A storm sewage system is an important part of any construction or land development project. Storm drains help ensure rain and stormwater clears up, leaving the streets dry and usable. A storm sewage system consists of strategically placed drains made of inlets and pipes across a street or city, which collect the runoff of rainwater through the street and discharge it to a sewage management system. Here’s a closer look at the essential elements of designing a storm sewage system.
Drain Location
The key to ensuring an efficient storm drainage system in your development project is choosing the spots where inlets and pipes can go in. Usually, drain inlets are put in on lower ground, since their aim is to catch the stormwater and direct it away from the streets. Drains can be also used on higher areas as a connection point. Once the drain inlets are finalized, civil engineers from reputed civil engineering firms such as Civil Design, Inc. work to optimize the amount of piping required so the piping is done efficiently and costs don’t balloon up.
Drain Inlet Design
A stormwater drain inlet consists of two parts — the grate and a box made of concrete located under the grate. The box connects to the drainpipes, forming an underground network of drains that convey the stormwater from the street to the sewage management system. The type of inlet depends on the purpose. An inlet on a grassy spot, for instance, will usually consist of just the grate. A drain on the sides of the street, on the other hand, might consist of a curb inlet that connects to the surrounding curb.
Piping Material
The material of the pipes can materially affect the capacity of the pipe and the flow of sewage water. Usually, the smoother the inner walls of the pipe, the greater the capacity of the pipe and the faster the flow. Corrugated metal and plastic are the materials most often used for stormwater drainage piping.
Pipe Sizes
The most commonly used sizes for stormwater drainage pipes are 12, 15, 18, 24, or 30 inches. The size of the pipe depends on various factors such as the expected amount of stormwater flowing through the pipes, pipe material, and slope of the pipes to be put in.
Regulations, Hydrology Calculations, and Costs
Regulatory ordinances regarding design requirements are important aspects of stormwater drainage design too. Research the regulations for the area in which your project will begin and make sure your sewage design complies with them. Hydrology calculations are another key element of stormwater sewage design, so check the stormwater flow rates. Finally, ask around to make sure you get the civil design firm with the best reputation and that can keep a good handle on costs.
A good storm drain and sewage design ensures dry streets and enough room on the streets for people and cars to move around efficiently. Storm sewage design is thus an important part of urban planning and civil design.
