What is a Barrage? | Difference Between Weirs and Barrages | Benefits &Functions of Weirs and Barrages

What is a Barrage? What is a Weir? | Difference Between Weirs and Barrages | Benefits and Functions of Weirs and Barrages

What is a Barrage?

A barrage is a low-head diversion dam that consists of a series of big gates that may be opened and closed to control the volume of water that flows through.

This enables the structure to regulate and stabilize the elevation of river water upstream for use in irrigation and other systems.

The gates are placed between flanking piers, which are responsible for supporting the pool’s water weight. The name “barrage” is derived from the French word “barrer,” which means “to bar.”

A barrage is a steel-gated construction used to impede a water stream. The barrage gates can be raised to control the release of water from the barrage.

A barrage is created when moveable gates are erected above a weir to keep the water surface at different levels at different periods.

The water level is controlled by opening and closing the gates or shutters. The gates are located on separate tiers and are controlled by cables from the cabin. Both ends of the gates are supported by piers.

What is a Weir?

A weir is essentially a concrete or masonry structure constructed through an open waterway, such as a river. Most of the time, it is constructed to control water flow, measure discharge, prevent flooding, and make rivers navigable.

Depending on the purpose, it can be created using a variety of materials such as wood, concrete, or a combination of pebbles, gravel, and boulders.

A weir is a river barrier that raises the water level on the upstream bank of the river. It is mostly a wall of impediment over which extra water flows, rather than a reservoir to store water.

It is made of concrete, rocks, or a combination of the two.

Difference Between Weirs and Barrages

There are many ways to create a waterway, but the two most common types of waterway waterways are the weir and the barrage.

A weir is a type of dam that is typically constructed to measure the height of the water level in a river or any other body of water. The weir creates an area of falling water, which turns a turbine that generates electricity.

A barrage, on the other hand, is a concrete structure made up of a series of wide gates that can be opened and closed to control the amount of water that flows through them.

This enables the structure to modify and stabilize the upstream water elevation for irrigation and other systems. The valves are installed between the pillars, which are responsible for supporting the pool’s water weight.

Barrages are typically canals that traverse a valley, connecting two bodies of water. They are created by building an artificial canal with a series of locks.

Barriers are typically used for flood control and/or more powerful hydroelectric power generation, while weirs are more for regulating water flow. They also generate hydroelectric power, but they do not have the same effect of storing water or risk being a flood control system.

Both weirs and barrages are waterway barriers, however the barrage is a costly barrier, whilst the weir is a comparatively inexpensive one.

Weirs and barrages FAQs

1. What is the difference between weirs and barrages?

A barrage is a dam built across the bed of a river to allow for variations in the water level. Weirs are built across the river to control the volume of water flow.

A weir is an impermeable barrier constructed across a river to raise the water level on the downstream side.

The water level is at the appropriate height, any extra water can then flow over the weir. It is typically constructed on the other side of a flooded river.

A barrage, on the other hand, consists of adjustable gates built over a dam to keep the water surface at different levels and at different periods.

By opening the valves or gates, the water level can be regulated. These gates are supported at both ends by pillars and are also positioned at different levels. They are normally controlled by cables that go from the cabin.

Both weirs and barrages are waterway barriers, however the barrage is a costly barrier, whilst the weir is a comparatively inexpensive one.

2.  What are weirs?

A weir is a structure that consists of a number of barriers designed to control the water flow.

They are typically made of concrete and are located at the foot of a dam. The purpose is to control the river’s flow, improve navigation, etc.

3.  What are barrages?

Barriers are concrete structures placed at different levels above a weir that control water height. They can be used for different types of purposes like navigation and hydroelectricity power generation and more.

4. What are the benefits of a barrage compared to a weir?

A barrage is very versatile. It has the ability to control water levels while releasing it in different ways, and can also be used for irrigation purposes, navigation and/or hydroelectricity generation of power.

Unlike a barrage, weirs are typically only used for their ability to store water and regulate the level.

5. What is a “flood”?

A flood is the large amount of water that flows over a barrier in an event. Floods are flooding events that occur at river’s natural banks as part of a greater storm.

The upward movement of the water can cause it to flood adjacent land and disrupt transportation, agriculture, communication, and other societies.

6.  What are “floods” used for?

A flood is the large amount of water that flows over a barrier in an event. Floods are flooding events that occur at river’s natural banks as part of a greater storm.

The upward movement of the water can cause it to flood adjacent land and disrupt transportation, agriculture, communication, and other societies.

7. What is a V-notch weir?

A V-notch weir is the most basic form of weir. It consists of two gabion baskets placed perpendicular to the flow of the water, with a hole in between them for excess water to flow through. T

he weir is made of rocks, sand, or gravel, and the structure is made of concrete.

The dam can be filled with stones to prevent erosion and water accumulation.

8.  What is a hanging weir?

A hanging weir consists of a series of barriers that are suspended from chains attached to the top of a dam.

The chain is attached to a platform by four anchors at each end that are placed in holes in the ground. The structure can be created with stones, rocks, or boulders. The holes are full of concrete.

9.  What is a sluice gate?

A sluice gate is a kind of barrier that consists of a series of alternating openings and closed panels to control water flow through it.

The length and height of each opening can be varied, creating different flows. They are typically used to drain water from an artificial reservoir or to divert water between two bodies.

They can also be used to admit or exclude fish, or for the operation of water mills or other industrial machinery.

10. What is a T-notch weir?

A T-notch weir is a form of weir that is made up of two gabion baskets placed perpendicular to the flow of the water. It has two holes that can be controlled for increased water flow. It is used to make the water level higher or lower.

11.  What are the benefits of weirs?

They are the most common types of waterway barriers. They can be used to control water levels and for drainage. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to build.

12.  Why is a weir important?

Weirs are more effective than other types of barriers. Weirs and barrages can be built on natural river banks, allowing the benefits of natural flow to occur without the risks associated with constructing artificial dams.