Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Exact information on these components is not usually developed until the final stage. For
location criteria, refer to the ERA Geometric Design Manual.
Types of Data
Details associated with data collection, data needed, and where to obtain data, are outlined
in the Hydrographical Survey13 Chapter of this manual. The following is a brief description
of the types of data needed for planning and location studies.
i) Topographic
Topographic data shall be acquired at sites requiring hydraulic studies. These data are
needed to analyse existing flow conditions, and those created by various design
alternatives. Significant physical and cultural features near the project shall be located and
documented in order to obtain their elevation. Features such as residences, commercial
buildings, schools, churches, mosque, farms, other roadways and bridges, and utilities can
affect, as well as be affected by, the design of any new hydraulic structure. Often, recent
topographic surveys will not be available at this early stage of project development. Aerial
photographs, photogrammetric maps, Ethiopian Mapping Authority topographic maps, and
even old highway plans may be utilized during the planning and location phases. When
better survey data become available, usually during the design phase, these early estimates
will need to be revised to correspond with the most recent field information.
13
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Hydrologic Engineering Center has made a detailed study of survey requirements. The results of
this study are available in Accuracy of Computer Water Surface Profiles by M. W. Burnham and D. W. Davis, Technical Paper No. 114,
1986.
For further information on survey requirements, see the ERA Geometric Design Manual.
v) Precipitation
A precipitation survey normally consists of the collection of rainfall records for the rainfall
stations near the study site. Unlike the survey of stream flow records or basin
characteristics, however, rainfall records from outside the watershed can be utilized.
Ideally, these records will contain several years of events, for every month and season and
will include duration values for various length rainstorms.
This manual contains guidelines for general rainfall amounts that can be used for various
duration storms. If adequate rainfall records are available from the Ministry of Water
Resources for the project location, more accurate runoff volumes can be established for
design of drainage structures.
only hydrologic data needed. This data shall be analyzed to ensure that stream flows have
not changed over the time of measurement. Such changes in flow may be due to watershed
alteration such as the construction of a large storage structure, diversion of flow to another
watershed, addition of flow from another watershed, or development that has significantly
altered the runoff characteristics of the watershed.
ix) Vegetation
During the field visit, it may not be possible to survey the entire watershed, and a sample
area may have to be studied. It is important to set out the exact field needs before the trip is
made to ensure all information needed is collected and all important areas visited. See
Chapter 4 for specifics on the field trip.
x) Water Quality
Water quality data can be the most expensive and most time-consuming information to
collect. Sometimes water quality records are available at or near the site under study but
even then, the information most often required for highway studies may not have been
gathered. Sample collection is expensive because of the equipment and laboratory facilities
needed. The cost of having samples taken and analyzed may need to be considered.
Sample collection can be time consuming because one sample or several taken at the same
time is not usually satisfactory. Water quality can reflect seasonal, monthly, or even daily
variations depending on the weather, flow rate, traffic, etc. Therefore, a sampling program
shall be extended for a year, if possible.
The Hydraulic Report shall be as complete as possible but must be tailored to satisfy the
requirements of the specific location and size of the project. The report should list all
significant watersheds with a unique number and approximate chainage for the crossing.
Data and information shall be reduced to meaningful information. Coordination with all
ERA sections requiring survey data before the initial fieldwork has begun will help insure
that survey data is sufficient but not excessive.
All data used in reaching conclusions and recommendations during the preliminary study
shall be included in a report. This should include hydrologic and hydraulic data, pertinent
field information, photographs, calculations, and structure sizes and location. At this stage
of the study, several structure sizes and types can usually be suggested, as the designer
only needs generalities in order to obtain a rough estimate of needs and costs.
Often, specifics cannot be provided until an accurate topographic survey of the area has
been made and precise hydraulic computations performed. Sometimes, however, the report
will require detailed design studies in order to justify the extent of mitigation required. In
general, the more environmentally sensitive and/or highly urbanized areas will necessitate
more detail at earlier stages. All this information serves as documentation for decisions
made at this time, as well as excellent reference material when the later, more detailed
studies are performed. Therefore, it is important that this material be collected, prepared,
referenced, and put into an easily understood report folder as carefully as possible.
The hydraulic report for all projects should include:
• Statement of design storm frequencies;
• Runoff formulas to be used for computing flow rates with basin size limits;
• Methods for computing time of concentration or time to peak;
• Anticipated future land use changes that may affect runoff rates and volumes;
• Sources of rainfall intensity, depth, duration, and frequency curves;
• Other information needed by the designer for determination of flow rates for
ditches and culverts; and
• Source maps for determining drainage areas.
(Include additional requirements for different types of projects: new, renovation, urban,
rural, highway class, as appropriate.)
3.3 References
Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA) 2002, Drainage Design Manual
Australian Drainage Manual, 2010, Second Edition
South African Roads Agency Ltd, Drainage Manual, 2007.
4.1 Introduction
It is necessary to identify the types of data that will be required prior to conducting the
design analysis. The effort necessary for data collection and compilation shall be tailored
to the importance of the road drainage project. Not all of the data discussed in this chapter
will be needed for every road project. However, a well planned data collection program
leads to a more orderly and effective analysis and design that is commensurate with:
• Project scope;
• Project cost;
• The complexity of the site hydraulics; and
• Federal and regional regulatory requirements.
Data collection for a specific project must be tailored to:
• Site conditions;
• Scope of the design analysis;
• Social, economic and environmental requirements;
• Unique project requirements; and
• Federal and regional regulatory requirements.
Uniform or standardized survey requirements for all projects and in all regions may prove
uneconomical or data deficient for a specific project. Special instructions outlining data
requirements may have to be provided to the surveying contractor by the hydraulic
designer for unique sites.
The purpose of this chapter is to outline the types of data that are generally required for
drainage analysis and design, possible sources, and other aspects of data collection, review
and compilation. The following topics are presented in this chapter.
• Sources of Data;
• Types of Data;
• Survey Information;
• Field Reviews;
• Data Evaluation; and
• Channel and Floodplain Survey Specification
The publication "Accuracy of Computed Water Surface Profiles,” U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Dec. 1986, focuses on determining relationships between:
• Survey technology and accuracy employed for determining stream cross-sectional
geometry;
• Degree of confidence in selecting Manning's roughness coefficients; and
• The resulting accuracy of hydraulic computations.
Much of the data and information necessary for the design of highway drainage facilities
may be obtained from some combination of the sources listed in Form 4-1 at the end of this
chapter. The following information is given for each data source on the same list:
• Type of data;
• Contact details of source; and
• Comments on data.
Watershed, stream reach and site characteristic data, as well as data on other physical
characteristics, can be obtained from a field reconnaissance of the site. Examination of
available maps and aerial photographs of the watershed is also an excellent means of
defining physical characteristics of the watershed.
A complete field or aerial drainage survey of the site and its contributing catchment should
always be undertaken as part of the hydraulic analysis and design. Survey requirements for
small drainage structures such as 0.9 meter diameter culverts are less extensive than those
for major structures such as bridges. However, the purpose of each survey is to provide an
accurate picture of the conditions within the zone of hydraulic influence of the facility.
Forms 4-1 and 4-2 at the end of this chapter contain instructions for minor and major
drainage surveys.
The following are data that can possibly be obtained or verified:
• Contributing drainage area characteristics;
• Stream reach data (cross sections and thalweg profile);
• Existing structures;
• Location and survey for development, existing structures etc., that may affect the
determination of allowable flood levels, capacity of proposed drainage structures,
or acceptable outlet velocities;
• Drift/debris characteristics;
• General ecological information about the drainage area and adjacent lands; and
• High water marks, including the date of occurrence.
Much of this data must be obtained from an on-site inspection. It is often much easier to
interpret published sources of data after an on-site inspection. Only after a thorough study
of the area and a complete collection of all required information should the designer
proceed with the design of the hydraulic facility. All pertinent data and facts gathered
through the survey are to be documented. Forms 4-1 and Figure 4-2 at the end of this
chapter contain examples of how the field or aerial survey data discussed in this chapter
shall be documented.
The following text is a brief description of the major data topics that relate to drainage
facility analysis and design.
Physical Characteristics
Contributing Size - The size of the contributing catchment area expressed in hectares or
square kilometres, is determined from some or all of the following:
• Direct field surveys with conventional surveying instruments;
• Any changes in the contributing catchment area that may be caused by:
o Terraces;
o Lakes;
o Sinks;
o Debris or mud flow barriers;
o Reclamation/flood control structures;
o Irrigation diversions.
• Topographic maps that are available for many areas of Ethiopia from the Ethiopian
Mapping Authority; and
• Aerial maps or aerial photographs.
In determining the size of the contributing catchment area, any subterranean flow or areas
outside the physical boundaries of the drainage study area that have run-off diverted into it
shall be included in the total contributing catchment area. In addition, the designer must
determine if floodwaters can be diverted out of the basin before reaching the site.
The slope of the stream, the average slope of the catchment, and other important terrain
characteristics shall be determined. Hydrological and hydraulic procedures in other
chapters of this manual are dependent on catchment slopes and these other physical
characteristics.
The present and expected future land use, particularly the location, degree of anticipated
urbanization, and data source shall be defined and documented. Information on existing
use and future trends may be obtained from:
• Aerial photographs (conventional and infrared);
• Land use maps;
• Topographic and other maps;
• Municipal planning agencies; and
• Landsat (satellite) images (See ERA Geometric Design Manual).
Specific information about particular tracts of land can often be obtained from owners,
developers, and local residents. Care shall be exercised in using data from these sources
since their reliability may be questionable and these sources may not be aware of future
development within the catchment area that might affect specific land uses.
Existing land use data for small catchments can be determined or verified best from a field
survey. Field surveys should also be used to update information on maps and aerial
photographs, especially in catchment basins that have experienced changes in development
since the maps or photos were prepared. Infrared aerial photographs may be particularly
useful in identifying types of urbanization at a point in time.
A complete understanding of the physical nature of the natural channel or stream reach is
of prime importance to good hydraulic design - particularly at the site of interest. Any
work being performed, proposed or completed, that changes the hydraulic efficiency of a
stream reach, must be studied to determine its effect on the stream flow. The designer
should be aware of plans for channel modifications, and any other changes that might
affect the facility design.
The stream may be classified as:
• Rural or urban, improved or unimproved;
• Narrow or wide;
• Shallow or deep;
• Rapid or sluggish;
• Stable, transitional, or unstable;
• Sinuous, straight, braided, alluvial, or incised; and
• Perennial or intermittent flow.
Geo-morphological data are important in the analysis of channel stability and scour.
Types of data needed are:
• Sediment transport and related data;
• Stability of form over time (braided, meandering, etc.);
• Scour history/evidence of scour; and
• Bed and bank material identification.
Roughness coefficients, ordinarily in the form of Manning’s “n” values, shall be estimated
for the entire flood limits of the stream. A tabulation of Manning’s “n” values with
descriptions of their applications can be found in Chapter 6, Table 6-1.
Stream bed profile data must be obtained and these data should extend upstream and
downstream sufficiently far enough to determine the average slope and to encompass any
proposed construction or aberrations. Identification of “headcuts” that could migrate to the
site under consideration is particularly important. Profile data on live streams may be
obtained from the water surface. Where there is a stream gauge relatively close, the
discharge, date, and hour of the reading shall be obtained. The stream bed profile should
extend upstream and downstream for a distance of at least 200 meters or preferably to:
L = 100 log(A)
Where: L = distance in meters
A = Area in km2
Stream cross-section data that represents the typical conditions at the structure site need to
be obtained, as well as at other locations where stage-discharge and related calculations
will be necessary. Stream cross sections shall be taken at 200 metre intervals upstream and
downstream for at least one half the distance indicated as “L” above (refer to the Channel
and Floodplain Survey Specification section of this chapter).
The location, size, description, condition, observed flood stages, and channel section
relative to existing structures on the stream reach and near the site must be secured in order
to determine their capacity and effect on the stream flow. Any structure, downstream or
upstream, that may cause backwater or retard stream flow is to be investigated. Also, the
manner in which existing structures have been functioning with regard to scour,
overtopping, debris passage, fish passage, etc. shall be noted. For bridges, this data should
include span lengths, type of piers, and substructure orientation which can usually be
obtained from existing structure plans. The necessary culvert data includes parameters such
as size, inlet and outlet geometry, slope, end treatment, culvert material, and flow line
profile. Photographs and high water profiles or marks of flood events at the structure and
past flood scour data can be valuable in assessing the hydraulic performance of the existing
facility.
Improvements, property use, and other developments adjacent to the proposed site both
upstream and downstream may determine acceptable flood levels. Incipient inundation
elevations of these improvements or fixtures shall be noted. In the absence of upstream
development, acceptable flood levels may be based on freeboard requirements to the
highway itself. In these instances, the presence of downstream development becomes
particularly important as it relates to potential overflow points along the road grade.
The history of past floods and their effect on existing structures is of exceptional value in
making flood hazard evaluation studies, and for sizing structures. Information may be
obtained from newspaper accounts, local residents, flood marks, or other positive evidence
of the height of historical floods. Changes in channel and catchment conditions since the
occurrence of the flood shall be evaluated in relating historical floods to present conditions.
Recorded flood data may be available from agencies such as the Ministry of Water
Resources and local government offices.
The quantity and size of debris carried or available for transport by a stream during flood
events must be investigated and such data used in the design of structures. In addition, the
times of occurrence of debris in relation to the occurrence of flood peaks shall be
determined; and the effect of backwater from debris on recorded flood heights shall be
considered in using stream flow records.
Scour potential is an important consideration relative to the stability of the structure over
time. Scour potential is determined by a combination of the stability of the natural
materials at the facility site, tractive shear force exerted by the stream and sediment
transport characteristics of the stream.
Data on natural materials can be obtained from in-situ testing and materials sampling. Bed
and bank material samples sufficient for classifying channel type, stability, and gradations,
as well as a geotechnical study to determine the substrata if scour studies needed, will be
required. The various alluvial river computer model data needs will help clarify what data
are needed. In addition, these data are needed to determine the presence of bed forms so a
reliable Manning’s “n” as well as bed form scour can be estimated.
Many controls will affect the criteria applied to the final design of drainage structures,
including allowable headwater and flood level, velocities, resulting scour, and other site-
specific considerations. Site investigations need to determine what natural or manufactured
controls need to be considered in the design and these downstream and upstream controls
shall be documented.
Downstream Control - Any ponds or reservoirs, along with their spillway elevations and
design levels of operation, shall be noted as their effect on backwater and/or stream bed
aggradation may directly influence the proposed structure. In addition, any downstream
confluence of two or more streams must be studied to determine the effects of backwater
or stream bed change resulting from that confluence.
Upstream Control - Upstream control of run-off in the catchment must be noted.
Conservation and/or flood control reservoirs in the catchment may effectively reduce peak
discharges at the site and may retain some of the catchment run-off. Capacities and
operation designs for these features shall be obtained from the Ministry of Water and
Energy or other operating authority or agency (e.g. EEPCO).
The redirection of floodwaters can significantly affect the hydraulic performance of a site.
Some actions that redirect flows are irrigation structures, debris jams, mudflows, and
highways or railroads.
Several methods to use electronic data for hydraulic and hydrological studies are available.
Design of drainage systems can be accomplished using GIS/CAD software and electronic
surface data. Hydrological and hydraulic models can be developed using this data.
Under this method, topographic mapping is developed using pictures of the ground taken
from an aircraft or satellite. Ground controls are established using field survey methods
and contours are developed.
Aircraft used for taking photographs can be fixed wing (airplane) or helicopter. Fixed wing
is still the most economical method; however, helicopter based surveys offer low altitude
flights, resulting in much higher accuracy. The pictures taken can also be used as data for
hydraulic investigations and studies.
High-resolution satellite and multi-spectral imagery is available and may be substituted for
other methods if necessary. Because satellite data is stored for a period of time, multi-
spectral satellite imagery can also be used to investigate flooding after an event has
occurred. Potentially, the technology can be used to develop “before and after” images and
topography to investigate a flood event or other significant change in an area of interest.
A new method of aerial topographic generation is using laser or radar beams from an
aircraft carrying differential GPS. The laser based method is called Light Detection and
Ranging (LiDAR). LiDAR or radar generated data have the advantage of being
inexpensive when compared to traditional photogrammetry. However, the accuracy is
highly dependent on the technology available to the vendor in aerial equipment and
available software to filter trees and other covered land areas.
Field data collection is normally accomplished using electronic survey equipment such as
Total Station and Global Positioning System (GPS).
Using Total Station as a data collection tool, the engineer can develop topographic
mapping directly from fieldwork, with little additional processing. This information can be
directly used in certain highway or hydraulics software, saving time and resources in the
tedious process of survey decoding and data entry. Digital Elevation Models (DEM) or
Digital Surface Models (DSM) can be developed using the data collected using this
method. Other feature data (e.g., flood limits, bank-full indicators, vegetation markers,
point bars, flow boundaries) can also be located by a surveyor and automatically decoded
along with the elevation data. The accuracy of this method can be very high but is
dependent on the experience of field personnel.
GPS based surveying is still less accurate because it depends on many factors such as
location of the survey reach and time of day. Hand-held GPS units that have sub-metre
horizontal precision are available and can be used to collect field data.
Vertical precision to collect elevation data is not sufficiently accurate for many design
functions. However, this method makes a one-person survey crew possible with minimal
training. GPS data can be obtained by a hydraulics engineer during a field visit. This
facilitates rapid development of field data, especially location data, and quick office
evaluations.
Channel cross-sections should be surveyed normal to the centre line of the channel at the
intervals to be shown on the plan. Existing structures, if any, other than those identified on
the ocation plan (any existing hydraulic structures should be marked on the plan), not
falling at the specified interval should be surveyed unless stated otherwise.
Additional cross-sections should be surveyed where the channel significantly changes
width or elevation (e.g. waterfalls). Where it is not practical to survey a section at the
prescribed position or interval, the position of the section may be moved. However, the
interval between two adjacent sections shall not exceed the prescribed interval.
Cross-sections should be surveyed viewed downstream and the origin or zero chainage of
the channel cross-section must be established on the left bank (LB) of the channel viewed
downstream. However, where a section is only required through the right bank, the origin
or zero chainage shall be located on the waterside of the bank, i.e. in the channel.
Sufficient levels must be taken across the cross-section for the channel shape and geometry
to be easily identifiable (a plan should be prepared for an indication of where levels should
be taken). A description of the material lining the channel (e.g. silt, grass, pebbles, concrete
etc.) should be provided at regular intervals with photographs being provided in support.
Location of photographs should be identified by the label attached to the closest cross-
section.
If upstream views are required, e.g. downstream elevation of bridges and weirs, this will be
noted in the Survey Brief. The origin or zero chainage of the upstream view shall be
established on the left bank (LB) of the channel. The section shall be plotted as viewed
upstream i.e. the ‘Range’ values below the section plot will be negative.
Each individual structure cross-section will be given a relevant title included in the section
header. Where a cross-section is of an upstream view, this must be clearly noted in the
title. Open channel sections should not normally have a title.
In addition to cross-sections through the channel, cross-sections should be extended from
the channel to the true land level on each side and at least 20m beyond the bank crest
(where possible) unless mentioned otherwise in the Survey Brief. Where trees or
bushes/shrubs line the channel the section shall extend to 5m beyond the vegetation, but no
more than 50m from the channel. Beyond the extent of the cross-section, a general
indication of the ground form should be given as a label e.g. “flat”, “rises steeply”. The
point used for the longitudinal section bank line shall be indicated on the plotted cross-
section.
Note: Where a river bank is raised above the surrounding ground (floodplain), the crest is
defined as the point on the top of the bank over which water will spill from the river onto
the surrounding ground. Where there is no raised bank, the crest is the point marking the
change of gradient from surrounding ground to the channel.
Points along the cross-section should be surveyed at an interval that accurately depicts the
shape of the channel. For open channel sections, the drawn line of the cross-section shall
be correct to better than +/- 0.1m in height allowing for up to 0.2m movement along the
section line. For structure details, the drawn line of the cross section shall be correct to
better than +/- 0.02m in height allowing for up to 0.02m movement along the section line.
Bushes, trees, fences and buildings adjacent to the channel cross-section should be shown
as symbols – not true to scale.
If there are buildings along the proposed road route, their floors or damp-proof course level
should be indicated. Where they cannot be determined the threshold level shall be
recorded. Buildings will be labelled with name and/or number, type and whether a damp-
proof course exists.
Any water body including lakes or ponds should be surveyed. This includes maximum
water levels at the time of the survey and top of bank levels. Lake bed level bathymetry
should be taken with echo sounding equipment. Fences will be labelled with their type and
height. Road crossings will be labelled with name and/or number.
Presentation and Format of Data
The data to be supplied by the Surveyor should be in a specific format for loading into the
hydraulic modelling suite of programs (e.g. HEC-RAS, consult ERA for sample format).
Data will also be supplied in x, y, z format as an Excel Spreadsheet with the following
column headers.
• Section No;
• Point Eastings;
• Point Northings;
• Point Altitude.
This will allow channel survey data to be merged with topographic and photogrammetric
surveys.
All longitudinal and cross-section plots should be produced on A1 sized sheets and hard
copy plots shall have a 15mm border outside the frame. Left Bank and Right Bank are
defined as viewed downstream.
When congested data would cause over-writing of the co-ordinates under plotted sections,
the descenders should be cranked to allow the values to be plotted without over printing.
i) Altitudes
For all GPS observations using the static/rapid-static technique, dual frequency survey
quality GPS receivers shall be used to measure altitudes. GPS stations shall be located with
a substantially clear sky-view and not close to buildings or other structures that might
introduce multipath effects. A minimum of five satellites must be observed for the full
observation period, with a minimum elevation mask of 13°. PDOP, HDOP and GDOP
values must not exceed the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations. These values will
be tabulated in the baseline computation log file. For static and rapid-static baselines a 15
second observation interval shall be used unless otherwise stated in the survey brief.
ii) Bed Levels
Bed levels should be measured directly whenever and wherever possible. Where direct
measurement is impossible, where, for instance, the water depth is too great or other causes
make it impractical, then it will be sufficient to read the depth of water against a staff or to
use echo sounding and to relate these readings to a measured water level.
Where silt occurs, both the hard bed and the silt top will be measured at the same point.
The hard bed should be shown as a solid line. The silt top should be shown as a dashed line
and shall be labelled “S” in the digital data listing.
The nature of the bed material should be recorded and plotted on the section in simplified
form, e.g. 'Gravel’. Surfaces outside the water area should also be labelled.
iii) National Grid Reference and Cross-Section Orientation
The full Ethiopian National Grid reference of the cross-section chainage zero-point and the
grid bearing of the section line will be added to each cross-section header in the survey
data file in the appropriate fields and quoted to 3 decimal places.
Channel surveys may be merged with photogrammetric or LiDAR surveys of the
floodplains and therefore positional accuracy must be of the same order. The Ethiopian
National Grid Co-ordinates of the Section Zero Point will be observed to E4 standard by
GPS. The orientation of sections will also be determined by GPS. The section data should
also be plotted against the available topographical map background to give the true
position of the section.
iv) Cross-section Reference Numbers
Cross-sections should be numbered to reflect chainage along each watercourse.
v) Scale
Cross- sections should be to appropriate scales to be plotted to A3 size. The long sections
for the watercourses should be appropriately scaled to plot to A1 sized sheets.
vi) Merging Data from Previous Surveys
Any requirement for merging new survey data with data from a previous survey should be
noted in the Survey Brief. Data shall be merged so that the correct sequence of chainage
across the section and along the channel is maintained. A note of this shall be added to the
cross-sectional plot. Cross-sections from a previous survey shall be updated if there is a
significant change (e.g. a new structure).
vii) Floodplain Sections
If floodplain cross-sections are required, this should be noted together with the interval in
the Survey Brief. Sections should be plotted at the scales defined in the Survey Brief.
A floodplain section should be taken normal to the centre line of the valley and not
necessarily at right angles to the centre line of the channel. Because of this, flood plain
sections may appear 'dog-legged' on the key plan. These sections may be defined on the
contract mapping.
viii) Structures
Unless otherwise stated in the survey brief sections shall be surveyed at the upstream and
downstream side of each structure which significantly affects the river flow at bank-full
flow condition.
Where the structures are below roads and / or footpaths spot levels should be taken along
the high point of the road (i.e. kerb height or road crest) every 10m for a distance of 100m
either side of the structure. Where a parapet forms part of the structure a level should be
taken on top of the parapet and the width of the parapet should be identified on the cross-
section.
Structures include bridges, culverts, weirs, pipe crossings and impounding structures of
any kind. Natural features which act as structures, such as rock outcrops, shall also be
included. Structures that are not to be surveyed shall be photographed. The photographs
and NG co-ordinates of the position of the structure shall be included as an appendix to the
Survey Brief. If there is any doubt, the Surveyor should consult the Engineer to confirm
whether a section is required.
All pipe crossings, including those too small to require a cross-section to be taken, shall be
shown on the longitudinal section, along with critical levels and dimension.
Overhead power and telephone cable crossings should be noted and their position and their
clearance height over the centreline of the channel plotted on the longitudinal section.
Underground crossings (water, telephone, power etc.), where evident on site, should also to
be noted and their position plotted on the longitudinal section.
Bridges and Culverts
A bridge is defined as a permanent structure spanning a channel. Cross sections of
temporary and ad hoc crossings are not required unless indicated on the attached plan.
Such crossings shall be shown on the longitudinal section.
A complete elevation of the upstream side of the structure is to be taken with particular
attention paid to the measurement of the bridge openings and flood culverts Details of any
bridge piers should also be shown. Soffit, invert and springing levels should be added as
labels.
The downstream elevation should be taken viewed looking upstream when specifically
requested or where it is different from the upstream side. Even when a downstream
elevation is not required, the downstream soffit, top of parapet, invert, bed level and bank
crests are to be measured and added to the longitudinal section.
The length of the bridge tunnel is to be measured parallel to the watercourse and this,
together with hard inverts on aprons and their extent, added as labels on the cross-section
plot.
Where a bridge changes section within its length and that change is significant, then an
additional section shall be surveyed at the change.
When a channel changes section through a bridge, an additional section should be taken 5
to 15 metres upstream and downstream of the bridge where the channel returns to its
normal size. Unless specified in the Survey Brief, the downstream section should only be
measured when it differs markedly from the upstream section.
Where a structure is not normal to the channel but is skewed, the skew span should be
measured together with the approximate angle of skew, this being the angle between the
bridge face and a line normal to the channel. The length of the bridge tunnel will then be
the channel length through the bridge parallel to the watercourse, not the distance at right
angles to the road.
Where a structure extends 10m beyond the top of the bank, then the complete elevation
will be surveyed with its cross-section. Where a bridge spans the floodplain, then all
relevant flood arches must be included in the cross-section. If the cross-section is excessive
then a plot of the immediate channel will be drawn to the specified scale. The complete
cross-section will be plotted at a reduced scale, provided on a separate sheet and cross-
referenced to the channel plot.
When a culvert is longer than the section interval defined in the Survey Brief a cross-
section will be taken at the entrance and exit.
Under no circumstances shall the Surveyor enter a confined space which has not been
notified to him/her in the Brief and for which no proper procedures have been adopted.
Weirs and Drop Structures
A weir is defined as a permanent or temporary structure that impounds a head of water at
normal summer levels greater than the height defined in the Survey Brief. A drop structure
is defined as a natural or man-made step in the channel bed that will be surveyed, as
defined in the Survey Brief.
A cross-section should be taken across the crest of the weir, viewed downstream with
structure details incorporated as shown in the Survey Brief. Additional cross-sections
should be taken immediately upstream and downstream of the weir crest, viewed
downstream and normal to the centreline of the channel as shown in the Survey Brief.
Levels across the weir crest or on aprons shall not be taken as soundings.
A longitudinal section through the centre line of the weir (but NOT through a drop
structure) should be produced in cross-section format showing all structure details, such as
positions of culvert and bridge crossings, extending both upstream and downstream to the
natural riverbed. This should be plotted viewed from upstream to downstream.
Longitudinal sections through weirs should be numbered with the same section number as
the downstream elevation, suffixed with an alpha character (e.g. N.NNNA).
The longitudinal section should show the following information:
• Upstream water level;
• Upstream bed level;
• Weir crests and any bridge structures;
• Upstream and downstream extent of any apron;
• Downstream water level;
• Downstream bed level, including maximum depth of scour hole where it is safe to
obtain levels; and
• Water and bed levels at the tail of any weir pool
An additional cross-section should be taken both upstream and downstream of the weir
where the channel returns to its normal cross-section and is free from the influence of
deposition and scour.
Sluices
Sluice structures are not common in Ethiopia. However, a sluice is a useful flow
controlling device and should be considered where flood control is necessary. Upstream
and downstream cross sections should be taken along with opening dimensions (height and
width) and descriptions of the sluice control mechanism. A level should be taken on the
sluice crest. If more than one sluice exists the above measurements should be taken on
each sluice, if different, and the number of sluices noted.
Waterfalls
Cross-sections should be taken at the top and bottom of the waterfall and midway through
the waterfall if it extends for over 5m. Chainage of the waterfall is to be provided in a long
section.
ix) Natural Constraining Features
Features such as rock formations, which cause gradient changes or affect water levels,
should be treated as weirs. Changes in water level gradient over shoals and aprons, and
sudden changes in bed level should be measured and added to the longitudinal section.
x) Chainage
Each cross-section shall be provided with a chainage. This is the distance along the centre
line of the channel from the downstream extent of the survey. The centre-line shall be
digitised from a 1:2,500 / 1:1,250 topographical map. It shall be supplied as a polyline in a
separate layer and presented on the Key Plan. The cross-sections shall be plotted on the
Key Plan from actual surveyed section points, and their centreline chainage deduced by
measurement along the centreline of the mapped watercourse. Zero chainage will be at the
downstream extent of the watercourse unless otherwise specified in the Survey Brief.
Running chainages along the watercourse shall be noted on the levelling sheets, with the
start point and direction of work clearly defined. Chainages shall be noted at boundaries,
ditches, drainage pipes and other identifiable features, indicating on which bank these
features appear. Cross-section chainages should also be noted and clearly referenced.
xi) Key Plan
A key plan based upon a 1:2,500 or 1:1,250 map data will be produced for each
longitudinal section to show the cross-section positions and watercourse centre-line.
Whenever possible, this plan should be incorporated into the same sheet as the longitudinal
section. When so incorporated, it will be aligned to match the longitudinal section in
AutoCAD paper space mode. It is acceptable for the plan to be inverted. It should be
provided with north point and grid co-ordinates.
In addition, the river centre-line shall be presented as a digital polyline created in a format
suitable for input to GIS software (e.g. MAPINFO, ArcGIS etc.). It should be provided
with the following attributes:
• Field Name Field Type/Width Remarks;
• Polyline_ID String max 9 characters nnnnn_nnn;
• Data Source “max 30 “” eg. ‘Survey’;
• Surveyor “max 30 “” Company Name;
• Consultant_Ref “max 30 “” Surveyor’s reference;
with labels quoting the name of the bridge and road number, if one exists, plus the
chainage to the face photographed.
Sufficient levels must be taken along the bank crest and any walls or embankments along
the channel for the bank geometry and flood defence to be easily identifiable. A
description of the material of the bank, natural or man-made embankment (e.g. earth, brick
wall, fence, etc.) should be provided at regular intervals with photographs being provided
in support. Location of photographs should be identified by the label attached to the closest
survey point.
Presentation and Format of Data
The data to be supplied by the Surveyor should be in a specific format for loading into
ERA’s hydraulic modelling and GIS suite of programs (data format for the suitable
software is provided by ERA).
Channel survey data should also be supplied in x, y, z format as an excel spreadsheet and
geographically referenced.
GPS Datum Levels
Channel cross-sections and longitudinal profiles shall be supplied in 3-D AutoCad Version
xxx6 (.dwg) digital format surveyed to GPS datum.
Merging of electronic surface data is common during highway design. Better data is
usually collected within the highway area, while the data for the area outside the expected
cut/fill lines is less precise.
Because watershed limits fall well outside the highway cut/fill lines, hydraulic engineers
must negotiate with the data that has multiple resolutions. Electronic data is available in
various forms differentiated by software products, type of data structure (DEMs and TINs),
coordinate systems (UTM, State Plane, Latitude-Longitude), units (metres), resolution and
datum. When merging data in different forms, care must be taken to ensure proper
conversion prior to merging.
Standardizing all data to the most current format is the best way to ensure compatibility.
There are tools available to accomplish the data “translation.”
A more serious issue in data merging is caused by differences in data resolution. For
example, a digital surface model developed using a photogrammetric method is typically
of a lower resolution compared to a surface model developed using a field data collection
survey. When merging the data, elevation differences at the boundaries of the different
data areas must be carefully reconciled.
There is often a problem with artificial pits (sinks) and peaks due to the creation of DEMs
and TINs. The engineer must evaluate the data and correct these inconsistencies.
Accuracy of Data
In any engineering computations, it is important to understand the limitations of accuracy
of the computations based on the accuracy of the input data. In step-backwater
computations utilizing HEC-RAS, ISIS or Mike 11, several factors have significant effects
on the accuracy of the results (eg. accuracy of the survey data, spacing between cross
sections, correct establishment of upstream and downstream study limits, and selection of
roughness coefficients etc.).
Most field surveys of channel and floodplain cross sections are recorded to an accuracy of
0.031m. If the survey truly represents the cross-sections of the reach of the stream being
studied to a 0.031m accuracy, the greatest accuracy that would result from a step-
backwater computation could be no more than 0.031m. Any results expressed more
precisely than 0.031m are simply due to the mathematics.
The accuracy of aerial survey technology for generating cross-sectional coordinate data is
governed by mapping industry standards. Cross sections obtained from contours of
topographic maps developed by photogrammetric methods are generally not as accurate as
those generated from field data collection methods. Aerial photography can supplement
field survey cross-sections. The use of aerial elevation survey technology permits
additional coordinate points and cross-sections to be obtained at small incremental cost,
and the coordinate points may be formatted for direct input into commonly used water
surface profile computer programs such as HEC-RAS, ISIS and Mike 11.
For further information on determining the relationships between the following parameters,
refer to the US Army Corps of Engineers’ publication Technical Paper No. 114:
• Survey technology and accuracy employed for determining stream cross-sectional
geometry;
• Degree of confidence in selecting Manning’s roughness coefficients; and
• The resulting accuracy of hydraulic computations.
This publication also presents methods of determining the upstream and downstream limits
of data collection for a hydraulic study requiring a specified degree of accuracy.
Upstream and Downstream Study Limits
Establishment of the upstream and downstream study boundaries for water profile
calculations are required to define limits of data collection and subsequent analysis.
Calculations must be initiated sufficiently far enough downstream to ensure accurate
results at the structure, and continued sufficiently upstream to accurately determine the
impact of the structure on upstream water surface profile. Underestimation of the upstream
and downstream study lengths may produce less than desired accuracy of results and may
eventually require additional survey data at higher costs than applied to initial surveys. On
the other hand, significant overestimation of the required study length can result in greater
survey, data processing, and analysis costs than necessary.
The downstream study length is governed by the effect of errors in the starting water
surface elevation on the computed water surface elevations at the structure (see Figure
4.1). When possible, the analysis should start at a location where there is either a known
(historically recorded) water surface elevation or a downstream control where the profile
passes through critical depth.
Observed downstream high water marks are relatively common for calibration of models to
historical events, but are unlikely to be available for evaluations of hypothetical events
such as the 1% chance event. Alterative starting elevations are needed for stream
conditions where high water marks and control locations are nonexistence or are too far
downstream to be applicable. Two commonly applied starting criteria are critical depth and
normal depth. The starting location should be far enough downstream so that the computer
water surface profile converges to the base (existing condition) water surface profile prior
to the bridge/culvert location.
The upstream study length is the distance to where the profile resulting from a structure-
created head loss converges with the profile for the undisturbed condition. The magnitude
of the water surface profile change and the upstream extent of the structure-induced
disturbance are two of the primary criteria used to evaluate the impacts of modified or new
structures.
Regression analyses were performed by the Hydrological Engineering Centre to develop
prediction equations for determining study limits in 1986. HEC-2 model base datasets were
run for a variety of starting conditions and structure head loss values. The resulting
equations and associated monographs provide the capability for determining the extent for
required survey and mapping and other hydraulic parameter data collection.
The adopted regression equations are:
Ldc = 6600*HD/S
Ldn = 8000*HD.8/S
Lu = 10,000*HD.6*HL.5/S
Where:
Ldc = downstream study length (along the main channel) in metres for critical depth
starting conditions.
Ldn = downstream study length (along the main channel) in metres for normal depth
starting conditions.
HD = average reach hydraulic depth 1% chance flow area divided by cross-section top
width) in metres.
S = average reach slope in m/km.
HL = head loss between 0.1524, and 1.524 metres at the channel crossing structure for
a 1 in 100 year design flood.
Field reviews shall be made by the Hydraulics Engineer in order for him/her to become
familiar with the site. The most complete survey data cannot adequately depict all site
conditions or be substituted for personal inspection by someone experienced in drainage
design. Factors that most often need to be confirmed by field inspection are:
• Selection of roughness coefficients;
• Evaluation of apparent flow direction and diversions;
• Flow concentration;
• Observation of land use and related flood hazards;
• Geomorphic relationships;
• High water marks or profiles and related frequencies;
• Existing structure size and type;
• Bank erosion;
• Debris problems;
• Scour; and
• Existence of wetlands.
A visit to the site where the project will be constructed shall be made before any detailed
hydraulic design is undertaken. This may be combined with a visit by others, such as the
highway and structural designers and local road personnel. The hydraulic designer may
visit the site separately, however, because of interests that are different from the others and
the time required obtaining the required data.
Before making the field visit, the designer should determine if the magnitude of the project
warrants an inspection or if the same information can be obtained from maps, aerial
photos, or by telephone calls. The designer needs to consider the kind of equipment that
will be needed, and most importantly, critical items at the site.
The drainage field visits can include the taking of photographs. These can consist of views
looking upstream and downstream from the site, as well as along the contemplated
highway centreline in both directions. If details of the streambed and banks are not clear,
additional photographs along with structures in the vicinity both upstream and downstream
shall be taken. Close up photographs complete with a scale or grid may be taken to
facilitate estimates of the stream bed gradation.
It is important to seek local testimony regarding high water marks during the site
inspection. A consensus opinion of a group shall be considered reliable testimony as to the
high water mark. This is particularly valuable in corroborating other field observations.
The forms and figures to be used for identifying and cataloguing field information are
illustrated on Forms 4-1 and sample Form 4-2.
Once the required data have been collected, the next step is to compile it into a usable
format. The drainage designer must ascertain whether the data contains inconsistencies or
other unexplained anomalies that might lead to erroneous calculations or results. The
analyst must draw all of the various pieces of collected information together, and fit them
Experience, knowledge, and judgment are important parts of data evaluation. It is in this
phase that reliable data can be separated from less reliable data, and historical data
combined with data obtained from measurements. The designer, for consistency, shall
evaluate the data and identify any changes from established patterns. Reviews shall be
made of previous studies, old plans, etc., for types and sources of data, how the data were
used, and indications of accuracy and reliability. Historical data must be reviewed to
determine whether significant changes have occurred in the catchment and whether these
data can be used. The designer, for purposes of accuracy and reliability, should always
subject data to careful study.
Basic data, such as stream flow data derived from non-published sources, shall be
evaluated and summarized before use. Maps, aerial photographs, Landsat images, and land
use studies shall be compared with one another and with the results of a field survey and
any inconsistencies resolved. To help define the hydrological character of the site or region
under study and to aid in the analysis and evaluation of data, general references that may
be available shall be consulted and compared with the criteria specified in Chapter 5:
Hydrology.
Often, sensitivity studies can be used to evaluate data and the importance of specific data
items to the final design. Sensitivity studies consist of conducting a design with a range of
values for specific data items. The effect on the final design can then be established. This is
useful in determining what specific data items have major effects on the final design and
the importance of possible data errors. Time and effort should then be spent on the more
sensitive data items making sure these data are as accurate as possible. This does not mean
that inaccurate data are accepted for less sensitive data items, but it allows prioritization of
the data collection process given a limited budget and time allocation.
The data evaluation shall result in as reliable a description of the site as possible that can
be made within the allotted time and with the resources committed to this effort. The effort
of data collection and evaluation shall be commensurate with the importance and extent of
the project and/or facility.
4.9 Documentation
An important part of the design or analysis of any hydraulic facility is the accompanying
documentation. Appropriate documentation of the design of any hydraulic structure is
essential because of:
• Justification of expenditure of public funds;
• Future reference by engineers (when improvements, changes, or rehabilitations are
made to the highway facilities);
• Information leading to the development of defence in matters of litigation; and
• Public information.
Frequently, it is necessary to refer to plans, specifications and analysis long after the actual
construction has been completed. Documentation permits evaluation of the performance of
structures after flood events to determine if the structures performed as anticipated or to
establish the cause of unexpected behaviour, if such is the case. In the event of a failure, it
is essential that contributing factors be identified to avoid recurring damage.
Table 4-1: Sources of Data
Project
Name: _______________________________________ Date:___________
Consultant: _______________________________________
Client Name: _______________________________________
Opening Foundation
height: ____________________ Condition: _________________________
River Bed
Width: ____________________ Material: _________________________
Other site
specific
findings : __________________________________________________________________
Sketch
Add channel geometry sketch Add cross sectional profile of the river U/s and D/s
below sketch below
The Existing Anger river bridge was in affair condition before the flood. However, based on the
site visit findings the free board at the time of the peak flood was less than the design
recommendation, the consultant will carry out Hydrological and Hydraulic analysis to check the
adequacy of the existing structure and will give recommendation based on the analysis finding
4.10 References
1. Accuracy of Computed Water Surface Profiles, U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Dec
1986.
2. HY-11, Survey Accuracy, McTrans Center.
3. AASHTO Drainage Guidelines, Chapter 2.
4. HEC 19.
5. CDOT Drainage Design Manual, Chapter 6.
6. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Accuracy of Computer Water Surface Profiles.
Technical Paper No. 114. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Hydrologic Engineering
Center, Davis, California, 1986.
5 HYDROLOGY
5.1 Introduction
Hydrology is the study of the properties, distribution, and effects of water on the earth's
surface, and in the soils, underlying rocks, and atmosphere. For the purpose of this manual,
hydrology will deal with estimating flood magnitudes as the result of precipitation. In the
design of highway drainage structures, floods are usually considered in terms of peak
runoff or discharge in cubic meters per second (m3/s) and hydrographs as discharge per
time. For structures that are designed to control volume of runoff, like detention storage
facilities, or where flood routing through culverts is used, then the entire discharge
hydrograph will be of interest.
can be used in confidence for project design work. When local data is not available, advice
should be sought from an experienced hydrologist with sound hydrological knowledge and
experience to undertake the hydrological analysis. The internationally available flow
estimation methods are discussed and referenced here but original publications should be
utilized to ensure the correct application of computational procedures.
To provide consistency within this chapter, as well as throughout this manual, the
following symbols will be used. These symbols were selected in the existing manual
because of their wide use in hydrologic publications.
Table 5-1: Symbols
Also of interest is the performance of highway drainage structures during the frequently
occurring low flood flow periods. Because low flood flows do occur frequently, the
potential exists for lesser amounts of flood damage to occur more frequently. It is entirely
possible to design a drainage facility to convey a large, infrequently occurring flood with
an acceptable amount of floodplain damage only to find that the accumulation of damage
from frequently occurring floods is intolerable. Adequate analysis and provision for
frequently occurring floods (low flows) should be provided.
In addition to peak discharges, the hydraulics engineer is sometimes interested in the flood
volume and time distribution of runoff. Sometimes, there might be a requirement to use
flood hydrographs to route floods through culverts, bridges, flood storage structures, and
other highway facilities. This is especially important when an embankment is built across a
floodplain and flood compensation storage area is required to be provided in order to
compensate for the lost natural floodplain storage area due to the construction of the road
embankment and to mitigate the flood risk to the upstream areas.
By accounting for the stored flood volume, the hydraulics engineer can often expect lower
flood peak discharges and smaller required drainage facilities than would be expected
without considering storage volume. This should be considered in the Afar and Somali
region of Ethiopia where flash flood occurs for a limited period. Instead of designing
large culverts or bridges with a required opening to pass the flash flood, which occurs for a
limited period, it will be more economical to provide storage areas upstream of the
proposed crossing to temporary hold the flood and release it at controlled manner.
However, this depends on the availability of land and geomorphology of the site. In this
situation, hydrographs are required instead of peak discharges. Flood hydrographs can also
be used for estimating inundation times of flow over roadways and possible closure time as
well as pollutant and sediment transport analyses (see Figure 5-2 for typical hydrograph).
A unit hydrograph represents the response of a watershed to a rainfall excess of unit depth
and specific duration. The unit is 1mm that is, the volume associated with an excess
rainfall of 1mm distributed over the entire contributing area (see Figure 5-3 for sample unit
hydrograph).
The response of a watershed to rainfall is considered to be a linear process. This has two
implications that are useful to the drainage designer: The concepts of proportionality and
superposition. For example, the runoff hydrograph resulting from a two-unit pulse of
rainfall of a specific duration would have ordinates that are twice as large as those resulting
from a one-unit pulse of rainfall of the same duration. In addition, the hydrograph resulting
from the sequence of two one-unit pulses of rainfall can be found by the superposition of
two one-unit hydrographs. Thus, by determining a unit hydrograph for a watershed, it is
possible to determine the flood hydrograph resulting from any measured or design rainfall
using these two principles.
Since hydrologic considerations can influence the selection of a highway corridor and the
alternate routes within the corridor, site specific studies and investigations shall be
undertaken at the Planning Stage (see Chapter 3: Planning) and refer to the ERA Route
Selection Manual. In addition, special studies and investigations may be required at
sensitive locations (example wetlands and important archaeological sites). The magnitude
and complexity of these studies shall be commensurate with the importance and magnitude
of the project and problems encountered. Typical data to be included in such surveys or
studies are: topographic maps; aerial photographs; stream flow records; historical high
water marks; flood discharges; and locations of hydraulic features such as reservoirs,
wetlands, water projects, and designated or regulatory floodplain areas (for more detailed
data requirement, refer to Chapter 4).
All hydrologic analysis shall consider the flood history of the area and the effect of these
historical floods on existing and proposed structures. The flood history includes the
historical floods and the flood history of any existing structures near the proposed project
area.
Interagency Coordination
A hydrologic analysis is prerequisite to identifying flood hazard areas and determining
those locations where construction and maintenance will be unusually expensive or
hazardous. Since many levels of government plan, design, and construction of highway
and water resource projects might affect each other, interagency coordination is desirable
and often necessary. In addition, agencies can share data and experiences within project
areas to assist in the completion of accurate hydrologic analysis. Interagency coordination
between the Ministries of Transport, Water & Energy, Agriculture and Telecommunication
etc. is very important.
Documentation
Experience indicates that the design of highway drainage structures should be documented
adequately. Frequently, it is necessary to refer to plans and specifications long after the
actual construction has been completed. Thus, it is necessary to fully document the
collected raw hydrological data and the results of all hydrologic analysis including the
hydrological modeling reports and model results.
Hydrological information can be obtained from the Ministry of Water and Energy. The
type and source of information available for hydrologic analysis will vary from site to site
and it is the responsibility of the designer to determine what information is available and
applicable to a particular analysis. A comprehensive list of data sources is included in
Chapter 4: Data Collection, Evaluation and Documentation. However, hydrological data
is scarce in Ethiopia. The available rainfall and flow data is also of poor quality.
Factors Affecting Flood Runoff
Runoff: Two main factors influence runoff from a watershed: precipitation and
abstractions. Precipitation in Ethiopia is represented as rainfall. Rainfall rate distributions
within a watershed vary both temporally and spatially. For most determinations of peak
flows for use in road drainage design and analysis efforts, it is commonly assumed that
rainfall rates not to vary within the watershed during the rainfall event. However, this
assumption only holds true for small and medium size catchments.
Generally, the entire volume of rainfall occurring on a watershed does not appear as runoff.
Losses, known as abstractions, tend to reduce the volume of water appearing as runoff.
Abstractions of precipitation in its evolution into runoff are numerous. However, for the
typical highway drainage design problem, only six abstractions are commonly considered.
These are discussed below in the order of their significance to the rainfall runoff.
• Infiltration: Infiltration is the amount of precipitation that percolates into the
ground within the watershed. This abstraction is a function of soil type and
characteristics, terrain slopes, and ground cover. In order to assess infiltration,
detailed topographical, soil data and land cover/use map is required. However,
availability and quality of this data is very limited in Ethiopia. In areas where these
data are scarce, the engineer should use alternative methods.
• Depression storage: Depression storage is the precipitation stored permanently in
inescapable depressions within the watershed. It is a function of land use, ground
cover, and general topography (see comments above).
• Detention storage: Detention storage is the precipitation stored temporarily in
streams, channels, and reservoirs within the watershed. It is a function of the
general drainage network of streams, channels, ponds, etc. within the watershed.
• Interception: Interception is the precipitation that serves to first “wet” the physical
features of the watershed (e.g., leaves, rooftops, pavements). It is a function of most
watershed characteristics.
during light rainfall but overflow during heavy rainfall. Assess the likely effect of
diversions that exist within the watershed. Also, ensure that the potential impact of
necessary diversions resulting from the highway project is minimized.
Channelization: Channelization in an urban area includes the following:
• Improved open channels;
• Curb and gutter street sections;
• Inverted crown street sections; and
• Storm drain systems.
Any of these channelization types serve to make drainage more efficient. This means that
flows in areas with urban channelization can be greater, and peak discharges occur much
more quickly than where no significant channelization exists.
Future Conditions: Changes in watershed characteristics and climate directly affect runoff
rates. A reasonable service life of a designed system is expected. Therefore, base the
estimate of design flood upon runoff influences within the time of the anticipated service
life of the facility.
Prediction Information: In general, consider estimates for future land use and watershed
character within some future range. It is difficult to predict the future, but the designer
should make an effort at such a prediction, especially with regard to watershed
characteristics. Local and federal officials and planners can often provide information on
potential future characteristics of the watershed. In estimating future characteristics of the
watershed, consider changes in vegetative cover, surface permeability, and controlled
drainage systems. Climatic changes usually occur over extremely long periods of time
however, it is reasonable to consider potential climatic changes during the anticipated life
span of the facility.
Photo 5-2: Vegetation and land use significantly affect watershed hydrology
Photo 5-3 Deforestation alters the runoff patterns and volumes in watersheds
Photo 5-4: Debris flows interrupt the traffic and cause extensive damage.
Flood of years Percentage probability that a flood of frequency “f” or larger will occur
frequency at least once during the period of “n” years
Estimating peak discharges for various recurrence intervals is one of the most common
engineering challenges faced by drainage structure designers. This is the main challenge in
Ethiopia where there is no adequate primary data to base the analysis. During the manual
revision work and the site visit, it was noted that many of the bridges either are overtopped
or washed away by floods by being unable to accommodate the flow generated by the
catchment upstream of the crossing. Therefore, flow estimation methods should be
calibrated with locally collected data. Discharge determination can be divided into two
general categories:
• Gauged sites - the site is at or near a gauging station and the stream flow record is
of sufficient length, then statistical analysis should be used to estimate peak flows.
• Ungauged sites - the site is not near a gauging station and no stream flow record is
available.
Hydrologic procedures that can be used for both categories stated above will be discussed
in the next sections.
Certain hydrologic procedures use rainfall and rainfall frequency as the basic input instead
of flood frequency. It is also commonly assumed that the 10-year rainfall will produce the
10-year flood. Depending on antecedent soil moisture conditions, and other hydrologic
parameters, there may not be a direct relationship between rainfall and flood frequency.
For projects on small basins (under 25.9 sq. km) it is usually not practicable to distinguish
between rainfall frequency and runoff frequency due to lack of available data. However,
based on research in UK, 140 years rainfall is expected to generate a 100 year flood.
From the standpoint of drainage structure utilization, design a structure that will operate in
the following manner:
• Efficiently for lesser floods;
• Adequately for the design flood; and
• Acceptably for greater floods.
For these reasons, it is often important to consider floods of other magnitudes. To define
the peak flows for frequencies other than the design frequency, use the approach of
developing a general flood-frequency relation for the subject site.
The review (check) flood shall be at least as provided in Chapter 2, Table 2-1. In some
cases, a flood event larger than the specified review flood might be used for analysis to
ensure the safety of the drainage structure and downstream communities. In some cases,
evaluate a flood event larger than the 100-year flood (super-flood) to ensure the safety of
the drainage structure and downstream communities.
A 500-year flood analysis is required for checking the design of bridge foundations against
potential scour failure.
If a catastrophic failure of a bridge or culvert can release a flood wave that would result in
loss of life, disruption of essential services, or excessive economic damage, the bridge or
culvert design should be evaluated in terms of a probable maximum flood or PMF. For
example, a culvert under normal flood operation will act like a dam. PMF considers the
conditions under which the culvert/dam may fail. The PMF is not related to an event
frequency but is a specialized analysis.
The following are some of the most widely used flow estimation methods:
• Rational Method;
• NRCS Runoff Curve Number Methods;
• Statistical analysis of stream data; and
• Regional regression equations.
Rational Method: The Rational Method provides estimates of peak runoff rates for small
urban and rural watersheds of less than 50 hectares (0.5 square km) and in which natural or
man-made storage is small. It is best suited to the design of urban storm drain systems,
small side ditches and median ditches, and driveway pipes. It shall be used with caution if
the time of concentration exceeds 30 minutes. Rainfall is a necessary input for this method
of flow estimation. See Section 5.6 for more information on the Rational Method.
NRCS Runoff Curve Number Methods: The Natural Resources Conservation Service
(formerly Soil Conservation Service) developed the runoff curve number method as a
means of estimating the amount of rainfall appearing as runoff. Technical Release 20 (TR
20) employs the Runoff Curve Number Method and a dimensionless unit hydrograph to
provide estimation of peak discharges and runoff hydrographs from complex watersheds.
The procedure allows the designer to estimate the effect of urbanization, channel storage,
flood control storage, and multiple tributaries. TR 20 can be applied to the design of
culverts, bridges, detention ponds, channel modification, and analysis of flood control
reservoirs. Technical Release 55 (TR 55) is a simplified form of TR 20 for use in
estimating peak discharges for small watersheds (urban and rural) whose time of
concentration does not exceed 10 hours. TR 55 includes a hydrograph development
procedure; however, where hydrograph determination is necessary, use TR 20 or another
hydrograph procedure. See Section 5.7 for more information on the NRCS Runoff Curve
Number Methods. The unit hydrograph used by the SCS method is based upon an analysis
of a large number of natural unit hydrographs from a broad cross section of geographic
locations and hydrologic regions in USA. The rainfall depth to be used as input is
presented in Table 5-19 at the end of this chapter.
However, the SCS Curve Number method is applicable to small catchments (maximum
area 6,500 ha) with a time of concentration for any sub-area of 0.1 – 10 hours (NRCS,
2002).
As detailed in Highway Hydrology - Hydraulic Design Series -2, The SCS method should
be used on watersheds that are homogeneous in CN; where parts of the watershed have
CNs that differ by 5, the watershed should be subdivided and analyzed using a hydrograph
method, such as TR-20 (SCS, 1984).
The SCS method should be used only when the CN is 50 or greater and the tc is greater
than 0.1 hour and less than 10 hours. The computed value of Ia/P should be between 0.1
and 0.5.
The method should be used only when the watershed has one main channel or when there
are two main channels that have nearly equal times of concentration; otherwise, a
hydrograph method should be used.
Other methods should also be used when channel or reservoir routing is required, or where
watershed storage is either greater than 5 percent or located on the flow path used to
compute the etc.
Statistical Analysis of Stream Gauge Data: Where stream gauge data are available,
stream gauge data can be used to develop peak discharges. The Ministry of Water &
Energy keeps annual stream gauge data. The method commonly used for estimating the
peak discharges is usually Log-Pearson Type III distribution. However, as the record
length is increased, a Log-Normal distribution or General Extreme Value (GEV)
distribution could also be used. The recent data analysis demonstrated that GEV can be
used to estimate the peak flow in Ethiopia. See Section 5.9 for more information on
statistical analysis of stream gauge data. It is recommended that the distribution method,
which gives a best fit to the record data, should be used.
Regional Regression Equations: Regional regression equations provide estimates of peak
discharge for watersheds in specific geographic regions. See Section 5.10 for more
information on regional regression methods and equations.
Of these possible hydrologic methods based on the available data, it should be noted that,
at the present time, only the Rational and SCS methods are applicable to the whole
country. Regression equations and derivations from stream gauging (Gumbel, Log
Pearson, General Extreme Value) are often preferred but rely on data not available. For this
reason, only the Rational Method and the SCS method are given in this chapter.
Table 5-3: Application and limitation of flood estimation methods
The hydrologic analysis procedure flowchart Figure 5-6 shows the steps needed for the
hydrologic analysis and the designs that will use the hydrologic estimates.
There may be a number of possible paths to consider in determining the longest travel
time. Identify the flow path along which the longest travel time is likely to occur. This is a
trial and error process.
Generally, it is reasonable to consider the three following components of flow that can
characterize the progression of runoff along a travel path: overland flow (sheet flow),
shallow concentrated flow, and conduit and open channel flow (or concentrated channel
flow).
For each drainage area, determine the distance (L) from the outlet of the drainage area to
the most remote point. Determine the average slope (S) for the same distance.
For a specific drainage basin, the time of concentration consists of an inlet time plus the
time of flow in a closed conduit or open channel to the design point. Inlet time is the time
required for runoff to flow over the surface to the nearest inlet and is primarily a function
of the length of overland flow, the slope of the drainage basin, and surface cover. Pipe or
open channel flow time can be estimated from the hydraulic properties of the conduit or
channel.
For each catchment area, the distance is determined from the inlet to the most remote point
in the tributary area. From a topographic map, the average slope is determined for the same
distance. The runoff coefficient (C) is determined by the procedure described in a
subsequent section of this chapter.
To obtain the total time of concentration, the pipe or open channel flow time must be
calculated and added to the inlet time. After first determining the average flow velocity in
the pipe or channel, the travel time is obtained by dividing velocity into the pipe or channel
length. Manning’s Equation can be used to determine velocity (see Chapter 6: Open
Channels).
Pipe or open channel flow time can be estimated from the hydraulic properties of the
conduit or channel. Generally, for ERA application, it is reasonable to assume uniform
flow and employ Manning’s Equation for Uniform Flow for open channel and conduit flow
considerations.
For open channel flow, consider the uniform flow velocity based on bank-full flow
conditions. That is, the main channel is flowing full without flow in the overbanks. This
assumption avoids the significant iteration associated with other methods that employ
rainfall intensity or discharges (because rainfall intensity and discharge are dependent on
time of concentration).
For conduit flow, in a proposed storm drain system, compute the velocity at uniform depth
based on the computed discharge at the upstream. Otherwise, if the conduit is in existence,
determine full capacity flow in the conduit, and determine the velocity at capacity flow. It
is necessary to compare this velocity later with the velocity calculated during conduit
analysis. If there is a significant difference and the conduit is a relatively large component
of the total travel path, re-compute the time of concentration using the latter velocity
estimate.
In some cases, runoff from a portion of the drainage area that is highly impervious may
result in a greater peak discharge than would occur if the entire area were considered. In
these cases, it is possible to adjust the drainage area and time of concentration by
disregarding those areas where flow time is too slow to add to the peak discharge.
Sometimes it is necessary to estimate several different contributing areas and associated
times of concentration to determine the design flow that is critical for a particular
application.
In drainage system design, the overland flow path is not necessarily perpendicular to the
contours shown on available mapping. Often, the land will be graded and swales and
streets will intercept the flow that reduces the time of concentration. Care should be
exercised in selecting overland flow paths in excess of 60 m in urban areas and 120 m in
rural areas.
(i) Calculation of the Time of Concentration for Overland Flow
Overland flow is the type of flow that occurs in small, flat or in upper reaches of
catchments, where there is no clearly defined watercourse. Run-off, then, is in the form of
thin layers of water flowing slowly over the fairly uneven ground surface. The kerby
formula is recommended for the calculation of Tc in this case. It is only applicable to parts
where the slope is fairly even.
.
= 0.604 . (5-3)
Where:
Tc = time of concentration (hours)
r = roughness coefficient obtained from Table 5-6
L = hydraulic length of catchment, measured along flow path from the catchment boundary
to the point where the flood needs to be determined (km)
H
S = Slope of the catchment S = (m/m) See figure 5-7
1000L
H = height of most remote point above outlet of catchment (m)
Where:
Tc = time of concentration (hours).
L = hydraulic length of catchments measured along flow path from the catchment boundary
to the point where the flood needs to be determined (km).
Sav = average slope (m/m).
The average slope may be determined graphically in two ways. The first procedure is
based on the balance of areas obtained by balancing the areas above and below the line of
the average slope as shown Figure 5.8. Alternatively, the formula developed by the US
Geological Survey, and referred to as the 1085-slope method could be used Figure 5.9.
Where:
Sav = average slope (m/m)
H 0.10L = elevation height at 10% of the length of the watercourse (m)
H 0.805L = elevation height at 85% of the length of the watercourse (m)
L = length of watercourse (km)
H = H 0.805L - H 0.10L (m)
The height of waterfalls and high rapids are subtracted from the gross H value.
iii Calculation of the Time of Concentration for Urban Areas
In urban areas, the time of concentration should be determined, where applicable, by
means of the flow velocities according to the Chezy or Manning’s equation for uniform
flow through representative cross-sections with representative slopes.
In road drainage, the volume of water that runs off as a result of a storm of less than 15
minute duration is usually not large; much of this runoff is absorbed in filling of
watercourses. Times of concentration of less than 15 mins are thus generally not
significant.
It is sound practice to calculate the average flow velocity (v = L/Tc) after determining Tc
in order to ensure that it falls within realistic times. Typical value of the flow velocity
ranges from 0.1 to 4m/s, depending on the natural conditions.
Three common errors should be avoided when calculating Tc. First, application of
simplified general equations such as Kirpich for determining Tc can result in too short a
time of concentration, particularly when the average basin slope varies significantly from
the mean channel slope as in steep mountainous areas. Neglecting the overland flow time
can also dramatically shorten the time of concentration thus increasing the design peak
runoff.
The primary objective of the Ethiopian Hydrometric Register is to catalogue the national
hydrometric monitoring networks and provide a range of reference and statistical
information to enable the basic hydrometric data to be used more effectively by a rapidly
expanding community of data users in Ethiopia. However, the Register is not structured to
allow the selection of appropriate datasets for particular projects, and to assist in the
interpretation of analyses based on nationally archived hydrological data.
Hydrometric data provide the foundation for both water science and water management.
Skilful management and manipulation of rainfall, river flow and groundwater level data
underpin the development of improved engineering design procedures. However, the
development of multivariate relationships between flow statistics and catchment
characteristics has to be based on catchments with good quality data and stations with long
record length of data.
The Ethiopia Hydrometric Register comprises two major components cataloguing the
Ethiopian surface water and, less comprehensively, groundwater monitoring networks. The
Gauging Station Register provides details of around 1500 Ethiopian gauging stations, and
the Well Register provides information relating to more than a 1000 index wells and
boreholes.
Gauged flows are generally calculated by the conversion of the record of stage, or water
level, using a stage-discharge relation, often referred to as the rating or calibration.
However, no information was available how data is transmitted from the gauging station to
the processing centre. There was no information what type of gauging instrument is used to
record the data.
An example extracted from Scotland, UK, has been included here for demonstration
purposes to show what information is required to be included with the record data to make
an informed decision regarding the quality of the data and the station.
Example: 13002 Luther Water at Luther Bridge SEPA East.
Station: Velocity-area station with cableway; 10m wide. Situation not ideal due to bend u/s and
island d/s, but stage-discharge relation is regularly reviewed using routine gaugings. Stable
bedrock control at low flows.
Catchment: Upper third of catchment is fairly steep (Grampian Mountains),the rest has moderate
slopes. Lower 80% is on ORS, the remainder is metamorphic. Almost the entire catchment is
covered by superficial deposits. Land use is forest (approx. half) and rough grazing at higher levels
with arable and cattle elsewhere.”
It is recommended that a similar data recording procedure is adopted in Ethiopia.
Responsibility for the collection and initial processing of hydrometric data in Ethiopia rests
principally with the National Meteorological Service Agency of Ethiopia.
River flows in Ethiopia are often difficult to measure precisely – particularly in flood or
drought conditions – and can be substantially affected by the geological and land- use
characteristics of individual catchments, and by the net impact of water use patterns above
each gauging station. Such artificial influences range from a large diminution in flows
caused by a major abstraction for irrigation immediately upstream of the gauging station to
the, normally, more subtle impact of land use change on river flow patterns. Groundwater
levels may also be heavily influenced by man’s activities – abstraction rates in particular.
An appreciation of these effects is necessary to exploit the archived data most effectively.
For this exercise, important material relating to the impact of changing patterns of water
utilisation on river flow regimes and groundwater level behaviour was not available from
The Ministry of Water & Energy.
More than 1500 rainfall-gauging stations have been identified across Ethiopia. However
only around 32 gauging stations have been found to be suitable for inclusion in updating
the existing data in the 2002 manual (refer table 5.4).
Identifying, quantifying and attributing hydrological change is an essential pre-requisite for
the design of scientifically-based mitigation strategies to moderate the impact of future
floods, and to minimise the flood risk to the infrastructure. However, the current network
of gauging stations is mainly concentrated in the central part of Ethiopia (refer to figure 5-
11). Most of the gauging stations outside the central region are not functional and the
record length for some of them is too small to be used for statistical analysis. Hence, these
data have not been utilised to update the manual.
In addition to the rainfall and flow data, borehole data to assess the ground water levels has
also been collected from the Ministry of Water & Energy. River flows and groundwater
levels in Ethiopia reflect more than just the intensity and distribution of rainfall and the
magnitude of evaporation losses. Geology and land use influence river runoff and aquifer
recharge patterns, and the natural variations of each are often substantially disturbed by the
complex and evolving pattern of water utilisation for hydropower and irrigation. However
the quality of the borehole data is poor and has not been utilised.
The daily highest rainfall data obtained from the National Meteorological Agency of
Ethiopia has been statistically analysed using three methods of distribution analysis namely
Generalized Extreme Value, Log Pearson-3 and Gumbel’s Methods. Commercially
available statistical analysis software, EasyFit 5.5 Professional has been utilised.
The reliability of the distributions is checked by the goodness of fit tests. The goodness of
fit (GOF) tests measures the compatibility of a random sample with a theoretical
probability distribution function. In other words, these tests show how well the distribution
you selected fits to your data. The Anderson-Darling (AD), the Kolmogorov-Smirnov
(KS), and the Chi-Squared tests are used for the goodness of fit test. The selection of the
best fit method is based on the ranks given by the three fitness methods.
Rainfall data obtained to update the data included in the previous manual has been
evaluated and screened to make sure that the available data is fit for purpose. On some of
the stations, some month’s data were missing while on other stations, the whole year data
is totally missing. There was no reason given by the Meteorological Service Agency why
the data was missing. Various methods have been employed (refer to Section 5.9) to infill
the missing data. However, given the uncertainty of the data and the low density of the
gauging stations, the recorded data with the data gap has been rejected.
Outlier Identification, Retention, Modification, Deletion
Check on outliers has been undertaken on the recoded rainfall and flow data to identify any
low or high outliers. Outliers are data points, which depart significantly from the trend of
the remaining data. The retention, modification, deletion of these outliers can significantly
affect the statistical parameters computed from the data, especially for small samples. All
procedures for treating outliers ultimately require judgement involving both mathematical
and hydrologic considerations. The procedure followed for detection and treatment of high
and low outliers for this project are summarised below:
• When the station skew is greater than +0.4, test for high outliers should be
considered first;
• When the station skew is less than -0.4 tests for low outliers should be considered
first;
• Where the station skew is between ±0.4, test for both high and low outlier should
be applied before eliminating any outliers from the data set. For detail procedure of
outlier adjustment, refer to Bulletin#17B (ref 10) and ref v.chow etal.
Low and high outliers have been detected in some of the station data obtained. There is a
total lack of information about the stations history and data validation. There is no clear
information regarding the reliability of the data and the status of the station. In light of this,
data with low and high outliers have been rejected instead of being adjusted. As the
number of gauging stations and number of years with both low and high outliers are too
small, the rejection of them will not make any difference on the outcome of the analysis.
The results of the rainfall statistical analysis indicate that the country can be divided into
several hydrological regions, which display similar rainfall patterns, as indicated on the
map in Figure 5-13 at the end of this chapter. Using the statistical analyses described in the
previous sections, rainfall intensity-duration curves have been developed for commonly
used design frequencies. Figures 5-16 through 5-23 at the end of this chapter show the
curves prepared from presently available data.
The rainfall data available is too sparse to develop highly accurate intensity-duration-
frequency curves. The 24-hour rainfall depth records were generally adequate to project
the frequency of 24-hour rainfall depths. Based on the monthly rainfall depths and patterns,
the country was divided into regions and sub-regions in 1989 by Dr Admassu Gebeyehu. It
is recommended that the engineer to undertake further research on the rainfall region
classification and revise the data.
Based on the statistical analysis undertaken as part of the current manual review work, the
country could be further divided into more than 8 rainfall pattern regions. This task is
outside the current scope of works and the current regional classification has been retained
but this should be revised when the manual is updated in the future. The methodology
adopted in the 2002 manual to generate the IDF curves has also been adapted to update the
IDF curves with the latest rainfall data.
The amount of data available for shorter duration storms was too sparse for the
development of intensity-duration-frequency curves, and was insufficient to do a frequency
distribution plot for each rainfall period. In order to develop intensity-duration-frequency
curves for each rainfall region, the ratios of the short duration data available were
compared to the 24-hour data. Based on this comparison and making similar comparisons
for published rainfall data from other country, principally the United States, it seemed that
reasonable estimations of rainfall depths occurring in shorter periods could be expressed as
a fraction of the 24-hour rainfall depth.
Many recommendations for depth-duration-frequency curves in the technical literature
suggest a "broken-leg" approach such that the depth duration frequency equation for
shorter duration rainfalls, less than one hour, is different from that derived for longer
duration rainfalls. Because of the scarcity of data this approach was not taken and one
curve was developed. The amount of rainfall data obtained for peak rainfall intensities of
periods shorter than one-half hour was too limited to be useful. The curves presented are
satisfactory for rainfall durations of one-half hour or more. Intensities for periods shorter
than 15 minutes appear to be overestimated by the curves presented.
It is recommended in this manual that for the design of most drainage structures, the
minimum time of concentration is taken as 15 minutes. The design of gutters and inlets
may be based on shorter rainfall durations, but this isn't serious conservatism. The overall
drainage system - drainage conduit - will usually be designed for storm duration of nearly
15 minutes or more, thus the most expensive part of the drainage system will not be
unnecessarily over-designed.
• Restrictions to the natural flow such as highway crossings and dams that exist in
the catchment area shall be investigated to see how they affect the design flows.
• The charts, graphs, and tables included in this section are not intended to replace
reasonable and prudent engineering judgment that should permeate each step in the
design process.
Characteristics of the Rational Method that generally limit its use to 50 hectares include:
(1) The rate of runoff resulting from any rainfall intensity is a maximum when the
rainfall intensity lasts as long as or longer than the time of concentration. That is, the
entire catchment area does not contribute to the peak discharge until the time of
concentration has elapsed.
This assumption limits the size of the drainage basin that can be evaluated by the Rational
Method. For large catchment areas, the time of concentration can be so large that constant
rainfall intensities for such long periods do not occur and shorter more intense rainfalls can
produce larger peak flows. Further, in semi-arid and arid regions, storm cells are relatively
small with extreme intensity variations thus making the Rational Method inappropriate for
catchment areas greater than 50 hectares.
(2) The frequency of peak discharges is the same as that of the rainfall intensity for the
given time of concentration.
Frequencies of peak discharges depend on rainfall frequencies, antecedent moisture
conditions in the catchment area, and the response characteristics of the drainage system.
For small and largely impervious areas, rainfall frequency is the dominant factor. For
larger drainage basins, the response characteristics control. For catchment areas with few
impervious surfaces (little urban development), antecedent moisture conditions usually
govern, especially for rainfall events with a return period of 10 years or less.
(3) The fraction of rainfall that becomes runoff (C) is independent of rainfall intensity or
volume.
This assumption is only reasonable for impervious areas, such as streets, rooftops, and
parking lots. For pervious areas, the fraction of runoff does vary with rainfall intensity and
the accumulated volume of rainfall. Thus, the application of the Rational Method requires
the selection of a coefficient that is appropriate for the storm, soil, and land use conditions.
Many guidelines and tables have been established, but seldom, if ever, have they been
supported with empirical evidence.
(4) The peak rate of runoff is sufficient information for the design.
Modern drainage practice includes detention of urban storm runoff to reduce the peak rate
of runoff downstream. Using only the peak rate of runoff, the Rational Method severely
limits the evaluation of design alternatives available in urban and in some instances, rural
drainage design.
The rational formula estimates the peak rate of runoff at any location in a catchment area
as a function of the catchment area; runoff coefficient; and mean rainfall intensity, for a
duration equal to the time of concentration.The rational formula is expressed as:
= 0.00278 (5-6)
where:
Q = maximum rate of runoff, m3/s
C = runoff coefficient representing a ratio of runoff to rainfall (see Tables 5-5
through 5-9)
I = average rainfall intensity for a duration equal to the time of concentration, for a
selected return period, mm/hr
A = catchment area tributary to the design location, ha
The coefficients given in Tables 5-5 through 5-9 are applicable for storms of 5-yr to 10-yr
frequencies. Less frequent, higher intensity storms will require modification of the
coefficient because infiltration and other losses have a proportionally smaller effect on
runoff (11). The adjustment of the Rational Method for use with major storms can be made
by multiplying the right side of the rational formula by a frequency factor Cf. The rational
formula now becomes:
= 0.00278 (5-7)
Cf values are listed below table 5.8. The product of Cf times C shall not exceed 1.0.
Table 5-5: Recommended Runoff Coefficient C for Pervious Surfaces by Selected
Hydrologic Soil Groupings and Slope Ranges
Soil Type
Terrain Type
A B C D
Flat, <2% 0.04-0.09 0.07-0.12 0.11-0.16 0.15-0.20
Rolling, 2-6% 0.09-0.14 0.12-0.17 0.16-0.21 0.20-0.25
Mountain, 6-15% 0.13-0.18 0.18-0.24 0.23-0.31 0.28-0.38
Escarpment, >15% 0.18-0.22 0.24-0.30 0.30-0.40 0.38-0.48
Recurrence interval Cf
(years)
5 1.00
10 1.00
25 1.10
50 1.20
100 1.25
The results of using the Rational Formula to estimate peak discharges is very sensitive to
the parameters that are used. The designer must use good engineering judgment in
estimating values that are used in the method.
The rainfall intensity (I) is the average rainfall rate in mm/hr for duration equal to the time
of concentration for a selected return period. Once a particular return period has been
selected for design and a time of concentration calculated for the catchment area, the
rainfall intensity can be determined from Rainfall-Intensity-Duration curves. Rainfall-
Intensity-Duration curves for use in Ethiopia are given in Figures 5-14 through 5-21 at the
end of this chapter.
For drainage areas in Ethiopia, you may compute the rainfall intensity at any required time
using the 24hr rainfall depth, which is known as a rainfall intensity-duration-frequency
(IDF) relationship.
( )
= ( )
(5-8)
Where:
RRt = Rainfall depth Ratio Rt: R24
Rt = Rainfall depth in a given duration’t’
R24= 24 hr rainfall depth
b and n = coefficients b=0.3 and n=(0.78-1.09).
The general shape of a rainfall intensity-duration-frequency curve is shown in Figure 5-11.
As rain-fall duration tends towards zero, the rainfall intensity tends towards infinity.
Because the rainfall intensity/duration relationship is accessed by assuming that the
duration is equal to the time of concentration, small areas with exceedingly short times of
concentration could result in design rainfall intensities that are unrealistically high. To
minimize this likelihood, use a minimum time of concentration of 10 minutes when using
the coefficients presented in the Hydrology document. As the duration tends to infinity, the
design rainfall tends towards zero. Usually, the area limitation of 50 hectares should result
in design rainfall intensities that are not unrealistically low. However, if the estimated time
of concentration is extremely long, such as may occur in extremely flat areas, it may be
necessary to consider an upper threshold of time or use a different hydrologic method.
In some instances alternate methods of determining rainfall intensity may be desired,
especially for coordination with other agencies. Ensure that any alternate methods are
applicable.
The runoff coefficient (C) is the variable of the Rational Method least susceptible to
precise determination and requires judgment and understanding on the part of the designer.
A typical coefficient represents the integrated effects of many drainage basin parameters.
The following discussion considers the effects of soil groups, land use, and average land
slope.
Soil properties influence the relationship between runoff and rainfall since soils have
differing rates of infiltration. Permeability and infiltration are the principal data required to
classify soils into Hydrologic Soils Groups (HSG). Based on infiltration rates, the Soil
Conservation Service (SCS) has divided soils into four hydrologic soil groups as follows:
Group A: Sand, loamy sand or sandy loam. Soils having a low runoff potential due to high
infiltration rates. These soils primarily consist of deep, well-drained sands and gravels.
Group B: Silt loam, or loam. Soils having a moderately low runoff potential due to
moderate infiltration rates. These soils primarily consist of moderately deep to deep,
moderately well to well drained soils with moderately fine to moderately coarse textures.
Group C: Sandy clay loam. Soils having a moderately high runoff potential due to slow
infiltration rates. These soils primarily consist of soils in which a layer exists near the
surface that impedes the downward movement of water or soils with moderately fine to
fine texture.
Group D: Clay loam, silty clay loam, sandy clay, silty clay or clay. Soils having a high
runoff potential due to very slow infiltration rates. These soils primarily consist of clays
with high swelling potential, soils with permanently-high water tables, soils with a claypan
or clay layer at or near the surface, and shallow soils over nearly impervious parent
material.
Data from direct field measurements on soil permeability and infiltration rates for
Ethiopian soils are very limited. Data is generally available only for soil types located near
major irrigation projects and agricultural research stations. The hydrological soils groups
presented in Table 5-10 are based on limited field measurements and from profile
morphology and physical characteristics, and are subject to further review and refinement.
Table 5-10: Typical Hydrologic Soils Groups for Ethiopia
Soil Types Hydrologic Soil Group
Ao Orthic Acrisols B
Bc Chromic Cambisols B
Bd Dystric Cambisols B
Be Eutric Cambisols B
Bh Humic Cambisols C
Bk Calcic Cambisols B
Bv Vertic Cambisols B
Ck Calcic Chernozems B
E Rendzinas D
Hh Haplic Phaeozems C
Hl Luvic Phaeozems C
I Lithosols D
Jc Calcaric Fluvisols B
Je Eutric Fluvisols B
Lc Chromic Luvisols B
Lo Orthic Luvisols B
Lv Vertic Luvisols C
Nd Dystric Nitosols B
Ne Eutric Nitosols B
Od Dystric Histosols D
Oe Eutric Histosols D
Qc Cambric Arenosols A
Rc Calcaric Regosols A
Re Eutric Regosols A
Th Humic Andosols B
Tm Mollic Andosols B
Tv Vitric Andosols B
Vc Chromic Vertisols D
Vp Pellic Vertisols D
Xh Haplic Xerosols B
Xk Caloic Xerosols B
Xl Luvic Xerosols C
Yy Gypsic Yermosols B
Zg Gleyic Solonchaks D
Zo Orthic Solonchaks B
(Source: Ministry of Agriculture)
As the slope of the drainage basin increases, the selected runoff coefficient C should also
increase. This is caused by the fact that as the slope of the catchment area increases, the
velocity of overland and channel flow will increase allowing less opportunity for water to
infiltrate the ground surface. Thus, more of the rainfall will become runoff from the
catchment area.
It is often desirable to develop a composite runoff coefficient based on the percentage of
different types of surface in the catchment area. Composites can be made with Tables 5-5
and 5-6. At a more detailed level composites can be made with Table 5-7 and the
coefficients with respect to surface type given in Table 5-9. The composite procedure can
be applied to an entire catchment area or to typical "sample” blocks as a guide to selection
of reasonable values of the coefficient for an entire area.
The following procedure outlines the rational method for estimating peak discharge:
• Determine the watershed area in hectares (km2);
• Determine the time of concentration, with consideration for future characteristics of
the watershed;
• Assure consistency with the assumptions and limitations for application of the
Rational Method;
• Determine the rainfall IDF coefficients. Extract the Rainfall Intensity-Duration
Frequency Coefficients b, and n values from the list in Hydrology according to the
locality in Ethiopia and the design frequency;
• Use Equation 5- 8 to calculate the rainfall intensity in mm/hr or use developed IDF
curves figure 5-16 to 5-21;
• Select or develop appropriate runoff coefficients for the watershed. Where the
watershed comprises more than one characteristic, you must estimate C values for
each area segment individually. You may then estimate a weighted C value; and
• Calculate the peak discharge for the watershed for the desired frequency using
Equation 5-7.
Refer to worked example 5.1
A catchment area is determined from topographic maps; DEM data’s and field surveys. For
large catchment areas it might be necessary to divide the area into sub-catchment areas to
account for major land use changes, obtain analysis results at different points within the
catchment area, or locate storm water drainage structures and assess their effects on the
flood flows. A field inspection of existing or proposed drainage systems shall be made to
determine if the natural drainage divides have been altered. These alterations could make
significant changes in the size and slope of the sub catchment areas.
The SCS method is based on a 24-hour storm event which has a Type II time distribution.
The Type II storm distribution is a 'typical" time distribution which the SCS has prepared
from rainfall records. It is applicable for interior rather than the coastal regions and
appropriate for Ethiopia. The Type II rainfall distribution will usually give a higher runoff
than a Type I distribution. Figure 5-13 shows this distribution. To use this distribution it is
necessary for the user to obtain 1) the 24-hour rainfall value (from Table 5-19) for the
frequency of the design storm desired, and then 2) multiply this value by 24 to obtain the
total 24-hour storm volume in millimeters.
A relationship between accumulated rainfall and accumulated runoff was derived by SCS
from experimental plots for numerous hydrologic and vegetative cover conditions. Data for
land-treatment measures, such as contouring and terracing, from experimental catchment
areas were included. The equation was developed mainly for small catchment areas for
which daily rainfall and catchment area data are ordinarily available. It was developed
from recorded storm data that included total amount of rainfall in a calendar day but not its
distribution with respect to time. The SCS runoff equation is therefore a method of
estimating direct runoff from 24-hour or 1-day storm rainfall. The equation is:
( )
=( )
(5-9)
Where:
Q = accumulated direct runoff, mm
P = accumulated rainfall (potential maximum runoff), mm
Ia = initial abstraction including surface storage, interception, and infiltration prior
to runoff, mm
S = potential maximum retention, mm.
Runoff Factors
Runoff is rainfall excess or effective rainfall - the amount by which rainfall exceeds the
capability of the land to infiltrate or otherwise retain the rainwater. The principal physical
catchment area characteristics affecting the relationship between rainfall and runoff are
land use, land treatment, soil types, and land slope.
Land use is the catchment area cover, and it includes both agricultural and nonagricultural
uses. Items such as type of vegetation, water surfaces, roads, roofs, etc. are all part of the
land use. Land treatment applies mainly to agricultural land use, and it includes
mechanical practices such as contouring or terracing and management practices such as
rotation of crops. The SCS uses a combination of soil conditions and land-use (ground
cover) to assign a runoff factor to an area. These runoff factors, called runoff curve
numbers (CN), indicate the runoff potential of an area. The higher the CN, the higher is the
runoff potential.
Soil properties influence the relationship between rainfall and runoff by affecting the rate
of infiltration. The SCS has divided soils into four hydrologic soil groups based on
infiltration rates (Groups A, B, C, and D). These groups were previously described for the
Rational Formula (see Section 5.6, Table 5-9).
Consideration shall be given to the effects of urbanization on the natural hydrologic soil
group. If heavy equipment can be expected to compact the soil during construction or if
grading will mix the surface and subsurface soils, appropriate changes shall be made in the
soil group selected. Also runoff curve numbers vary with the antecedent soil moisture
conditions, defined as the amount of rainfall occurring in a selected period preceding a
given storm. In general, the greater the antecedent rainfall, the more direct runoff there is
from a given storm. A five-day period is used as the minimum for estimating antecedent
moisture conditions. Antecedent soil moisture conditions also vary during a storm; heavy
rain falling on a dry soil can change the soil moisture condition from dry to average to wet
during the storm period.
The following pages give a series of tables related to runoff factors. The first tables (Tables
5-11 through 5-14) give curve numbers for various land uses. These tables are based on an
average antecedent moisture condition, i.e., soils that are neither very wet nor very dry
when the design storm begins. Curve numbers shall be selected only after a field inspection
of the catchment area and a review of cover type and soil maps. Table 5-15 gives
conversion factors to convert average curve numbers to wet and dry curve numbers. Table
5-16 gives the antecedent conditions for the three classifications.
Care shall be taken in the selection of curve numbers (CN's). Use a representative average
curve number, CN, for the catchment area.
Selection of overly conservative CN’s will result in the estimation of excessively high
runoff and consequently excessively costly drainage structures. Selection of conservatively
high values for all runoff variables results in compounding the runoff estimation.
It is better to use average values and design for a longer storm frequency. Often the runoff
computed using conservative CN's for a ten year storm will greatly exceed the computed
runoff for average CN's for a 25 or even 50 year storm. The hydrologic designer could
consider doing both in making the most appropriate selection of design discharge.
For antecedent moisture conditions (AMC) in Ethiopia, use dry for Region D1, wet for
Region B1, and average AMC for all other regions. The portion of Region A2 in the
vicinity of Bahir Dar should also be treated as wet. When wet AMC is used, it is unlikely
that the vegetation density will also be poor to sparse.
Average %
Cover type and Hydrologic condition A B C D
impervious area2
1
Average runoff condition, and Ia = 0.2S
2
The average percent impervious area shown was used to develop the composite CNs. Other assumptions are
as follows: impervious areas are directly connected to the drainage system, impervious areas have a CN of
98, and pervious areas are considered equivalent to open space in good hydrologic condition. If the
impervious area is not connected, the SCS method has an adjustment to reduce the effect.
3
CNs shown are equivalent to those of pasture. Composite CNs may be computed for other combinations of
open space cover type.
Table 5-15: Conversion from Average Antecedent Moisture Conditions to Dry and
Wet Conditions
Table 5-16: Rainfall Groups for Antecedent Soil Moisture Conditions during
Growing and Dormant Seasons
Where C0, C1 and C2 = regression coefficients given in table 5-17 for various Ia/p ratios:
= unit conversion factor equal to 0.000431 in SI unit.
Rainfall
Ia/P C0 C1 C2
Type
0.1 2.3055 -0.5143 -0.1175
0.2 2.23537 -0.5039 -0.0893
0.25 2.18219 -0.4849 -0.0659
0.3 2.10624 -0.4570 -0.0284
I
0.35 2.00303 -0.4077 0.01983
0.4 1.87733 -0.3227 0.05754
0.45 1.76312 -0.1564 0.00453
0.5 1.67889 -0.0693 0.00000
The following procedure outlines the SCS method for estimating peak discharge.
• Determine the watershed area in hectares (km2);
• Determine the time of concentration, with consideration for future characteristics of
the watershed;
• Determine the soil type, soil group, and land use and curve number of the
watershed area; determine the hydrologic region, check the AMC and convert the
Cn value if required to wet or dry condition;
• Determine the 24hr rainfall depth and calculate the Ia/p ratio;
• Use Equation 5-14 to calculate the unit peak flood;
• Calculate the peak discharge for the watershed for the desired frequency using
Equation 5-13.
As a flood hydrograph approaches and passes through a reservoir or detention facility, the
characteristics of unsteady flow become significant. It is necessary to make an accounting
of inflow and outflow rates and water storage characteristics by routing a flood hydrograph
through the storage facility.
Reservoir or detention pond storage routing also applies when outflow depends only upon
the volume of flood storage. Use storage routing techniques to do the following:
• Determine peak discharges from watersheds containing reservoir flood water
detention basins and other flow retardation structures;
• Specify overtopping flood magnitudes; and
• Evaluate traffic interruption due to roadway overtopping and the associated
economic losses.
Several analytical and graphical methods route flood hydrographs through reservoirs or
other detention facilities. All of the methods require reliable descriptions of the following
three items:
• An inflow runoff hydrograph for the subject flood;
• The storage capacity versus water elevation within the facility; and
• The performance characteristics of outlet facilities associated with the operation of
the facility.
By definition, when inflow and outflow from a reservoir (or any type of storage facility)
are equal, a steady-state condition exists. If the inflow exceeds the outflow, the additional
discharge is stored in the system. Conversely, when the out flow exceeds the inflow, water
is taken from storage.
Some sites exist where a series of stream flow observations have been made and stream
gauge data obtained. It is necessary to use this data, with certain qualifications, to develop
a peak discharge versus frequency relation for peak runoff from the watershed.
Peak Stream Flow Frequency Relation. Stream gauging stations recording annual peak
discharges have been established at 127 stream flow-gauging stations within the 12 River
Basins of Ethiopia. If the gauging record covers a sufficient period, it is possible to
develop a peak stream-flow frequency relation by statistical analysis of the series of
recorded annual maximum flows. It is possible to use such relationships productively in
several different ways:
• If the road drainage site is near the gauging station on the same stream and
watershed, the discharge can be used directly for a specific frequency (T-year
discharge) from the peak stream flow frequency relationship;
• If the drainage structure site is within the same basin but not proximate to the
gauging station, transposition of gauge analysis results is possible;
• If the structure site is not within a gauged basin, it is possible to develop the peak-
flow flood-frequency from data from a group of several gauging stations based on
either a hydrologic region (e.g., regional regression equations), or similar
hydrologic characteristics.
Curve Development Stipulations. It is possible to develop a peak stream flow versus
frequency curve for a site by statistical means provided the following stipulations are met:
• Sufficient peak discharge sample - A sufficient statistical sample of annual peak
discharges must be available. This usually means a minimum of eight years of data.
Some statisticians prefer a sample of 20 or more years. However, 20 years usually
is not realistic for available observation periods, and fewer observations are often
used as a basis for an analysis.
• No significant change in channel/basin - No significant changes in the channel or
basin should have taken place during the period of recording. If significant changes
did occur, the resulting peak-stream flow frequency relation could be flawed. The
urbanization character of the watershed must not be likely to change enough to
affect significantly the characteristics of peak flows within the total time of
observed annual peaks and anticipated service life of the highway drainage
structure. No means of accommodating future changed characteristics of a
watershed within the statistical methods are used in highway hydrology.
Missing observations in stream flow records at gauging locations are very common and
one of the elementary steps in any hydrological data analysis is to make decisions about
dealing with these missing data points. Missing records in the annual maximum flood
series were in-filled where the extra data points can be estimated with sufficient accuracy
to contribute additional information rather than ‘noise’. One of the following methods can
be applied, as documented in Rahman (1997) and Haddad, Rahman and Weinmann
(2008b).
Method 1:
Comparison of the monthly instantaneous maximum (IM) data with monthly maximum
mean (MMD) data at the same station for years with data gaps should be identified. If a
missing month of instantaneous maximum flow corresponds to a month of very low
maximum mean daily flow, then that should be taken to indicate that the annual maximum
does not occur during that missing month.
Method 2:
Method 2 involves a linear regression of the annual maximum mean flow series against the
annual instantaneous maximum series of the same station. Regression equations developed
should be used for filling gaps in the IM record, but not to extend for the overall period of
record of instantaneous flow data. For in-filling the gaps, Method 1 is preferrable over
Method 2, as it is more directly based on observed data for the missing month and involves
fewer assumptions.
Regression analyses use stream gauge data to define hydrologic regions. These are
geographic regions having very similar flood frequency relationships and, as such,
commonly display similar watershed, channel, and meteorological characteristics; they are
often termed hydrologically homogeneous geographic areas.
It is difficult to choose the proper set of regression equations when the design site lies on
or near the hydrologic boundaries of relevant studies.
Another problem occurs when the watershed is partly or totally within an area subject to
mixed population floods.
Care should be exercised using regression equations in these instances:
• Conduct a field visit to assess the watershed characteristics for comparison with
other watersheds;
• Collect all available historical flood data; and
• Use the gathered data to interpret any discharge values.
5.12 References
1. Mesay Daniel Tulu “Event based rainfall-runoff modelling in semi-arid regions,
September 2010”, PhD Thesis.
2. Mohammed Abdulkadir Abdurahman “Assessment of micro-dam irrigation projects
and runoff predictions for ungauged catchments in Northern Ethiopia ,2009” PhD
Thesis
3. HEC 19.
4. Highway Drainage Guidelines, Volume 11, Guidelines for Hydrology, Task Force on
Hydrology and Hydraulics, AASHTO Highway Subcommittee on Design.
5. Federal Highway Administration. 1990. HYDRAIN Documentation.
6. Gebeyehu, Admasu, Regional Flood Frequency Analysis, Hydraulics Laboratory,
Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden, 1989.
7. U. S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. 1984.
Hydrology. Hydraulic Engineering Circular No. 19.
8. Wahl, Kenneth L. 1983. Determining Stream Flow Characteristics Based on Channel
Cross Section Properties. Transportation Research Board. National Academy of
Sciences, Record Number 922.
9. Sauer, V. B., Thomas, W. O., Stricker, V. A., and Wilson, K. V. 1983. Flood
Characteristics of Urban Catchment areas in the United States -- Techniques for
Estimating Magnitude and Frequency of Urban Floods. U. S. Geological Survey
Water-Supply Paper 2204.
10. Newton, D. W., and Herin, Janet C. 1982. Assessment of Commonly Used Methods
of Estimating Flood Frequency. Transportation Research Board. National Academy
of Sciences, Record Number 896.
11. Water Resources Council Bulletin 17B. 1981. Guidelines for determining flood flow
frequency.
12. Overton, D. E. and M. E. Meadows. 1976. Storm Water Modeling. Academic Press.
New York, N.Y. pp. 58-88.
13. Soil Conservation Service (SCS) Technical Release No. 55 (2nd Edition).
14. Applied Hydrology, V. T. Chow et al.
15. SCS National Engineering Handbook, Section 4.
16. USDA Soil Conservation Service TP-149 (SCS-TP-149), “A Method for Estimating
Volume and Rate of Runoff in Small Watersheds,” revised April 1973.
17. Regan, R. M., A Nomograph Based on Kinematic Wave Theory for Determining
Time of Concentration for Overland Flow,” Report No. 44, Civil Engineering
Department, University of Maryland at College Park, 1971.
18. Wright-McLaughlin 1969.
19. Potter, W. D. Upper and Lower Frequency Curves for Peak Rates of Runoff.
Transactions, American Geophysical Union, Vol. 39, No. 1, February 1958, pp. 100-
105.
. ∗ . .
Tc = time of concentration (hours) = 0.604 ( . ) . = 0.1973 hr