Introduction
Drainage systems are products that must be properly designed in order to be economically reliable, safe and efficient. There are several components and considerations that must be taken into account when designing a robust and reliable drainage system. This paper will outline the process of designing a drainage system and some of the considerations that must be taken into account when selecting and designing each component.
Factors to Consider During the Drainage System Design Process
When designing a drainage system the first step should be to assess the rainfall intensity in the area where the drainage system will be located. The rainfall intensity will affect the size of pipes, drainage length, storage, and potential runoff and flooding. Local governments often have records of the measured rainfall intensities across their jurisdictions which can be used as a reference.
The next factor to consider is the type of soil in the area. Different types of soils will affect how quickly rainwater will infiltrate or be carried away. For example, sandy soils will absorb or infiltrate more quickly than heavier clay soils and will require shorter drain pipes.
The land slope also needs to be taken into account when designing a drainage system. If the land is flat then there will be less runoff, while steep slopes will result in a greater amount of runoff that needs to be factored into the design.
The final factor to consider is the type of infrastructure that the drainage system will need to interact with. For example, if the drainage system will be near roads or buildings then additional design considerations may need to be taken into account.
Design Elements
Once the factors outlined above have been taken into account it is possible to begin the design process. The first element to consider is the size of the pipes that will be used to drain the water from the surface. The size of pipe should be large enough to accommodate the expected flow of the drainage system, but the cost of larger pipes should also be taken into account.
The next element to consider is the type of pipe material that will be used. Different types of materials come with varying levels of durability so the pipe material chosen should be able to withstand the expected weather and aging requirements of the system.
The type of drainage channels required is also an important consideration in drainage system design. Different types of channels can be used to convey water efficiently, including grassed channels, lined channels and open channels.
The final element to consider is the protection of the drainage system. It is important to ensure that the system is protected from debris and sediment that could block pipes and channels. This can be done through the use of sediment control measures such as sediment filter bags, sediment control structures and sump pumps.
Conclusion
Designing a robust, reliable and cost effective drainage system requires careful consideration of a range of factors. These factors include the design of pipes and channels, the materials used, and the protection of the system from sediment and debris. By taking each of these elements into account, a well-designed drainage system can be developed which is both safe and efficient.
