7. Study and determination of criteria for selecting the type of structure for installing water flow monitoring equipment in accordance with flow complexity

Abstract

Streamflow discharge is one of the fundamental hydrological parameters, representing essential data used in the design of various hydraulic and civil engineering structures, such as irrigation systems, hydropower plants, bridges, culverts, and waterways. Discharge data are also indispensable for socio-economic activities, as well as for planning, development, and management of water resources and water use. However, various methods, structures, and instruments are applied to measure stream discharge at different times and conditions. The selection of an appropriate discharge measurement method, structure, or instrument depends on multiple factors such as flow magnitude, river size, velocity, required accuracy, economic efficiency, manpower, and safety. In particular, the selected monitoring method, equipment, and hydraulic structure must be suitable for factors such as water level fluctuation, type of overflow section, channel width, flow complexity, tidal influence, suspended sediment concentration, and the topographical and geological conditions of the riverbanks.