Engineering Application

Catchment runoff estimated with the Rational Method sets the design flow for storm sewers and culverts; channels and pipes then carry that flow at acceptable velocities, with detention volume where attenuation is required.

Key Parameters

Parameter Unit
Design flow L/s
Rainfall intensity mm/h
Runoff coefficient
Channel velocity m/s

Related Engineering Tools

Water Live Tool

Open Channel Flow (Manning′) Calculator

Compute open-channel velocity and discharge with Manning’s equation for trapezoidal, rectangular, and circular channels.

v = (1/n) × R^(2/3) × S^(1/2) · Q = v × A
Water Live Tool

Pipe Flow Velocity & Sizing Calculator

Size a pipe to carry a target flow within a recommended velocity range, or check velocity for a given diameter.

D = √(4Q / (π·v)) · v = Q / A
Construction Live Tool

Stormwater Runoff (Rational Method) Calculator

Estimate peak stormwater runoff with the Rational Method (Q = C·i·A) for drainage design and storm sewer sizing.

Q = 2.78 × C × i × A (L/s, A in ha, i in mm/h)

Neutral References