Modified Rational Method is not recommended for drainage design/ sizing.

The Modified Rational Method (MRM) is the extension of the Rational Method (RM). The
Rational method predicts peak discharges and has found wider application in the design of pipes
and drainage structures. The RM is a simplified approach and especially helpful in areas where
adequate rainfall or stream flow records are either sparse or not available. It is important to note
that the RM do not estimate runoff, rather peak flows. However, the need to have a simplified
method of flood estimation (runoff estimation) which is vital for the design of storage/ detention
structures, the RM was further extended to develop hydrographs by assuming a storm duration,
usually greater that the Time of concentration in the traditional RM (Note: the development of the
hydrograph is essential for estimation of runoff volume). Some localities may dictate the use of a
specific rainfall duration. Nevertheless, proper use of rational method requires that the critical
duration be used for each point in the watershed. In most hydrologic design software, the duration
is obtained through an iterative process to obtain maximum runoff (volume).

The point to buttress is; the RM yields peak flows (rate of flows), while the MRM yields flood
runoff (volume). However, the hydrographs developed in the MRM can be further routed to
produce peak flows at a desired location within a catchment. The process of the hydrologic routing
is a complex process and the methods are varied, however, with the aid of computer software the
calculations can be done in real time with high level of accuracy. It is quite interesting to note that,
the peak flows obtained from flood routing of hydrograph developed from the MRM are lower
compared to the peak flows directly obtained from the RM.

The emphasis in the RM is to have a reasonable high peak flow to obtain maximum drainage size.
However, the MRM seeks to emphasize on high or large volume to obtain maximum pond or
reservoir size. The MRM therefore, usually have lower peak flows with storm duration larger than
the time of concentration, while the RM have higher peak flows with storm duration equivalent to
the time of concentration of the catchment.

In summary; The RM is most suited for the sizing of pipe/ culverts/ drainage structures because of
the high peak flows. On the other hand, the MRM is most suited for the sizing of storage structures
because of its relatively lower peak flows and longer storm duration and consequently larger runoff
(volume). Peak flows can be obtained from the MRM through routing and the results obtained
from this process is always comparatively lower than the ones obtained through the use of the RM.
Using the MRM for drainage design can be describe in the below cycle;

Estimate peak flow (higher m3/s) Rational Method

Estimate runoff volume (m3) Modified Rational Method

Estimate peak flow (lower m3/s) Flood Routing

Reference was made to the following documents;

1. Text book: Apply Hydrology by Van Te Chow, David R. Maidment and Larry W. Mays.
McGraw Hill International Editions (1988). Pp. 9 – 13, Pp. 130.
2. Use of the Rational and Modified Rational Methods for TxDOT Hydraulic Design, Texas
Tech Center for Multidisciplinary Research in Transportation, Texas Tech University
(2011). Pp. 522 – 527.