Storm Drain Calculator — Calculate Drainage Capacity & Sizing

Storm Drain Calculator

Calculate storm drain capacity and sizing requirements. Estimate drainage needs based on rainfall intensity, area coverage, and pipe specifications.

Step 1: Drainage Area Details

Understanding Runoff Coefficient

The runoff coefficient (C) represents the fraction of rainfall that becomes surface runoff. Values range from 0 (all water infiltrates) to 1 (all water runs off). Impervious surfaces have higher coefficients.

Step 2: Rainfall & Pipe Details

About Rainfall Intensity

Rainfall intensity is the rate at which rain falls, typically measured in inches or millimeters per hour. Higher intensities require larger drainage capacity. Check local rainfall data for design standards.

Drainage Calculation Results

Summary
Pipe Comparison
Breakdown

Required Peak Flow Rate

7.62 cfs
Based on 1 acre with C=0.7 and 2.5 in/hr rainfall
Drainage Area
1 acre
Runoff Coefficient
0.7
Rainfall Intensity
2.5 in/hr
Pipe Capacity
8.91 cfs

Pipe Size Comparison

Pipe Diameter Flow Capacity Required Slope Status

Flow Rate Breakdown

Rational Method Formula

Q = C × i × A

Where: Q = Peak discharge (flow rate), C = Runoff coefficient, i = Rainfall intensity, A = Drainage area. This is the standard Rational Method for estimating peak stormwater runoff.

Manning’s Equation for Pipe Flow

Q = (1.486/n) × A × R^(2/3) × S^(1/2)

Where: Q = Flow capacity, n = Manning’s roughness coefficient, A = Cross-sectional area, R = Hydraulic radius, S = Slope. Used to calculate pipe capacity.

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