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The Rational Method For Calculation of Peak Storm Water Runoff Rate
The Rational Method For Calculation of Peak Storm Water Runoff Rate
The Rational Method For Calculation of Peak Storm Water Runoff Rate
The Rational Method is used to calculate the peak surface runoff rate for design of storm
water management structures, like storm drains, storm sewers, and storm water detention
facilities. Values for the runoff coefficient, drainage area, time of concentration and
design return period are needed.
Introduction
The Rational Method is widely used to estimate the peak surface runoff rate for design of
a variety of drainage structures, such as a length of storm sewer, a storm water inlet, or a
storm water detention pond. The Rational Method is most suitable for small urban
watersheds that don't have storage such as ponds or swamps. It is best for areas less than
100 acres, but is sometimes used for up to 2 mi2 areas.
Example Calculation
Consider a section of a downtown business area of 35,400 square feet that drains to a
particular storm water inlet. The runoff coefficient for this drainage area has been
estimated to be 0.85. Based on a specified design return period and the time of
concentration of the drainage area, the design storm intensity has been determined to be
5.1 in/hr. What is the peak runoff rate from this area to be used for design of the storm
water inlet?
Solution: q = CiA = (0.85)(5.1)(35,400/43,560) cfs = 3.52 cfs.
The other article in this series give information about other aspects of storm sewer
design. For an article with a downloadable Excel spreadsheet template for making storm
sewer design calculations, see "Stormwater Sewer Design using Excel Formulas in a
Spreadsheet Template."
1. Bengtson, Harlan H., Hydraulic Design of Storm Sewers, Including the Use of Excel,
an online, continuing education course for PDH credit.
2. McCuen, Richard H., Hydrologic Analysis and Design, 2nd Ed, Upper Saddle River,
NJ, 1998.
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