Apendice D
Apendice D
Apendice D
APPENDIX D
INLET CAPACITY AND SPACING
1.0 Introduction
The capacity and spacing design of storm drainage inlets are presented in detail in this Appendix.
The hydraulic capacity of a storm drain inlet depends upon its geometry as well as the
characteristics of the gutter flow. Inlet capacity governs both the rate of water removal from the
gutter and the amount of water that can enter the storm drainage system. Inadequate inlet
capacity or poor inlet location may cause flooding on the roadway resulting in a hazard to the
traveling public.
The following table provides guidance of the appropriate design recurrence interval, allowable
spread, and clogging factors based on road classification. These parameters should be used to
design and/or analyze gutter flow and inlet capacity.
Freeways
Main line sag 50 Shoulder + 2 feet 50
hour
and
Collectors point
On-grade 10 Shoulder 30*
45 miles
per hour
• Inlets on-grade shall be spaced for a 5-minute, 10-year rainfall intensity. Design on-
grade inlets using Method A or Method B.
• The maximum gutter flow width shall be limited to the spread described in Table A.
• The maximum inlet spacing shall be limited to 400 feet.
• Section 5 provides additional design guidelines for inlets on-grade.
• Inlets in a sag shall be designed for a 5-minute, 25-year or 50-year rainfall intensity
(reference Table A). Design inlets in a sag using Method A or Method B.
• The design discharge shall be the 25-year or 50-year bypass flow (reference Table A)
from the first upstream inlet on each side of the sag plus the runoff from any additional
areas draining to the sag.
• One inlet shall be placed at the lowest point in the sag. Flanking inlets shall be included
in sag locations. One flanking inlet shall be placed on each side of the low point inlet.
Additional flanking inlet design guidelines are discussed in Section 6.6.
• Section 6.0 provides additional design guidelines for inlets in sags.
Note: There are two methods for designing stormwater inlets. These methods are discussed in
more detail below. The key difference between the two methods is that Method A assumes a
grate operates in an unclogged condition and no more than 30 percent of the flow would bypass
during the design event identified in Table A. Method B has no established minimum inlet
efficiency, however, the inlet is assumed 30 to 50 percent clogged as noted in Table A.
METHOD A:
• The bypass flow for inlets on grade shall be limited to a maximum of 30 percent.
• No clogging factors need be used (assume zero percent clogging).
• Low point inlets shall be designed using the allowable spread width from Table A.
METHOD B:
• The bypass flow for on-grade inlets may be maximized to use the entire allowable spread
width from Table A.
• Clogging factors as described in Table A (as a minimum) and Section 4.0 shall be used.
Inlet spacing design consists of locating the inlet, calculating the peak runoff (hydrology),
determining the spread, and evaluating inlet efficiency. This design process can be viewed as a
circular process that does not have a defined starting point and order of the process can vary as
described in this section.
The design starting point depends on site drainage characteristics. For example, some inlets are
placed to collect runoff at locations with little regard for contributing area such as immediately
up grade from pedestrian cross walks, entrance/exit ramp gores, sags, etc. Based on diagram A-
A, the design process would begin at Locate Inlet, proceed to Calculate Hydrology, leading to
spread calculations and end with calculating inlet efficiency. Additional detail on this design
process is presented in this section.
Locate
Inlet
Calculate Calculate
inlet efficiency hydrology
Calculate
spread
Diagram A - A
Note: Figure 1 is a computation summary sheet that is recommended to document the analysis
process noted in Diagram A-A.
Inlet spacing design could also begin by the designer assuming a spread width. This is a common
approach to evaluating inlets placed on continuous grades. Based on diagram B-B, the design
process would begin at assume spread, then compute hydrology, inlet efficiency, and end with
calculating inlet spacing.
Note: Figure 2 is a computation summary sheet that is recommended to document the analysis
process noted in Diagram B-B.
Assume
Spread
Calculate
inlet efficiency
Diagram B - B
Geometric information is needed when designing storm drainage inlets. The type of information
needed for design includes highway longitudinal slope, cross slope, gutter characteristics,
location of crest and sag points, drainage patterns, and delineated drainage areas. This
information can be obtained from highway profiles, typical cross sections, superelevation
diagrams, and surveyed maps with contours.
A number of inlets are required to collect runoff at locations with little regard for contributing
drainage area. Locate and note these inlets on the design plan. After locating these inlets, obtain
and use the roadway geometric information to assure that the design criteria such as minimum
inlet efficiency and maximum gutter flow widths are not exceeded. If the design criteria are not
satisfied, adjustments to the inlet system (e.g. type of inlet, inlet spacing, etc) may be required.
This information should be included on the computation sheet (Figure 1) provided to document
the analysis.
The spacing of inlets on continuous grades is based on the maximum spread allowed per Table
A. Two methods (A or B) are available for designing these types of inlets and are defined in
Section 2. The first inlet and subsequent inlets are placed downstream of the crest point to meet
the requirements of methods A or B. These inlets can be equally spaced when the drainage areas
consists of pavement only, uniform runoff characteristics, and are rectangular in shape. It is also
assumed that the time of concentration would be the same for all inlets.
The following equation can be used to locate the first on-grade inlet and subsequent inlets on
continuous grade:
Qt
L = 43560 E (Equation 1)
CC f iWp
Where:
L = distance from the crest in feet
Wp = width of drainage area in feet
C = runoff coefficient
Cf = runoff coefficient adjustment factor to account for reduction of infiltration and
other losses during high intensity storms (See Appendix F, Chapter 7; for 10-
year storm Cf = 1)
i = rainfall intensity in inches per hour
Qt = maximum allowable flow in cubic feet per second (calculated as noted in
Section 13.7 and Chapter 7).
E = This constant is equal to one for the first inlet in all cases and is equal to
capture efficiency (E) for subsequent inlets. The constant E can be assumed
to be equal to 1 for the first inlet because it receives almost no bypass flow
from upslope inlets. To space successive down grade inlets on constant slope,
use the capture efficiency (E).
43,560 = conversion from acres to square feet
Surface Description
Road Classification
Type of Curb and Gutter, see Chapter 8, Curbs and Gutters
Surface Material
Manning's Coefficient, n
Drainage Area Description
Runoff Coefficient, C
Hydrologic Zone (Chapter 7)
Intensity (i) in/hr (Chapter 7)
Cf (Chapter 7, Appendix F)
Type of Inlet (Chapter 13, Appendix C, Table B)
Design Method: Method A
Method B
Design Criteria:
Method A (reference Section 2)
Minimum Efficiency 70 Percent
Refer to Table A for on-grade and sag inlet clogging factors. Table A provides guidance on the
clogging factor recommended based on road classification. Then go to the appropriate ODOT inlet
design parameter clogging tables (Table B for 30 percent clogged or Table C for 50 percent
clogged) for grate, curb-opening or slot width and length to be used for designing inlets partially
clogged. Hydraulic capacity curves or data for available grates would have to be obtained from a
manufacturer when evaluating trench drains.
Assume 50 percent clogging for the following inlet types when using inlet design method B due to
the tendency of these inlets to plug:
• Slotted drains
• Trench drains
• Scuppers
Using a 50 percent clogging factor will result in providing twice the calculated required length
than if no clogging factor were used.
Note: Some assumptions must be made regarding the nature of the clogging in order to compute
the capacity of a partially clogged grate. If the area of a grate is 50 percent covered by debris
so that the debris-covered portion does not contribute to interception, the effective perimeter will
be reduced by a lesser amount than 50 percent.
Tables B and C in this appendix identify adjusted widths to account for 30 percent and 50
percent clogging as required for Method B. The following is included to illustrate how inlet
dimensions are adjusted to account for clogging. Reference Figure 3 of this Appendix to gain a
conceptual understanding of the clogged inlets.
If a 24-inch by 48-inch grate is located next to a curb at a sag and is assumed to be 50 percent
clogged. The effective width is 12-inches, reduced from 24-inches to 12-inches. Likewise, the
perimeter is reduced from 96-inches to 72-inches (12-inches + 48-inches + 12-inches). The area
of the opening would be reduced by 50 percent and the perimeter by 25 percent. To provide an
equivalent interception capacity of a grate with a perimeter of 96-inches several alternatives may
be available. These alternatives include a grate measuring 48-inches by 48-inches, a grate
measuring 24-inches by 72-inches, or a grate measuring 36-inches by 60-inches would meet
these requirements.
Note: Figure 3 illustrates typical inlet grate areas assumed to be clogged if placed on-grade, sag
with curb or sag with no curb.
Inlet interception capacity (Qi) is the flow intercepted by an inlet under a given set of conditions.
The efficiency (E) of an inlet is the percent of total flow that the inlet will intercept for those
conditions. The efficiency of an inlet is dependent on the cross slope, longitudinal slope, total
gutter flow, and pavement roughness. Efficiency is defined by the following equation:
Qi
E = (Equation 2)
Qt
Where:
E = inlet efficiency
Qt = total gutter flow in cubic feet per second
Qi = intercepted flow in cubic feet per second
Flow that is not intercepted by an inlet is termed carryover or bypass flow and is defined as
follows:
Qb = Qt – Qi (Equation 3)
Where:
Qb = flow that is not intercepted by the inlet and must be included in the evaluation
of downstream gutters, channels, and inlets
The interception capacity of all inlet configurations increases with increasing flow rates, and
inlet efficiency generally decreases with increasing flow rates. Factors affecting gutter flow also
affect inlet interception capacity. The depth of water next to the curb is the major factor in the
interception capacity of both grate inlets and curb-opening inlets. The interception capacity of a
grate inlet depends on the amount of water flowing over the grate, the size and configuration of
the grate and the velocity of flow in the gutter.
Interception capacity of a curb-opening inlet is largely dependent on flow depth at the curb and
curb-opening length. Flow depth at the curb and consequently, curb-opening inlet interception
capacity and efficiency, is increased by the use of a local gutter depression at the curb-opening or
a continuously depressed gutter to increase the proportion of the total flow adjacent to the curb.
Slotted drain inlets function in essentially the same manner as curb-opening inlets, i.e., as weirs
with flow entering from the side. Interception capacity is dependent on flow depth and inlet
length. Efficiency is dependent on flow depth, inlet length and total gutter flow.
The interception capacity of an equal length combination inlet consisting of a grate placed
alongside a curb-opening on a grade does not differ materially from that of a grate only.
Interception capacity and efficiency are dependent on the same factors which affect grate
capacity and efficiency. A combination inlet consisting of a curb-opening inlet placed upstream
of a grate inlet has a capacity equal to that of the curb-opening length upstream of the grate plus
that of the grate, taking into account the reduced spread and depth of flow over the grate because
of the interception by the curb-opening. This inlet configuration has the added advantage of
intercepting debris that might otherwise clog the grate and deflect water away from the inlet.
The capacity of a grate inlet depends upon its geometry, cross slope, longitudinal slope, total
gutter flow, depth of flow and pavement roughness. The depth of water next to the curb is the
major factor in the interception capacity of gutter inlets. At low velocities, all of the water
flowing in the section of gutter occupied by the grate, called frontal flow, is intercepted by grate
inlets, and a small portion of the flow along the length of the grate, termed side flow, is
intercepted. On steep slopes, a portion of the frontal flow may tend to splash over the end of the
grate for some grates. Chart 1 in Appendix H can be utilized to determine splash-over velocities
(Vo) for various grate configurations and the portion of frontal flow intercepted by the grate.
Note:
• Standard grate inlets used in ODOT storm drainage systems are noted in Appendix C.
• The parallel bar grates are the most efficient grates on steep slopes but are not bicycle
safe.
The ratio of frontal flow to total gutter flow (Eo) for straight cross slope is expressed by the
following equation:
2.67
Qw ⎛ W⎞
Eo = = 1 - ⎜1 - ⎟ (Equation 4)
Qt ⎝ T⎠
Where:
Qt = total gutter flow in cubic feet per second
Qw = flow in width (W) in cubic feet per second
W = width of depressed gutter or grate in feet
T = total spread of water in the gutter in feet
Chart 2 in Appendix H provides a graphical solution of (Eo) for either straight cross slopes or
depressed gutter sections.
Qs 1- Qw
= =1- Eo (Equation 5)
Qt Qt
The ratio of frontal flow intercepted to total frontal flow (Rf) is expressed by the following
equation:
Where:
V = velocity of flow in the gutter in feet per second
Vo = gutter velocity where splash-over first occurs in feet per second
Note: Rf can not exceed 1.0. If V is less than Vo, Rf =1, meaning that all flow is intercepted. If V
is greater than Vo, Rf is less than 1, meaning that a portion of frontal flow is intercepted.
This ratio is equivalent to frontal flow interception efficiency. Chart 1 in Appendix H provides a
solution of which takes into account grate length, bar configuration and gutter velocity at which
splash-over occurs. The gutter velocity needed to use Chart 1 in Appendix H is total gutter flow
divided by the area of flow.
Note: Chart 3 in Appendix H is a Nomograph to solve for velocity in a triangular gutter section
with known cross slope, slope and spread. Additional nomographs are located in Chapter 8.
The ratio of side flow intercepted to total side flow (Rs) or side flow interception efficiency, is
expressed by:
1
Rs = (Equation 7)
⎛ 0.15 V1.8 ⎞
1 + ⎜⎜ 2.3 ⎟
⎟
⎝ Sx L ⎠
Where:
V = velocity of flow in gutter in feet per second
L = length of the grate in feet
Sx = cross slope in foot per foot
The interception capacity (Qi) of a grate inlet on grade is equal to the efficiency of the grate
multiplied by the total gutter flow:
Qi = E Q = Q [ Rf Eo + Rs (1 - Eo) ] (Equation 9)
The following example illustrates the application of inlet spacing, efficiency and by-pass
equations.
5.1.1.1 Determine maximum allowable flow, interception flow, bypass flow, location of first
inlet, and spacing of subsequent inlets.
Sketch:
Face of curb
T=10.5 feet
d3 d2
Sx
d1
Sw
Given:
• Highway on-grade section (greater than or equal to 45 miles per hour)
• Type “C” curb and gutter (reference Chapter 8)
• n = 0.016 (Manning’s coefficient for asphalt pavement)
• Sx = 0.02 foot per foot (shoulder and roadway cross slope)
• SL = 0.035 foot per foot (roadway longitudinal slope)
• Wp = 46.5 feet (width of contributing drainage area, 2 – 12-foot lanes with
10.5 foot shoulder/gutter, 5 foot sidewalk, 7 foot median)
• W = 2.5 feet (gutter width)
• Sw = 0.05 foot per foot (gutter slope)
• C = 0.90 (rational method runoff coefficient for pavement)
• 10-year design, Hydrologic Zone 8 (IDR curves are located in Chapter 7)
• G-2 inlet with P-1 7/8 – 4 grate (reference Table B, Appendix C)
• Wg = 2.25 feet (grate width for G-2 grate inlet)
• Lg = 2.67 feet (grate length for G-2 grate inlet)
Storm Drainage 13-D-19
5.1.1.2 Method A
Criteria:
• Allowable spread is 0 feet into the outside lane (reference Table A, Appendix D)
• Therefore; T = allowable spread
= shoulder width + gutter width
= 8 feet + 2.5 feet = 10.5 feet
• E = 0.70 (minimum efficiency for Method A)
• L2 = 400 feet (maximum distance between successive inlets, reference Section 2,
Appendix D)
Solution:
0.56 S 0.5
L d2
2.67
0.56 S 0L.5 (d 12.67 - d 22.67 ) ⎡Chapter 8 or Chart 2 ⎤
Qt = + ⎢ and 5, Appendix H ⎥
n Sx n Sw ⎣ ⎦
Qt 2Q t 2Q t
= 2 =
V = A Ts S x + W S w + 2WTs S x ⎡
2
d 22 ⎤ (Chapter 8)
⎢ W(d 1 + d 2 ) + ⎥
⎣ Sx ⎦
2 (6.07)
V = = 5.07 feet per second
(8) (0.02) + (2.5) (0.05) +(2)(2.5)(8)(0.02)
2 2
1+ ⎜ ⎟
⎜ S L2.3 ⎟
⎝ x ⎠
Storm Drainage 13-D-21
1
Rs =
⎛ 0.15 (5.07)1.8 ⎞
1 + ⎜⎜ ⎟
2.3 ⎟
⎝ (0.02)(2.67) ⎠
Rs = 0.064
E = Rf Eo + Rs (1 - Eo) (Equation 8)
E is less than 0.70, therefore, more than 30 percent would bypass inlet. A narrower flow width
(T) would be assumed and steps 1 through 8 would be repeated until the minimum efficiency of
0.70 is obtained.
Sketch:
Face of curb
T = 8.5 feet
d3 d2
Sx
d1
Sw
2 (3.75)
V = = 4.60 feet per second
(6) (0.02) + (2.5) (0.05) + (2)(2.5)(6)(0.02)
2 2
Where:
V = average flow velocity in the gutter (in feet per second)
Vo = gutter velocity where splash over first occurs (in feet per second)
V = 4.60 feet per second
1+ ⎜ ⎟
⎜ S L2.3 ⎟
⎝ x ⎠
1
=
⎛ 0.15 (4.60)1.8 ⎞
1 + ⎜⎜ ⎟
2.3 ⎟
⎝ (0.02)(2.67) ⎠
Rs = 0.076
43,560 Q t
L1 = E (Equation 1)
C C f i Wp
L1 = 43560 (3.75)
(1.0) = 1,711 feet
(0.90)(1.0)(2.28)(46.5)
5.1.1.3 Method B
Solution:
0.56 S 0.5
L d2
2.67
0.56 S 0L.5 (d 12.67 - d 2.67 ) ⎡Chapter 8 or Charts 2 ⎤
Qt = + 2
⎢ and 5, Appendix H ⎥
n Sx n Sw ⎣ ⎦
0.56 (0.035).5 (0.16) 2.67 0.56 (0.035).5 (0.285 2.67 − 0.16 2.67 )
Qt = +
(0.016)(0.02) (0.016)(0.05)
0.56 S 0.5
L (d 1
2.67
- d 32.67 )
Qw = (Chapter 8 or Chart 5, Appendix H)
n Sw
Qt 2 Qt 2 Qt
V = = 2 = (Chapter 8)
A Ts S x + W 2 S w + 2WTs S x ⎡ d 22 ⎤
⎢ W(d 1 + d 2 ) + ⎥
⎣ Sx ⎦
2 (6.07)
V = = 5.07 feet per second
(8) (0.02) + (2.5) (0.05) + 2(2.5)(8)(0.02)
2 2
Q w 2.97
Eo = = = 0.489 (Equation 4 or Chart 2, Appendix H)
Q t 6.07
Rf = 1 – 0.09 (V – Vo)
Rf = 1 – 0.09 (5.07 – 5.1)
Rf = 1.0027
Rs = 0.045
L2 = 43,560 (3.10)
= 1,415 feet
(0.90)(1.0)(2.28)(46.5)
L2 = 400 feet, maximum distance to successive inlets (per Appendix D)
Given: Sketch:
Surface Description
Road Classification Highway on-grade section (greater than or equal to 45 miles per hour)
Type of Curb and Gutter, see Chapter 8, Curbs and Gutters C
Surface Material asphalt pavement
Manning's Coefficient, n 0.016 Wp
Drainage Area Description
Runoff Coefficient, C 0.9
Hydrologic Zone (Chapter 7) 8 Qr1 = CiA1 Profile:
Intensity (i) in/hr (Chapter 7) 2.28 in/hr, 5-minute Tc, 10-year design storm Section A-A
Cf (Chapter 7, Appendix F) 1
Type of Inlet (Chapter 13, Appendix C, Table B) G-2 Inlet with P-1 7/8 - 4 grate Inlet
Design Method: Method A ; Method B
B B
Design Criteria: L11 SL
Method A (reference Section 2)
Minimum Efficiency 70 Percent A
Allowable spread (Appendix D, Table A) shoulder + gutter T
shoulder width 8.00 feet
distance into outside lane 0, but 2.5-foot gutter Profile:
Qt1 = Qr1 Cross Slope
spread (T) = Shoulder Width + Distance into outside lane 10.5 feet L
Section B-B
Percentage Clogged 0%
Qb T
Method B (reference Section 2)
Allowable spread (Appendix D, Table A) A W Ts
shoulder width SX
L2 QW
distance into outside lane Qr2 = CiA2 QS
spread (T) = Shoulder Width + Distance into outside lane SW
Percentage Clogged
Qt2 = Qb + Qr2
T SL Sx Sw W Qt Li Wi Qr Qb Qt E Qi Qb L Wp A
(ft) (ft/ft) (ft/ft) (ft/ft) (ft) (cfs) (ft) (ft) (cfs) (cfs) (cfs) (cfs) (cfs) (ft) (ft) (ac)
34+00 High point
Given: Sketch:
Surface Description
Road Classification Highway on-grade section (greater than or equal to 45 miles per hour)
Type of Curb and Gutter, see Chapter 8, Curbs and Gutters C
Surface Material asphalt pavement
Manning's Coefficient, n 0.016 Wp
Drainage Area Description
Runoff Coefficient, C 0.9
Hydrologic Zone (Chapter 7) 8 Qr1 = CiA1 Profile:
Intensity (i) in/hr (Chapter 7) 2.28 in/hr, 5-minute Tc, 10-year design storm Section A-A
Cf (Chapter 7, Appendix F) 1
Type of Inlet (Chapter 13, Appendix C, Table B) G-2 Inlet with P-1 7/8 - 4 grate Inlet
Design Method: Method A
Method B ; B B
Design Criteria: L11 SL
Method A (reference Section 2)
Minimum Efficiency 70 Percent A
Allowable spread (Appendix D, Table A) T
shoulder width
distance into outside lane Profile:
Qt1 = Qr1 Cross Slope
spread (T) = Shoulder Width + Distance into outside lane L
Section B-B
Percentage Clogged
Qb T
Method B (reference Section 2)
Allowable spread (Appendix D, Table A) shoulder + gutter + 0 feet into lane A W Ts
shoulder width 8.00 feet SX
L2 QW
distance into outside lane 0.00, but 2.5-foot gutter Qr2 = CiA2 QS
spread (T) = Shoulder Width + Distance into outside lane 10.5 feet SW
Percentage Clogged 30%
Qt2 = Qb + Qr2
T SL Sx Sw W Qt Li Wi Qr Qb Qt E Qi Qb L Wp A
(ft) (ft/ft) (ft/ft) (ft/ft) (ft) (cfs) (ft) (ft) (cfs) (cfs) (cfs) (cfs) (cfs) (ft) (ft) (ac)
34+00 High point
10.50 0.035 0.02 0.05 2.50 6.07 2.26 1.84 6.07 0.00 6.07 0.51 3.10 2.97 2,771 46.50 2.96 2 6+29 First inlet from crest
10.50 0.035 0.02 0.05 2.50 6.07 2.26 1.84 3.10 2.97 6.07 0.51 3.10 2.97 1,415 46.50 1.51 1 2+29 This is the maximum distance (1,415 feet)
allowed between catchbasins with bypass flows
based on hydraulic conditions only; however, due
to maintenance requirements, the maximum
distance between catchbasins is 400 feet.
Curb-opening inlets are effective in the drainage of highway pavements where flow depth at the
curb is sufficient for the inlet to perform efficiently. Curb-openings are relatively free of
clogging tendencies and offer little interference to traffic operation. They are a viable alternative
to grates in many locations where grates would be in traffic lanes or would be hazardous for
pedestrians or bicyclists.
Note:
• Standard curb-opening inlets used in ODOT storm drainage systems are noted in
Appendix C.
• Curb-opening inlets lose capacity rapidly with an increase in longitudinal grade.
The length of curb-opening inlet required for total interception of gutter flow on a pavement
section with a straight cross slope is expressed by:
0. 6
⎛ 1 ⎞
LT = 0.6 Q 0.42
t S 0.3
L
⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ (Equation 10)
⎝ n Sx ⎠
Where:
LT = curb-opening length required to intercept 100 percent of the gutter flow in feet
Sx = cross slope in foot per foot
n = Manning’s coefficient
Qt = total gutter flow in cubic feet per second
SL = longitudinal slope in foot per foot
The efficiency of curb-opening inlets shorter than the length required for total interception is
expressed by:
1.8
⎛ L ⎞
E = 1 - ⎜⎜1 - ⎟⎟ (Equation 11)
⎝ LT ⎠
Where:
L = curb-opening length in feet
Chart 6 in Appendix H is a nomograph for the solution of Equation 10, and Chart 7 (Appendix
H) provides a solution of Equation 11.
The length of inlet required for total interception by depressed curb-opening inlets or curb-
openings in depressed gutter sections can be found by the use of an equivalent cross slope (Se) in
Equation 12.
Where:
S'w = cross slope of the gutter measured from the cross slope of the pavement
= a/W in foot per foot
a = gutter depression in feet
W = width of the depressed gutter section (W = 2 feet for CG-3 inlets) in feet
Eo = ratio of flow in the depressed section to total gutter flow. It is determined by
the gutter configuration upstream of the inlet.
Sx = roadway cross slope in foot per foot
Note: Se can be used to calculate the length of curb-opening by substituting Se for Sx in Equation
10.
The following example illustrates the application of the inlet interception equation.
Sketch:
T T
Wd =2.0 feet
Face of Face of
curb curb
t
Sx Pavement .02 ft/f Pavement
S x= 0
B
W
d =2
fe e
t
A
Given:
• Highway on-grade section (less than 45 miles per hour)
• Type “A” curb and gutter (reference Chapter 8)
• n = 0.016 (Manning’s coefficient for asphalt pavement)
• Sx = 0.02 foot per foot (roadway cross slope)
• SL = 0.0025 foot per foot (roadway longitudinal slope)
• Wp = 31 feet (width of contributing drainage area, 2 – 12-foot lanes with 7-foot
shoulder)
• CG-3 inlet (reference Table B, Appendix C)
• h = 0.36 feet (curb opening height for CG-3 inlet, see sketch above)
• L = 2.5 feet (curb opening length for CG-3 inlet, see sketch above)
• a = 2 inches (inlet depression, see sketch above)
• Wd = 2 feet (width of depressed gutter section)
• C = 0.90 (rational method runoff coefficient for pavement)
• 10-year design, Salem area (IDR curves are located in Chapter 7)
Criteria:
• Allowable spread is 2 feet into the outside lane (per Table A for highway on-grade
section; less than 45 miles per hour)
• Therefore; T = allowable spread = shoulder width + 2 feet
= 7 feet + 2 feet = 9 feet
• E = 0.70 (minimum efficiency for Method A)
• L2 = 400 feet (maximum distance between successive inlets, reference Section 2,
Appendix D)
5.2.1.2 Method A
Solution:
0.56
Qt = (S x )1.67 (S L ) 0.5 (T) 2.67 (Chapter 8 or Chart 5, Appendix H)
n
0.56
Qt = (0.02) 1.67 (0.0025) 0.5 (9) 2.67
.016
Qt = 0.90 cubic feet per second
S 'w = a (cross slope of the depressed gutter measured from the cross
Wd slope of the pavement, Sx)
The curb-opening interception efficiency (E) is less than 0.70 therefore, more than 30 percent
would bypass the inlet. A narrower flow width (T) would be assumed and steps 1 through 5
would be repeated until the minimum efficiency of 0.70 is obtained.
43,560 Q t
L1 = E (Equation 1)
C Cf i Wp
i = 2.10 inches per hour (Salem area, assume 5 minute tc using a 10-year
storm design)
C = 0.90
Cf = 1.0 (per Appendix F, Chapter 7)
Wp = 24 feet (2 – twelve foot lanes) + 7 foot shoulder = 31 feet
E = 1.0
43,560 (0.66)
L1 = (1) = 490 feet
(0.90)(1.0)(2.10)(31)
43,560 Q t
(2) L1 = (Equation 1)
C C f i Wp
5.2.1.3 Method B
Criteria:
• Allowable spread is 2 feet into the outside lane (per Table A for highway on-grade
section; less than 45 miles per hour)
• T = shoulder width + 2 feet
= 7 feet + 2 feet
= 9 feet (total allowable spread, per Table A)
• Assume 30 percent clogged (per Table A)
• Curb-opening inlet 30 percent clogged:
• h = 0.36 feet (curb opening height for CG-3 inlet, 30 percent clogged per Table B)
• L = 1.75 feet (curb opening length for CG-3 inlet, 30 percent clogged per Table B)
• L2 = 400 feet (maximum distance between successive inlets, reference Section 2,
Appendix D)
0.56
Qt = (S x )1.67 (S L ) 0.5 (T) 2.67 (Chapter 8 or Chart 5, Appendix H)
n
0.56
Qt = (0.02)1.67 (0.0025) 0.5 (9) 2.67
0.016
Qt = 0.90 cubic feet per second
a
S'w =
Wd
a = 2 inches for CG-3 inlets (gutter depression)
Wd = 2 feet for CG-3 inlets (width of the depressed gutter section)
⎛ 2 in ⎞
⎜ ⎟
S'w = ⎝ 12 in/ft ⎠ = 0.0833 foot per foot
2 ft
Se = Sx + S'WEo (Equation 12)
Se = 0.02 + (0.0833)(0.488) = 0.0607
1.8
⎛ 1.75 ⎞
E = 1 - ⎜1 - ⎟
⎝ 6.11 ⎠
E = 0.456
Okay (70 percent minimum efficiency criteria does not apply to method B)
43,560 Q t
L1 = E (Equation 1)
C C f i Wp
i = 2.10 inches per hour (10-year precipitation intensity for Salem area)
C = 0.90
Cf = 1.0 (per Appendix F, Chapter 7)
Wp = 24 feet (2 – 12-foot lanes) + 7-foot shoulder = 31 feet
E = 1.0
43,560 (0.90)
L1 = (1) = 669 feet
(0.90)(1.0)(2.10)(31)
Step B.7- Solve for (L2):
L2 = distance to successive inlets
L2 = (E) (L1) = (0.456) (669 feet) = 304 feet
Slotted inlets are effective pavement drainage inlets which have a variety of applications. They
can be used on curbed or uncurbed sections and offer little interference to traffic operations.
They can be placed longitudinally in the gutter or transversely to the gutter. Slotted inlets should
be connected into inlet structures or provide clean-out ports on both ends for maintenance access
in case of plugging or freezing.
The minimum cleanout velocity of 3 feet per second should be provided for slotted drain systems. A
minimum slope of 0.89 percent for an 18-inch corrugated pipe and 1.5 percent slope for a 12-inch
diameter corrugated pipe would provide the desired velocity of 3 feet per second. The designer
should assume 50 percent clogging when using inlet design method B, which will result in twice the
calculated required length for flow interception because slotted inlets tend to plug.
Note: Standard slotted inlet used in ODOT Storm drain systems is noted in Appendix C
Flow interception by slotted inlets and curb-opening inlets is similar in that each is a side weir
and the flow is subjected to lateral acceleration due to the cross slope of the pavement. Slotted
inlets may have economic advantages in some cases and could be very useful on widening and
safety projects where right of way is narrow and existing inlet capacity must be supplemented. It
is much less expensive to add length to an existing slotted inlet to increase interception capacity
than it is to add length to an existing curb-opening inlet. In some cases curbs could be
eliminated as a result of utilizing slotted inlets.
The Federal Highway Administration has performed tests of slotted inlets with 1.75 inch slot
widths and these tests have determined that the length of slotted inlet required for total
interception can be computed by Equation 10. Therefore, Chart 6 should be used to evaluate
slotted inlets. Equation 11 is also applicable to slotted inlets and Chart 7 can be used to obtain
the inlet efficiency for the selected length of slotted inlet.
Note: The determination of total interception and efficiencies are the same for slotted and curb-
opening inlets. Therefore, the equations and figures used for the design of curb-opening inlets
should be used in the design of slotted inlets. When using Equation 10 for slot inlet design, it
should only be used with a slot width of 1.75 inches.
The following example illustrates the application of the inlet efficiency equations for slotted
inlets.
5.3.2.1 Determine the inlet interception efficiency (E), the intercepted flow (Qi), and bypass
flow (Qb) for the following conditions:
Sketch:
T
Face of Curb
d Pavement
.0 2 ft/ft
S x= 0
SECTION A-A
NTS
Flow
A A
Slot Inlet
L Grate Inlet
(ignored throughout this
example. Emphasis is on
analyzing a slotted
inlet. Inlet is needed at
downsteam end of slotted
inlet to function as a
junction and cleanout)
SLOTTED INLET
NTS
Given:
• Collector road, on-grade section, less than 45 miles per hour
• Type "C" curb and gutter
• Longitudinal placement of a slotted inlet adjacent to curb.
• L = 10 feet (slotted inlet length)
• SL = 0.01 foot per foot (roadway longitudinal slope)
• Sx = 0.02 foot per foot (roadway cross slope)
• n = 0.016 (Manning’s coefficient for asphalt pavement)
• 10-year design storm, Hydraulic Zone 8 (IDR curves located in Chapter 7)
• Wp = 31 feet (width of contributing area, 2 – 11.5 foot lanes with 8-foot shoulder)
• L2 = 400 feet (distance to upstream catch basin)
• i = 2.28 inches per hour (Salem area, assume 5 minute time of concentration,
using a 10-year storm)
5.3.2.2 Method A
Criteria:
• Bypass flow is limited to a maximum of 30 percent
• Assume no clogging, therefore L = 10 feet (slotted inlet length)
• T = shoulder width + 2 feet
= 8 feet + 2 feet
= 10 feet (total allowable spread per Table A)
• E = 0.70 (minimum efficiency for Method A)
Solution:
0.375
⎛ (0.57)(0.016) ⎞
T = ⎜⎜ 0.5
⎟
1.67 ⎟
= 5.9 feet
⎝ 0.56(0.01) (0.02) ⎠
0.6
⎛ 1 ⎞
LT = 0.6(0.57) 0.42
(0.01) 0.30
⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
⎝ (0.016)(0.02) ⎠
LT = 14.9 feet
5.3.2.3 Method B
Criteria:
• Assume 50 percent clogging per Table A, therefore L = 10(0.50) = 5 feet
• T = shoulder width + 2 feet
= 8 feet + 2 feet
= 10 feet (total allowable spread per Table A)
E = 52 percent
Okay, 70 percent minimum efficiency criteria does not apply to Method B
Given: Sketch:
Surface Description
Road Classification Collector road, on grade, less than 45 miles per hour
Type of Curb and Gutter, see Chapter 8, Curbs and Gutters C
Surface Material asphalt Wp
Manning's Coefficient, n 0.016
Drainage Area Description
Runoff Coefficient, C 0.9 Qr1 = CiA1 Profile:
Hydrologic Zone (Chapter 7) 8 Section A-A
Intensity (i) in/hr (Chapter 7) 2.28 in/hr, 5-minute Tc, 10-year design storm
Cf (Chapter 7, Appendix F) 1 Inlet
Type of Inlet (Chapter 13, Appendix C, Table B) slotted inlet B B
Design Method: Method A ; Method B
L1
L1 SL
Design Criteria:
Method A (reference Section 2) A
Minimum Efficiency 70 Percent T
Allowable spread (Appendix D, Table A) shoulder + 2 feet
shoulder width 8.00 feet Profile:
distance into outside lane 2.00 Qt1 = Qr1 Cross Slope
L
Section B-B
spread (T) = Shoulder Width + Distance into outside lane 10.00 feet
Percentage Clogged 0% Qb
T
Method B (reference Section 2) A
Allowable spread (Appendix D, Table A) Q
L2 Sx
shoulder width Qr2 = CiA2
distance into outside lane
spread (T) = Shoulder Width + Distance into outside lane
Percentage Clogged
Qt2 = Qb + Qr2
L Wp A Qr Qb Qt T SL Sx Sw W Qt Li Wi E Qi Qb
(ft) (ft) (ac) (cfs) (cfs) (cfs) (ft) (ft/ft) (ft/ft) (ft/ft) (ft) (cfs) (ft) (ft) (cfs) (cfs)
400 31.00 0.28 0.57 0.00 0.57 5.90 0.0100 0.02 N/A N/A 0.57 10.00 0.15 0.86 0.49 0.08 1 4+00 Efficiency is greater than minimum and
spread is less than allowable.
Given: Sketch:
Surface Description
Road Classification Collector road, on grade, less than 45 miles per hour
Type of Curb and Gutter, see Chapter 8, Curbs and Gutters C
Surface Material asphalt Wp
Manning's Coefficient, n 0.016
Drainage Area Description
Runoff Coefficient, C 0.9 Qr1 = CiA1 Profile:
Hydrologic Zone (Chapter 7) 8 Section A-A
Intensity (i) in/hr (Chapter 7) 2.28 in/hr, 5-minute Tc, 10-year design storm
Cf (Chapter 7, Appendix F) 1 Inlet
Type of Inlet (Chapter 13, Appendix C, Table B) slotted inlet B B
Design Method: Method A
Method B ; L1
L1 SL
Design Criteria:
Method A (reference Section 2) A
Minimum Efficiency 70 Percent T
Allowable spread (Appendix D, Table A)
shoulder width Profile:
distance into outside lane Qt1 = Qr1 Cross Slope
L
Section B-B
spread (T) = Shoulder Width + Distance into outside lane
Percentage Clogged Qb
T
Method B (reference Section 2) A
Allowable spread (Appendix D, Table A) shoulder + 2.00 feet ft into outside lane Q
L2 Sx
shoulder width 8.00 feet Qr2 = CiA2
distance into outside lane 2.00 feet
spread (T) = Shoulder Width + Distance into outside lane 10.00 feet
Percentage Clogged 50%
Qt2 = Qb + Qr2
L Wp A Qr Qb Qt T SL Sx Sw W Qt Li Wi E Qi Qb
(ft) (ft) (ac) (cfs) (cfs) (cfs) (ft) (ft/ft) (ft/ft) (ft/ft) (ft) (cfs) (ft) (ft) (cfs) (cfs)
400 31.00 0.28 0.57 0.00 0.57 5.90 0.01 0.02 N/A N/A 0.57 5.00 0.15 0.52 0.30 0.27 1 4+00 Efficiency is greater than minimum and
spread is less than allowable.
A slotted vane drain can be installed in conjunction with a grate inlet at locations where it is
necessary to capture virtually all of the pavement runoff. The ideal installation would utilize a
grate inlet to capture the flow in the gutter and the slotted vane drain to collect the flow
extending into the shoulder.
Slotted vane drains should be designed by considering one of the following options:
• when a slotted vane drain is installed perpendicular to flow, use 0.075 cubic feet per
second per lineal foot on longitudinal slopes of 0 percent to 6 percent, or
• obtain capacity curves from a manufacturer to aid in design
Note: A slotted vane drain is shaped and rounded to increase inlet efficiency and should not be
confused with a standard vertical riser type slotted inlet (ODOT standard drawing No. RD 328).
Combination inlets consist of a grate and curb-opening. The two combination inlets commonly
used in storm drainage design are equal length inlets and sweeper inlets.
Equal length inlets refer to a grate inlet placed along side a curb-opening inlet and both have the
same length. Standard ODOT inlets CG-1 and CG-2 are equal length inlets as noted in
Appendix C. On-grade equal length combination inlets interception capacity is no greater than
that of an on grate inlet because the capacity is computed by neglecting the curb-opening.
A sweeper inlet refers to a grate inlet placed at the downstream end of a curb-opening extension.
Standard ODOT inlets CG-1 and CG-2 can be modified to include a curb-opening extension as
noted in Appendix C. The curb-opening in a sweeper inlet is longer than the grate and intercepts
gutter flow before the flow reaches the grate. The curb-opening extension has the ability to
intercept any debris which might otherwise clog the grate inlet. The interception capacity of
sweeper inlets is equal to the sum of the curb-opening upstream of the grate plus the grate
capacity.
The following example illustrates the computation of interception capacity and spacing of a
sweeper combination inlet.
5.4.1.1 Determine maximum allowable flow, interception flow, bypass flow, location of first
inlet, and spacing of subsequent inlets
Sketch:
T T
Wd = 2 feet
Face of
Face of curb
d curb t
.02 ft/f
Sx = 0 Pavement
Sx
dw
SECTION A-A
NTS
Grate inlet
C
Given:
• Sx = 0.02 foot per foot (roadway cross slope)
• a = 1.5 inches (inlet depression only)
• CG-1 inlet with P-17/8-4 grate (reference Table B, Appendix C)
• Wg = 1.75 feet (CG-1 grate width)
• Lg = 2.67 feet (CG-1 grate length)
• Lex = 6 feet (curb opening extension length, reference Table B, Appendix C)
• hex = 0.33 feet (curb-opening height for curb opening extension)
• SL = 0.0125 foot per foot (roadway longitudinal slope)
• Highway on-grade section (less than 45 miles per hour)
• n = 0.016 (Manning’s coefficient for asphalt pavement)
• Type “A” curb and gutter (reference Chapter 8)
• Wp = 46.5 feet (width of contributing area, 2 – 12-foot lanes with 10.5-foot
shoulder/gutter, 5-foot sidewalk, 7-foot median)
• Wd = 2 feet (width of the depressed gutter section, at inlet only)
• 10-year design, hydrologic zone 8 (IDR curves located in Chapter 7)
5.4.1.2 Method A
Criteria:
• T = allowable spread = shoulder width + 2 feet
= 10.5 feet + 2 feet
= 12.5 feet (reference Table A, Appendix D)
• E = 0.70 (minimum efficiency for Method A)
• L2 = 400 feet (maximum distance between successive inlets. Reference Section 2,
Appendix D)
Solution:
Qt = total gutter flow (cubic feet per second) - the approach gutter section
to the inlet is used to calculate the total flow.
T = 12.5 feet (flow width in shoulder)
0.56 1.67 0.5 2.67
Qt = Sx SL T (Chapter 8 or Chart 5, Appendix H)
n
0.56 1.67 0.5 2.67
Qt = (0.02) (0.0125) (12.5) = 4.82 cubic feet per second
0.016
2.67 2.67
⎛ W⎞ ⎛ 2 ⎞ ⎡Equation 4 or Chart 2, ⎤
Eo = 1 - ⎜1 - ⎟ = 1 - ⎜1 - ⎟ = 0.372
⎝ T⎠ ⎝ 12.5 ⎠ ⎢ Appendix H ⎥⎦
⎣
a
S'w =
Wd
a = 1.5 inches (gutter depression per standard drawing No. RD 366)
Wd = 2 feet (width of the depressed gutter section)
⎛ 1.5 in ⎞
⎜ ⎟
⎝ 12 in/ft ⎠
S'w = = 0.0625 foot per foot
2 ft
Se = Sx + S'WEo (Equation 12)
Se = 0.02 + (0.0625)(0.372) = 0.0432
Qiex = EQt
= (0.396)(4.82) = 1.91 cubic feet per second
0.56
Qs = (0.02)1.67 (0.0125) 0.5 (8.35) 2.67 = 1.65 cubic feet per second
0.016
2.67 2.67
⎛ W⎞ ⎛ 2 ⎞ ⎡Equation 4 or Chart 2, ⎤
Eo = 1 - ⎜1 - ⎟ = 1 - ⎜1 - ⎟ = 0.436 ⎢
⎝ T⎠ ⎝ 10.35 ⎠ ⎣ Appendix H ⎥⎦
Qs 1.65
Qt = = = 2.93 cubic feet per second
1 − E o 1 − 0.436
Bypass flow from curb opening extension is 2.91 cubic feet per second. Total
flow toward catch basin grate at a spread of 10.35 feet is 2.93 cubic feet per
second. Therefore, the spread at the catch basin grate is 10.35 feet.
2 (2.91)
V = = 2.72 feet per second
(10.35) 2 (0.02)
1+ ⎜ ⎟
⎜ S L2.3 ⎟
⎝ x ⎠
1
Rs = = 0.17
⎛ 0.15 (2.72)1.8 ⎞
1 + ⎜⎜ 2.3
⎟⎟
⎝ 0.02(2.67) ⎠
Qi = Qiex + Qig
= 1.91 + 1.54 = 3.45 cubic feet per second
43,560(4.82)(1.0)
L1 = = 2,200 feet
0.9(1.0)(2.28)(46.5)
5.4.1.3 Method B
• Wg = 1.39 feet (grate width for CG-1 inlet 30 percent clogged per Table B,
Appendix D.)
• Lg = 2.31 feet (grate length for CG-1 inlet 30 percent clogged per Table B,
Appendix D)
• L2 = 400 feet (maximum spacing between successive inlets per Appendix D)
• Lex = 4.20 feet (curb opening extension length, 30 percent clogged, Table B,
Appendix D)
• hex = 0.33 feet (curb opening height for curb opening extension 30 percent clogged,
Table B, Appendix D)
⎛ W⎞
2.67
⎛ 2 ⎞
2.67
⎡Equation 4 or Chart 2,⎤
Eo = 1 - ⎜1 - ⎟ = 1 - ⎜1 - ⎟ = 0.372 ⎢
⎝ T ⎠ ⎝ 12.5 ⎠ ⎣ Appendix H ⎥⎦
a
S'w =
Wd
a = 1.5 inches (gutter depression per standard drawing RD 366)
Wd = 2 feet (width of the depressed gutter section)
⎛ 1.5 in ⎞
⎜ ⎟
⎝ 12 in/ft ⎠
S'w = = 0.0625 foot per foot
2 ft
Se = Sx + S'WEo (Equation 12)
Se = 0.02 + (0.0625)(0.372) = 0.0432
0.6
⎛ 1 ⎞
LT = 0.6Q 0.42
t SL
0.3
⎜⎜ ⎟⎟ (Se substituted for Sx in Equation 10)
⎝ nS e ⎠
0.6
⎛ 1 ⎞
LT = 0.6(4.82) 0.42
(0.0125) ⎜⎜ 0.3
⎟⎟ = 24.5 feet
⎝ (0.016)(0.0432) ⎠
Qs 2.01
Qt = = = 3.44 cubic feet per second
(1 − E o ) 1 − 0.415
Bypass flow from the curb opening extension is 3.42 cubic feet per second. Total
flow toward the catch basin grate at a spread of 11.0 feet is 3.44 cubic feet per
second. Therefore the spread at the catch basin grate is 11.0 feet.
Qt 2Q
V = = 2 t (Chapter 8)
A Ts S x
2 (3.44)
V = = 2.84 feet per second
(11) 2 (0.02)
1+ ⎜ ⎟
⎜ S L2.3 ⎟
⎝ x ⎠
1
Rs = = 0.12
⎛ 0.15 (2.84)1.8 ⎞
1 + ⎜⎜ ⎟
2.3 ⎟
⎝ (0.02)(2.31) ⎠
i = 2.28 inches per hour (assume 5-minute tc using a 10-year storm design,
Hydrologic Zone 8, using IDR curve in Chapter 7)
Cf = 1.0 (per Appendix F, Chapter 7)
43,560(4.8 2)
L1 = (1.0) = 2,200 feet
0.9(1.0)(2 .28)(46.5)
Trench drain systems with its continuous grate configuration are best suited for intercepting flow
on very flat surfaces with little or no longitudinal grade. They can be used on curbed or
uncurbed sections and offer little interference to traffic operations. The primary advantage of
using trench drains is their ability to intercept flow over a wide section. However, trench drains
are susceptible to clogging from sediments and debris and are not recommended for use in
environments where significant sediment or debris loads may be present.
Note: General information on trench drain systems is noted in Appendix C.
To aid in the design of trench drains, the designer should consider the following guidelines:
• The equations and figures used for the design of grate inlets (reference Section 5.1)
should be used in the design of trench drains.
• Consider hydraulic conveyance capacity curves or data from a manufacturer.
• Consider hydraulic capacity curves or data for available grates from a manufacturer.
• Trench drain grate shall be bicycle safe and rated for heavy highway traffic.
• When using design Method B, the designer should assume 50 percent clogging which
will result in providing twice the calculated required length for flow interception because
trench drains tend to plug.
• The minimum cleanout velocity for trench drain systems should be 3 feet per second.
• Trench drains should not be used in areas with high traffic speeds greater than or equal to
45 miles per hour.
Inlets in sag locations operate as weirs under low head conditions. When greater head conditions
develop they function as an orifice. Flow may fluctuate between weir and orifice control
depending on the grate size, the curb-opening height, or the slot width of the inlet. Flow is in a
transition stage at depths between when weir flow definitely prevails and when orifice flow
prevails. Control is ill-defined and flow may fluctuate between weir and orifice control at these
depths.
The efficiency of inlets in sag locations is critical because all runoff which enters the sag must be
passed through the inlet. Total or partial clogging of inlets in these locations can result in
hazardous ponding conditions. Grate inlets alone are not recommended for use in sag locations
because of the tendencies of grates to become clogged. Combination inlets or curb-opening
inlets are recommended for use in these locations because of its better hydraulic capacity and
debris handling capabilities.
Grate inlets can be used successfully in sag locations although curb-opening inlets are generally
preferred. Grate inlets without a curb box (combination inlet) can be utilized at minor sag points
where debris potential is limited. For example a minor sag point might be on a ramp as it joins a
mainline. In sag locations where debris is likely, and a grate will be used, it is recommended to
install a combination inlet (curb-opening and grate). When designing grates in sag locations, it is
recommended to assume half the grate is clogged with debris (as noted in Table A).
It is good engineering practice to place a minimum of one flanking inlet on each side of the sag
inlet in locations such as underpasses and in sag vertical curves in depressed sections where
significant ponding can occur. The flanking inlets should be placed so they will limit spread on
low gradient approaches to the low point and act in relief of the sag inlet if it should become
clogged or if the allowable spread is exceeded. Further discussion and methodology of flanking
inlets are presented in Section 6.6.
Note:
• If ponding depths exceed the curb height the designer should verify adjacent properties will
suffer no flood damage.
• The maximum spread width in the sag shall be limited as noted in Table A.
• The design discharge shall be the 25-year or 50-year bypass flow (reference Table A) from
the first upstream inlet on each side of the sag plus the runoff from any additional areas
draining to the sag.
A grate inlet in a sag operates as a weir up to a depth of about 4.5 inches and as an orifice for
depths greater than 17 inches. A transition from weir to orifice flow occurs between these
depths. Chart 8 (Appendix H) is a plot of Equation 13 and Equation 14 for various grate sizes.
The effects of grate size on the depth at which a grate operates as an orifice is apparent from the
figure. Transition from weir to orifice flow results in interception capacity less than that
computed by either weir or the orifice equation. This capacity can be approximated by drawing
in a curve between the lines representing the perimeter and net area of the grate to be used.
Where:
Qi = grate inlet capacity (cubic feet per second)
C = 0.67 (orifice coefficient)
A = clear opening area of the grate in square feet
g = 32.2 feet per second squared
Note: Standard grate inlets used in ODOT storm drainage systems are noted in Appendix C.
Sketch:
L1= 200 ft. L2 L2 L1 = 200 ft.
CB-1
CB-5
Q50
Q 50
A
S A
L
SL
CB-4
CB-2
CB-3
Qb Qb
A A On grade inlet
A
B B
B Flanking inlet
C at sag
C Sag inlet
GRATE INLETS
NTS
ODOT Hydraulics Manual
13-D-60 Storm Drainage
Given:
• Inlet design Method B (Appendix D)
Note: Method A or B could be used. Method selected should be used for entire design.
• Highway section, main line sag point (greater than or equal to 45 miles per hour)
• Type “A” curb and gutter (reference Chapter 8)
• n = 0.016 (Manning’s coefficient for asphalt pavement)
• SL = 0.035 foot per foot (roadway longitudinal slope)
• WP = 46.5 feet (width of contributing drainage area, 2 – 12-foot lanes with 10.5-foot
shoulder/gutter, 5-foot sidewalk, 7-foot median)
• Sx = 0.02 foot per foot (shoulder and roadway cross slope)
• Flanking inlets ignored in calculations
• 50-year design, Hydrologic Zone 8 (IDR curves located in Chapter 7)
• G-2 inlets
• For on grade inlets(CB-1, CB-2, CB-4, and CB-5) assume 30 percent clogging
o WG = 1.84 feet (G-2 grate width, 30 percent clogged, Table B, Appendix D)
o LG = 2.26 feet (G-2 grate length, 30 percent clogged, Table B, Appendix D)
o P = 5.94 feet (G-2 grate perimeter next to curb, 30 percent clogged, Table
B, Appendix D)
• For low point (sag) inlets (CB-3) assume 50 percent clogging
o WG = 1.53 feet (G-2 grate width, 50 percent clogged, Table C, Appendix D)
o LG = 1.95 feet (G-2 grate length, 50 percent clogged, Table C, Appendix D)
o P = 5.0 feet (G-2 grate perimeter next to curb, 50 percent clogged, Table
C, Appendix D)
• L1 = 200 feet
• T = shoulder width = 10.5 feet
Criteria:
• Maximum pond width = allowable spread width
• Allowable spread width is 0 feet into the outside lane (reference Table A, Appendix D)
• For on-grade inlets assume a 30 percent clogging factor because Method B has been
selected to solve the example problem.
• For low point inlet in a main line sag, assume a 50 percent clogging factor because
Method B has been selected to solve the example problem
Solution:
A = WP L
= (46.5 feet)(200 feet) = 9,300 square feet
= 0.21 acre
Q50 = (0.9)(3.0)(0.21) = 0.57 cubic feet per second
Therefore, 0.57 cubic feet per second drains toward catch basins CB-2 and CB-4.
1+ ⎜ ⎟
⎜ S L2.3 ⎟
⎝ x ⎠
V = 2.65 feet per second
L = 2.26 feet (G-2 grate length, 30 percent clogged, Table B, Appendix D)
1
Rs =
⎛ 0.15 (2.65)1.8 ⎞
1 + ⎜⎜ ⎟
2.3 ⎟
⎝ (0.02)(2.26) ⎠
Rs = 0.131
i = 3.0 inches per hour (assume 5-minute tc using a 50-year storm design,
Hydrologic Zone 8, use IDR curve in Chapter 7)
C = 0.90
Cf = 1.0 (per Appendix F, Chapter 7)
Wp = 46.5 feet
Qi = 1.44 cubic feet per second (low point inlet (CB-3) interception
capacity)
43,560[1.44 - 2(0.13)]
L2 = = 204 feet
(0.9)(1.0)(3.0)(2)(46.5)
Maximum distance between inlets is 204 feet.
CB-1
CB-5
Q
50 =0 cfs
.57 . 57
c fs =0
A Q 50
S CB-4 A
L CB-2 CB-3 SL
Q = 1.44 cfs
i
Q b= 0.1 3 cfs
3 cfs Q b= 0.1
A A On grade inlet
A
B B Flanking inlet
B
C at sag
C Sag inlet
GRATE INLETS
NTS
The capacity of a curb-opening inlet in a sag depends on water depth at the curb, the curb-
opening length, and the height of the curb-opening (see the horizontal throat figure below). The
inlet operates as a weir to depths equal to the curb-opening height and as an orifice at depths
greater than 1.4 times the opening height. At depths between 1.0 and 1.4 times the opening
height, flow is in a transition stage.
Note: Standard curb-opening inlets used in ODOT storm drainage systems are noted in
Appendix C
The equation for the interception capacity of a depressed curb-opening inlet operating as a weir
is:
Qi = 2.3 (L + 1.8 W)d1.5 (Equation 15)
Where:
L = length of curb-opening in feet
W = width of depression in feet
d = depth of water at curb measured from the normal cross slope gutter flow line
in feet
The depth limitation for operation as a weir becomes: d less than h (h = height of curb-opening
inlet in feet)
Chart 10, Appendix H should be used for designing undepressed Curb-Opening Inlet Capacity in
Sump Locations.
Curb-opening inlets operate as orifices at depths greater than approximately 1.4 times the
opening height. The interception capacity can be computed by:
0.5
⎡ ⎛ h ⎞⎤
Qi = C o A ⎢2g ⎜ d i - ⎟⎥ (Equation 17)
⎣ ⎝ 2 ⎠⎦
Where:
Co = orifice coefficient (0.67)
h = height of curb-opening orifice in feet (figure below)
di = depth at lip of curb-opening in feet (figure below)
Note: Equation 17 is applicable to depressed and undepressed curb-opening inlets and the depth
at the inlet includes any gutter depression.
Curb-Opening Inlet
Sketch:
L1 = 400 ft. L 2 L 2 L1 = 400 ft.
CB-1
CB-5
Q
50
Q 50
A S
L A
CB-4 SL
CB-2
CB-3
Q Qb
b
A On grade inlet
A A
B Flanking inlet
B at sag
B
C C Sag inlet
CURB OPENINGS
NTS
Given:
• Inlet design method = B (Appendix D)
Note: Method A or B could be used. Method selected should be used for the entire
design.
• Type “A” curb and gutter (reference Chapter 8)
• Highway-main line sag, less than 45 miles per hour (per Table A, Appendix D)
• SL = 0.0025 foot per foot (roadway longitudinal slope)
• n = 0.016 (Manning’s coefficient for asphalt pavement)
• Wp = 36 feet (width of contributing area, 2 – 12-foot lanes with 7-foot shoulder, 5-
foot sidewalk)
• Sx = 0.02 foot per foot (roadway cross slope)
• CG-3 inlets
• 50-year design (per Table A), Salem area (Hydrologic Zone 7)
• Lc = 1.25 feet (length of curb opening, reference Table C, 50 percent clogged)
• Lc = 1.75 feet ( length of curb opening, reference Table B, 30 percent clogged)
• a = 2 inches (inlet depression)
• Wd = 2.0 feet (width of depressed gutter section at inlet only)
• hc = 0.36 feet (curb opening height, reference Table B and C)
• L1 = 400 feet
• Flanking inlets ignored in calculations
Criteria:
• For on-grade inlets, assume a 30 percent clogging factor because Method B has been
selected to solve the example problem.
• For low point inlet in a mainline sag use a 50 percent clogging factor because Method B
has been selected to solve the example problem (see Tables A and C, Appendix D)
• T = shoulder width + 2 feet = 7 feet + 2 feet = 9 feet (allowable spread width, see
Table A, Appendix D)
=
a
=
(2 / 12) = 0.0833 foot per foot
W 2
Se = 0.02 + (0.083)(0.50) = 0.0615
0. 6
⎛ 1 ⎞
LT = 0.6 (0.83) 0.42
(0.0025) 0.3
⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
⎝ (0.016)(0.0615) ⎠
LT = 5.86 feet
43,560[2.31 - 2(0.44)]
L2 = = 320 feet
(0.9)(1.0)(3.0)(2)(36.0)
CB-1
CB-5
Q
50 = 0 c fs
.83
cfs .83
A =0
S Q 50 A
L CB-3 CB-4 SL
CB-2
Q i = 2.31 cfs
Q =0 .44 cfs
b .44 cfs Q b= 0
A On grade inlet
A A
B Flanking inlet
B B at sag
C C Sag inlet
CURB OPENINGS
NTS
The use of slotted drain inlets in sag configurations is generally discouraged because of the
tendency of such inlets in sags to intercept debris and clog. However, there may be locations
where it is desirable to supplement an existing low point inlet with the use of a slotted drain. It is
not recommended to place slotted drain inlets in sags unless a tapered slot is provided.
Note:
• Standard slotted inlets used in ODOT storm drain systems are noted in Appendix C.
• When using inlet design Method B, the designer should assume 50 percent clogging
which will result in providing twice the calculated required length for flow interception
because slotted inlets tend to plug.
• A tapered slot inlet has a sloped invert to provide positive drainage. This is necessary in
applications when the finished grade slot elevation is constant.
Slotted inlets in sag locations perform as weirs to depths of about 0.2 feet (2.4 inches). This
condition is dependent on slot width and length. Slotted inlets perform as orifices at depths
greater than about 0.4 feet (4.8 inches). Flow is in a transition stage between these depths.
The interception capacity of a slotted inlet operating as a weir can be computed by the following
equation:
Where:
L = length of slot in feet
d = depth of water at slot in feet
The interception capacity of a slotted inlet operating as an orifice can be computed by the
following equation:
Where:
W = width of slot in feet
L = length of slot in feet
d = depth of water at slot in feet
g = 32.2 feet per second squared
The orifice equation noted in this section to compute the interception capacity of slotted inlets
should be used at depths between 2.4 inches and 4.8 inches. The orifice coefficient varies with
depth, slot width, and the length of the slotted inlet. Chart 11, Appendix H, provides solutions
for weir flow and a plot representing data at depths between weir and orifice flow.
Combination inlets consist of a grate and curb-opening. These types of inlets are recommended
for use in sags because of their better hydraulic capacity and debris handling capabilities. The
two combination inlets commonly used in storm drainage design are equal length inlets and
sweeper inlets.
Equal length inlets refer to a grate inlet placed along side a curb-opening inlet and both have the
same length. Standard ODOT inlets CG-1 and CG-2 are equal length inlets as noted in
Appendix C. The interception capacity of these types of inlets is essentially equal to that of a
grate only inlet in weir flow. The capacity of equal length combination inlets in orifice flow is
equal to the capacity of the grate plus the capacity of the curb-opening.
A sweeper inlet refers to a grate inlet placed at the downstream end of a curb-opening extension.
Standard ODOT inlets CG-1 and CG-2 can be modified to include a curb-opening extension as
noted in Appendix C. The curb-opening in a sweeper inlet is longer than the grate and intercepts
gutter flow before the flow reaches the grate. This type of inlet is more efficient than the equal
length combination inlet and the curb-opening has the ability to intercept any debris which may
clog the grate inlet.
Equation 13 and Chart 8, Appendix H, can be used for weir flow in combination inlets in sag
locations. Assuming complete clogging of the grate, Equation 15, Equation 16, Equation 17 and
Charts 9 and 10 (Appendix H) for curb-opening inlets are applicable.
Where depth at the curb is such that orifice flow occurs, the interception capacity of the inlet is
computed by adding Equation 14 and Equation 17 as follows:
Where:
Ag = clear area of the grate in square feet
g = 32.2 feet per second squared
d = depth at the curb in feet
h = height of curb-opening orifice in feet (reference the horizontal throat figure in
Section 6.2)
L = length of curb-opening in feet
do = effective depth at the center of the curb-opening orifice in feet (reference the
horizontal throat figure in Section 6.2)
Trial and error solutions are necessary for determining the depth at the curb for a given flow rate
using Chart 8, Chart 9, and Chart 10 (Appendix H) for orifice flow. Different assumptions for
clogging of the grate can also be examined using these charts.
Sketch:
L1= 400 FT. L2 L2 L1= 400 ft.
CB-1
CB-5
A
A
SL CB-2
CB-4 SL
CB-3
A A On grade inlet
A
B B Flanking inlet
B
C at sag
C Sag inlet
Given:
• Inlet design method = B (Appendix D)
Note: Method A or B could be used. Method selected should be used for the entire
design.
• Highway main line sag (less than 45 miles per hour)
Criteria:
• For on-grade inlets, assume a 30 percent clogging factor because Method B has been
selected to solve the example problem.
• For low point inlet in a main line sag, assume a 50 percent clogging factor because
Method B has been selected.
• T = shoulder width + 2 feet
= 10.5 feet + 2 feet
= 12.5 feet (allowable flow spread per Table A, Appendix D)
Solution:
0.375
⎛ nQ 50 ⎞
T = ⎜⎜ 1.67
⎟
0.5 ⎟
(Chapter 8 or Chart 5, Appendix H)
⎝ 0. 56(S x ) (S L ) ⎠
0.375
⎛ 0.016(1.90) ⎞
T = ⎜⎜ 1.67
⎟
0.5 ⎟
= 8.25 feet
⎝ 0 . 56( 0 .02) ( 0 . 018) ⎠
Okay (because this is less than the allowable spread of 12.5 feet)
0 .6
⎛ 1 ⎞
LT = 0.6(1.9) 0 .42
( 0.018 ) ⎜⎜
0 .3
⎟⎟
⎝ ( 0 . 016 )( 0 . 0525 ) ⎠
LT = 16.5 feet
This is done by trial and error. Start by assuming an initial value of T = 6.75 feet
Bypass flow from curb opening extension is 1.13 cubic feet per second. Total
flow toward the catch basin grate at a spread of 6.75 feet is 1.13 cubic feet per
second. Therefore, the spread at the catch basin grate is 6.75 feet.
2 (1.13)
V = = 2.48 feet per second
6.752 (0.02)
1+ ⎜ ⎟
⎜ S L2.3 ⎟
⎝ x ⎠
V = 2.48 feet per second
L = 2.31 (CG-1 length, 30 percent clogged, Table B, Appendix D)
1
Rs = = 0.15
⎛ 0.15 (2.48)1.8 ⎞
1 + ⎜⎜ ⎟
2.3 ⎟
⎝ 0.02(2.31) ⎠
CB-1
CB-5
Q
=1 cfs
A 50
.90 .90
c fs
CB-3 =1 A
SL CB-2 Q i = 5.45 cfs Q 50
CB-4 SL
Q = 6 cf s
b 0.36 cfs Q b= 0.3
A A On grade inlet
A
B B Flanking inlet
B
C at sag
C Sag inlet
The use of trench drains in sags is generally discouraged because of the tendency of such inlets
to intercept debris and clog. However, there may be locations where it is desirable to supplement
an existing low point inlet with the use of a trench drain.
To aid in the design of trench drains, the designer should consider the following guidelines:
• Equations and figures used for the design of grate inlets (reference Section 6.1) should be
used in the design of trench drains.
• Consider trench inlet hydraulic conveyance capacity curves or data from a manufacturer.
• Consider trench inlet hydraulic capacity curves or data for available grates from a
manufacturer.
• Trench drain grate shall be a bicycle safe grate and is rated for heavy highway traffic.
• When using design Method B, the designer should assume 50 percent clogging which will
result in providing twice the calculated required length for flow interception because
trench drains tend to plug.
• The minimum cleanout velocity for trench drain systems should be 3 feet per second.
• Trench drains should not be used in areas with high traffic speeds greater than or equal to
45 miles per hour.
Inlets should always be located at the low points of sag vertical curves. In addition to providing
low point inlets, it is good engineering practice to place flanking inlets on each side of low point
inlets when in a depressed area that stormwater has no outlet except through the drainage system.
This is illustrated in Figure 6.
The purpose of flanking inlets is to act in relief of the inlet at the low point if it should become
clogged or if the design spread is exceeded as noted in Table A. Flanking inlets can be located
so they will function before water spread exceeds the allowable spread at the sump location.
Also flanking inlets should be located so that they will receive all of the flow when the primary
inlet at the bottom of the sag is clogged.
Note: When designing inlets in sag locations flanking inlets are neglected in the calculations.
d = Depth at Curb
at Design Spread
63 % d
Flanking Inlet d
Flanking Inlet
Method 1:
Flanking inlets should be placed 10-15 feet from the sag inlet and should be no more than 0.1
foot higher than the sag inlet. If this criteria does not fit the site conditions, determine the
locations of the flanking inlets as described in Method 2.
Method 2:
Flanking inlets can be located so they will function before water spread exceeds the allowable
spread at the sump location. The flanking inlets should be located so that they will receive all of
the flow when the primary inlet at the bottom of the sag is clogged. They should do this without
exceeding the allowable spread at the bottom of the sag. If the flanking inlets are the same
dimension as the primary inlet, they will each intercept one-half the design flow when they are
located so that the depth of ponding at the flanking inlets is 63 percent of the depth of ponding at
the low point. If the flanking inlets are not the same size as the primary inlet, it will be necessary
to either develop a new factor or do a trial and error solution using assumed depths with the weir
equation to determine the capacity of the flanking inlet at the given depths.
Table D shows the spacing required for various depth at curb criteria and vertical curve lengths
defined by:
L
K =
G 2 - G1 (Equation 22)
Where:
K = rate of vertical curvature
L = length of the vertical curve in feet
G1 = beginning approach grade
G2 = ending approach grade
Distance to flanking inlets in sag vertical curve using depth at curb criteria (feet).
K (feet
per 20 30 40 50 70 90 110 130 160 167
percent)
(feet) d
0.1 20 24 28 32 37 42 47 51 57 58
0.2 28 35 40 45 53 60 66 72 80 82
0.3 35 42 49 55 65 73 81 88 98 100
0.4 40 49 57 63 75 85 94 102 113 116
0.5 45 55 63 71 84 95 105 114 126 129
0.6 49 60 69 77 92 104 115 125 139 142
0.7 53 65 75 84 99 112 124 135 150 153
0.8 57 69 80 89 106 120 133 144 160 163
0.5
NOTES 1. X = (200dK) , where X = distance from the sag point (feet).
2. d = Y – Yf where Y = depth of ponding and Yf = depth at the flanker inlet.
3. Drainage maximum K = 167 feet per percent.
6.6.1.1 Determine the location of the flanking inlets if located to function in relief of the
inlet at the low point when the inlet at the low point is clogged
Sketch:
d = Depth at Curb
at Design Spread
Flanking Inlet
Determine Distance
between low point
inlet and flanking
FLANKING INLETS inlets
NTS
Given:
• Highway on-grade section, main line sag (45 miles per hour or greater)
• The spread at design flow (Q) is is not to exceed the shoulder width of 10 feet (per Table
A).
• Wp = 46.5 feet (width of contributing drainage area, 4-12-foot lanes with 10-foot
shoulder, 5-foot sidewalk, 7-foot median)
• L = 500 feet (vertical curve length at sag)
• Sx = 0.02 foot per foot (shoulder and lane cross section)
• G1 = -3.5 percent (roadway slope entering sag)
• G2 = 3.5 percent (roadway slope exiting sag)
Criteria:
• Flanking inlets should be designed so that they will receive all of the flow when the
primary inlet at the bottom of the sag is clogged.
• Ponding at the flanking inlet should be 63 percent of the depth of ponding at the low
point (for inlets of the same size)
• T = shoulder width + 0 feet = 10 feet (allowable total spread at inlet opening, per Table
A, Appendix D)
Solution:
FLANKING INLETS
NTS
Example problems in Section 6.0 illustrate the total interception capacity of inlets in sag
locations. Except where inlets become clogged, spread on low gradient approaches to the low
point is a more stringent criterion for design than the interception capacity of the sag inlet. It is
recommended that a gradient of 0.3 percent be maintained within 50 feet of the level point in
order to provide adequate drainage. Standard inlet locations may need to be adjusted to avoid
excessive spread in the sag curve. Inlets may also be needed between the flankers and the ends
of the curves. For major sag points, the flanking inlets are added as a safety factor, and are not
considered as intercepting flow to reduce the bypass flow to the sag point. They are installed to
assist the sag point inlet in the event of clogging.
Standard ODOT drop inlets G-2M and G-2MA are recommended median and roadside ditch
inlets as noted in Appendix C. These inlets are intended for portions of highways that have a
very long continuous grade. When these inlets are placed in the clear zone the designer should
evaluate that the proposed inlet location would not cause an errant vehicle to overturn.
The design examples in this section demonstrate the use of Chart 1, Chart 4, Chart 12, and Chart
13 located in Appendix H. These figures should be used in analyzing drop inlets in medians or
roadside ditches on continuous grade. Charts 1 and 4 are used to estimate the ratios of frontal
and side flow intercepted by the grate to total flow. The interception capacity of drop inlets in
median ditches on continuous grades can be estimated by use of Charts 12 and 13 to estimate the
flow depth and the ratio of frontal flow to total flow in the ditch.
Small dikes downstream of drop inlets (Figure 7) can be provided to impede bypass flow in an
attempt to cause complete interception of the approach flow. The dikes usually need not be more
than a few inches high and should have traffic safe slopes. The height of dike required for
complete interception on continuous grades or the depth of ponding in sag vertical curves can be
computed by use of Chart 8. The effective perimeter of a grate in an open channel with a dike
should be taken as 2(L + W) since one side of the grate is not adjacent to a curb.
The following example illustrates the design of a median drop inlet (on grade) with a grate width
less than the bottom width of the ditch.
7.1.1 Determine the maximum allowable flow, interception flow, and bypass flow.
Sketch: A
Shoulder
B B
G-2M Inlet
Shoulder
1.5
feet B
1 1
A PLAN VIEW
Z Z
NTS
G-2M Inlet
G-2M Inlet
SECTION B-B
NTS
Given:
• Urban collector, less than 45 miles per hour, on grade section
• SL = 0.01 foot per foot (longitudinal slope of roadway and channel)
• Wp = 58 feet (width of contributing area, 2-12 foot travel lanes, 2-6 foot shoulders,
1-22 foot wide median)
• Wg = 2.25 feet (G-2M inlet grate width)
• Lg = 2.67 feet (G-2M inlet grate length)
• Pg = 9.83 feet (G-2M inlet grate perimeter)
• i = 2.28 inches per hour (10-year design, Hydrologic Zone 8 (IDR curves are
located in Chapter 7))
• C = 0.42 (weighted rational method runoff coefficient for pavement and grass
cover)
• B = 4 feet (channel bottom width)
• n = 0.073 (Manning’s coefficient for grass lined channel, reference Chapter 8)
• z = 6 feet (side slope, horizontal run per one foot of height)
• Dchannel = 1.5 feet (total channel depth)
• A = 1.01 Acres (total contributing area to median inlet)
7.1.2 Method A
Criteria:
• E = 0.70 (minimum efficiency for Method A)
• ymax = 0.5 feet (maximum flow depth to maintain minimum of 1 foot freeboard in
ditch)
Solution:
P = B + 2y Z 2 + 1 (Chapter 8)
y = 0.25 feet
1
Rs = Rs = (Equation 7)
⎛ 0.15V1.8 ⎞
1 + ⎜⎜ 2.3 ⎟
⎟
⎝ Sx L ⎠
1
Rs = = 0.55
⎛ 0.15(0.70)1.8 ⎞
1 + ⎜⎜ ⎟
2.3 ⎟
⎝ (0.01)(2.67) ⎠
Note: Sx is assumed to be 1 percent because the ditch bottom is wider than the
grate and has no cross-slope, therefore, per FHWA HEC-22 recommends using
the least cross-slope (1 percent) noted in Chart 4, Appendix H.
7.1.3 Method B
Criteria:
• Assume 30 percent clogging of a type G-2M grate (per Table A)
• Lg = 2.26 feet (G-2M grate length, 30 percent clogged)
• Wg = 1.84 feet (G-2M grate width, 30 percent clogged)
• ymax = 0.5 feet (maximum flow depth to maintain minimum of 1 foot freeboard in
ditch)
Solution:
P = B + 2y Z 2 + 1 (Chapter 8)
y = 0.25 feet
1
Rs = (Equation 7)
⎛ 0.15V1.8 ⎞
1 + ⎜⎜ 2.3 ⎟
⎟
⎝ Sx L ⎠
1
Rs = = 0.45
⎛ 0.15(0.70)1.8 ⎞
1 + ⎜⎜ ⎟
2.3 ⎟
⎝ (0.01)(2.26) ⎠
The following example illustrates the use of Chart 4 (Appendix H) when the grate width is equal
to the bottom width of the ditch. Use Chart 4 by substituting ditch side slopes for values of Sx as
illustrated in the following example:
7.2.1 Determine the intercepted flow (Qi) and the bypassed flow (Qb) for the following
conditions.
A
Sketch:
Shoulder
B B
G-2M Inlet
Shoulder
B D
1 1
A
Z Z
PLAN VIEW
NTS
G-2M Inlet
NTS SL
G-2M Inlet
SECTION B-B
NTS
Given:
Note: Method A or Method B could be used. Method selected should be used for entire design.
• Q = 20.0 cubic feet per second (10-year peak runoff)
• Urban collector, greater than 45 milers per hour, on-grade section
• B = 2.25 feet (channel width)
• n = 0.027 (Manning’s roughness coefficient)
• z = 6 (channel side slope)
• SL = 0.0125 feet per feet (longitudinal slope of channel and roadway)
• D = 2.0 feet (total ditch depth)
• The flow in the median ditch is to be intercepted by a drop inlet
• Type G-2M inlet with a P-1-7/8 parallel bar grate
• Wg = 2.25 feet (grate width for G-2M inlet)
• Lg = 2.67 (grate length for G-2M inlet)
• There is no dike downstream of the inlet.
7.2.2 Method A
Solution:
P = B + 2y Z 2 + 1 (Chapter 8)
y = 0.78 feet
7.2.3 Method B
Criteria:
• Assume 30 percent clogged type G-2M inlet with a P-1-7/8 parallel bar grate
• Wg = 1.84 feet (grate width for G-2M inlet, per Table B)
• Lg = 2.26 (grate length for G-2M inlet, per Table B)
Solution:
P = B + 2y Z 2 + 1 (Chapter 8)
y = 0.78 feet
7.3.1 Determine the dike height required downstream of the grate inlet to provide total
interception of ditch flow
The following example uses the conditions provided in Example 7.2.1 to illustrate the procedure
of designing a dike downstream of a drop inlet that would provide adequate obstruction to cause
total interception of ditch flow.
A
Sketch: Shoulder
B B
G-2M Inlet
Shoulder
D
B PLAN VIEW
1 1 A
NTS
Z Z
G-2M Inlet
Dike
Flow
SECTION A-A
NTS SL
d
G-2M Inlet
SECTION B-B
NTS
Given:
• Q = 20 cubic feet per second (10-year peak runoff)
• B = 2.25 feet (channel width)
• Lg = 2.67 feet (type G-2M inlet length)
• Wg = 2.25 feet (type G-2M inlet width)
• n = 0.027 (Manning’s roughness coefficient)
• z = 6 (channel side slope)
• SL = 0.0125 feet per feet (longitudinal slope of channel and roadway)
• The flow in the median ditch is to be intercepted by a drop inlet (type G-2M measuring
2.25 feet by 2.67 feet with a P-1-7/8 parallel bar grate).
Solution:
An obstruction berm will need to have a minimum height of 0.77 feet for total
interception.
There will be locations where disposal of runoff must be provided at the drainage inlet. This is
often the case along fill slopes or to intercept water upgrade or downgrade of bridges. The flow
intercepted is usually discharged into open chutes or pipe downdrains that terminate at the toe of
the fill slope.
Listed below are additional guidelines that need to be addressed when designing these inlets:
• Water quality treatment – runoff collected by these drainage inlets need to address the
most stringent local standards or refer to ODOT’s water quality design guidelines.
• Energy dissipation – the designer is referred to Chapter 11 to design outfalls meeting
ODOT design guidelines.
• Conveyance capacity – the designer is referred to Appendix F for storm pipe design and
this section for downdrain design guidelines.
Example problem solutions in other sections of this manual illustrate the difficulty in providing
for near total interception on-grade. Grate inlets intercept little more than the flow conveyed by
the gutter width occupied by the grate. Combination curb-opening and grate inlets can be
designed to intercept total flow if the length of curb-opening upstream of the grate is sufficient to
reduce spread in the gutter to the width of the grate used. Depressing the inlets or curb-opening
would significantly reduce the length of inlet required. Therefore, the most practical procedure
for use where near total interception is necessary are sweeper inlets, increased grate width, or
slotted inlets of sufficient length.
Note: Design charts and procedures in Section 5.0 are applicable to the design of inlets on
embankments.
Drainage piping systems used to convey intercepted flow from inlets to the toe of a fill slope
may be open or closed chutes.
Pipe downdrains (closed chutes) are preferable because the flow is confined and cannot cause
erosion along the sides. Open chutes are often damaged by erosion from water splashing over
the sides of the chute due to oscillation in the flow and from spill over the sides at bends in the
chute.
Note: It is recommended that these types of pipes be buried to minimize bank erosion and
eliminate interference with maintenance operations.
Erosion at the ends of downdrains or chutes can be a problem if not anticipated. To control the
potential for pipe outlet erosion the designer is referred to Chapter 11 for information on energy
dissipation guidelines.
The capacity of downdrain pipes are most commonly restricted by inlet control as described in
Chapter 9. Capacities are shown in Table E assuming the headwater depth does not exceed the
diameter of the pipe (HW/D=1). Downdrain pipes controlled by pipe capacity can be sized using
Manning’s equation as described in Chapter 8.
Diameter of Maximum
Slope Pipe Design Flow
(inches) (cubic feet per second)
12 2.0
15 3.7
18 5.7
21 8.1
24 11.8
9.0 Scuppers
Scuppers are another way of removing stormwater from roadway pavement and bridge decks.
The primary advantage of using scuppers is their ability to intercept flow over a wide section and
offer little interference to traffic operations. However, scuppers are not recommended for use in
environments where significant sediment or debris loads may be present because they are
susceptible to clogging.
Note: Reference Roadway Concrete Barrier section of ODOT’s Standard Drawings (current
version) for typical horizontal scuppers used in ODOT storm drainage systems. For a more
detailed discussion of horizontal and vertical scuppers, the reader is referred to FHWA’s
“Design of Bridge Deck Drainage” - Hydraulic Engineering Circular No 21.
Listed below are additional guidelines that need to be addressed when designing scuppers:
• The equations and figures used for the design of curb-opening inlets should be used in the
design of horizontal scuppers.
• The equations and figures used for the design of grate inlets should be used in the design
of vertical scuppers.
• Water quality treatment – runoff collected by scuppers needs to address the most
stringent local standards or refer to ODOT’s water quality design guidelines. Due to
environmental regulations it is discouraged to directly discharge from bridge decks using
scuppers onto waterways, riparian areas, wetlands, or other sensitive areas. It is good
practice to assume all bridge deck runoff will have water quality treatment unless permit
or environmental personnel give permission to do otherwise.
• When using inlet design method B, the designer should assume 50 percent clogging
which will result in providing twice the calculated required length for flow interception
because scuppers tend to plug.
• Energy dissipation – flow exiting horizontal scuppers should be closely evaluated for
erosion potential because the flow is not directed to a storm drain system and is often
released directly onto down slopes. Reference ODOT’s Erosion Control Manual,
Chapter 8 and Chapter 11 for recommended methods to prevent erosion.
Sketch:
et
300 fe ncrete
co
e with rs)
3-inch Bridg (no scuppe
s w it h two g barrie rs
r n
Barrie 12-inch lo
hi gh x er
ers p
scupp pan
rs High Point
barrie
SL
Waterway
SCUPPERS
NTS
Given:
• Highway section on-grade (greater than 45 miles per hour)
• Lb = 5.5 feet (length of barrier between scuppers)
• WP = 31 feet (width of contributing area, 2 – 12-foot lanes with 7-foot shoulder)
• SL = 0.01 feet per feet
• SX = 0.02 feet per feet
• n = 0.016 (Manning’s coefficient for asphalt placement)
• 10-year design (per Table A), Salem area (Hydrologic Zone 7)
• i = 2.10 inches per hour (Salem area, assume 5-minute tc using a 10-year storm
design)
• Type A curb and gutter (reference Chapter 8)
9.1.2 Method A
Criteria:
• T = allowable spread = shoulder width + 0 feet = 7 feet (per Table A)
• LS = scupper length = (1 foot)
• hS = 3 inches (scupper height)
Solution:
9.1.3 Method B
Criteria:
• For scuppers use a 50 percent clogging factor (per Table A)
• T = allowable spread = shoulder width + 0 feet = 7 feet (per Table A)
• LS = scupper length = (1 foot)(50 percent) = 0.5 feet
• hS = 3 inches (scupper height)
Solution:
0 .6
⎛ 1 ⎞
LT = 0.6(0.40) 0.42
(0.01) 0.30
⎜⎜ ⎟⎟
⎝ (0.016)(0.02) ⎠
LT = 13 feet