and flow is then regulated either by another section control further downstream or by the hydraulic geometry
and roughness of the channel downstream (i.e. channel control).
4.2.3 Channel control
A channel control consists of a combination of features throughout a reach at and downstream from a gauge.
These features include channel size, shape, curvature, slope and roughness. The length of channel reach that
controls a stage-discharge relationship varies. The stage-discharge relationship for a relatively steep channel
could be controlled by a short channel reach, whereas the relationship for a flat channel could be controlled by
a much longer channel reach. Additionally, the length of a channel control will vary depending on the
magnitude of flow. Precise definition of the length of a channel-control reach is usually neither possible nor
necessary.
4.2.4 Combination controls
At some stages, the stage-discharge relationship can be governed by a combination of section and channel
controls. This usually occurs for a short range in stage between section-controlled and channel-controlled
segments of the rating curve. This part of the rating curve is commonly referred to as a transition zone of the
rating curve and represents the change from section control to channel control. In other instances, a
combination control can consist of two section controls, where each has a partial controlling effect. More than
two controls acting simultaneously are rare. In any case, combination controls and/or transition zones occur
for very limited parts of a stage-discharge relationship and can usually be defined by plotting procedures.
Transition zones, in particular, represent changes in the slope or shape of a stage-discharge relationship.
4.3 Governing hydraulic equations
Stage-discharge relationships are hydraulic relationships that can be defined according to the type of control
that exists. Section controls, either natural or man-made, are governed by some form of the weir or flume
equations. In a very general and basic form, these equations are expressed as:
β
Q = C BH (1)
D
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ISO 1100-2:2010(E)
where
Q is the discharge, in cubic metres per second;
C is a coefficient of discharge and includes several factors;
D
B is the cross-sectional width, in metres;
H is the hydraulic head, in metres;
β is a power-law exponent, dependent on the cross-sectional shape of the control section.
Stage-discharge relationships for channel controls with uniform flow are governed by the Manning or Chezy
equation as it applies to the reach of the controlling channel downstream from a gauge. The Manning equation
is:
0,67 0,5
Ar S
hf
Q= (2)
n
where
A is the cross-sectional area, in square metres;
r is the hydraulic radius, in metres;
h
S is the friction slope;
f
n is the channel roughness.
The Chezy equation is:
0,5 0,5
Q = CAr S (3)
h f
where C is the Chezy form of roughness.
The above equations are generally applicable for steady or quasi-steady flow. For highly unsteady flow, such
as tidal or dam-break flow, equations such as the Saint-Venant unsteady-flow equations would be necessary.
However, these are seldom used in the development of stage-discharge relationships and are not described in
this part of ISO 1100.
4.4 Complexities of stage-discharge relationships
Stage-discharge relationships for stable controls (such as rock outcrops and man-made structures such as
weirs, flumes and small dams) present few problems in their calibration provided a suitable maintenance
regime can be achieved. However, complexities can arise when controls are not stable and/or when variable
backwater occurs. For unstable controls, segments of a stage-discharge relationship can change position
occasionally, or even frequently. This is usually a temporary condition which can be accounted for through the
use of the shifting-control method.
Variable backwater can affect a stage-discharge relationship both for stable and unstable channels. Sources
of backwater can be downstream reservoirs, tributaries, tides, vegetation, ice, dams and other obstructions
that influence the flow at the gauging-station control.
A complexity that exists for some streams is hysteresis, which results when the water surface slope changes
due to either rapidly rising or rapidly falling water levels in a channel-control reach. Hysteresis is also referred
to as loop rating curves and is most pronounced in relatively flat-sloped streams. On rising stages, the water
surface slope is significantly steeper than for steady-flow conditions, resulting in greater discharge than
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ISO 1100-2:2010(E)
indicated by the steady-flow rating curve. The reverse is true for falling stages. See 5.8.3 for details of
hysteresis rating curves.
Another complexity exists when rivers are in flood because it is often difficult to define flood-plain storage and
to represent such flows in the flood-plain rating-curve section. Complex flow interactions between the main
channel and flood plain often result in flow patterns that are difficult to define at the measuring section.
5 Stage-discharge calibration of a gauging station
5.1 General
The primary object of a stage-discharge gauging station is to provide a record of the discharge of the open
channel or river at which the water level gauge is sited. This is achieved by measuring the stage and
converting this stage to discharge by means of a stage-discharge relationship which correlates discharge and
water level. In some instances, other parameters, such as index velocity, water surface fall between two
gauges or rate-of-change in stage, can also be used in rating-curve calibrations (see ISO 9123 and
ISO 15769). Stage-discharge relationships are usually calibrated by measuring discharge and the
corresponding gauge height. Theoretical computations can also be used to aid in the shaping and positioning
of the rating curve. Stage-discharge relationships from previous time periods should also be considered as an
aid in the shaping of the rating curve.
5.2 Preparation of a stage-discharge relationship
5.2.1 General
The relationship between stage and discharge is defined by plotting measurements of discharge with
corresponding observations of stage, taking into account whether the discharge is steady, increasing or
decreasing, and also noting the rate of change in stage. This can be done either manually by plotting on paper
or automatically using computerized plotting techniques. The plotting scale used could be an arithmetic scale
or a logarithmic scale. Each has certain advantages and disadvantages, as explained in 5.2.3 and 5.2.4. It is
customary to plot the stage as ordinate and the discharge as abscissa. However, when using the
stage-discharge relationship to derive discharge from a measured value of stage, the stage is treated as the
independent variable.
5.2.2 List of discharge measurements
The first step prior to plotting stage versus discharge is the preparation of a list of discharge measurements
that will be used for the plot. The measurements should be checked to ensure that the recorded stages are
related to a common datum and that the discharge calculations are accurate. As a minimum, this list should
include 15 or more measurements, all taken during the period of analysis. More measurements would be
required if the rating curve is complex because of multiple section and channel controls or if the site
experiences an extreme range in stage. These measurements should be well distributed over the range of
gauge heights experienced. The list should also include low and high measurements from other times that
might be useful in defining the correct shape of the rating curve and/or in extrapolating the rating curve.
Extreme low and high measurements should be included wherever possible.
For each discharge measurement in the list, the following items should be included:
a) a unique identification number;
b) the date of measurement;
c) the gauge height for the measurement;
d) the total discharge;
e) the accuracy of measurement, as determined by the hydrographer;
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ISO 1100-2:2010(E)
f) the rate of change in stage during the measurement, a plus sign indicating a rising stage and a minus
sign indicating a falling stage.
The list of measurements could include other information; however, this is not mandatory. Table 1 shows a
typical list of discharge measurements, including a number of items in addition to the mandatory items.
Table 1 — Typical list of discharge measurements made by
a hydrographer using current meters and depth soundings
2 3
m m m/s m m m/s m/h
12 38/04/08 MEF 36,27 77,94 1,272 2,682 2,080 99,12 0,2/0,8 22 −0,082 GOOD
183 55/02/06 GTC 33,53 78,41 1,405 2,786 2,186 110,2 0,6/0,2/0,8 22 −0,047 GOOD
201 57/02/04 AJB 28,96 21,92 1,511 2,002 1,402 33,13 0,6/0,2/0,8 21 −0,013 POOR
260 63/03/13 GMP 26,52 21,46 1,400 1,981 1,381 30,02 0,6 22 −0,020 GOOD
313 66/08/24 HFR 30,18 42,08 1,602 2,374 1,774 67,40 0,6/0,2/0,8 22 +0,006 GOOD
366 73/08/21 MAF 28,96 14,86 0,476 1,557 0,957 7,080 0,6 21 0 GOOD
367 73/10/10 MAF 28,96 13,66 0,361 1,490 0,890 4,928 0,6 21 0 GOOD
368 73/11/26 MAF 29,26 14,21 0,373 1,509 0,909 5,296 0,6 18 0 GOOD
369 74/02/19 MAF 29,87 16,26 1,291 1,838 1,238 20,99 0,6 21 0 GOOD
370 74/04/09 MAF 29,26 21,27 0,805 1,780 1,180 17,13 0,6/0,2/0,8 21 0 GOOD
371 74/05/29 MAF 29,57 19,69 0,688 1,710 1,110 13,54 0,6 21 0 GOOD
372 74/07/10 MAF 28,96 16,81 0,458 1,573 0,973 7,703 0,6 21 0 GOOD
373 74/08/22 MAF 29,26 15,79 0,481 1,570 0,970 7,590 0,6 21 0 GOOD
374 74/10/01 MAF 29,26 13,19 0,264 1,414 0,814 3,483 0,6 21 0 GOOD
375 74/11/11 MAJ 28,96 11,71 0,283 1,396 0,796 3,313 0,6 21 0 GOOD
382 75/10/01 MAF 30,48 43,76 1,598 2,432 1,832 69,95 0,2/0,8 21 +0,017 GOOD
NOTE Discharge measurements made with acoustic Doppler current profilers require additional parameters, including the number of
transects and the range of discharges measured during the transects (see ISO/TS 24154).
5.2.3 Arithmetic plotting scales
The simplest type of plot uses an arithmetically divided plotting scale, as shown in Figure 1. Scale
subdivisions should be chosen to cover the complete range of gauge height and discharge expected to occur
at the gauging site. Scales should be subdivided in uniform increments that are easy to read and interpolate.
The choice of scale should also produce a rating curve that is not unduly steep or flat. If the range in gauge
height or discharge is large, it may be necessary to plot the rating curve in two or more segments to provide
scales that are easily read with the necessary precision. This procedure can result in separate curves for low
water, medium water and high water.
Graph paper with arithmetic scales is convenient to use and easy to read. Such scales are ideal for displaying
a rating curve and have an advantage over logarithmic scales in that zero values of gauge height and/or
discharge can be plotted. However, for analytical purposes, arithmetic scales have practically no advantage. A
stage-discharge relationship on arithmetic scales is usually a curved line, concave downward, which is difficult
to shape correctly if only a few discharge measurements are available. Logarithmic scales, on the other hand,
have a number of analytical advantages as described in 5.2.4. Generally, a stage-discharge relationship is
first drawn on logarithmic plotting paper for shaping and analytical purposes and then later transferred to
arithmetic plotting paper if a display plot is needed.
6 © ISO 2010 – All rights reserved
ID number
Date
(yy/mm/dd)
Made by
Width
Area
Mean
velocity
Gauge
height
Effective
depth
Discharge
Method
Number of
verticals
Gauge
height
change
Rated
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ISO 1100-2:2010(E)
Key
X discharge, Q, in cubic metres per second
Y effective depth, (h − e), in metres
NOTE The numbers indicated against the plotted observations are the ID numbers given in Table 1.
Figure 1 — Arithmetic plot of stage-discharge relationship
5.2.4 Logarithmic plotting scales
Most stage-discharge relationships, or segments thereof, are best analysed graphically through the use of
logarithmic plotting. To utilize this procedure fully, gauge height should be transformed to effective depth of
flow on the control by subtracting from it the effective gauge height of zero discharge. A rating-curve segment
for a given control will then tend to plot as a straight line with an equation form as described in 5.2.5.3. The
slope of the straight line will conform to the type of control (section or channel), thereby providing valuable
information for correctly shaping the rating-curve segment. Additionally, this feature allows the analyst to
calibrate the stage-discharge relationship with fewer discharge measurements. The slope of a rating curve is
the ratio of the horizontal distance to the vertical distance. This method of measuring the slope is used since
the dependent variable (discharge) is always plotted as the abscissa.
Rating curves for section controls such as weirs or flumes conform to Equation (1) in 4.3 and, when plotted
logarithmically, will have a slope of 1,5 or greater, depending on control shape, velocity of approach and minor
variations of the coefficient of discharge. Logarithmic rating curves for most weir shapes will plot with a slope
of 2 or greater. An exception is the sharp-crested rectangular weir, which plots with a slope slightly greater
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ISO 1100-2:2010(E)
than 1,5. Logarithmic rating curves for section controls in natural channels will almost always have a slope of
2 or greater.
Rating curves for channel controls are governed by Equation (2) or (3) and, when plotted as effective depth
versus discharge, the slope is usually between 1,5 and 2. Variations in the slope of the rating curve when
channel control exists are the result of changes in roughness and friction slope as depth changes.
5.2.5 Rating-curve shape
5.2.5.1 General
The details provided in 5.2.2 to 5.2.4 apply to control sections of regular shape (triangular, trapezoidal,
parabolic, etc.). When a significant change in shape occurs, such as a trapezoidal section control with a small
V-notch for extremely low water, there will be a change in the rating-curve slope at the point where the control
shape changes. Likewise, when the control changes from section control to channel control, the logarithmic
plot will show a change in slope. These changes are usually defined by short curved segments of the rating
curve, referred to as transitions. This information about the plotting characteristics of a rating curve is
extremely useful in the calibration and maintenance of the rating curve and in later analysis of shifting control
conditions. By knowing the kind of control (section or channel), and the shape of the control, the analyst can
define the correct hydraulic shape of the rating curve with greater precision. Additionally, this information
allows the analyst to extrapolate accurately a rating curve or, conversely, to know when extrapolation is likely
to lead to a large uncertainty.
Figure 2 provides examples of a hypothetical rating curve showing the logarithmic plotting characteristics for
channel and section controls and for cross-section shape changes. Figure 2 a) shows a trapezoidal channel
with no flood plain and with channel-control conditions. The corresponding lo
...
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