Examples
A bridge is design with an expected life of 50 years for a flood magnitude of return period T=100
years. Estimate the risk and reliability of the bridge.
Risk R= 1-(1-1/T)n
= 1-(1-1/100)50
=0.395 = 39.5 %
Reliability
1-Risk
1-0.395 = 0.605 = 60.5 %
Example
Example (follow the Design Procedure Steps)
Step 1: Assemble Site Data and Project File
a. Site survey project file contains:
Figure 1: Cross-Section
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Roadway profile and
Embankment cross section
Site visit notes indicate
No sediment or debris problems and
No nearby structures
b. Studies by other agencies – none
c. Environmental risk assessment shows
No buildings near floodplain
No sensitive floodplain values and
Convenient detours exist
d. Design criteria
• 50-year frequency for design and
• 100-year frequency for check
Step 2 : Determine Hydrology
• Q50 = 11.33 m3/s and Q100 = 14.16m3/s
Step 3: Designs Downstream Channel
Figure 2: Cross-Section of Channel
Points Elevation, m
1 56.86
2 54.62
3 54.62
4 56.86
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The rating curve for the channel calculated by normal depth yields:
(Q = (1/n)* A * (R)2/3 * (S)1/2)
Q (m3/s) TW (m) V (m/s)
2.80 0.72 1.04
5.60 0.97 1.45
8.50 1.08 1.93
11.33 1.2 2.24
14.16 1.36 2.39
Step 4 Summarize Data on Design Form
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Figure 3: Culvert design form
Step 5 : Select Design Alternatives
Shape: - box Size - 2100 mm by 2100 mm
Material: - concrete
Entrance:- Wingwalls, 45o bevel, rounded
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Step 6: Select Design Discharge
(Qd = Q50 = 11.33 m3/s)
Step 7: Determine Inlet Control Headwater Depth (HWi)
Use inlet control nomograph
a. D = 2.1 m
b. Q/B = 11.33/2.1 = 5.4m2/s
c. HW/D = 1.1 for 45o bevel … (Use Figure A1)
d. HWi = (HW/D)*D = (1.1)*2.1m = 2.3m
(Neglect the approach velocity)
Step 8 : Determine Outlet Control Headwater Depth at Inlet (HWoi)
a. TW = 1.2 m for Q50 = 11.33 m3/s
b. dc = 1.44 m from (Yc = (q2 / g)1/3 )
c. (dc + D)/2 = (1.44 + 2.1)/2 = 1.77 m
d. ho = the larger of TW or (dc + D/2)
ho = (dc + D)/2 = 1.77 m
e. Ke = 0.2 from Table for Wingwalls, 45o bevel, rounded
f. Determine (hL or H) – use nomograph
• Ke scale = 0.2;
• Culvert length (L) = 90 m
• n = 0.012 same as on chart; • area = 4.41m2
• hL = H =0.55 m
g. HWoi = H + ho - SoL = 0.55 + 1.77 - (0.015)*90 = 0.97m
HWoi is less than 1.2D, but control is inlet control, outlet control computations are for
comparison only.
Step 9 : Determine Controlling Headwater (HWc)
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• HWc = HWi = 2.3m > HWoi = 0.97 m
• The culvert is in inlet control
Step 10 Compute Discharge over the Roadway (Qr)
a. Calculate depth above the roadway:
HWr = HWc - HWov = 2.3m – 4m = - 1.7m
b. If HWr ≤ 0, Qr = 0
Step 11 Compute Total Discharge (Qt)
Qt = Qd + Qr = 11.33 m3/s + 0 = 11.33 m3/s
Step 12: Calculate Outlet Velocity (Vo) and Depth (dn)
Inlet Control
a. Calculate normal depth (dn):
Q = (1/n)A R2/3 S1/2 = 11.33 m3/s
= (1/0.012)*(2.1*dn)[(2.1*dn/(2.1+2dn)]2/3 *(0.015)0.5
use dn= 0.87 m,
b. A = 2.1m*0.87m = 1.827 m2
c. Vo = Q/A = 11.33/1.827 = 6.2 m/s
Step 13 Review Results
Compare alternative design with constraints and assumptions, if any of the following are
exceeded repeat, Steps 5 through 12
• Barrel has (4 m – 2.1 m) = 1.9 m of cover
• L = 90m
• Headwalls and wing walls fit site
• Allowable headwater (3.7 m) > 2.3 m is ok and
Step 14 Plot Performance Curve
Use Q100 for the upper limit, Steps 6 through 12 should be repeated for each discharge used
to plot the performance curve,
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Step 15 : Related Designs
Consider the following options (Design Features, and Related Designs)
a) Consider tapered inlets, culvert is in inlet control and has limited available headwater
• No flow routing, a small upstream headwater pool exists
• Consider energy dissipaters since VO= 6.2m/s >2.24 m/s in the downstream channel
• No sediment problem
Step 16: Documentation
Report prepared and background filed
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