Calculation of Invert Levels

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Calculation of Invert Levels

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Calculation of Invert Levels
Before any pipes are laid, it is necessary to know the invert level of the drain or
sewer to which the connection is to be made and to relate this to the ground
level at which pipelaying is to begin. The invert level is arrived at by one of three
methods.

The local authority may be able to provide the information.

By calculation.

By excavating vertically down to expose the drain or sewer.

If the local authority is unable to provide the necessary information and it would
not be convenient to excavate – then you must establish the invert level by
calculation.

Example

If you need to make a connection to the main sewer, then you will need to carry
out the following procedure.

Remove the inspection chamber cover on either side of the

proposed connection, take a reading of the invert level in each
inspection chamber and note the difference in levels.

Measure the distance between the inspection chambers and

make a note of the distance to each inspection chamber from the
proposed connection.

Calculate the invert level of the sewer at the point where you are
to make your connection.

Calculation of Invert Levels

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Calculation of Invert Levels
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The drawings above show details of the existing sewer and the proposed drain
connection – if the distance between the inspection chambers A and B is 30
metres and the difference in invert levels at these chambers is 1 metre – then it
follows that the existing sewer is laid to a fall of 1 : 30.

You now need to calculate the fall from inspection chamber (B) to our new
connection.

Calculation of Invert Levels

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Thus the fall from chamber (B) to the proposed connection is 0.6 metres.

NOTE:

Calculation of Invert Levels

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Since the staff reading at chamber (B) = 1.6 metres, the depth to invert of the
sewer at the proposed connection is:

1.6 metres + 0.6 metres = 2.2 metres

WHICH IS DEPTH AT (B) + FALL

Longitudinal Section of New Connection

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Now, the ground level staff reading at the proposed connection is 0.9 m so the
depth of the invert level below ground level = 2.2 – 0.9 = 1.3 m.

Having found this, it is necessary to relate the measurement to the invert level of
the new chamber at the dwelling, to find out if the fall of the new drain is
satisfactory.

Assume that the invert level of the new chamber is 0.6 metres below ground
level. Set up the engineer's level and take readings at (Y) and (X), these being
1.6 metres and 1.4 metres respectively.

Since the invert level at (X) is 0.6 metres below ground level, the fall from invert
level at (X) to invert level at (Y) is:

2.7 metres – 2.2 metres = 0.5 metres

thus the fall is 1 : 36, which is satisfactory for a 100 mm drain.

NOTE: 0.5 metres in 18 metres = 1 in 36

Calculation of Invert Levels

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