Examples

Introduction

This appendix offers the following examples:

♦ Rational Method example problem
♦ hyetograph example developed from NRCS 24-hour rainfall distributions
♦ hyetograph example using the Balanced Storm Method
♦ Muskingham Method
♦ Standard Step Method
♦ storm drain design

Rational Method Example Problem

Problem Statement. Both a topographic map and field survey show the area of the drainage
basin upstream of a proposed highway culvert, which is found to be 19 hectares (Figure F-
1). In terms of soils and surface cover, the existing drainage area is reasonably
homogeneous with mostly light woodlands and brush. There appear to be two distinct flow
paths converging in the lower area. Local zoning allows light industry in an area adjacent to
the highway. The combination of highway improvements and growth in the region make full
development of the zoned area attractive and likely within the next few years. The drainage
basin is in Hays County. Find the peak discharge for the existing drainage basin and the
drainage basin assuming future development in the zoned area. A 10-year design and 100-
year check is required for the proposed culvert.

1of 39
 Figure F-1. Drainage Areas for Rational Method Example Problem
Example of Rational Method
Step Action
Step 1 Determine drainage areas.
Step 2 Determine time of concentration.
Step 3 Ensure limitations of Rational Method have not been exceeded.
Step 4 Select coefficients for 10-year and 100-year flood frequencies for Hays
County.
Step 5 Calculate rainfall intensity using Equation 5-5.
Step 6 Calculate composite runoff coefficient.
Step 7 Calculate peak discharges using Equation 5-7 and the table, Runoff
Curve Numbers for Urban Areas.

Step 1

Determine drainage areas.

• Total Area = 19 ha.
• Future developed area = 5 ha
• Future undeveloped area = 14 ha

Step 2

Determine time of concentration. With reference to Figure F-1, two likely flow paths are
ACD and BCD.

2of 39
a. For existing conditions, assume path AC is about 50 m of overland flow over
pasture and 255 m of grassed waterway. Using Figure 5-4, for a slope of 0.8% and
pasture, the velocity, vAC1, is about 0.2 m/s. Similarly, for grassed waterway, the
velocity, vAC2, is about 0.42 m/s. The time of travel over length AC is

50 255
t AC = t AC1 + t AC 2 = ç + ÷ 60 = 14.3 min
0.2 0.42
b. For existing conditions, the path CD is a grassy channel with an estimated bank-to-
bank average velocity, vCDe, of 0.7 m/s. For future conditions, a lined channel is
anticipated with an estimated average bank-full velocity, vCDf, of 1 m/s.
• The associated times of travel are

213
t CDe = = 51
. min s
0.7 × 60

and

213
t CDf = = 3.6 min s
1..0 × 60
• The time of travel for ACD under existing conditions (tACDe) is

tACDe = 14.3 + 5.1 = 19.4 min

• The time of travel for ACD under future conditions (tACDf) is

tACDf = 14.3 + 3.6 = 17.9 min

c. Assume path BC is about 50 m of overland flow over pasture and 351 m grassy
swale. Using Figure 5-4, for a slope of 0.6% and pasture, the velocity, vAC1, is
about 0.19 m/s. Similarly, for grassed waterway , the velocity, vAC2, is about 0.35
m/s.
• The time of travel over length BC is

50 351
t BC = t BC1 + t BC 2 = ç + ÷ 60 = 211
. min
019
. 0.35
• The time of travel for BCD under existing conditions (tACDe) is

tBCDe = 21.1 + 5.1 = 26.2 min

• The time of travel for BCD under future conditions (tACDf) is

tBCDe = 21.1 + 3.6 = 24.7 min

tBCDe > tACDe

and

tBCDf > tACDf

3of 39
 d. Under the assumptions of the Rational Method, the longer travel time is taken as
the time of concentration. Therefore, for existing conditions the time of
concentration, Te, is 26.2 minutes. For future conditions, the time of concentration,
Tf, is 24.7 minutes.

Step 3

Ensure limitations of the Rational Method have not been exceeded.

Because the total drainage area is less than 80 ha, no appreciable storage is indicated, and
the watershed shape is not unusual, the Rational Method may be used.

Step 4

Select coefficients for the 10-year and 100-year flood frequencies for Hays County.

Use Hydrology document.

• e10 = 0.776 b10 = 1981 d10 = 8.6
• e100 = 0.755 b100 = 2642 d100 = 8.2

Step 5

Calculate the rainfall intensity using Equation 5-5

a. For existing conditions,

b 1981
I 10 = = = 126 mm/hr
(t c + d) e
(26.2 + 8.6) 0.776
b 2642
I 100 = = = 183 mm/hr
(t c + d) e
(26.2 + 8.2) 0.755

b. For future conditions,

b 1981
I 10 = = = 131 mm/hr
(t c + d) e
(24.7 + 8.6) 0.776
b 2642
I 100 = = = 189 mm/hr
(t c + d) e
(24.7 + 8.2) 0.755

Step 6

Calculate composite runoff coefficient.

a. For existing conditions, the area is homogeneous with C = 0.25.
b. For future conditions,

4of 39
 C1A 1 + C 2 A 2 0.25(14) + 0.6(5)
C= = = 0.34
A1 + A 2 14 + 5

Step 7

Calculate peak discharges using Equation 5-5 and the "Runoff Curve Numbers for Urban
Areas."
a. For 10 year, Cf = 1.0. For 100 year, Cf = 1.25.
b. For existing conditions,

CIA
Q 10 = = (0.25)(126)(19) / 360 = 1.66 m 3 / s
360

CC f IA
Q 100 = = (0.25)(1.25)(183)(19) / 360 = 3.02 m 3 / s
360
c. For future conditions,

CIA
Q 10 = = (0.34)(131)(19) / 360 = 2.35 m 3 / s
360

CC f IA
Q 100 = = (0.34)(1.25)(189)(19) / 360 = 4.24 m 3 / s
360

Hyetograph Example Developed from NRCS 24-Hour Rainfall Distributions

The following is an example of a rainfall hyetograph for a 25-year, 24-hour storm in Harris
County. For demonstration only, a one-hour time increment is used.

Total precipitation (from Hydrology ) = 244 mm

Distribution type (from Figure 5-8) = III

The "Rainfall Groups for Antecedent Soil Moisture Conditions During Growing and
Dormant Seasons" presents the calculations. Figure 5-11 shows the resulting hyetograph.

For time = 1 hour,

1. The cumulative fraction is determined by interpolation of the Runoff Curve Numbers
for Arid and Semi Arid Rangelands :
P1/P24 = 0 +(0.02–0) × (1–0)/(2-0) = 0.01.
2. The cumulative rainfall is the product of the cumulative fraction and the total 24-hour
rainfall: P1 = 0.01 × 244 = 2.44 mm.
3. The incremental rainfall is the difference between the current and preceding cumulative
rainfall values: 2.44–0 = 2.44 mm.

Repeating the procedure for each time period yields the complete hyetograph ordinates.

5of 39
Hyetograph Example Using the Balanced Storm Method

The following represents the development of a five-year, three-hour duration rainfall

hyetograph for Travis County. The rainfall intensity coefficients are e = 0.78, b = 1753, d =
8.6 (Appendix B). The duration is 3 hours = 180 minutes. Using 15 minute intervals, the
total number of intervals is 180/15 = 12. For a duration of 15 minutes,
♦ the intensity is 1753/(15 + 8.6)0.78 = 148.91 mm/hour (using Equation 5-5 where the
duration replaces time of concentration)
♦ the cumulative depth is 148.91 × 15 (min) / 60 (min per hour) = 37.23 mm
♦ the incremental depth is 37.23–0 = 37.23 mm

Calculation of the values for each duration up to 180 minutes is similar. The "Example of
Balanced Storm" table tabulates the calculations. The highest incremental rainfall (always at
the shortest duration) is 37.23 mm. This is assigned the central time block of 75–90 minutes.
The next highest, 13.50, is assigned to the 90–105 minute time block, which is after the
central block. The next highest increment is 8.17 and is assigned to the 60–75 minute time
block which immediately precedes the central time block. This distribution continues
alternating between next available time blocks from the central block. Figure F-2 shows the
resulting hyetograph.

6of 39
 Example of Balanced Storm Tabulation
Duration Intensity Cum. Depth Incr. Depth Time Block Rainfall
(min) (mm/hr) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
15 148.91 37.23 37.23 0-- 15 2.12
30 101.45 50.72 13.50 15-30 2.56
45 78.53 58.90 8.17 30-45 3.27
60 64.78 64.78 5.88 45-60 4.62
75 55.52 69.40 4.62 60-75 8.17
90 48.82 73.22 3.82 75-90 37.23
105 43.71 76.49 3.27 90-105 13.50
120 39.68 79.36 2.87 105-120 5.88
135 36.41 81.92 2.56 120-135 3.82
150 33.69 84.23 2.31 135-150 2.87
165 31.40 86.35 2.12 150-165 2.31
180 29.43 88.30 1.95 165-180 1.95

Figure F-2. Example of Hyetograph Using Balanced Storm Method

7of 39
Muskingum Method

The example shown in the "Channel Routing Using the Muskingum Method" table shows a
triangular hydrograph routed through three 1000 meter reaches of channel. The outflow
hydrograph for each reach is used as the inflow for the next. The channel has a ‘K’ of 0.278
hours (1000 seconds) and an × of 0.2.

Using Equations 5-30, 5-31, and 5-32 with a time increment of 1000 sec,

1000 − 2(1000)(0.2)
C1 = = 0.23077
2(1000)(1 − 0.2) + 1000

1000 + 2(1000)(0.2)
C2 = = 0.53846
2(1000)(1 − 0.2) + 1000

2(1000)(1 − 0.2) − 1000

C3 = = 0.23077
2(1000)(1 − 0.2) + 1000

Check: C1 + C2 + C3 = 0.23077 + 0.23077 + 0.53846 = 1

For time step two, (t = 2), first reach:

O2 = (0.23077)(200) + (0.53846)(0) + (0.23077)(0) = 46.15 m3/s

For time step 3 (t = 3):

O3 = (0.23077)(400) + (0.53846)(200) + (0.23077)(46.15) = 210.65 m3/s

Repeating the process until the outflow hydrograph is complete. The outflow hydrograph
from reach one becomes the inflow hydrograph for reach 2, and the process is repeated for
reaches 2 and 3. Figure F-3 shows a plot of the hydrographs. Since the outflow hydrograph
represents a displacement in distance as well as time, the peak outflow does not coincide
with the receding limb of the inflow hydrograph.

8of 39
 Channel Routing Using the Muskingum Method
Time Time Inflow Outflow (m8/s)
8
step (s) (m /s) Reach 1 Reach 2 Reach 3
1 0 0 0 0 0
2 1000 200 46.15 10.65 2.46
3 2000 400 210.65 75.92 23.82
4 3000 300 333.23 207.85 94.34
5 4000 200 284.59 293.07 201.32
6 5000 100 196.44 266.21 265.70
7 6000 99.18 190.10 248.52
8 7000 22.89 102.55 183.38
9 8000 5.28 37.21 106.13
10 9000 1.22 11.71 47.23
11 10000 0.28 3.472 18.00
12 11000 0.06 0.96 6.22
13 12000 0.01 0.26 2.01
14 13000 0.00 0.07 0.62
15 14000 0.00 0.02 0.18
16 15000 0.00 0.00 0.05
17 16000 0.00 0.00 0.02
18 17000 0.00 0.00 0.00

9of 39
 Figure F-3. Plot of a Triangular Hydrograph Routed Through Three Segments of Channel

Standard Step Method

Four cross sections along a reach are shown in Figures 7-17, 7-18, 7-19, 7-20. Each cross
section is separated by 152.4 m, and is subdivided according to geometry and roughness.
The calculations shown in WS Elevation of 23.5 m represent one set of water-surface
calculations. An explanation of WS Elevation of 23.5 m follows the calculations. The
calculations represent the results of iterations at each section.

Column 1. This column contains the cross section identification name.

Column 2. This column contains the stream cross section station number.

Column 3. The assumed water surface elevation must agree with the resulting computed
water surface elevation within ± 0.05 meters (or some other allowable tolerance) for
trial calculations to be successful.

Column 4. This is the stage-discharge (rating) curve value for the first section; thereafter, it
is the value calculated by adding ∆WS (Column 21) to the computed water surface
elevation for the previous cross section.

10of 39
Column 5. A is the cross-sectional area. If the section is complex and has been subdivided
into several parts (e.g., left overbank, channel, and right overbank), then use one line of
the form for each subsection and add to get the total area of cross section (At).

Column 6. This column contains the wetted perimeter. If the section is subdivided, then
use one line for each subsection wetted perimeter.

Column 7. R is the hydraulic radius. Use the same procedure as for Column 5 if the section
is complex, but do not add subsection values.

Column 8. n is Manning’s coefficient of channel roughness.

Column 9. K is the conveyance and is determined with Equation 6-4. This column contains
the total conveyance for the cross section. If the cross section is complex, add
subsection K values to get the total conveyance (Kt).

Column 10. Kave, the average conveyance for the reach is computed with Equation F-1:

Kave =
1
2
( Kds + Kus )
Equation F-1

Column 11. This column contains the friction slope at the current section and is computed
using Equation 6.7–8.

2
Q
Sf ç ÷
=
K
Equation F-2

Column 12. The average friction slope is determined using Equation F-3.

2
Q
S f ave = ç ÷
K ave
Equation F-3

Column 13. L is the distance between cross-sections.

Column 14. The energy loss due to friction (hf) through the reach is calculated using
Equation F-4.

h f = S ave L
Equation F-4

Column 15. This column contains part of the expression relating distributed flow velocities
to an average value (see Column 16). If the section is complex, calculate one of these
values for each subsection, and add all subsection values to get a total. If one

11of 39
 subsection is used, you do not need Column 15, and the kinetic energy coefficient
(Column 16) equals 1.0.

Column 16. The kinetic energy coefficient (α) is calculated with Equation 6-10 .

Column 17. The average velocity (V) for the cross section is calculated with the continuity
equation (Equation 6-1).

Column 18. This column contains the average velocity head, corrected for flow
distribution.

Column 19. This column contains the difference between the downstream and upstream
velocity heads. A positive value indicates velocity is increasing; therefore, use a
contraction coefficient to account for “other losses.” A negative value indicates the
expansion coefficient should be used in calculating “other losses.”

Column 20. Calculate the “other losses” by multiplying either the expansion coefficient
(Ke) or contraction coefficient (Kc) by the absolute value of Column 18. That is, for
expansion, the change in velocity head will be negative, but the head loss must be
positive. ∆WS is the change in water surface elevation from the previous cross section.
It is the algebraic sum of Columns 14, 19 and 20.

Storm Drain Design

Problem Statement

Given: The working schematic, Figure F-4, shows the layout of the roadway and cross
streets to be drained. At the node indicated as A8 on the schematic, an outflow from a
small storm drain system within the indicated shopping mall is accepted into the
department’s system. The storm drain system will outfall into a channel which is
directly downstream of a culvert as indicated. The culvert accommodates flow from a
906.5 hectare watershed.

12of 39
Figure F-4. Layout of Drainage Areas and Inlets

13of 39
The hydrology and inlet data for this example are given in "Hydrology and Inlet Information
table." This table includes the following for each drainage area:
♦ area
♦ time of concentration
♦ gutter slope
♦ reciprocal of the cross slope
Hydrology and Inlet Information
Identification Type Area (ha) C Actual Time 1/Sx (m/m) Slope (m/m)
(min)
A1 Curb 0.69 0.55
0.10 0.85 7.5 24 0.0050
A2 SGrate 0.06 0.70 2.0 32
B1 Slot 0.11 0.85 3.2 24
0.0050
C1 Curb 0.78 0.50
0.14 0.85 14.5 32 0.0060
A3 SGrate 0.10 0.70 2.0 32
D1 Slot 0.14 0.85 4.1 32 0.0060
E1 Slot 0.22 0.50 5.0 48 0.0065
E2 Curb 0.42 0.55
0.11 0.85 13.5 48 0.0060
A4 Junc
G1 Curb 0.41 0.50
0.11 0.85 9.0 32 0.0060
A5 SGrate 0.05 0.70 2.0 32
F1 Slot 0.09 0.85 3.6 32 0.0060
H1 Curb 0.08 0.55
0.06 0.85 6.0 48 0.0030
H2 Curb 0.12 0.55
0.22 0.85 6.5 48 0.0050

14of 39
 (continued): Hydrology and Inlet Information
Identification Type Area (ha) C Actual Time 1/Sx (m/m) Slope (m/m)
(min)
I1 Slot 0.32 0.55
0.07 0.85 8.0 48 0.0030
K1 Grate 0.66 0.40
0.13 0.85 15.0 48 0.0040
J1 Scurb 0.43 0.60
0.21 0.85 8.8 32
L1 Grate 0.30 0.55
0.07 0.85 17.7 48 0.0040
L2 Grate 0.24 0.85 3.6 48 0.0040
L3 Grate 0.17 0.85 3.0 48 0.0040
A6 Junc
M1 SCurb 0.33 0.85 4.2 32
A7 SGrate 0.04 0.70 2.0 32
N1 SCurb 0.41 0.85 7.0 32
Offsite 0.18 0.70
1.49 0.85 11.6
A8 Junc
A9 Sgrate 0.12 0.70 3.4 32
A10 Outfall

The "Conduit Information" table presents conduit design information such as soffit
elevations and pipe lengths. The "General Given Information" table contains general
information, including
♦ rainfall intensity factors
♦ allowable ponded widths and
♦ inlet requirements

15of 39
 Conduit Information
Identifications Length (m) U/S Soffit Elev. (m)
U/S D/S
A1 A2 20 256.760
B1 A2 20 256.730
A2 A3 100 256.670
C1 A3 20 256.260
D1 A3 20 256.270
A3 A4 20 256.200
E1 E2 90 256.600
E2 A4 20 256.150
A4 A5 75 256.090
G1 A5 20 255.810
F1 A5 25 255.830
A5 A6 75 255.730
J1 G1 25 255.940
H1 H2 125 255.880
I1 H2 60 255.810
H2 A6 57 255.560
L1 L2 95 256.320
K1 L2 55 256.070
L2 L3 86 255.850
L3 A6 20 255.570
A6 A7 56 255.490
M1 A7 20 255.300
N1 A7 18 255.240
A7 A8 60 255.220
A8 A9 104 254.880
A9 A10 40 254.270

16of 39
 General Given Information
Design Frequency 5 years (20% chance of exceedance)
Rainfall intensity factors e = 0.78, b = 1422 mm, d = 8.2
Curb height 0.15 m
Minimum time of concentration 10 minutes
Minimum curb inlet length 1.5 m
Minimum slotted drain inlet length 6 m
Standard grate inlets Parallel bars w/transverse rods,
W = 0.5 m and L = 1 m
Grate inlets on sag in median 0.5 m x 0.5 m square inlets, bar area =
25% of grate area, allowable ponded
depth = 0.6 m
Gutter depression for curb inlets 75 mm
Allowable ponded width 3.6 m on Lone Star Blvd. and 4.5 m on
Texas Ave.
Curb inlets on sag slope = 0.0050 m/m, and 50% of
discharge on each side of inlet
Outfall tailwater elevation (2 yr) 254.360 m

Required: Design a storm drain system to accommodate the design discharge.

Discussion: The following example represents a single iteration of the design process. It is
one of a series of iterations that would require revision, re-analysis, and optimization
until a technically acceptable and economical design is accomplished.

In a production design, all design parameters and criteria must be met. The illustration of
the hydraulic grade line is for demonstration only. Typically, the hydraulic grade line is
developed as a last design step after the system has been optimized. The next subsections
offer initial design process components and a design iteration procedure.

Initial Design Process Components

The initial design process consists basically of the following three components:
♦ hydrology
♦ inlet design and
♦ conduit design.

These components will be addressed individually. However, it is important to understand

that all three components must function together simultaneously. You must evaluate the
hydrology aspects with respect to both inlet design and conduit design.

17of 39
Design Iteration Procedure

The following steps illustrate the activities in a single design iteration.

Design Iteration Procedure
Step Action
Step 1 Prepare a system plan.
Step 2 Base initial runoff computations on Rational Method and tabulate them in
"Conduit Information" table.
Step 3 Locate inlets based on logic and hydraulic demand, and configure the conduit
system.

Step 1

Prepare a system plan.

Prepare a system plan as discussed in Section 2, System Planning. Effectively, the example
problem is identified as delineated in the problem statement. Ensure there are no “dead”
spots where the runoff has no outlet. Establish the general location of inlets, the laterals, and
the trunk lines. You must coordinate the logical location of the various system components
with the component locations necessary to satisfy hydraulic demand. In subsequent design
iterations, you may change any or all parts of the system configuration as necessary.
a. Establish the design parameters and criteria.
b. Select materials and shapes to be used.
c. Assign the design frequency.
d. Identify utility intersections with respect to
• location
• type
• owner and probable disposition.
e. Identify detention facilities.

18of 39
Step 2

Base initial runoff computations on the Rational Method, and tabulate them in "Conduit
Information" table. The first four columns of this tabulation are self-explanatory. The total
CA, as shown in the fifth column, is computed by multiplying each incremental area by its
corresponding coefficient of runoff and summing these incremental products. As an
example, the total CA for drainage area A1 is computed as follows:
Type Hectares C CA
Paved 0.10 x 0.85 = 0.085
Residential 0.69 x 0.55 = 0.380
TOTALS 0.79 0.465

19of 39
 Summary of Hydrologic Computations
Identification Type Area C CA (ha) Actual tc (min) I Q (m3/s)
(ha) Time (mm/hr)
(min)
A1 Curb 0.69 0.55 0.465 7.5 10.0 147.93 0.191
0.10 0.85
A2 SGrate 0.06 0.70 0.042 2.0 10.0 147.93 0.017
B1 Slot 0.11 0.85 0.094 3.2 10.0 147.93 0.038
C1 Curb 0.78 0.50
0.14 0.85 0.509 14.5 14.5 124.51 0.176
A3 SGrate 0.10 0.70 0.070 2.0 10.0 147.93 0.029
D1 Slot 0.14 0.85 0.119 4.1 10.0 147.93 0.049
E1 Slot 0.22 0.50 0.110 5.0 10.0 147.93 0.045
E2 Curb 0.42 0.55
0.11 0.85 0.325 13.5 13.5 128.96 0.116
A4 Junc 0.00 0.00
G1 Curb 0.41 0.50
0.11 0.85 0.299 9.0 10.0 147.93 0.123
A5 SGrate 0.05 0.70 0.035 2.0 10.0 147.93 0.014
F1 Slot 0.09 0.85 0.077 3.6 10.0 147.93 0.031
H1 Curb 0.08 0.55
0.06 0.85 0.095 6.0 10.0 147.93 0.039
H2 Curb 0.12 0.55
0.22 0.85 0.253 6.5 10.0 147.93 0.104
I1 Slot 0.32 0.55
0.07 0.85 0.236 8.0 10.0 147.93 0.097

20of 39
 (continued): Summary of Hydrologic Computations
Identification Type Area C CA (ha) Actual tc (min) I Q (m3/s)
(ha) Time (mm/hr)
(min)
K1 Grate 0.66 0.40
0.13 0.85 0.375 15.0 15.0 122.41 0.127
J1 SCurb 0.43 0.60
0.21 0.85 0.437 8.8 10.0 147.93 0.180
L1 Grate 0.30 0.55
0.07 0.85 0.225 17.7 17.7 112.34 0.070
L2 Grate 0.24 0.85 0.204 3.6 10.0 147.93 0.084
L3 Grate 0.17 0.85 0.145 3.0 10.0 147.93 0.059
A6 Junc 0.00 0.00
M1 SCurb 0.33 0.85 0.281 4.2 10.0 147.93 0.115
A7 SGrate 0.04 0.70 0.028 2.0 10.0 147.93 0.012
N1 SCurb 0.41 0.85 0.349 7.0 10.0 147.93 0.143
Offsite 0.18 0.70
1.49 0.85 1.393 11.6 11.6 138.52 0.536
A8 Junc 0.00 0.00
A9 SGrate 0.12 0.70 0.084 3.4 10.0 147.93 0.035
A10 Outfall 0.00 0.00

a. In the "Summary of Hydrologic Computations" table, note that the operating time
of concentration has a minimum value of 10 minutes (according to department
practice). However, it is necessary to account for the smaller time of concentration;
therefore, the actual time of concentration (minimum notwithstanding) is also
tabulated.
b. The rainfall intensity (I) is based on Equation F-5, where e = 0.78, b = 1422, and d
= 8.2. For drainage area A1, the time of concentration is only 7.5 minutes.
Therefore, using 10 minutes as a basis, the rainfall intensity is calculated as 147.9
mm/hr.
b
If =
(t c + d)e
Equation F-5
where:
If=rainfall intensity for frequency (mm/hr)
tc=time of concentration (min)
e, b, d= empirical factors which are tabulated for each county in Texas
for frequencies of 2, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 years in Appendix B.
c. The peak discharge (Q) is determined by multiplying CA by I and 0.00278
(Equation F-6).

CIA
Q=
360

21of 39
 Equation F-6
where:
Q =peak discharge (m3/s)
C =runoff coefficient
I =rainfall intensity associated with a specific frequency (mm/hr)
A =area of the watershed (ha)
d. For watershed A1, Q is 0.191 m3/s.
Step 3

Locate the inlets based on logic and hydraulic demand, and configure the conduit system.
a. Locate the inlets based on logic and hydraulic demand as outlined in Section 5,
Storm Drain Inlets.
b. Finally, after locating the inlets (establishing the nodes for the storm drain system),
you can configure the conduit system.

Tables F-7 to F-13 show the suggested tabular format for calculations in the design of the
inlet system in this example. Since the design process is iterative, requiring adjustments and
re-analysis until the design is optimized, the examples shown are only a “snapshot” (or one
iteration) during the design process.

Inlets On-Grade Explanation

m
Cn An
C= n=1
m
An
n =1
Equation F-7
where:
C=weighted runoff coefficient
n=nth subarea
m=number of subareas
Cn=runoff coefficient for nth subarea
An=nth subarea size (ha)

22of 39
 On Grade Inlet Calculations
On-Grade Inlets
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
ID Type Area Wtd CA Actual tc Inlet Intensity Q CO Total 1/Sx Slope y T a E
ha C ha min Time mm/hr m3/s m3/s Q m/m m/m m m m
min m3/s
A1 Curb 0.79 0.59 0.46 7.5 10.0 147.93 0.191 0.000 0.191 24 0.0050 0.132 3.16 0.075
C1 Curb 0.92 0.55 0.51 14.5 14.5 124.51 0.176 0.010 0.186 32 0.0060 0.113 3.62 0.075
E1 Slot 0.22 0.50 0.11 5.0 10.0 147.93 0.045 0.000 0.045 48 0.0065 0.056 2.70 0.31
E2 Curb 0.53 0.61 0.32 13.5 13.5 128.96 0.116 0.002 0.118 48 0.0060 0.082 3.93 0.075
G1 Curb 0.52 0.57 0.30 9.0 10.0 147.93 0.123 0.005 0.128 32 0.0060 0.098 3.14 0.075
K1 Grate 0.79 0.47 0.37 15.0 15.0 122.41 0.127 0.000 0.127 48 0.0040 0.091 4.36
L1 Grate 0.37 0.61 0.22 17.7 17.7 112.34 0.070 0.000 0.070 48 0.0040 0.073 3.49
L2 Grate 0.24 0.85 0.20 3.6 10.0 147.93 0.084 0.027 0.111 48 0.0040 0.086 4.15
L3 Grate 0.17 0.85 0.14 3.0 10.0 147.93 0.059 0.050 0.110 48 0.0040 0.086 4.13
B1 Slot 0.11 0.85 0.09 3.2 10.0 147.93 0.038 0.000 0.038 24 0.0050 0.072 1.73 0.32
D1 Slot 0.14 0.85 0.12 4.1 10.0 147.93 0.049 0.000 0.049 32 0.0060 0.069 2.19 0.33
F1 Slot 0.09 0.85 0.08 3.6 10.0 147.93 0.031 0.000 0.031 32 0.0060 0.058 1.86 0.33
I1 Slot 0.39 0.60 0.24 8.0 10.0 147.93 0.097 0.000 0.097 48 0.0030 0.087 4.16 0.31
H1 Curb 0.14 0.68 0.10 6.0 10.0 147.93 0.039 0.000 0.039 48 0.0030 0.062 2.96 0.075
H2 Curb 0.34 0.74 0.25 6.5 10.0 147.93 0.104 0.009 0.113 48 0.0050 0.083 3.99 0.075

On Grade Inlet Calculations (part 2)

On-Grade Inlets (Continued)
ID 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
W L grate Lr curb Lr slot La La/Lr a/W C.O. C.O. Qi Remarks
m m m m m m3/s to m3/s
A1 0.5 3.70 3 0.81 0.57 0.010 C1 0.181 see the Correction Factor K2 for Angle of
Flow Attack table for CURB inlet calculations
C1 0.5 4.18 6 1.43 0.66 0.000 E2 0.186 see the Correction Factor K2 for Angle of
Flow Attack table for CURB inlet calculations
E1 7.33 6 0.82 0.002 E2 0.043
E2 0.5 3.65 3 0.82 0.92 0.005 G1 0.113 see the Correction Factor K2 for Angle of
Flow Attack table for CURB inlet calculations
G1 0.5 3.40 3 0.88 0.76 0.003 J1 0.125 see the Correction Factor K2 for Angle of
Flow Attack table CURB inlet calculations
K1 0.5 1 0.060 J1 0.068 C.O. to SAG, see the Correction Factor K3 for
Bed Condition table for GRATE calcs.
L1 0.5 1 0.027 L2 0.043 see the Correction Factor K3 for Bed
Condition table for GRATE calculations
L2 0.5 1 0.050 L3 0.061 see the Correction Factor K3 for Bed
Condition table GRATE calculations
L3 0.5 1 0.049 M1 0.060 C.O. to SAG, see the Correction Factor K3 for
Bed Condition table for GRATE calcs.
B1 3.30 6 1.82 0.000 D1 0.038
D1 4.72 6 1.27 0.000 F1 0.049
F1 3.88 6 1.55 0.000 H2 0.031
I1 8.06 6 0.74 0.008 H2 0.089

23of 39
H1 0.5 1.65 1.5 0.91 1.22 0.001 H2 0.039 see the Correction Factor K2 for Angle of
Flow Attack table for CURB inlet calculations
H2 0.5 3.40 4.5 1.32 0.90 0.000 N1 0.113 see the Correction Factor K2 for Angle of
Flow Attack table for CURB inlet calculations

The following procedure refers to the format of the "On Grade Inlet Calculations" table, part
1 and part 2.

Column 1. Identify all inlets with a unique name. Here is a suggested system of
alphanumeric characters that relates to each storm drain line. This system is compatible
with the system of identification used in WinStorm for storm drain system design and
analysis. The first inlet is identified as A1. It is useful to identify the longest conduit
line A. Nodes on that line may be numbered in order from either direction. For
example, in WinStorm, the first inlet would carry an identification of A1.

Column 2. This column indicates the type of inlet used at each location. For example, at
node A1, a curb opening inlet is used (described here as “Curb”).

Column 3. This column shows the drainage area size in hectares.

Column 4. Here is the weighted runoff coefficient for the identified drainage area. The
weighted runoff coefficient is calculated using Equation F-7.

Column 5. This is the product of the weighted runoff coefficient and the drainage area.
This value is the total CA for the watershed (also tabulated in the Conduit Information
table).

Column 6. This column shows the actual time of concentration for the drainage area.

Column 7. Here is the time of concentration used for the derivation of the rainfall intensity.
Use the actual time of concentration or 10 minutes, whichever is greater.

Column 8. Rainfall intensity for frequency, f, is based on the intensity formula (Equation F-
5).

Column 9. This is the peak discharge for the subject drainage area, calculated using the
Rational Equation (Q = C I A/360, or Q = I Σ(CA) /360).

Column 10. The carry-over in this column is the rate of discharge which has passed by the
last upstream (gutter) inlet. Always accommodate the rate of carry-over from any inlet.
Carry-over that is not accommodated can be very troublesome and can cause severe
traffic interruption problems. Any carry-over rate not picked up by another inlet
requires some explanation of its disposal in the Remarks column (Column 30).

Column 11. The runoff from the subject watershed and any pertinent carry-over equals the
total runoff, Q.

24of 39
Column 12. The reciprocal of the cross slope, 1/Sx (m/m), is determined from the proposed
roadway cross sections.

Column 13. The longitudinal gutter slope S (m/m) is determined from the proposed
roadway profile.

Column 14. The depth of flow, y, is calculated in this column with Equation 10-1. The
depth of flow is used for
• computation of ponded width for gutter flow
• determination of length required for total interception in curb opening inlets on-
grade
• details of flow interception for grate inlets on-grade

Column 15. The ponded width (T) is the product of 1/Sx and y (Columns 12 and 14) and
should not exceed the limits given in the design criteria. In the example problem, the
maximum permissible ponded width is 3.6 meters for the section of Lone Star Blvd.,
and 4.5 meters for Texas Avenue. If the allowable ponded width is exceeded, the usual
adjustment is to space the inlets closer together. This adjustment effectively removes
the water from the surface at more frequent intervals and limits the accumulated
discharge. On the other hand, if the width of ponding is significantly less than the
allowable ponded width, you may find it economical to reduce the number of inlets in
the system.

Column 16. The curb opening gutter depression (a) is expressed in meters (see Figure 10-
14).

Column 17. The value of E is an exponent which is applicable to the calculation of total
interception length for on-grade slotted drain inlets. See Equation 10-21.

Column 18. The value of W is the width of grate (meters) for an on-grade grate inlet or the
depression width for an on-grade curb inlet.

Column 19. The value of L is the length of an on-grade grate inlet (meters). You, the
designer, must select this value.

Column 20. The length of on-grade curb opening inlet that is required to intercept all of the
flow (Lr) is determined through the following steps (see the following table).
On Grade Curb Inlet Calculations
a b c d e f g h i j
ID Aw Pw Kw Ao Po Ko Eo Se Lr
m2 m m2 m m
A1 0.079 0.509 1.531 0.147 2.658 1.425 0.518 0.119 3.70
C1 0.071 0.508 1.284 0.152 3.115 1.346 0.488 0.104 4.18
E2 0.057 0.507 0.887 0.123 3.434 0.888 0.500 0.096 3.65
G1 0.064 0.508 1.071 0.109 2.644 0.870 0.552 0.114 3.40
H1 0.047 0.507 0.640 0.063 2.456 0.363 0.638 0.116 1.65

25of 39
H2 0.058 0.507 0.904 0.127 3.495 0.931 0.493 0.095 3.40

Column 20a. This column identifies the inlet.

Column 20b. The area of the depressed portion of the gutter (AW) is expressed in
square meters and is calculated with Equation F-8:

W 1
A W = W S x (T - ) + aW
2 2
Equation F-8
where: Sx = cross slope (m/m)
T = calculated ponded width (m)
W = depression width for an on-grade curb inlet (m)
a = curb opening depression width (m)

Column 20c. The wetted perimeter of the depressed portion of the gutter (PW), in
meters, is determined with Equation F-9. The top of the curb opening is ignored here:

PW = ( WS x + a ) 2
+ W2
Equation F-9

Column 20d. The conveyance of the depressed gutter section (KW) is calculated with
AW and PW substituted into Equation 10-8.

Column 20e. The area of the gutter/road beyond the depression width (AO) is expressed
in square meters and is calculated with Equation F-10:

Sx
AO = (T - W) 2
2
Equation F-10

Column 20f. The wetted perimeter of the portion of the gutter beyond the depression
(PO), in meters, is determined with the following approximation (because Sx is usually
small):

PO = T - W
Equation F-11

Column 20g. The conveyance of the gutter section beyond the depression (KO) is
calculated with AO and PO inserted into Equation 10-8.

Column 20h. EO, the ratio of depression flow to total flow, is calculated using Equation
10-7.

Column 20i. The equivalent cross slope (Se) for a depressed curb-opening inlet is
determined with Equation 10-9.

26of 39
 Column 20j. The length of the on-grade curb-opening inlet that is required to intercept
all of the flow (Lr), given in meters, is found with Equation 10-9.

Column 21. The length of an on-grade slotted drain inlet necessary to intercept all of the
flow Lr) is determined by use of Equation 10-20.

Column 22. The value in this column represents the actual length to be installed for either a
curb opening inlet or a slotted drain inlet. This will ordinarily be a nominal (standard)
length. If there is to be no carryover for an on-grade inlet, this value will be greater
than the value in Column 20 or Column 21 (depending on the inlet type). If there is
carryover for an on-grade inlet, the inlet will be shorter, and you should use the original
required length (for total interception) to calculate the intercepted discharge rate.

Column 23. The ratio of La to Lr (Column 22 divided by either Column 20 or Column 21,
whichever is applicable) is used to calculate the interception rate for the designed inlet.
If the ratio is 1.00 or greater, the inlet will intercept all of the flow, and there will be no
carryover.

Column 24. This column is the difference of Column 16 divided by Column 18, the ratio of
gutter depression (a) to gutter depression width (w) to calculate the interception rate for
the designed curb opening inlet. This ratio is not applicable in calculations for slotted
drain inlets or grate inlets (on-grade).

Column 25. The carryover rate (C.O.) is computed directly for on-grade curbs using
Equation 10-11 or for slots using Equation 10-22 Equation 10-8. This will be zero if
the actual inlet length is greater than the required length. For a grate-on-grade, first
determine the intercepted flow as discussed for Column 27, and subtract this value from
the total discharge. Carryover flow should usually not exceed about 30 percent of the
total discharge approaching the inlet.

Column 26. If there is carryover for the subject inlet, you must select and consider a
destination in subsequent calculations. You must not ignore even small rates of
carryover discharge. The designated destination must be the nearest inlet accessible by
the carryover flow. In the case of the curb opening inlet at node A1, the designated
destination is node C1.

Column 27. The flow intercepted at an on-grade curb or slot is the total discharge minus the
carryover flow (Column 11–Column 25). The "On Grade Inlet Calculations" table
represents calculations for grate-on-grade inlets. Place the results of Column h of the
table in this column for grate-on-grade inlets. The on-grade grate inlet discharge
interception procedure follows that of on-grade curbs and slots discussed previously
through Column 19. The "On Grade Grate Calculations" table shows the remaining
calculations required to determine the rate of interception.

27of 39
 On Grade Grate Calculations
a b c d e f g h i
ID Eo vo v Rf Rs Ef Qi C.O.
m/s m/s m3/s m3/s
K1 0.277 1.984 0.642 1.0 0.358 0.531 0.068 0.060
L1 0.338 1.984 0.553 1.0 0.421 0.608 0.043 0.027
L2 0.290 1.984 0.621 1.0 0.372 0.548 0.061 0.050
L3 0.292 1.984 0.619 1.0 0.373 0.550 0.060 0.049

Column 27a. The inlet is identified in this column.

Column 27b. The ratio of frontal flow to total gutter flow (EO) is calculated with
Equation 10-7 in the same manner as shown in the "Summary of Hydrologic
Computations" table for on-grade curbs but using a = 0.

Column 27c. The splash-over velocity (vO) is determined with the applicable equation
in Equation 10-2. In this example, a parallel grate is used; thus:

vO = 0.224 + 2.437L–0.869L2 + 0.192L3

where L is the length of the grate (m).

Column 27d. The approach velocity in the gutter is found with Equation 10-25.

Column 27e. The ratio of the frontal flow intercepted to the total frontal flow (Rf) is
equal to 1.0 if the splash-over velocity is greater than the approach velocity. Equation
10-23 is used to determine Rf if the splash-over velocity is less than the approach
velocity.

Column 27f. The ratio of side flow intercepted to total side flow (RS) is determined
with Equation 10-27.

Column 27g. The efficiency of the grate (Ef) is based on Equation 10-28.

Column 27h. The interception rate of the inlet (Qi) is calculated with Equation 10-29.

Column 27i. The carryover rate is the difference between the actual discharge and the
interception rate.

Column 28. The remarks column is often used for

• explanations
• specific documentation
• qualifying statements
• special calculations or references

28of 39
Calculation Explanation for Curb Opening Inlets in Sags

The following discussion refers to Tables F-11 and F-12 regarding the calculations for curb
opening inlets

Curb Inlets on Sag Calculations

Curb Inlets on Sag
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
ID Type Area Wtd C CA Actual tc Inlet Time Intensity Q C.O. Total Q 1/Sx Tallow yallow
ha ha min min mm/hr m3/s m3/s m3/s m
J1 SCurb 0.64 0.68 0.44 8.8 10.0 147.93 0.180 0.063 0.242 32 4.50 0.14
M1 SCurb 0.33 0.85 0.28 4.2 10.0 147.93 0.115 0.049 0.165 32 3.60 0.11
N1 SCurb 0.41 0.85 0.35 7.0 10.0 147.93 0.143 0.000 0.143 32 3.60 0.11

Curb Inlets on Sag Calculations (part 2)

Curb Inlets on Sag (Continued)
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
ID Left Side Right Side Inlet
Slope %Q y T Slope %Q y T a W h Lreq’d
m/m % m m m/m % m m m m m m
J1 0.0050 50 0.10 3.19 0.0050 50 0.10 3.19 0.08 0.5 0.216 1.03
M1 0.0050 50 0.09 2.76 0.0050 50 0.09 2.76 0.08 0.5 0.188 0.72
N1 0.0050 50 0.08 2.62 0.0050 50 0.08 2.62 0.08 0.5 0.188 0.51

Columns 1 through 12. These columns are determined in the same manner as on-grade
inlets.

Column 13. The allowable ponded width is given in the specifications at the beginning of
this example.

Column 14. The allowable ponded depth (yallow) is the lower of the curb height and the
depth calculated by multiplying the allowable ponded width by Sx = (Column 13 /
Column 12).

NOTE: You must consider the approach flow to sag inlets in the evaluation of ponded
widths in the gutter. Since you must observe the allowable ponded width, it is
necessary to estimate curb and gutter flow widths from each direction to the inlet.

Column 15. This column is used to show the gutter slope on the left side of the inlet.

Column 16. Estimate the percentage of the total discharge that will enter the inlet from the
left side. In this example, the left side discharge is taken as one-half of the total
discharge.

Column 17. The depth of flow (y) is calculated with Equation 10-1. This should be lower
than the allowable ponded depth in Column 14, otherwise a flanker inlet will be needed.

29of 39
 Column 18. The ponded width on the left side of the gutter is equal to the depth of flow
divided by Sx = (Column 17 / Column 12). If this value exceeds the allowable ponded
width, a flanker inlet will be necessary on the left approach.

NOTE: Columns 19 through 22 are identical to Columns 15 through 18 except that they
apply to the right side of the inlet.

Column 19. The inlet depression, a (m), is given in the specifications for this example.

Column 20. The lateral width of the inlet depression, W (m), is used in the calculation of
the required inlet length.

Column 21. The allowable head on the inlet (h) is the sum of the allowable ponded depth
(yallow) and the inlet depression, a, (Column 14 + Column 23).

Column 22. The required length of the curb is computed using Equation 10-17. At this
point, a standard size inlet would be chosen that meets or exceeds the required length.

NOTE: It is advisable to provide a safety factor of about 2:1. Use judgment relative to the
anticipated type and quantity of debris that the inlet must accommodate.

Calculation Explanation for Grate Inlets

The following procedure refers to Tables F-13 and F-14. Instead of attempting to size a grate
for this example, w e examine a standard size inlet to determine whether it will
accommodate a given flow.

Grate Inlets on Sag Calculations

Grate Inlets on Sag
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
ID Type Area Wtd C CA Actual tc Inlet Time Intensity Q C.O. Total Q
ha ha min min mm/hr m3/s m3/s m3/s
A2 SGrate 0.06 0.70 0.04 2.0 10.0 147.93 0.017 0.000 0.017
A3 SGrate 0.10 0.70 0.07 2.0 10.0 147.93 0.029 0.000 0.029
A5 SGrate 0.05 0.70 0.04 2.0 10.0 147.93 0.014 0.000 0.014
A7 SGrate 0.04 0.70 0.03 2.0 10.0 147.93 0.012 0.000 0.012
A9 SGrate 0.12 0.70 0.08 3.4 10.0 147.93 0.035 0.000 0.035

30of 39
 Grate Inlets on Sag Calculations (part 2)
Grate Inlets on Sag (Continued)
1 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
ID hallow P Qw A Qo Capacity Remarks
m m m3/s m2 m3/s m3/s
A2 0.6 0.9 0.69 0.094 0.216 0.216 Orifice control, size OK
A3 0.6 0.9 0.69 0.094 0.216 0.216 Orifice control, size OK
A5 0.6 0.9 0.69 0.094 0.216 0.216 Orifice control, size OK
A7 0.6 0.9 0.69 0.094 0.216 0.216 Orifice control, size OK
A9 0.6 0.9 0.69 0.094 0.216 0.216 Orifice control, size OK

Columns 1 through 11. These columns are determined in the same manner as on-grade
inlets.

Column 12. Since we use the grate inlets for this example in a median ditch area, gutter
ponding computations are not applicable. Separate calculations (not shown here) must
ensure adequate capacity of the median ditch. We give the allowable ponded depth
(hallow) in the example problem specifications. Since no depression is applied, the
allowable ponded depth of 0.6 m will be the allowable head on the median inlets.

Column 13. The perimeter for a square inlet receiving flow from four sides is four times the
side length minus the width of bars in the grate configuration (i.e., the available length
for flow to enter the inlet). Assuming a reduction of 0.2 m for bars, the perimeter is 2–
0.2 = 1.8 m. Considering the potential for clogging, assume 50% of this as a reasonable
safety factor, giving an effective perimeter of 0.9 m.

Column 14. The capacity of a grate operating as a weir (Qw) is calculated with Equation
10-31.

Column 15. The area of the parallel bars in this example comprises about 25 % of the grate
area. Thus, the clear opening area of the inlet will be 75 % of the total grate area giving
0.188 m2. Considering the potential for clogging, reduce this by 50% to give an
effective area of 0.094 m2.

Column 16. The capacity of the inlet operating in orifice flow is computed with Equation
10-32.

Column 17. The capacity of the inlet is based on the minimum flow calculated in Columns
14 and 16. For all of the inlets, the capacity is larger than the total discharge, indicating
that the grate sizes will suffice.

31of 39
Conduit Design Explanation

Tables F-15 and F-16 show the suggested tabular format for calculations in the development
of the conduit system, and this subsection describes the format.

Conduit Design Calculations

From To ID Area CA Sum CA External Accum. Time Intensity Discharge
ID (hectares) Time Time Used (mm/hr) (m3/s)
(min) (min) (min)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
A1 A2 0.79 0.46 0.46 7.5 10.0 147.93 0.191
B1 A2 0.11 0.09 0.09 3.2 10.0 147.93 0.039
A2 A3 0.06 0.04 0.60 2.0 7.7 10.0 147.93 0.247
C1 A3 0.92 0.51 0.51 14.5 14.5 124.51 0.176
D1 A3 0.14 0.12 0.12 4.1 10.0 147.93 0.049
A3 A4 0.10 0.07 1.30 2.0 14.8 14.8 123.40 0.445
E1 E2 0.22 0.11 0.11 5.0 10.0 147.93 0.045
E2 A4 0.53 0.32 0.43 13.5 6.4 13.5 128.96 0.156
A4 A5 0.00 0.00 1.73 14.9 14.9 122.70 0.591
G1 A5 0.52 0.30 0.74 9.0 9.1 10.0 147.93 0.302
F1 A5 0.09 0.08 0.08 3.6 10.0 147.93 0.031
A5 A6 0.05 0.04 2.58 2.0 15.5 15.5 120.24 0.862
J1 G1 0.64 0.44 0.44 8.8 10.0 147.93 0.180
H1 H2 0.14 0.10 0.10 6.0 10.0 147.93 0.039
I1 H2 0.39 0.24 0.24 8.0 10.0 147.93 0.097
H2 A6 0.34 0.25 0.58 6.5 8.8 10.0 147.93 0.240
L1 L2 0.37 0.22 0.22 17.7 17.7 112.34 0.070
K1 L2 0.79 0.37 0.37 15.0 15.0 122.41 0.127
L2 L3 0.24 0.20 0.80 3.6 19.0 19.0 108.13 0.241
L3 A6 0.17 0.14 0.95 3.0 20.0 20.0 105.10 0.277
A6 A7 0.00 0.00 4.11 20.2 20.2 104.50 1.194
M1 A7 0.33 0.28 0.28 4.2 10.0 147.93 0.115
N1 A7 0.41 0.35 0.35 7.0 10.0 147.93 0.143
A7 A8 0.04 0.03 4.77 2.0 20.6 20.6 103.40 1.370
Off A8 1.67 1.39 1.39 11.6 11.6 138.52 0.536
A8 A9 0.00 0.00 6.16 21.0 21.0 102.35 1.753
A9 A10 0.12 0.08 6.24 3.4 21.6 21.6 100.74 1.749

32of 39
 Conduit Design Calculations (part 2)

RCP Size Required (mm)

Time at end of Conduit

Conduit Length (m)
U/S Soffit Elev. (m)

D/S Soffit Elev. (m)

Uniform Depth (m)

Nominal Size (mm)

Travel Time (min)

Velocity (m/s)
Slope (%)
From ID

To ID

(min)
Remarks
1 2 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
A1 A2 256.760 256.670 20 0.450 436 450 0.341 1.48 0.2 7.7
B1 A2 256.730 256.670 20 0.300 259 450 0.146 0.86 0.4 3.6
A2 A3 256.670 256.200 100 0.470 477 600 0.315 1.65 1.0 8.7 CA = 0.46+0.09+0.04=0.60
C1 A3 256.260 256.200 20 0.300 457 600 0.294 1.28 0.3 14.8
D1 A3 256.270 256.200 20 0.350 275 450 0.159 0.97 0.3 4.4
A3 A4 256.200 256.090 20 0.550 577 600 0.446 1.98 0.2 14.9 CA = 0.60+0.51+0.12+0.07=1.30
E1 E2 256.600 256.150 90 0.500 249 450 0.139 1.08 1.4 6.4
E2 A4 256.150 256.090 20 0.300 436 450 0.340 1.21 0.3 13.8 CA = 0.11+0.32=0.43
A4 A5 256.090 255.730 75 0.480 659 750 0.466 2.05 0.6 15.5 CA = 1.30+0.43+0.00=1.73
G1 A5 255.810 255.730 20 0.400 530 600 0.376 1.62 0.2 9.3 CA = 0.44+0.30=0.74
F1 A5 255.830 255.730 25 0.400 227 450 0.127 0.92 0.5 4.1
A5 A6 255.730 255.490 75 0.320 819 900 0.596 1.93 0.6 16.2 CA = 1.73+0.74+0.08+0.04=2.58
J1 G1 255.940 255.810 25 0.520 415 450 0.306 1.56 0.3 9.1
H1 H2 255.880 255.560 125 0.256 268 450 0.153 0.82 2.6 8.6
I1 H2 255.810 255.560 60 0.417 343 450 0.221 1.24 0.8 8.8
H2 A6 255.560 255.490 57 0.123 607 750 0.405 0.99 1.0 9.8 CA = 0.10+0.24+0.25=0.58
L1 L2 256.320 255.850 95 0.495 294 450 0.176 1.22 1.3 19.0
K1 L2 256.070 255.850 55 0.400 383 450 0.265 1.31 0.7 15.7
L2 L3 255.850 255.570 86 0.326 506 600 0.347 1.42 1.0 20.0 CA = 0.22+0.37+0.20=0.80
L3 A6 255.570 255.490 20 0.400 513 600 0.355 1.59 0.2 20.2 CA = 0.80+0.14=0.95
A6 A7 255.490 255.220 56 0.482 857 900 0.653 2.41 0.4 20.6 CA = 2.58+0.58+0.95+0.00=4.11
M1 A7 255.300 255.220 20 0.400 369 450 0.249 1.28 0.3 4.5
N1 A7 255.240 255.220 18 0.111 509 600 0.351 0.83 0.4 7.4
A7 A8 255.220 254.880 60 0.567 875 900 0.686 2.64 0.4 21.0 CA = 4.11+0.28+0.35+0.03=4.77
Off A8 11.6 Inflow from external system
A8 A9 254.880 254.270 104 0.587 954 1050 0.693 2.89 0.6 21.6 CA = 4.77+1.40+0.00=6.17
A9 A10 254.270 254.030 40 0.600 949 1050 0.687 2.91 0.2 21.8 CA = 6.17+0.08=6.24

Column 1. This column identifies the upstream node of the subject run (segment). The
identification code should correspond to the inlet/junction and associated watershed
considered previously in the design process.

Column 2. This column identifies the downstream node of the subject run (segment). This
identification code should correspond to the inlet/junction and associated watershed
considered previously in the design process.

33of 39
Column 3. This column contains the drainage area that is directly accommodated by the
upstream inlet of the subject conduit. Water enters the conduit system for the first time
from this watershed. Where there is no inlet at the upstream node (i.e., a manhole or
junction), the watershed area is listed as 0.00 hectares.

This value is not used directly in the calculations for conduit design. However, the total
accumulated watershed areas are ultimately needed for proper consideration of the tailwater
conditions. Column 3 is a convenient place to tabulate the individual watersheds so that a
total of all watershed areas can be made later.

Column 4. The value in this column is the product of the drainage area and weighted runoff
coefficient that is directly accommodated by the upstream inlet of the subject conduit.

Column 5. The value in this column is a summation of the products of drainage area and
associated runoff coefficients from all areas that contribute runoff to the upstream node.
It is useful and convenient to show the summation calculation or the contributing nodes
in Column 21 (Remarks).

Column 6. This column shows the external time of concentration from the individual
drainage area that contributes flow directly to the inlet at the upstream end of the
subject run. This will be carried over from Column 7 of the inlet calculations (Table F-5
). Where there is no inlet at the upstream node, there can be no time of concentration in
this column.

This value will be compared to other times of concentration in the search for the longest
(effective) time of concentration which will serve as the basis for the rainfall intensity
calculation.

Column 7. This column contains the longest time of concentration approaching the
upstream node of the subject run from the conduit system upstream shown in Column
20. If the run is a lateral, there will be no upstream runs, and there will be no value for
this column.

Column 8. The value of time of concentration shown in this column is the greatest of one of
the following:
• time of concentration of surface flow to the inlet at the upstream node of the subject
run (Column 6)
• longest time of concentration approaching the upstream node of the subject run
from any incoming conduit at the upstream node (Column 7)
• minimum time of concentration to be used for derivation of rainfall intensity (In
department practice, this value is taken as 10 minutes.)

The value shown in Column 8 is used to derive the rainfall intensity to calculate the
discharge to be accommodated by the subject run.

Column 9. The rainfall intensity in this column is based on the value of the longest time of
concentration (or minimum time of concentration) indicated in Column 8. Equation F-5
is used for this calculation.

34of 39
Column 10. This column contains the total discharge to be accommodated by the subject
run. This is done in accordance with Equation F-6 (i.e., 0.00278 × Column 9 ×
Column 5).

Column 11. The upstream soffit elevation of the location listed in Column 1 appears in this
column.

Column 12. The soffit elevation of the downstream location (Column 2) appears here.

Column 13. This column shows the length of the run to be used for calculation of conduit
slope and travel time (and ultimately, the friction loss for hydraulic grade line
development).

Column 14. The value in this column is the conduit slope, calculated by dividing the
difference in soffit elevations by the conduit length. The conduit slope is shown as a
percentage for convenience, but design equations require the slope value be in terms of
m/m.

Column 15. This column indicates the calculated required conduit size. For circular pipe,
use Equation 10-40 (RCP).

Column 16. The design dimension for the subject run appears here. All calculations for the
subject run which follow this choice will use this dimension as a basis. For non-
pressure flow design, this value should be larger than the size determined in Column 15.

Column 17. The uniform depth in the pipe is shown in this column. For circular conduits,
this value is determined by trial and error and is used in estimating the average velocity
of flow in the conduit. See the Average Velocity subsection in Section 1 of Chapter 6.

Column 18. The average velocity of flow in the conduit is based on continuity (Equation
10-41), assuming that the average depth of flow is uniform depth.

Column 19. The travel time shown in this column is based on a division of run length by
average velocity. Divide this value by 60 to determine the time in minutes.

Column 20. This column shows the sum of the operative (or real) time of concentration and
the travel time within the subject run. The result represents the time of concentration at
the downstream end of the subject run.

Column 21. You can use the remarks column for a variety of functions. The following may
be recorded in this column as the design is developed:
• documentation and design notes
• additional information and
• clarification.

NOTE: You may configure the tabular calculation format in several different ways to
accommodate necessary calculations.

35of 39
Calculation Explanation for Hydraulic Grade Line

The storm drain system is being designed to accommodate a five-year frequency flood.
Using Section 7 of Chapter 10, Hydraulic Grade Line Analysis, you must determine an
appropriate beginning level at the outfall for development of the hydraulic grade line. The
next subsections deal with the following:
♦ total watershed
♦ suggested downstream frequency
♦ hydraulic grade line development calculations

Total Watershed

The total watershed area served by the storm drain system is 9.18 hectares. The watershed
for the outfall channel comprises 906.5 hectares. The ratio of these areas is about 100:1.

Suggested Downstream Frequency

With reference to Frequencies for Coincidental Occurrence , the suggested downstream

(outfall channel) frequency for use in developing the hydraulic grade line is two years. The
two-year water surface elevation in the outfall channel is 254.36. Since the soffit elevation
of the node at A10 is 254.03, the hydraulic grade line should be developed throughout the
system for this example.

Hydraulic Grade Line Development Calculations

The "Hydraulic Grade Line Calculations" table shows the suggested tabular format for
calculations in the development of the hydraulic grade line in this example, and this
subsection explains the columns.

36of 39
 Hydraulic Grade Line Calculations

U/S FL + Uniform Depth

D/S HGL + Loss (m)
Conduit Length (m)

Uniform Depth (m)

Nominal Size (mm)

Conduit Slope (%)

Friction Slope (%)

Friction Loss (m)

U/S FL Elev. (m)

D/S HGL (m)

U/S HGL (m)

Remarks
Q (m3/s)
D/S ID

U/S ID

(m)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
A10 A9 1.749 40 1050 0.350 0.600 0.140 254.360 254.500 0.687 253.220 253.907 254.500 D/S
HGL @
outfall
elevation
A9 A8 1.753 104 1050 0.351 0.587 0.365 254.500 254.865 0.693 253.830 254.523 254.865
A8 A7 1.370 60 900 0.489 0.567 0.293 254.865 255.159 0.686 254.320 255.006 255.159
A7 N1 0.143 18 600 0.046 0.111 0.008 255.159 255.167 0.351 254.640 254.991 255.167
A7 M1 0.115 20 450 0.140 0.400 0.028 255.167 255.195 0.249 254.850 255.099 255.195
A7 A6 1.194 56 900 0.371 0.482 0.208 255.195 255.403 0.653 254.590 255.243 255.403
A6 L3 0.277 20 600 0.173 0.400 0.035 255.403 255.437 0.355 254.970 255.325 255.437
L3 L2 0.241 86 600 0.132 0.326 0.113 255.437 255.551 0.347 255.250 255.597 255.597
L2 K1 0.127 55 450 0.170 0.400 0.094 255.597 255.691 0.265 255.620 255.885 255.885
L2 L1 0.070 95 450 0.052 0.495 0.049 255.885 255.934 0.176 255.870 256.046 256.046
A6 H2 0.240 57 750 0.040 0.123 0.023 256.046 256.069 0.405 254.810 255.215 256.069
H2 I1 0.097 60 450 0.098 0.417 0.059 256.069 256.128 0.221 255.360 255.581 256.128
H2 H1 0.039 125 450 0.016 0.256 0.020 256.128 256.148 0.153 255.430 255.583 256.48
G1 J1 0.180 25 450 0.338 0.520 0.085 256.148 256.232 0.306 255.490 255.796 256.232
A6 A5 0.862 75 900 0.193 0.320 0.145 256.232 256.377 0.596 254.830 255.426 256.377
A5 F1 0.031 25 450 0.010 0.400 0.003 256.377 256.380 0.127 255.380 255.507 256.380
A5 G1 0.302 20 600 0.207 0.400 0.041 256.380 256.421 0.376 255.210 255.586 256.421
A5 A4 0.591 75 750 0.240 0.480 0.180 256.421 256.602 0.466 255.340 255.806 256.602
A4 E2 0.156 20 450 0.255 0.300 0.051 256.602 256.653 0.340 255.700 256.040 256.653
E2 E1 0.045 90 450 0.021 0.500 0.019 256.653 256.672 0.139 256.150 256.289 256.672
A4 A3 0.445 20 600 0.449 0.550 0.090 256.672 256.762 0.446 255.600 256.046 256.762
A3 D1 0.049 20 450 0.025 0.350 0.005 256.762 256.767 0.159 255.820 255.979 256.767
A3 C1 0.176 20 600 0.070 0.300 0.014 256.767 256.781 0.294 255.660 255.954 256.781
A3 A2 0.247 100 600 0.138 0.470 0.138 256.781 256.919 0.315 256.070 256.385 256.919
A2 B1 0.039 20 450 0.016 0.300 0.003 256.919 256.922 0.146 256.280 256.426 256.922
A2 A1 0.191 20 450 0.383 0.450 0.077 256.922 256.998 0.341 256.310 256.651 256.998

Column 1. For convenience, the downstream node identification is given first. Because the
storm drain system is a dendritic system, the one node may serve as the downstream
location for multiple runs (except for the outfall).

Column 2. This column contains the upstream node identification.

37of 39
Column 3. The discharge listed here is determined in the hydrologic development of the
conduit system design.

Column 4. The length of the run is listed here and is influential in the hydraulic grade line
development.

Column 5. This column repeats the diameter as assigned in the design of the conduit
system.

Column 6. The friction slope, Sf, for the subject run is calculated according to Manning's
Equation and rearranged as Equation 10-43. This value is shown as a percentage but
must be expressed in m/m for calculations.

Column 7. The conduit slope as described in the design of the conduit system appears here,
repeated for mathematical convenience.

Column 8. The friction loss in the run is the product of the friction slope (Column 6) and
the run length (Column 4). This loss usually is the most significant.

Column 9. This column lists the hydraulic grade line elevation at the downstream node.
The value shown here for the most downstream run is the level of the water surface in
the outfall channel. This is because the water surface in the outfall channel (tailwater
level), in this example, is greater than the soffit elevation of the downstream node of the
most downstream run.

Column 10. The sum of the hydraulic grade line elevation at the downstream node of the
subject run and the friction loss is a tentative estimate of the level of the hydraulic grade
line at the upstream node in this tabular analysis.

Column 11. The uniform depth of flow is indicated in this column.

Column 12. This column indicates the flow line elevation for the upstream node. Usually,
soffit elevations are matched when conduit depths change. Therefore, it is important to
take this into account when calculating the flow line elevations throughout a conduit
system.

Column 13. The sum of the upstream flow line elevation of the subject run and the uniform
depth of flow is indicated here.

Column 14. This column shows the greater value of either Column 10 or Column 13. If the
hydraulic grade line, as developed through summing friction losses, falls to a lower
level of the soffit elevation in the conduit, calculations do not necessarily have to
continue if the conduit system has been designed as a non-pressure flow system and
other minor losses are expected to be negligible. Refer to Equation 10-47 and the
Junction Loss Equation, Exit Loss Equation, and Manhole Loss Equations subsections
in Chapter 10, Section 7 for accommodation of minor losses.

Column 15. You can use the remarks column for a variety of functions. As the design is
developed, this column may include

38of 39
 • documentation and design notes
• additional information
• clarification
• self-reminders

Check all laterals for possible entrance control head in accordance with Section 4 of Chapter
8. The design is not complete until you have checked all nodes to ensure that the hydraulic
grade line does not exceed any inlet throat elevations or manhole covers (critical elevations).

NOTE: The tabular calculation format may be configured in several different ways to
account for necessary calculations. For example, you may need additional columns for
calculating junction losses. We encourage you to devise a tabular calculation system
that best accounts for personal style.

39of 39