Computing Critical and Normal Depths for Horseshoe Cross-Sections Using Excel Spreadsheet
Xing Fang (2012)
Background information from two journal papers (not using the spreadsheets).
Jiliang Liu, Zhengzhong Wang, and X. Fang, 2010. “Iterative Formulas and Estimation Formulas for Computing Normal Depth of Horseshoe Cross-Section Tunnel.” ASCE, Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, 136(4):786-790. Discussions and Closure, ASCE Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, 138(8):787-790, DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)IR.1943-4774.0000473.
Jiliang Liu, Zhengzhong Wang, and X. Fang, 2010. “Formulas Computing Geometry and Critical Depth of General Horseshoe Tunnel.” Transaction of the ASABE, 53(4):1159-1164.
Excel spreadsheets for free download (send an email to xing.fang@auburn.edu to obtain security information for free download, so I know who is interested in using the spreadsheets developed):
| Description and File Names | Microsoft Excel 2003 Version | Microsoft Excel 2007/2010 Version |
| Early version (Requiring input of initial guess values) | ||
| Final version (Do not need input initial guess values) | Horseshoe-2003 | Horseshoe-2007-2010 |
"Comprehensive Evaluation and New Development of Determination of Critical and Normal Depths for Different Types of Open-Channel Cross-sections"
Computing Critical and Normal Depths for Eight Types of Cross-Sections Using Excel Spreadsheet (2010)
Manoj KC, Janesh Devkota, and Xing Fang, P.E., M.ASCE
Abstract: This paper presents easy and efficient method to calculate critical and normal depths for circular, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular, rounded-corner rectangular, rounded-corner trapezoidal, rounded-bottom triangular, and U-shaped channel sections by using Solver function in Excel. General equations for geometric elements for the eight types of sections are developed and used to create Excel worksheets determining critical and normal depths. Using Excel Solver function produces quick and accurate results for designers and engineers so that they do not need to use time consuming and troublesome trial-and-error method or chart method with low accuracy or complex approximation equations and not depend on commercial computer programs (software) for computing basic hydraulic design parameters. We present a useful VBA code for repeated applications of Solver function. The spreadsheet developed is available to download free by interested readers.
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Circular section |
Rounded-trapezoidal section (equal side slopes) |
|
Triangular section (unequal side slopes) |
Trapezoidal section (unequal side slopes) |
|
Rectangular section |
Rounded-corner rectangular section |
|
U-shaped section |
Rounded-bottom triangular section (equal side slopes) |
Excel spreadsheets for free download (send an email to xing.fang@auburn.edu to obtain security information for free download, so I know who is interested in using spreadsheets developed):
| Description and File Names | Microsoft Excel Recent Version | Microsoft Excel 2003 Version |
| Early version (requiring input of initial guess values) | Rounded-Channel1 | Channel1-2003 |
| Update version (Do not need input initial guess values) | Rounded-Channel2 | Channel2-2003 |
| VBA for repetitious Solver applications | VBA-2007 | VBA-2003 |
How to activate or enable Solver Add-In (function):
1. Before using the Solver function one has to enable it in Excel 2007. For that click Microsoft Office Button, and then Excel Options. Click Add-Ins and then in the Manage box, select Excel Add-ins and then click Go. In the Add-Ins available box, select the Solver Add-in check box, and then click OK. (If Solver Add-in is not listed in the Add-Ins available box, click Browse to locate the add-in). If you get a prompt so that the Solver Add-in is not currently installed on your computer, click Yes to install it. After the Solver Add-in is loaded, the Solver function is available in the Analysis group on the Data tab.
2. In Excel 2003, Click on Tools menu, select Add-Ins option. In the Add-Ins available box, select the Solver Add-in check box, and then click OK. After the Solver Add-in is loaded, the Solver function is available in Tools menu.
The
conference paper for eight channels: KC Manoj*, Janesh
Devkota*, and X. Fang, 2010. “Comprehensive evaluation and new development of determination of critical and normal
depths for different types of open-channel cross-sections.”
Proceeding (CD-ROM) for 2010 World Environmental and Water Resources
Congress, Providence, Rhode Island, May 16-21, 2010.
Previous conference paper: Applications of Microsoft Excel Solver Function in Water Resources Engineering, Proceedings of the Texas Section American Society of Civil Engineers Spring Conference, April 19-22, Beaumont, Texas.
Declaration: These spreadsheets are provided for free as part of the paper. It has been carefully tested and verified. Neither I nor any university in which I am in the employ accepts responsibility or liability for its use by third parties, especially if any user alternates settings and formulas in the spreadsheets.
Contact information for further questions: Dr. Xing Fang (Auburn University), (334) 844-8778 or xing.fang@auburn.edu
