Hydrology of Lubhu Khola Bridge

1.1 General
The proposed bridge site lies in between Khadadevi Rural Municipality ward No.-1 Lubhu Left
Bank and Sunapati Rural Municipality ward No.-2 Right Bank of Ramechhap district at Lubhu
Khola. The detail hydrological study has been carried out to find out the hydrological
design parameters required for the design of bridge. Maximum design discharge for 100
yrs. return period, linear waterway, normal and maximum scour depths and vertical
clearance and afflux are main hydrological parameters required for design and are
determined on the basis of depth study. The coordinate of the bridge axis at the Lubhu
Khola is: 85°48’39.60” E & 27°27’34.05” N.

1.2 Catchment Characteristics

The Lubhu Khola is a rain fed river. The catchment area of Lubhu Khola at proposed
bridge site is found to be 24.84 km2 according to basin map delineation in Shuttle Radar
Topography Mission (SRTM) of 90mx90m resolution using GIS with HEC-GeoHMS
extension tools. Elevation of the river varies from 2204 masl to 555 masl along the length
of the river and length is about 13.19 Km. More than 70% of catchment area is covered
with cultivated land & houses and rest are covered with forest. The shape of the
catchment area is irregular shape.

Physiographic Parameters of the study basin

S.N. Description Unit Value

1 Shape of basin Irregular Shape
2 Catchment area km2 24.84
3 Perimeter of catchment km 32.36
4 Maximum elevation along the river m 2204
5 Minimum elevation along the river m 555
6 Catchment area below 3000m elevation km2 24.84
7 Longest flow path up to the bridge axis km 13.19
8 Flow length up to the centroid km 5.34
9 Slope of the basin % 12.50

1.3 Stream Channel Characteristics

This river is rain fed river. Minimum flow in the river generally occurs in April or May.
The maximum flow in the river is during the June to September. The highest flood flow
in the river generally occurs in July/August. The catchment maps of the river basin are
shown below.

1
Hydrology of Lubhu Khola Bridge

Figure: Lubhu Khola Catchment Map at proposed bridge axis

1.4 Rainfall in the Catchment

24 hours maximum rainfall data from the DHM are generated and shown below:

24 hr. Maximum Daily Rainfall of Station no.1115 (Nepalthok) in mm

Year Rainfall(mm) Ordered Rank(m) P=m/(N+1) T=1/P
1980 80.4 215 1 0.032 31.00
1981 215 139.2 2 0.065 15.50
1982 97.3 138.2 3 0.097 10.33
1983 64.4 136.2 4 0.129 7.75
1984 136.2 126.2 5 0.161 6.20
1985 99.2 120.3 6 0.194 5.17
1986 120.3 103.3 7 0.226 4.43
1987 138.2 101 8 0.258 3.88
1988 72 100 9 0.290 3.44
1989 73.2 99.2 10 0.323 3.10
1990 85.3 97.3 11 0.355 2.82
1991 32.2 87.2 12 0.387 2.58
1992 53 85.3 13 0.419 2.38
1993 100 85.1 14 0.452 2.21
1994 85.1 84.2 15 0.484 2.07
1995 82 84 16 0.516 1.94

2
Hydrology of Lubhu Khola Bridge

1996 84.2 82.2 17 0.548 1.82

1997 84 82 18 0.581 1.72
1998 77.1 80.4 19 0.613 1.63
1999 103.3 80.1 20 0.645 1.55
2000 82.2 79.1 21 0.677 1.48
2001 60.3 77.1 22 0.710 1.41
2002 139.2 73.2 23 0.742 1.35
2003 80.1 72 24 0.774 1.29
2004 126.2 64.4 25 0.806 1.24
2005 101 60.3 26 0.839 1.19
2006 87.2 53 27 0.871 1.15
2007 79.1 50.2 28 0.903 1.11
2008 41 41 29 0.935 1.07
2009 50.2 32.2 30 0.968 1.03

The locations of meteorological stations along with catchment map is shown below.

Figure: Lubhu Khola Catchment Map with Meteorological Stations

Extrapolating using Gumbel Distribution:

Return Period (Years) Rainfall(mm)

100 238.33

3
Hydrology of Lubhu Khola Bridge

1.5 Flood Analysis

I. WECS/DHM Study Method

Hydrological studies on the rivers of Nepal have been carried out by the Water and
Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS) and published a report “Methodologies for
Estimating Hydraulic Characteristics of un-gauged locations in Nepal” in which methods
are described to calculate the flood discharge of the rivers for different return periods.
The flood flows are calculated according to the formula described in the report within the
different altitudes. The maximum flood flows are calculated in any river of catchments
area (A) below 3000m of elevation formula as given below. Though the altitude of the
catchments varies below 5000m, the equation below 5000 elevation catchments is used
for low flow or long-term flow calculation. The following equation is used here for
maximum daily flood peak in safer side.
Q2 = 1.8767(A+) 0.8783
Q100 = 14.639(A+1)0.7342
Where, subscript 2 and 100 stand for the return periods in number of years.
The flood flows for any return period R is governed by
QR = exp(lnQ2+Sσ)
Where, σ = ln(Q100/Q2)/2.326 is the standard deviation of the natural logarithms of annual
floods.
S = Standardized normal variable for a particular return period R.
Catchment Area = 24.84 Km2

σ = ln(Q100/Q2)/2.326 = 0.68

Return Period (Yrs.) S

2 0
5 0.842
10 1.282
20 1.645
50 2.054
100 2.326
200 2.576

Flood Flow, Q m3/s

Return Period Instantaneous Daily

4
Hydrology of Lubhu Khola Bridge

2 32.476 18.066
5 57.750 28.661
10 78.016 36.477
20 99.991 44.507
50 132.249 55.690
100 159.276 64.643
200 188.962 74.137
500 232.294 87.482
1000 268.523 98.261
5000 365.246 125.746
10000 412.791 138.709

II. Medium Hydro Study Approach

Q = KAn where K and n are coefficients depending upon Return Period

A is catchment area in km2

Analysis of flood
Q5year 37.33 m3/s
Q20year 63.69 m3/s
Q50year 84.95 m3/s
Q100year 104.04 m3/s
Q1000year 189.85 m3/s
Q10000year 323.94 m3/s

Regression coefficients for regional analysis of flood peaks

Region
Return period Western Central Eastern
k b k b k b
5 2.0409 0.8632 1.6762 0.9660 7.4008 0.7862
20 3.2895 0.8510 3.2303 0.9281 13.0848 0.7535
50 4.2570 0.8444 4.6090 0.9071 17.6058 0.7380
100 5.2225 0.8352 5.9865 0.8888 21.5181 0.7281
1000 9.2270 0.8148 12.6603 0.8429 39.9035 0.6969
10000 14.4580 0.8063 24.6431 0.8019 69.7807 0.6695

III. Fuller’s Method

According to this method the maximum instantaneous flood discharge Q is given by

QT = Qav (1+0.8logT)

5
Hydrology of Lubhu Khola Bridge

Where, Qav is the yearly average 24 hrs flood over a number of years in m 3/s and it is
calculated as Qav = CfxA0.8.
Ref: Design Guidelines for Hydropower Project
Catchment Area (CA): 24.84 km2
Fuller's Coefficient (Cf): 1.03 adopted for Nepal

Reoccurrence Interval
S.N. Qav in m3/s QT in m3/s Remarks
(T, Yrs.)
1 2 25.59 31.75
2 5 25.59 39.89
3 10 25.59 46.05
4 20 25.59 52.21
5 50 25.59 60.36
6 100 25.59 66.52
7 200 25.59 72.68
8 500 25.59 80.83
9 1000 25.59 86.99

IV. Modified Dicken’s Method

Using Dicken’s method, the T year flood discharge QT, in m3/s, can be calculated as

QT = CTA3/4
where,
CT = 2.342*log(0.6T)*log(1185/P)+4
T = Return Period
P = 100(As+6)/A
As = Snow covered catchment = 0 km2
A = Total Catchment area = 24.84 km2

Reoccurrence Flood
S.N. CA, km2 As , m2 P CT Remarks
Interval Flow
(T, Yrs.) (m3/s)
1 2 24.84 0 24.15 4.31 48.00
2 5 24.84 0 24.15 5.89 65.53
3 10 24.84 0 24.15 7.08 78.79
4 20 24.84 0 24.15 8.27 92.05
5 50 24.84 0 24.15 9.85 109.59
6 100 24.84 0 24.15 11.04 122.85
7 200 24.84 0 24.15 12.23 136.11
8 500 24.84 0 24.15 13.81 153.64
9 1000 24.84 0 24.15 15.00 166.91

6
Hydrology of Lubhu Khola Bridge

V. B.D. Richard’s Approach

B.D. Richard’s method may be used for flood estimation using rainfall and basin
characteristics.

Initially certain value is assumed for Tc, then; Catchment Area (A)= 24.84 km2
Q= 0.222AIF m3/sec Length (L)= 13.19 km
F= 1.09352-0.06628ln(A) 24 hr. rainfall= 238.33 mm
D= 1.102L2 /(F*S) Hmax.= 2204.0 m
RTC= 0.22127xRTxTc * 0.476577 Hmin.= 555.0 m
I= RTC/Tc Slope (S)= 12.50
K R= 0.651x (Tc+1)
CKR= 0.95632/KR * 1.4806 Q= 180.02 m3/s
TC3= D X CKR
TC2= (TC3/0.585378) ^ (1/2.17608)

Tc F D RT RTC I KR CKR TC3 TC2

1 1.001 15.319 238.330 52.735 52.735 1.302 0.647 9.912 3.67
2 1.001 15.319 238.330 73.378 36.689 1.953 0.355 5.438 2.79
2.5 1.001 15.319 238.330 81.611 32.645 2.279 0.283 4.328 2.508
2.505 1.001 15.319 238.330 81.689 32.610 2.282 0.282 4.319 2.505

VI. Snyder’s Method

Input:
Length (L)= 13.19 Km
C. Length (Lc)= 5.34 Km
CA= 0.9282
Ct= 1.5
Cp= 0.62
tR= 24
R= 23.833

Calculation:
Qpr= qprxCAxAxR = 96.17 m3/s
qpr= 2.78xCP/tPR = 0.18
tPR= tpr+0.25(tR-tr) = 9.85
tr = tpr/5.5 = 0.73
tpr= 0.75xCt(LxLc)*0.3 = 4.03

7
Hydrology of Lubhu Khola Bridge

VII. Rational Method

Flood flows may be estimated from rational formulae that take into account the intensity,
distribution and duration of rainfall as well as the area, shape, slope, permeability and
initial wetness of the basin. The following formulae are used to calculate the flood
discharge:

Flood Discharge(Q)= CIA/3.6 m3/s

Time of Concentration(t)= 0.01947L^0.77xS^(-0.385) min.
Intensity(I)= KT^a/(t+b)^n cm/hr
Where, C= 0.3
K= 6.933 L= 13190 m
a= 0.1353 For S= 0.1250
b= 0.5 Nepal T= 100 yrs.
n= 0.8801 A= 24.84 km2

t= 64.51 mins. 1.08 hr.

I= 8.67 cm/hr. 86.67 mm/hr.
Q100= 179.40 m3/s

1.6 Design Flood

Traffic flow of the bridge is high and this flow density will be more in future after the
construction of bridge, considering the importance of bridge, the flood for return period
of 100 years is recommended for design discharge. The maximum discharge using above
methods for return period of 100 years are summarized below in tabular form:
Summary of Flood Flow Calculation at Bridge Axis

S.N. Method 100 Yrs. Return Qflood (m3/s)

1 WECS/DHM 159.28
2 MHSP 104.04
3 Fuller's 66.52
4 Modified Dickens 122.85
5 B. D. Richards 180.02
6 Snyder's 96.17
7 Rational 179.40

The Fuller’s approach gives lowest flow and B.D. Richard's approach gives highest flow.
For this catchment, the flood flow given by B.D. Richard's approach seems suitable for
design. Thus, the design flow is taken as 180.02 m 3/sec given by B.D. Richard's
8
Hydrology of Lubhu Khola Bridge

approach, which is also highest in the above table. The flood level corresponding to the
design flood has been determined from HEC-RAS analysis using the x-section,
longitudinal profile and roughness information obtained from field. The HFL given by
HEC-RAS analysis is 501.42m and Energy Gradient Line (EGL) is 502.28m before
putting bridge.
Plot from the HEC-RAS output of HFL is shown below:

Lubhu Plan: Plan 01 9/7/2022

Axis
.026 .027 .026
514 Legend
512
EG PF 1
510
WS PF 1
Elevation (m)

508
Crit PF 1
506
Ground
504
Bank Sta
502
500
498
100 120 140 160 180 200
Station (m)

1.7 Linear Water Way of the Flood

According to Kellerhals, mean channel width is given by
B = 3.26Q0.5 for gravel bed channels
Where,
B = mean channel length required for given discharge
Q = design discharge m3/s
B = 43.74 m

According to Lacey’s formula, mean channel width is given by

B = 4.75Q 0.5 for alluvium channels
Where,
B = mean channel length required for given discharge
Q = design discharge m3/s
B = 63.73 m

In case of hilly region and gravel bed channel, the waterway calculated by Kellerhal’s
approach seems to be reasonable in this river.

9
Hydrology of Lubhu Khola Bridge

However, linear waterway at site according to high flood during site survey = 26m.

Considering the design discharge, available linear waterway, available height, bed level,
topography, site geology and x-section at bridge axis, minimum bridge length can be
provided with a span of 28.80m. However, the span of the bridge is also governed by the
river training cost involved with bridge. There is waterway constriction according to
Kellerhal’s formula.

1.8 High Flood Level

After the construction of the bridge, linear waterway will constrict to 28.80m at HFL at
501.66m. It shows rise in high flood level. Plot from the HEC-RAS output of HFL is
shown below:

Lubhu Plan: Plan 01 9/7/2022

Bridge
.026 .027 .026
514 Legend
512
EG PF 1
510
WS PF 1
Elevation (m)

508
Crit PF 1
506
Ground
504
Bank Sta
502
500
498
100 120 140 160 180 200
Station (m)

1.9 Afflux and Vertical Clearance

The afflux has raised due to waterway constriction, which is also considered in this
design. According to Nepal Bridge Standards-2067, for discharge below 200m 3/sec,
vertical clearance should be minimum 1000mm, discharge more than 200m3/sec to
500m3/sec, vertical clearance should be minimum 1200mm, discharge more than
500m3/sec to 2000m3/sec, vertical clearance should be minimum 1500mm, discharge
more than 2000m3/sec to 5000m3/sec, vertical clearance should be minimum 2000mm
and discharge above 5000m3/sec vertical clearance should be more than 2000mm. Here
design flow is less than 200m3/sec. Therefore, 1.0m vertical clearance needs to be
provided. So, the minimum level of bearing = 501.66+1.0 = 502.66m.

1.10 Scour Depth and Depth of Foundation

10
Hydrology of Lubhu Khola Bridge

Here we have calculated:

Scour Depth Calculation (IRC:78-2014):
Design Discharge(Q)= 180.02 m3/s
Linear Waterway= 63.73 m
Linear Waterway as per Site Condition = 26.00 m
Adopted Discharge for Scour Calculation (1.30Q) Qd= 234.03 m3/s
Proposed Span (L) = 28.80 m
Db=Qd/L= 8.13
Mean Diameter of River Bed Material(d50)= 8.20 mm

For other than Gravel and Boulders or Soil φ>15˚

Silt Factor(Ksf)=1.76sqrt(m) 5.04
Mean Scour Depth below High Flood Level(dsm)= 1.34(Db2/Ksf)^(1/3)
dsm= 3.16 m
Maximum Scour Depth below HFL:
Scour Depth at Abutment= 1.27dsm= 4.01 m

Maximum Scour Depth below Minimum Bed Level:

High Flood Level= 501.66 m
Bed Level= 498.38 m
Flow Depth= 3.28 m
Scour Depth at Abutment= 0.73 m
(so considered at bed level i.e. 590.85)

Scour Level of Foundation:

For Abutment= 497.65 m

11
Hydrology of Lubhu Khola Bridge

1.11 Summary and Conclusion

Hydrological analysis can be summarized and concluded as following:
Design discharge of flood at 100 years return period= 180.20m 3/sec
Minimum linear waterway= 43.74m
Waterway according to HFL at u/s and d/s x-section= 26m
Probable bridge span= 28.80m
Bridge Span: CH: +130m to CH: +158.80m along the proposed bridge axis
Minimum bed level= 498.38m
High flood level= 501.42m (before putting bridge)
Energy gradient level= 502.28m and
High flood level= 501.66m (after putting bridge)
Abutment Scour Level= 497.65m

Minimum level of foundation should be 2m below the scour level.

For Annex:
Before Putting Bridge:
Plan: Plan 01 Lubhu Upper RS: 0 Profile: PF 1
E.G. Elev (m) 502.28 Element Left OB Channel Right OB
Vel Head (m) 0.86 Wt. n-Val. 0.026 0.027 0.026
W.S. Elev (m) 501.42 Reach Len. (m) 100 100 100
Crit W.S. (m) 501.42 Flow Area (m2) 14.71 21.9 10.98
E.G. Slope (m/m) 0.00418 Area (m2) 14.71 21.9 10.98
Q Total (m3/s) 180.2 Flow (m3/s) 43.76 104.6 31.85
Top Width (m) 26.53 Top Width (m) 10.81 7.66 8.07
Vel Total (m/s) 3.79 Avg. Vel. (m/s) 2.97 4.78 2.9
Max Chl Dpth (m) 3.04 Hydr. Depth (m) 1.36 2.86 1.36
Conv. Total (m3/s) 2787.3 Conv. (m3/s) 676.8 1617.9 492.6
Length Wtd. (m) 100 Wetted Per. (m) 11.25 7.77 8.71
Min Ch El (m) 498.38 Shear (N/m2) 53.61 115.49 51.65
Alpha 1.18 Stream Power (N/m s) 159.43 551.64 149.84
Frctn Loss (m) 0.33 Cum Volume (1000 m3) 2.36 1.79 3.25

12
Hydrology of Lubhu Khola Bridge

C & E Loss (m) 0.16 Cum SA (1000 m2) 3.23 0.61 4.83

After Putting Bridge:

Plan: Plan 01 Lubhu Upper RS: 3 Profile: PF 1
E.G. US. (m) 502.31 Element Inside BR US Inside BR DS
W.S. US. (m) 501.66 E.G. Elev (m) 502.3 502.29
Q Total (m3/s) 180.2 W.S. Elev (m) 501.62 501.58
Q Bridge (m3/s) 180.2 Crit W.S. (m) 501.43 501.43
Q Weir (m3/s) Max Chl Dpth (m) 3.25 3.2
Weir Sta Lft (m) Vel Total (m/s) 3.39 3.47
Weir Sta Rgt (m) Flow Area (m2) 53.15 51.98
Weir Submerg Froude # Chl 0.78 0.8
Weir Max Depth (m) Specif Force (m3) 129.16 128.43
Min El Weir Flow (m) 502.38 Hydr Depth (m) 1.95 1.92
Min El Prs (m) 502.66 W.P. Total (m) 28.57 28.39
Delta EG (m) 0.04 Conv. Total (m3/s) 3263.8 3161.4
Delta WS (m) 0.24 Top Width (m) 27.2 27.06
BR Open Area (m2) 83.28 Frctn Loss (m) 0.01 0
BR Open Vel (m/s) 3.47 C & E Loss (m) 0 0.01
BR Sluice Coef Shear Total (N/m2) 55.62 58.33
BR Sel Method Energy only Power Total (N/m s) 188.56 202.21

13