Get a Closer Look Storm Drainage System Design

Storm drainage systems consist of advanced networks. These networks have catch basins, pipes and inlets that receive and carry water before releasing them into larger bodies of water. Engineers put together these designs in painstaking detail and construction companies lay them down. If you’re curious about how the system works, here is your guide.

System Plans

Engineers consider a lot when it comes to designing a storm drain system. For instance, the engineer needs to think about, including:

• Water flow rate
• Time it takes for storm water to reach inlets
• Position of inlets
• Position of detention ponds
• Capacity of trunk lines
• Types of pipes required
• Size of pipes required

Engineers will also use subsurface utility engineering to find existing pipes. This asset lowers project costs and improves safety conditions.

Catchment Tools

Storm drainage systems need catchment tools to capture debris and to reduce litter. Since water is flowing at a high rate from roads and other surfaces, debris is common. Often these catchment tools are large enough to catch limbs and garbage.

Pipes and Connectors

Contractors use a variety of connectors and pipes to move water from one place to the next. The pipes range from around 4 to 114 inches in diameter. Depending on the system, engineers will choose the sizes necessary. The pipes move water to the discharge location.

Detention Ponds

Sometimes storm water will have contaminants. The way that drainage systems deal with this problem is through detention ponds. Wet detention ponds treat storm runoff while the dry ponds store water for gradual release. These ponds filter harmful contaminants before the water reaches lakes, streams or rivers.

To create a high-quality storm drainage system takes a lot of hard work. Engineers have to be thorough in their planning to make sure that their system works. In addition, they want to ensure that the system will not damage the environment.