Chzy formula

In fluid dynamics, the Chzy formula describes the mean flow velocity of steady,
turbulent open channel flow:

where

is the mean velocity [m/s],

is the Chzy coefficient [m/s],

is the hydraulic radius (~ water depth) [m], and

is the bottom slope [m/m].

The formula is named after Antoine de Chzy, the French hydraulics engineer who
devised it in 1775.

Usage with Manning coefficient

This formula can also be used with Manning's Roughness Coefficient, instead of
Chzy's coefficient. Manning derived the following relation to C based upon
experiments:

where

is the Chzy coefficient [m/s],

is the hydraulic radius (~ water depth) [m], and

is Manning's roughness coefficient.

Unlike the Manning equation, which is empirical, the Chzy equation is derived from
hydrodynamics theory.
Chezy formula

This is used for sizing storm water pipes and finding gradients.

Chezy formula: v = C ( m x i )0.5

Where v = flow velocity (m/s)

C = Chezy coefficient
m = Hydraulic mean depth (HMD) (m)
i = Inclination or gradient.

The Chezy coefficient can be obtained from;

Manning formula C = (1 / n ) x (m) 1/6

Where;
C = Chezy coefficient
n = coefficient for pipe roughness, 0.010 for uPVC pipe
0.015 for cast concrete pipe
m = HMD (m) from Table below.

Example 1

A 300mm diameter uPVC sewer running at 0.75 proportional depth with a velocity of
1.526 m/s is to be installed. Find, using the Chezy formula, the minimum gradient for
the sewer.
Chezy formula: v = C ( m x i )0.5
Manning formula C = (1 / n ) x (m) 1/6
C = (1 / 0.010) 0.0901 1/6
C = 100 x 0.66956
C = 66.696

1.526 = 66.696 x ( 0.0901 x i )0.5

1.526 / 66.696 = ( 0.0901 x i )0.5
0.02288 = ( 0.0901 x i )0.5
0.02288 2 = 0.0901 x i
0.000524 = 0.0901 x i
i = 0.000524 / 0.0901
i = 0.005816
I = 1 in 171.94