The use of flat-vee weirs for measuring runoff from mine waste dumps
Loading...
Date
1981-11
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Australian Atomic Energy Commission
Abstract
A description is given of the installation of prefabricated, timber, flat-vee weirs to measure the discharge rates in the principal runoff streams from waste rock dumps at the abandoned mine site at Rum Jungle, Northern Territory. Details are presented of the tapping point, stilling well, stilling well/tapping point connection and the technique used to measure gauge height. The relationship between discharge rate and gauge head for the weir structure installed is discussed. The high gradient and high silt load of the run-off streams have led to silt deposition behind the weirs. Information is given on the silt levels and their effect of the discharge/gauge head relationship. The total error on the discharge from uncertainties in stream bed depth, uncertainties in the discharge coefficient and uncertainties in the measured gauge height, is estimated to be less that 10% in the range 5 x 10-2 m3 s-1 to 0.9 m3 s-1, the upper rate being just greater than the maximum discharge rate observed. The error on the total discharge in an event, a parameter of interest in estimating runoff coefficients and total pollution loads, was in general less than this. The weirs have proved robust under field conditions; the weir on White's runoff channel is still in use five years after installation in October 1075, and that on the Intermediate runoff channel, in use three years after installation in November 1977.
Description
Keywords
Tailings, Waste disposal, Water pollution, Rain water
Citation
Ritchie, A. I. M. (1981). The use of flat-vee weirs for measuring runoff from mine waste dumps. (AAEC/E524). Lucas Heights, NSW: Australian Atomic Energy Commission.