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A Self-Learning Manual - Institution of Engineers Mauritius

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A <strong>Self</strong>-<strong>Learning</strong> <strong>Manual</strong><br />

Mastering Different Fields <strong>of</strong> Civil Engineering Works (VC-Q&A Method) Vincent T. H. CHU<br />

Level Two (Advanced FAQs)<br />

Part I: Hydraulic Design<br />

1. What are the limitations <strong>of</strong> Rational Method in calculating run<strong>of</strong>f?<br />

(HD1)<br />

Computation <strong>of</strong> run<strong>of</strong>f is a complicated matter which depends on many<br />

factors like the ground permeability, rainfall duration, rainfall pattern,<br />

catchment area characteristics etc. Basically, Rational Method is a means<br />

to find out the maximum discharge suitable for design purpose. In this<br />

method, it is assumed that the rainfall duration is the same as the time <strong>of</strong><br />

concentration and the return period <strong>of</strong> rainfall intensity is the same as the<br />

peak run<strong>of</strong>f. Time <strong>of</strong> concentration refers to the time required for the most<br />

remote location <strong>of</strong> stormwater inside the catchment to flow to the outlet.<br />

When the time <strong>of</strong> concentration is equal to the rainfall period, the maximum<br />

discharge occurs and rainfall collected inside the catchment comes to the<br />

same outlet point.<br />

Rational Method provides the peak discharge only and it cannot produce a<br />

hydrograph. If a more detailed pattern <strong>of</strong> run<strong>of</strong>f is required, unit hydrograph<br />

or other methods have to be used. The accuracy <strong>of</strong> rational method<br />

depends very much on our correct selection <strong>of</strong> run<strong>of</strong>f coefficient and<br />

delineation <strong>of</strong> catchment area.<br />

Rational Method is a rather conservative method. One <strong>of</strong> the basic<br />

assumptions <strong>of</strong> the rational formula is that the rainfall intensity must be<br />

constant for an interval at least equal to the time <strong>of</strong> concentration. For long<br />

duration <strong>of</strong> rainfall, this assumption may not hold true. Moreover, the run<strong>of</strong>f<br />

coefficient in Rational Method is difficult to be determined accurately and it<br />

depends on many factors like moisture condition <strong>of</strong> soils, rainfall intensity<br />

and duration, degree <strong>of</strong> soil compaction, vegetation etc. In addition, In<br />

Rational Method the run<strong>of</strong>f coefficient is independent <strong>of</strong> rainfall intensity<br />

and this does not reflect the actual situation.<br />

2. Rational Method should not be used for large catchments in<br />

estimating peak run<strong>of</strong>f. Is it true? (HD1)<br />

Rational Method is suitable for small catchments only because the time <strong>of</strong><br />

concentration <strong>of</strong> small catchments is small. In Rational Method the peak<br />

run<strong>of</strong>f is calculated based on the assumption that the time <strong>of</strong> concentration<br />

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