[Detailed Project Report on Comprehensive Consultancy Services for the Preparation of Detailed Project Report of

Piano Key Weir across Sabarmati River, At village Fudeda Ta. Vijapur, Dist. Mehsana, Gujarat]

CHAPTER – 2
2 HYDROLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF PROJECT AREA

2.1 NEED FOR HYDROLOGICAL ASSESSMENT

Effective water resource management is critical in ensuring sustainable development

and mitigating the impacts of climate change. In this context, hydrological assessment
and accurate estimation of design discharge are essential for the planning, design, and
operation of hydraulic structures such as weirs.

This chapter focuses on the hydrological assessment and design discharge estimation
for the proposed Fudeda Weir. The primary aim is to provide a comprehensive analysis
that supports the weir’s functionality and safety, considering the hydrological
characteristics of the region. The study integrates hydrological data, watershed
characteristics, and advanced modelling techniques to estimate the design discharge,
which is a critical parameter for the weir’s design and operation.

By understanding the hydrological behaviour of the Fudeda catchment area, this

assessment aids in predicting peak flows, evaluating potential flood risks, and ensuring
that the weir can accommodate extreme hydrological events. The findings of this
chapter is intended to inform engineers, planners, and decision-makers in their efforts
to enhance the resilience and efficiency of the Fudeda Weir, ultimately contributing to
the sustainable management of water resources in the region.

2.2 OBJECTIVE OF THE CHAPTER

1. To develop a hydrological model for the project site to simulate rainfall-runoff

processes to generate runoff estimates for 100-year rainfall.
2. Morphological study of the watershed using GIS techniques/HEC-HMS.
3. Calculation of 100-years return period peak discharge from catchment area
by Synthetic Unit Hydrograph Method.

2.3 METHODOLOGY

2.3.1 Data Collection

• The historical rainfall data has been obtained from the Flood Estimation Report
for Mahi and Sabarmati Sub-zone- 3(a) by CWC (1987).

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• Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data for the project area has been obtained from
USGS Earth Explorer.

2.3.2 Site Characterization

• Site visits have been conducted to observe and document local topography,
river characteristics, and geological features.
• Detailed field surveys have been carried out to gather on-site data that may not
be available through secondary sources.

2.3.3 DEM Generation and Watershed Delineation Using GIS

• The DEM data has been processed using GIS software to create a detailed
elevation profile of the watershed.
• Using GIS tool, the watershed boundary has been delineated based on the
processed DEM data, identifying the contributing areas and drainage patterns.

2.3.4 Hydrological Modelling

• A hydrological model has been developed to simulate the rainfall-runoff

processes specific to the project site.
• All relevant parameters have been integrated into the model, including land use,
soil types, and land cover to enhance accuracy.
• Peak discharge of the study area shall be estimated using Synthetic Unit
Hydrograph method.

2.3.5 Rainfall-Runoff Analysis

• Analysis of historical rainfall data to identify patterns, intensity, and variability.

• Combining the analyzed rainfall data with the hydrological model to generate
runoff estimates for 100-yr return period.
• Assessment of flood risks and determine appropriate design parameters for the
weir using the generated runoff estimates.

2.3.6 Flood Frequency Analysis and Flow Duration Curve Development

• At the proposed Fudeda weir site along the Sabarmati River, conducting
accurate flood frequency analysis and flow duration curve development faces
significant challenges. One of the primary reasons is the scarcity of
observational streamflow data. Unlike well-gauged rivers, the Sabarmati River
at proposed Fudeda weir lacks sufficient historical records, especially for annual

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[Detailed Project Report on Comprehensive Consultancy Services for the Preparation of Detailed Project Report of
Piano Key Weir across Sabarmati River, At village Fudeda Ta. Vijapur, Dist. Mehsana, Gujarat]

maximum flood discharge analysis. This data scarcity arises due to ungauged
river section and/or inadequate record lengths. Without reliable streamflow data
spanning several years, assessing flood frequencies becomes an intricate task.
As the discharge data series of Dharoi dam was not available, therefore, the
Flood frequency analysis and flow duration curve development were not
conducted.

2.3.7 Design Discharge Estimation

• Determination of the peak design discharge using design flood event and flow
characteristics.
• Documentation of the methodology and results to support the final design and
implementation of the weir.

2.4 FLOOD PEAK ESTIMATION USING SYNTHETIC UNIT HYROGRAPH

METHOD BY CWC

To estimate the design flood (100-year flood) for ungauged and inadequately gauged
catchments in the subzone, the methodology using Synthetic Unit Hydrograph has
been adopted from the Flood Estimation Report for Mahi & Sabarmati (SUB-ZONE -
3a) by CWC (1987). The report recommends the estimation of design flood for small
and medium catchments varying in size from 25 to 1500 [Link].

The unit hydrograph is basically a multiplier which converts the excess rainfall to direct
surface runoff. Thus, it can be said that the unit hydrograph only deals with the direct
surface runoff and excess rainfall. The basic assumption involved is that rainfall is
uniformly distributed over the entire catchment in space and time. Therefore, if area of
catchment is small it works well but if area is more than 5000 sq. km then principal of
unit hydrograph cannot be applied as such.

In order to apply the unit hydrograph theory to large catchments, as suggested in the
1997 report “Flood Estimation for Large Catchments using Deterministic Approach” by
the National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, the entire catchment can be subdivided
into smaller sub-catchments. Then, the unit hydrograph theory can be used to calculate
design floods for each sub-catchment. These individual design floods are routed
through their respective reaches to compute the combined design flood at the main
outlet of the catchment.

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Piano Key Weir across Sabarmati River, At village Fudeda Ta. Vijapur, Dist. Mehsana, Gujarat]

The necessary steps to estimate the design flood peak/design flood hydrograph are
given as follows:

i. Preparation of catchment area plan of the ungauged catchment in question.

ii. Determination of physiographic parameters viz: the catchment area (A), the
length of the longest stream (L) and equivalent stream slope (S).
iii. Determination of 1-hour synthetic unit hydrograph parameters i.e. peak
discharge per [Link]. (qp), the peak discharge (Qp), the basin lag (tp), the peak
time of U.G. (Tm), widths of the unit hydrograph at 50% and 75% of Qp (W50 and
W75), widths of the rising limb of U.G. at 50% and 75% of Qp (WR50 and WR75)
and time base of unit hydrograph (TB).
iv. Drawing of a synthetic unit hydrograph.
v. Estimation of design storm duration (TD).
vi. Drawing of a synthetic unit hydrograph.
vii. Estimation of point rainfall and areal rainfall for design storm duration (TD).
viii. Distribution of areal rainfall during design storm duration (TD) to obtain rainfall
increments for unit duration intervals.
ix. Estimation of effective rainfall units after subtraction of prescribed design loss
rate from rainfall increments.
x. Estimation of base flow.
xi. Computation of design flood peak.
xii. Computation of design flood hydrograph.

Step No. (xii) may not be necessary for those intending to estimate the design flood
peak only.

2.4.1 Step-1: Preparation of Catchment Area Plan

• The DEM data has been processed using GIS software to create a detailed
elevation profile of the watershed.
• Using GIS tool, the watershed boundary has been delineated based on the
processed DEM data, identifying the contributing areas and drainage patterns.

2.4.2 Step-2: Determination of Physiographic Parameters

All the physiographic parameters (Catchment area, Stream length, Centroid of

catchment and Slope) are determined using HEC-HMS; the Hydrologic Modeling
System developed by the USACE (Table 2.1).

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Piano Key Weir across Sabarmati River, At village Fudeda Ta. Vijapur, Dist. Mehsana, Gujarat]

The area enclosed within the boundary up to the gauging site may be taken as the
catchment area. The length of the mainstream (L) is measured as the longest length
of the main river course from the farthest catchment boundary to the point of the study
(Figure 2.1).

Figure 2.1: Subdivision of Dharoi and Fudeda Region into Subbasins Using
HEC-HMS

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Piano Key Weir across Sabarmati River, At village Fudeda Ta. Vijapur, Dist. Mehsana, Gujarat]

Table 2.1: Sub-basin Parameters of Study Area

Longest Flow path

Subbasin Area (Sq. km) Slope (m/km)
Length (km)
Subbasin-1 845.66 123.43 3.52
Subbasin-2 525.1 62.83 4.28
Subbasin-3 775.31 81.57 3.13
Subbasin-4 864.24 86.93 1.7
Subbasin-5 1189.2 86.01 2.31
Subbasin-6 521.25 47.60 1.36
Subbasin-7 271.25 49.99 0.78
Subbasin-8 470.29 44.19 2.08
Subbasin-9 343.7 47.59 1.76

2.4.3 Step-3: Determination of Synthetic 1-hr Unit hydrograph Parameters

Unit hydrographs are derived using available rainfall and runoff records for the basin
under consideration. At ungauged basins, this is typically done by relating selected
basin characteristics to the unit hydrograph (UH) shape. Once these relationships are
established between the basin parameters and UH parameters for the basins, the
same relationships are applied to a unit hydrograph at ungauged catchments within a
hydro-meteorologically homogenous region. In this study, the SUH method developed
in the report Flood Estimation Report for Mahi and Sabarmati Sub-zone- 3(a) by CWC
(1987), has been utilized.

The unit hydrograph parameters with the known values of A, L and S as under:
𝟎.𝟕𝟎𝟒
𝒕𝒑 = 𝟎. 𝟒𝟑𝟑(𝑳⁄√𝑺) Eq. 2.1

𝟎.𝟔𝟑𝟓
𝒒𝒑 = 𝟏. 𝟏𝟔𝟏⁄(𝒕𝒑 ) Eq. 2.2

𝟏.𝟎𝟎
𝑾𝟓𝟎 = 𝟐. 𝟐𝟖𝟒⁄(𝒒𝒑 ) Eq. 2.3

𝟎.𝟗𝟗𝟏
𝑾𝟕𝟓 = 𝟏. 𝟑𝟑𝟏⁄(𝒒𝒑 ) Eq. 2.4

𝟏.𝟎𝟐𝟑
𝑾𝑹𝟓𝟎 = 𝟎. 𝟖𝟐𝟕⁄(𝒒𝒑 ) Eq. 2.5

𝟏.𝟎𝟑𝟕
𝑾𝑹𝟕𝟓 = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟔𝟏⁄(𝒒𝒑 ) Eq. 2.6

𝟎.𝟓𝟏𝟐
𝑻𝑩 = 𝟖. 𝟑𝟕𝟓(𝒕𝒑 ) Eq. 2.7

𝑻𝒎 = 𝒕𝒑 + 𝒕𝒓 ⁄𝟐 Eq. 2.8

𝑸𝒑 = 𝒒𝒑 × 𝑨 Eq. 2.9

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Piano Key Weir across Sabarmati River, At village Fudeda Ta. Vijapur, Dist. Mehsana, Gujarat]

Table 2.2: Evaluated unit hydrograph parameters

qp
Area Length of Stream Slope W50 W75 WR50 WR75 TB Tm Qp
Catchment tp (cumec/
(Sq. km) (km) (m/km) (h) (h) (h) (h) (h) (h) (cumec)
sq. Km)
Subbasin-1 845.66 123.43 3.52 8.25 0.30 7.51 4.33 2.8 1.9 24.7 8.8 257.1
Subbasin-2 525.1 62.83 4.28 4.79 0.43 5.32 3.08 2.0 1.3 18.7 5.3 225.5
Subbasin-3 775.31 81.57 3.13 6.42 0.36 6.41 3.70 2.4 1.6 21.7 6.9 276.3
Subbasin-4 864.24 86.93 1.7 8.33 0.30 7.56 4.36 2.8 1.9 24.8 8.8 261.2
Subbasin-5 1189.2 86.01 2.31 7.42 0.33 7.02 4.05 2.6 1.8 23.4 7.9 386.7
Subbasin-6 521.25 47.60 1.36 5.90 0.38 6.07 3.51 2.2 1.5 20.8 6.4 196.2
Subbasin-7 271.25 49.99 0.78 7.42 0.33 7.02 4.05 2.6 1.8 23.4 7.9 88.2
Subbasin-8 470.29 44.19 2.08 4.82 0.43 5.34 3.09 2.0 1.4 18.7 5.3 201.2
Subbasin-9 343.7 47.59 1.76 5.38 0.40 5.73 3.31 2.1 1.5 19.8 5.9 137.0

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2.4.4 Step-4: Plotting of a Synthetic Unit hydrograph

A Synthetic Unit Hydrograph (SUH) for a basin is a model that predicts the runoff
response to a unit depth of rainfall over a specified duration. It is created using
empirical or mathematical methods that consider the basin's physical attributes, such
as area, shape, and land use. SUHs are crucial in hydrologic engineering for flood
forecasting, designing drainage infrastructure, and managing water resources, offering
a standardized way to estimate how a basin will react to precipitation events. Figure
2.2 to 2.10 show the Synthetic Unit Hydrographs for Subbasin 1 to 9 as follows:

Figure 2.2: Synthetic Unit hydrograph for Subbasin-1

Figure 2.3: Synthetic Unit hydrograph for Subbasin-2

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Piano Key Weir across Sabarmati River, At village Fudeda Ta. Vijapur, Dist. Mehsana, Gujarat]

Figure 2.4: Synthetic Unit hydrograph for Subbasin-3

Figure 2.5: Synthetic Unit hydrograph for Subbasin-4

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Piano Key Weir across Sabarmati River, At village Fudeda Ta. Vijapur, Dist. Mehsana, Gujarat]

Figure 2.6: Synthetic Unit hydrograph for Subbasin-5

Figure 2.7: Synthetic Unit hydrograph for Subbasin-6

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Piano Key Weir across Sabarmati River, At village Fudeda Ta. Vijapur, Dist. Mehsana, Gujarat]

Figure 2.8: Synthetic Unit hydrograph for Subbasin-7

Figure 2.9: Synthetic Unit hydrograph for Subbasin-8

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Piano Key Weir across Sabarmati River, At village Fudeda Ta. Vijapur, Dist. Mehsana, Gujarat]

Figure 2.10: Synthetic Unit hydrograph for Subbasin-9

Estimated parameters of unit hydrographs in Step-4 are plotted to scale as shown in
Figure 2.2 to 2.10. The plotted points are joined to draw synthetic unit hydrograph.

2.4.5 Step-5: Estimation of Design Storm Duration

Design Storm Duration refers to the specific length of time over which a hypothetical
storm event is considered for hydrological and engineering analysis. This duration is
crucial for calculating peak discharge, runoff volumes, and the design of drainage
systems. It is chosen based on regional climatic data and the critical time of
concentration for the area, ensuring that infrastructure can handle the most likely and
severe storm events efficiently. In the present report, the values of Design Storm
Duration have been adopted form the Flood Estimation Report for Mahi and Sabarmati
Sub-zone- 3(a) by CWC (1987). The Design Storm Duration for Subbasins 1 to 9 are
given as follows:

Table 2.3: Design Storm Duration for Subbasins 1-9

Catchment TD=TB
Subbasin-1 24
Subbasin-2 18
Subbasin-3 21
Subbasin-4 24
Subbasin-5 23
Subbasin-6 20
Subbasin-7 23
Subbasin-8 18
Subbasin-9 19

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2.4.6 Step-6: Estimation of Point Rainfall and Areal Rainfall

Point Rainfall refers to the amount of precipitation recorded at a specific location or

weather station, providing precise data for that exact point. Areal Rainfall, on the other
hand, represents the average precipitation over a larger area or basin, accounting for
spatial variability. While point rainfall offers detailed information for localized analysis,
areal rainfall is essential for assessing broader hydrological impacts and designing
infrastructure that accommodates precipitation across an entire catchment area.

In this report, the 100-year 24-hour point rainfall data for the study area has been
sourced from the Flood Estimation Report for Mahi and Sabarmati Sub-zone 3(a) by
the CWC (1987), showing in Figure 2.11.

Figure 2.11: 100-year 24-hr rainfall in Mahi and Sabarmati Zone- 3a :(Source-
CWC, 1987)
100-yr 24-hr point rainfall was taken as 36.0 cm. Conversion factor was read from
Figure 2.12 which is obtained from the Flood Estimation Report for Mahi and Sabarmati
Sub-zone- 3(a) by CWC (1987)) for the storm durations for the subbasins 1 to 9, given
in Table 2.4 Below:

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Piano Key Weir across Sabarmati River, At village Fudeda Ta. Vijapur, Dist. Mehsana, Gujarat]

Figure 2.12: Duration Vs Conversion Ratio :(Source-CWC, 1987)

The catchment under study is shown in Figure 2.11, which displays the 100-year, 24-
hour point rainfall of 36 cm. The conversion factors for Subbasins 1 to 9, which
correspond to the Design storms, were obtained from Figure 2.12. These factors were
used to convert the 100-year, 24-hour point rainfall to the 100-year rainfall for the
Design storms. For example, for Subbasin-1, the point rainfall is calculated as 36.00
cm × 1.0 = 36.0 cm. Similarly, the point rainfall for all the subbasins has been
determined.

Table 2.4: Storm Duration Vs Conversion Ratio

Catchment TD=TB Ratio

Subbasin-1 24 1.000
Subbasin-2 18 0.930
Subbasin-3 21 0.970
Subbasin-4 24 1.000
Subbasin-5 23 0.990
Subbasin-6 20 0.960
Subbasin-7 23 0.990
Subbasin-8 18 0.930
Subbasin-9 19 0.945

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2.4.7 Step-7 & 8: Time Distribution of Areal Rainfall and Estimation of Effective
Rainfall Unit:

For Subbasin-1, the 100-year, 24-hour areal rainfall of 26.50 cm was distributed using
the distribution coefficients provided in Column 24 of Table 2.5. Similarly, the point
rainfall for all subbasins has been distributed to obtain the 1-hour incremental rainfall.

A design modal loss rate of 0.45 cm/hr, as specified in Section 3.11 of the Flood
Estimation Report for Mahi and Sabarmati Sub-zone-3(a) by CWC (1987), has been
adopted. This constant loss rate was determined based on various observed storm
rainfall and flood events of higher magnitudes used for deriving unit hydrographs.
Approximately 148 flood events were analyzed across 19 bridge catchments within the
Mahi and Sabarmati Basin.

Table 2.5: Time Distribution of Areal Rainfall :(Source-CWC, 1987)

2.4.8 Step-9: Estimation of Base flow

The design base flow is computed by the following formula:

𝒒𝒃 = 𝟎. 𝟏𝟎𝟗⁄𝑨𝟎.𝟏𝟐𝟔 Eq. 2.10

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Piano Key Weir across Sabarmati River, At village Fudeda Ta. Vijapur, Dist. Mehsana, Gujarat]

The computed design base flow for Subbasin 1 to 9 has been given in Table 2.6, as
follows:

Table 2.6: Base flow for Subbasin 1-9

qb
Area Total Base flow
Catchment (cumec/sq.
(Sq. km) (cumec)= qb *A
Km)
Subbasin-1 845.66 0.047 39.427
Subbasin-2 525.1 0.050 25.997
Subbasin-3 775.31 0.047 36.545
Subbasin-4 864.24 0.046 40.183
Subbasin-5 1189.2 0.045 53.113
Subbasin-6 521.25 0.050 25.830
Subbasin-7 271.25 0.054 14.595
Subbasin-8 470.29 0.050 23.609
Subbasin-9 343.7 0.052 17.949

2.4.9 Step- 10: Estimation of 100-yr Flood Peak only

Estimation of the 100-year flood peak involves calculating the maximum discharge
expected to occur once every 100 years at a given location. This estimate is crucial for
designing infrastructure and managing flood risk. The process typically uses historical
flood data, hydrological models, and statistical analysis to predict the peak flow,
accounting for factors like rainfall intensity, basin characteristics, and land use
changes. Accurate estimation helps in planning for extreme events and mitigating
potential damage. The 100-year flood peak for Subbasins 1 to 9 is provided in Table
2.7 as follows:

Table 2.7: 100-yr Flood Peak for Subbasin 1-9

Catchment Area Estimation of 100-yr flood

(Sq. km) peak (Cumec)
Subbasin-1 845.66 2531.189
Subbasin-2 525.1 1764.659
Subbasin-3 775.31 2465.992
Subbasin-4 864.24 2587.457
Subbasin-5 1189.2 3400.757
Subbasin-6 521.25 1727.665
Subbasin-7 271.25 983.452
Subbasin-8 470.29 1616.365
Subbasin-9 343.7 1384.535

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Based on Table 2.7, the 100-year flood peak for Subbasins 1 to 9, when summed,
yields a final 100-year flood peak at the outlet i.e. at Proposed Fudeda Weir (as shown
in Figure 1.3) of 18462.071 cumec.

The maximum discharging capacity of Dharoi spillway is reported as 16225 cumec

against peak flood of 18113 cumec in the upstream of Dharoi dam. Therefore, the
outcome from Dharoi spillway is only 16225 cumec which shall be supplemented by
350 cumec between Dharoi dam to proposed Fudeda weir and making the total
discharge for proposed Fudeda weir as –

16225 + 350 = 16575 cumec

2.5 FINDINGS

Based on the study carried out for the design of Piano Key Weir across Sabarmati
River, at village Fudeda located approximately 550 meters downstream of the
Sapteshwar Bridge on the Fudeda-Sapteshwar Road. The 100-year return period for
24hrs rainfall of the catchment area was obtained as 360 mm using Flood Estimation
Report for Mahi and Sabarmati Sub-zone- 3(a).

The design discharge for the proposed Fudeda Weir has been estimated to be
16,575 cumec.

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