11

Infiltration
 Chapter 11 – Infiltration Systems

11
Chapter 11 Infiltration Systems
11.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................................4

11.2 Design Considerations ....................................................................................................7

11.2.1. Design Objectives .............................................................................................................7
11.2.2. Selecting the Type of Infiltration System ...............................................................................7
11.2.3. Design (Sizing) Methods .................................................................................................... 7
11.2.4. Pre-treatment of Stormwater ...............................................................................................8
11.2.5. Site Terrain ......................................................................................................................9
11.2.6. In-Situ Soils......................................................................................................................9
11.2.7. Groundwater ..................................................................................................................10
11.2.8. Building Setbacks (Clearances).........................................................................................11
11.2.9. Flow Management ..........................................................................................................11

11.3. Design Process ......................................................................................................12

11.3.1. Step 1: Site and Soil Evaluation ........................................................................................13
11.3.2. Step 2: Confirm Design Objectives ....................................................................................13
11.3.3. Step 3: Select Infiltration System Type ...............................................................................13
11.3.4. Step 4: Pre-treatment Design ............................................................................................13
11.3.5. Step 5: Determine Design Flows .......................................................................................13
11.3.6. Step 6: Size Infiltration System ..........................................................................................14
11.3.7. Step 7: Locate Infiltration System ......................................................................................15
11.3.8. Step 8: Set Infiltration Depths (sub-surface systems only) .....................................................15
11.3.9. Step 9: Specify Infiltration ‘Detention Volume’ Elements ........................................................15
11.3.10. Step 10: Flow Management Design ................................................................................16
11.3.11. Step 11: Consider Maintenance Requirements .................................................................18
11.3.12. Design Calculation Summary ........................................................................................19

11.4. Construction and Establishment ................................................................................21

11.4.1. Maintenance Requirements ..............................................................................................21

11.5. Checking Tools........................................................................................................22

11.5.1. Design Assessment Checklist ...........................................................................................22
11.5.2. Construction Checklist ..................................................................................................... 22
11.5.3. Operation and Maintenance Inspection Form ......................................................................22
11.5.4. Asset Transfer Checklist ..................................................................................................22

11.6. Infiltration measure worked example .........................................................................27

11.6.1. Worked example introduction ............................................................................................27
11.6.2. Step 1: Site and Soil Evaluation ........................................................................................28
11.6.3. Step 2: Confirm Design Objectives ....................................................................................29

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 Chapter 11 – Infiltration Systems

11.6.4. Step 3: Select Infiltration System Type ...............................................................................29

11.6.5. Step 4: Pre-treatment Design ............................................................................................29
11.6.6. Step 5: Determine Design Flows .......................................................................................29
11.6.7. Step 6: Size Infiltration System ..........................................................................................30
11.6.8. Step 7: Locate Infiltration System ......................................................................................30
11.6.9. Step 8: Set Infiltration Depths............................................................................................30
11.6.10. Step 9: Specify Infiltration ‘Detention Volume’ Elements ....................................................31
11.6.11. Step 10: Hydraulic Control Design ..................................................................................31
11.6.12. Perforated Inflow Pipes ................................................................................................32
11.6.13. Bypass Design ............................................................................................................33
11.6.14. Design Calculation Summary ........................................................................................35

11.7. References .............................................................................................................37

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 Chapter 11 – Infiltration Systems

11.1 Introduction
Stormwater infiltration systems capture stormwater runoff and encourage infiltration into
surrounding in-situ soils and underlying groundwater. This has the benefit of reducing
stormwater runoff peak flows and volumes, reducing downstream flooding, managing the
hydrologic regime entering downstream aquatic ecosystems and improving groundwater
recharge.
The purpose of infiltration systems in a stormwater management strategy is as a
conveyance measure (to capture and infiltrate flows), NOT as a stormwater treatment
system. Appropriate pre-treatment of stormwater entering infiltration systems is required
to avoid clogging and to protect groundwater quality.
Infiltration systems generally consist of a ‘detention volume’ and an ‘infiltration area’ (or
infiltration surface):
• The ‘detention volume’ can be located above or below ground and is designed to
detain a certain volume of runoff and make it available for infiltration. When the
‘detention volume’ is exceeded, the system is designed to overflow to the
downstream drainage systems and the receiving environment.
• The ‘infiltration area’ is the surface or interface between the detention volume
and the in-situ soils through which the collected water is infiltrated.
The application of infiltration systems is best suited to moderately to highly permeable in-
situ soils (i.e. sandy loam to sandy soils); however, infiltration systems can still be applied
in locations with less permeable soils by providing larger detention volumes and
infiltration areas.
There are four basic types of infiltration systems:
Leaky Well
A leaky well is typically used in small scale residential applications and consists of a
vertical perforated pipe (concrete or PVC) and an open base (Figure 11.1). Pretreated
stormwater enters via an inlet pipe at the top of the well and when the detention volume
is full, an overflow pipe delivers excess waters to the downstream drainage system. The
perforations in the open pipe and the base are covered with a geotextile (non-woven) and
the pipe is surrounded by a ring of clean gravel (5 - 10 mm particle size diameter).

Figure 11.1 ‘Leaky Well’ Infiltration System (Engineers Australia 2006)

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Infiltration Trench
Infiltration trenches consist of a trench, typically 0.5 - 1.5 m deep, filled with gravel or
modular plastic cells lined with geotextile (non-woven) and placed under 300 mm of
backfill (topsoil or sandy loam). Pretreated runoff enters the trench either directly or via
an inlet control pit, with excess waters delivered downstream via an overflow pipe. If the
trench contains gravel fill then a perforated distribution pipe is incorporated into the
system to ensure effective distribution of stormwater into the detention volume. A typical
configuration of an infiltration trench is shown in Figure 11.2.

Figure 11.2 Infiltration Trench (Engineers Australia 2006)

Infiltration ‘Soak-away’
Soak-aways are similar to trenches in operation but have a larger plan area, being
typically rectangular, and of shallower depth (Figure 11.3). Infiltration soak-aways can be
applied across a range of scales from residential allotments through to open space or
parklands.

Figure 11.3 Operation of a Gravel Filled ‘Trench’ or Soak-away’ Type Infiltration

System

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Infiltration Basin
Infiltration basins are typically used in larger scale applications where space is not a
constraint (e.g. parklands). They consist of natural or constructed depressions designed
to capture and store stormwater runoff on the surface (i.e. the detention volume is located
above ground) prior to infiltration into the in-situ soils (Figure 11.4).
A typical section through an infiltration basin is provided in Figure 11.5. Infiltration basins
are best suited to sand or sandy-clay in-situ soils and can be planted out with a range of
vegetation to blend into the local landscape. Pre-treatment of stormwater entering
infiltration basins is required with the level of pre-treatment varying depending on in-situ
soil type and basin vegetation. Further guidance in this regard is provided in
Section11.2.4.

Figure 11.4 Infiltration Basin

Detention volume (surface ponding)

Turf or
mass planting
Sandy loam or in-situ soil

Gravel
(optional)

In-situ soil

Figure 11.5 Infiltration Basin Typical Section

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11.2 Design Considerations

11.2.1. Design Objectives
Infiltration systems can be designed to achieve a range of objectives including:
• Minimising the volume of stormwater runoff from a development
• Preserving pre-development hydrology
• Capturing and infiltrating flows up to a particular design flow
• Enhancing groundwater recharge or preserving pre-development groundwater
recharge.
The design objective will vary from one location to another and will depend on site
characteristics, development form and the requirements of the receiving ecosystems. It is
essential that these objectives are established as part of the conceptual design process
and approved by the Public Utilities Board prior to commencing the engineering design.

11.2.2. Selecting the Type of Infiltration System

Selection of the type of infiltration system for a particular application must occur as part of
the conceptual design process (i.e. Site Based Stormwater Management Plan) by
assessing the site conditions against the relative merits of the four basic types of
infiltration systems described in Section 0. There is a range of resources available to
assist with this selection process, including Australian Runoff Quality (Engineers Australia
2006), Water Sensitive Urban Design: Basic Procedures for ‘Source Control’ of
Stormwater (Argue 2004) and Water Sensitive Urban Design: Technical Guidelines for
Western Sydney (UPRCT 2004).
In general, selection of the type of infiltration system is determined by the size of the
contributing catchment. Table 11.1 provides guidance on selection by listing the type of
infiltration systems against typical scales of application.

Table 11.1 Infiltration Types and Associated Application Scales

Allotment Scale Medium Scale Large Scale
Infiltration Type
(< 0.1 ha)* (0.1 - 10 ha)* (> 10 ha)*
Leaky Wells

Infiltration Trenches


Infiltration Soak-aways

Infiltration Basins


* Catchment area directing flow to the infiltration system

11.2.3. Design (Sizing) Methods

Establishing the size of an infiltration system requires consideration of the volume and
frequency of runoff discharged into the infiltration system, the available ‘detention volume’
and the infiltration rate (product of ‘infiltration area’ and hydraulic conductivity of in-situ
soils). The approach for establishing these design elements depends on the design
objectives as outlined in Section 11.2.1. For the purposes of these guidelines, the
infiltration system design objectives can be addressed by two design methods: the
hydrologic effectiveness method and the design storm method. These methods are
summarised in

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Table 11.2 and discussed in the following sections.

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Table 11.2 Design (Sizing) Methods to Deliver Infiltration System Design Objectives
*Hydrologic Effectiveness *Design Storm
Infiltration Design objective
Method Method
Minimise the volume of stormwater runoff from a


development
Preserve pre-development hydrology

Capture and infiltrate flows up to a particular design flow

Enhance groundwater recharge or preserve pre-


development groundwater recharge

[Link]. Hydrologic Effectiveness Method

Where the design objective is the infiltration of a specific proportion of the mean annual
runoff, the hydraulic effectiveness approach can be adopted for sizing infiltration systems.
For a given catchment area and meteorological conditions, the hydrologic effectiveness
of an infiltration system is determined by the combined effect of the quality and quantity
of runoff, the ‘detention volume’, in-situ soil hydraulic conductivity and ‘infiltration area’.
The hydrologic effectiveness of an infiltration system requires long term continuous
simulation which can be undertaken using the Model for Urban Stormwater Improvement
Conceptualisation (MUSIC) (CRCCH 2005). However, in most situations, where a
number of the design considerations can be fixed (i.e. frequency of runoff, depth of
detention storage, saturated hydraulic conductivity); hydrologic effectiveness curves can
be generated and used as the design tool for establishing the infiltration system size.
The hydrologic effectiveness curves derived for infiltration systems (with defined
parameters) located in Singapore are presented in Section [Link] and represent Step 6
in the design steps required for infiltration measures.

[Link]. Design Storm Method

Where the design objective for a particular infiltration system is peak discharge
attenuation or the capture and infiltration of a particular design storm event (e.g. 3-month
ARI event), then the design storm approach can be adopted for sizing the infiltration
system.
This method involves defining the required ‘detention volume’ by comparing the volume
of inflow and outflow for a particular design storm, and then calculating the ‘infiltration
area’ to ensure the system empties within a specified period of time. This approach
requires further development for application in Singapore and therefore, unless otherwise
approved by Public Utilities Board, the Hydrologic Effectiveness Method must be used.
Formatted: Indent: Hanging: 2.55
[Link].4. Pre-treatment of Stormwater cm, Outline numbered + Level: 3 +
Numbering Style: 1, 2, 3, … + Start at:
Pre-treatment of stormwater entering an infiltration system is primarily required to 1 + Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 1.11
minimise the potential for clogging of the infiltration media and to protect groundwater cm + Indent at: 2.38 cm, Tab stops:
0.95 cm, Left + 1.27 cm, Left
quality. In line with these requirements, there are two levels of stormwater pre-treatment
required:
Level 1 Pre-treatment - To prevent blockage of the infiltration system media, stormwater
should be treated to remove coarse and medium sized sediments and litter. Level 1 pre-
treatment applies to all four types of infiltration system.
Level 2 Pre-treatment - To protect groundwater quality, pre-treatment is required to
remove fine particulates and dissolved pollutants, such as nutrients and metals. This
second level of treatment is the most stringent as any stormwater infiltrated must be of
equal, or preferably superior, quality to that of the receiving groundwater to ensure the
groundwater quality and values are protected. To determine an appropriate level of pre-
treatment, assessment in consultation with PUB of the groundwater aquifer quality,
possible uses and suitability of treated stormwater for recharge is required.

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Level 2 pre-treatment applies to leaky wells, infiltration trenches and infiltration soak-
aways. It also applies to most infiltration basin applications. However, level 2 pre-
treatment is not required if the infiltration system can be designed to function as a
bioretention system i.e. where basins are located on sandy loam to clay soils of low
hydraulic conductivity (<180 mm/hr) and the depth to groundwater is greater than 1.0 m.
The system can be planted out with rush and reed species and pollutant removal takes
place prior to waters entering the underlying groundwater. A summary of pre-treatment
requirements for each of the infiltration system types is presented in Table 11.3.
Table 11.3 Pre-treatment Requirements for Each Type of Infiltration System
Level 1 Level 2
Infiltration Type
Pre-treatment Pre-treatment
Leaky Well


Infiltration Trench


Infiltration Soak-away


Infiltration Basin
- Sandy clay to clay soils (Ksat < 180 mm/hr) + dense

ground cover
- Sandy clay to clay soils (Ksat < 180 mm/hr) + turf ground


cover
- Sandy soils (Ksat > 180 mm/hr)

Note Ksat = saturated hydraulic conductivity (mm/hr) of in-situ soil (see Section
[Link])

[Link].2.5. Site Terrain

Infiltration into steep terrain can result in stormwater re-emerging onto the surface at
some point downslope. The likelihood of this pathway for infiltrated water is dependent on
the soil structure. Duplex soils and shallow soil over rock create situations where re-
emergence of infiltrated water to the surface is most likely to occur. These soil conditions
do not necessarily preclude infiltrating stormwater, unless leaching of soil salt is
associated with this process. The provision for managing this pathway will need to be
taken into consideration at the design stage to ensure hazards or nuisance to
downstream sites are avoided.
Additionally, the introduction of infiltration systems on steep terrain can increase the risk
of slope instability. Installation of infiltration systems on slopes greater than 10 % will not
be approved by the Public Utilities Board unless a detailed engineering assessment has
been undertaken.

[Link].2.6. In-Situ Soils

[Link].[Link]. Hydraulic Conductivity

Hydraulic conductivity of the in-situ soil is the rate at which water passes through a soil
medium. It influences both the suitability of infiltration systems and the size of the
infiltration area. Therefore, it is essential that field measurement of hydraulic conductivity
be undertaken to confirm assumptions of soil hydraulic conductivity adopted during the
concept design stage. The determination of hydraulic conductivity must be undertaken in
accordance with procedures which provides an estimate of saturated hydraulic
conductivity (Ksat)(i.e. the hydraulic conductivity of a soil when it is fully saturated with
water). The typical ranges of saturated hydraulic conductivities for homogeneous soils
are provided in Table 11.4.

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Table 11.4 Typical Soil Types and Associated Saturate Hydraulic Conductivity
(Engineers Australia 2006)
Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity
Soil Type
m/s mm/hr
Coarse Sand >1 x 10-4 >360
Sand 5 x 10-5 to 1 x 10-4 180 – 360
Sandy Loam 1 x 10-5 to 5 x 10-5 36 to 180
Sandy Clay 1 x 10-6 to 1 x 10-5 3.6 to 36
Medium clay 1 x 10-7 to 1 x 10-6 0.36 – 3.6
Heavy Clay 1 x 10-7 0.0 to 0.36

When assessing the appropriateness of infiltration systems and the type of in-situ soils,
the following issues must be considered:
Soils with a saturated hydraulic conductivity of 3.6 mm/hr to 360 mm/hr are preferred for
infiltration application.
Infiltration systems are neither appropriate nor functional where the in-situ soils are very
heavy clays (i.e. < 0.36 mm/hr).
Soils with a low hydraulic conductivity (0.36 - 3.6 mm/hr) do not necessarily preclude the
use of infiltration systems even though the required infiltration/ storage area may become
prohibitively large. However, soils with lower hydraulic conductivities will be more
susceptible to clogging and will therefore require enhanced pre-treatment to remove
sediment.

[Link].[Link]. Soil Salinity

Infiltration systems must be avoided in areas with poor soil conditions, in particular sodic/
saline and dispersive soils, and shallow saline groundwater. If the ‘Site and Soil
Evaluation’ (refer to Section 11.3.1) identifies poor soil conditions, then the Public Utilities
Board will not approve the use of infiltration systems.

[Link].[Link]. Impermeable Subsoil, Rock and Shale

Infiltration systems must not be placed in locations where soils are underlain by rock or a
soil layer with little or no permeability (i.e. Ksat < 0.36 mm/hr). In locations where fractured
or weathered rocks prevail, the use of infiltration systems may be approved by the Public
Utilities Board provided detailed engineering testing has been carried out to ensure the
rock will accept infiltration.

[Link].2.7. Groundwater

[Link].[Link]. Groundwater Quality

As outlined in Section 11.2.4, the suitability of infiltrating stormwater and the necessary
pre-treatment requires assessment of the groundwater quality. The principle legislation
governing the management of groundwater quality is that there should be no
deterioration in groundwater quality. This means the stormwater being infiltrated must be
of equal or preferably superior quality to that of the receiving groundwater in order to
ensure the groundwater quality and values are protected. To determine an appropriate
level of pre-treatment for stormwater, assessment of the groundwater aquifer quality,
possible uses and suitability for recharge is required and must be approved by the public
Utilities Board.

[Link].[Link]. Groundwater Table

A second groundwater related design consideration is to ensure that the base of an
infiltration system is always above the groundwater table. It is generally recommended

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that the base of the infiltration system be a minimum of 1.0 m above the seasonal high
water table.
If a shallow groundwater table is likely to be encountered, investigation of the seasonal
variation of groundwater levels is essential. This should include an assessment of
potential groundwater mounding (i.e. localised raising of the water table in the immediate
vicinity of the infiltration system) that in shallow groundwater areas could cause problems
with nearby structures.

[Link].2.8. Building Setbacks (Clearances)

Infiltration systems should not be placed near building footings to avoid the influence of
continually wet sub-surface or greatly varying soil moisture content on the structural
integrity. Australian Runoff Quality (Engineers Australia 2006) recommends minimum
distances from structures and property boundaries (to protect possible future buildings in
neighbouring properties) for different soil types. These values are shown in Table 11.5.
Table 11.5 Minimum Setback Distances (adapted from Engineers Australia 2006)
Saturated Hydraulic Minimum distance from
Soil Type Conductivity structures and property
(mm/hr) boundaries
Sands >180 1.0 m
Sandy Loam 36 to 180 2.0 m
Sandy Clay 3.6 to 36 4.0 m
Medium to Heavy Clay 0.0 to 3.6 5.0 m

[Link].2.9. Flow Management

The following issues should be considered when designing the hydraulic control
structures within infiltration systems:
• For large scale systems (i.e. infiltration basins), the surface of the ‘infiltration
area’ must be flat to ensure uniform distribution of flow and to prevent hydraulic
overloading on a small portion of the ‘infiltration area’.
• For gravel filled infiltration systems, flow should be delivered to the ‘detention
volume’ via a perforated pipe(s) network that is located and sized to convey the
design flow into the infiltration systems and allow distribution of flows across the
entire infiltration area.
• Where possible, ‘above design’ flows will bypass the infiltration systems. This
can be achieved in a number of ways. For smaller applications, an overflow pipe
or pit, which is connected to the downstream drainage system, can be used. For
larger applications, a discharge control pit can be located upstream of the
infiltration system. This will function much like the inlet zone of a constructed
wetland to regulate flows (i.e. 1 year ARI) into the infiltration systems and bypass
above design flows (i.e. > 1 year ARI).

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11.3. Design Process

The following sections detail the design steps required for infiltration measures. Key
design steps are as follows:-

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11.3.1. Step 1: Site and Soil Evaluation

As outlined in Section 11.2.6, there are a range of site and soil conditions which influence
infiltration system design. To define the site’s capability to infiltrate stormwater, a ‘Site
and Soil Evaluation’ must be undertaken. The evaluation should provide the following:
• Soil type
• Hydraulic conductivity
• Presence of soil salinity (where applicable)
• Presence of rock shale
• Slope of terrain (%)
• Groundwater details (depth, quality and uses).

11.3.2. Step 2: Confirm Design Objectives

This step involves confirming the design objectives, defined as part of the conceptual
design, to ensure the correct infiltration system design method is selected (refer to Table
11.2).

11.3.3. Step 3: Select Infiltration System Type

This step involves selecting the type of infiltration system by assessing the site conditions
against the relative merits of the four infiltration systems described in Section 0. In
general, the scale of application dictates selection of the infiltration system. Table 11.1
provides guidance in this regard.
For further guidance in selecting infiltration systems, designer should refer to Australian
Runoff Quality (Engineers Australia 2006), Water Sensitive Urban Design: Basic
Procedures for ‘Source Control’ of Stormwater (Argue 2004) and the Water Sensitive
Urban Design: Technical Guidelines for Western Sydney (UPRCT 2004).

11.3.4. Step 4: Pre-treatment Design

As outlined in Section 11.2.4 and Table 11.3, both Level 1 Pre-treatment (minimising risk
of clogging) and Level 2 Pre-treatment (groundwater protection) are required for all
infiltration systems except for specific infiltration basin applications. To determine Level 2
requirements, an assessment of the groundwater must be undertaken to define existing
water quality, potential uses (current and future) and suitability for recharge.
Pre-treatment measures for roof runoff include the provision of leaf and roof litter guards
along the roof gutter and rainwater tanks. Pre-treatment for urban runoff includes
sediment basins, vegetated swales, bioretention systems or constructed wetlands as
outlined in the other chapters of this guideline.

11.3.5. Step 5: Determine Design Flows

[Link]. Design Flows

To configure the inflow system and high flow bypass elements of the infiltration system
the following design flows generally apply:
• Design operation flow’ for sizing the inlet to the infiltration system. This will
typically correspond to one of the following:
o 1 year ARI or less – for situations where a discharge control pit is used to
regulate flows into the infiltration system and bypass larger flows
o 2 - 10 year ARI (minor design flow, typically the 5 year ARI event in
Singapore) – for situations where the minor drainage system is directed
to the infiltration system.

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• ‘Above design flow’ for design of the high flow bypass around the infiltration
system. The discharge capacity for the bypass system may vary depending on
the particular situation but will typically correspond to one of the following:
o 2 - 10 year ARI (minor design flow) – for situations where only the minor
drainage system is directed to the infiltration system.
o 50 - 100 year ARI (major design flow) – for situations where both the
minor and major drainage system discharge to the infiltration system.
Formatted: Indent: Hanging: 3.19
[Link].3.5.2. Design Flow Estimation cm, Outline numbered + Level: 4 +
A range of hydrologic methods can be applied to estimate design flows. If typical Numbering Style: 1, 2, 3, … + Start at:
1 + Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 1.92
catchment areas are relatively small, the Rational Method design procedure is cm + Indent at: 3.19 cm, Tab stops:
considered suitable. However, if the infiltration system is to form part of a detention basin 1.9 cm, Left
or if the catchment area to the system is large (> 50 ha) then a full flood routing
computation method should be used to estimate design flows.
Formatted: Indent: Hanging: 2.55
[Link].6. Step 6: Size Infiltration System cm, Outline numbered + Level: 3 +
Numbering Style: 1, 2, 3, … + Start at:
As outlined in Section 11.2.3, there are two design methods available for establishing the 1 + Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 1.11
size of the detention volume and infiltration area of infiltration systems: the hydrologic cm + Indent at: 2.38 cm, Tab stops:
1.27 cm, Left
effectiveness method and the design storm method. Unless otherwise approved by the
Public Utilities Board, the hydrologic effectiveness method must be used when designing
infiltration systems.
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0 cm,
[Link].3.6.1. Hydrologic Effectiveness Method Hanging: 1.9 cm, Outline numbered +
Level: 4 + Numbering Style: 1, 2, 3, …
+ Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left +
Figure 11.6 below shows the relationship between the hydrologic effectiveness, Aligned at: 1.92 cm + Indent at: 3.19
infiltration area and detention storage for a range of soil hydraulic conductivities, cm
detention storage depths and detention storage volumes (adjusted for media porosity) for
the reference station 43 in Singapore. The curves were derived using the Model for
Urban Stormwater Improvement Conceptualisation.
The curves in Figure 11.6 are generally applicable to infiltration measure applications
within residential, industrial and commercial land uses. If the configuration of the
infiltration measure concept design is significantly different to that described below then
the curves may not provide an accurate indication of performance and the detailed
designer should use MUSIC to size the infiltration system.
The curves were derived conservatively assuming that the systems have the following
characteristics:
• varying in-situ soil hydraulic conductivity
• ‘detention volume’ area was confined to the space allocated for the ‘infiltration
area’
• ‘detention volume’ effective depth of 1.0 m. Note that this is equivalent to an
actual depth 1 m when the media porosity is 1.0 (i.e. an open detention volume
with no fill media) or 3.0 m and porosity of 0.33 (gravel filled detention volume)
These curves can be used to establish the size of both the ‘detention volume’ and
‘infiltration area’ of the infiltration systems to achieve a particular hydrologic effectiveness.
The designer is required to select the relevant hydrologic effectiveness curve by
establishing the likely configuration and form of the infiltration system, namely whether it
will be an open void detention volume (porosity = 1.0) or gravel filled (porosity = 0.35).
If linear interpolation between the curves is used to estimate the infiltration area required
for systems with hydraulic conductivities between those shown on the charts, it should be
noted that the relationship between the curves is not linear. As a result, these
interpolations do not provide an exact representation of the size of infiltration area as a %

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 Chapter 11 – Infiltration Systems

of catchment area. Designers must be careful not to under size infiltration areas through
this process.

Hydrolog ic E ffec tivenes s

100%

90%

80%

70%
H ydrolog ic E ffec tivenes s (% )

60%

50%

40% S aturated Hydraulic

C onduc tivity of in-s itu
30% s oil
3.6m m /h r
36m m /h r
20%
360m m /h r
1800m m /h r
10%
3600m m /h r
0%
0 2 4 6 8 10 12

Infiltration B as in Area (% impervious c atc hment (as s umed to be 1m effec tive depth - ac c ounting for media poros ity)

Figure 11.6 Hydrologic Effectiveness of Detention Storages for Infiltration

Systems [Reference Station 43]

[Link].3.7. Step 7: Locate Infiltration System

This step involves locating the infiltration system in accordance with the requirement set
out in Section 11.2.8 and Table 11.5 to minimise the risk of damage to structures from
wetting and drying of soils (i.e. swelling and shrinking of soils and slope stability).

[Link].3.8. Step 8: Set Infiltration Depths (sub-surface systems only)

For sub-surface infiltration systems, selection of the optimum depth requires
consideration of the seasonal high water table and the appropriate cover of soil to the
surface.
• Seasonal groundwater table - As outlined in Section [Link], it is generally
recommended that the base of the infiltration system be a minimum of 1 m above
the seasonal high water table.
• Cover (i.e. depth of soil above top of infiltration system) – Minimum cover of 0.3
m. For systems created using modular plastic cell storage units, an engineering
assessment is required.

[Link].3.9. Step 9: Specify Infiltration ‘Detention Volume’ Elements

The following design and specification requirements must be documented as part of the
design process for ‘leaky wells’, infiltration trenches and ‘soak-aways’.

[Link].[Link]. Gravel
Where the infiltration ‘detention volume’ is created through the use of a gravel-filled
trench then the gravel must be a uniform size of between 25 - 100 mm diameter and
must be clean (free of fines).

[Link].[Link]. Modular Plastic Cells

Where the infiltration detention volume is created through the use of modular plastic cells,
the design must be accompanied by an engineering assessment of the plastic cells and

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 Chapter 11 – Infiltration Systems

their appropriateness considering the loading above the infiltration system. A minimum
150 mm thick layer of coarse sand or fine gravel must underlie the base of the plastic
cells.

[Link].[Link]. Geofabric
Geofabric must be installed along the side walls and through the base of the infiltration
detention volume to prevent the migration of in-situ soils into the system. For this reason,
in infiltration systems the use of non-woven geofabric with a minimum perforation or
mesh of 0.25 mm is most appropriate.

[Link].[Link]. Inspection Wells

It is good design practice to install inspection wells at numerous locations in an infiltration
system. This allows water levels to be monitored during and after storm events and for
infiltration rates to be confirmed over time.

[Link].3.10. Step 10: Flow Management Design

The design of the hydraulic control for infiltration systems varies for the different
systems. For smaller applications, all pretreated flows will enter directly into the
system and an overflow pipe or pit will be used to convey excess flow to the
drainage system. For larger applications, a discharge control pit will be located
of the infiltration system. This control pit functions to regulate flows for the
interval (3-month ARI) into the infiltration systems and acts to bypass flows
design criteria (> 3-month ARI) in a manner similar to the inlet zone of a
wetland.
Table 11.6 summarises the typical hydraulic control requirements for the different types
of infiltration system.

Table 11.6 Typical Hydraulic Control Requirements for Infiltration Systems

Inflow Overflow/ Bypass
Infiltration Type Discharge Discharge
Direct inflow Overflow pipe/ pit
control pit control pit
Leaky Wells


Infiltration Trenches


Infiltration Soak-aways


Infiltration Basins




Note: For gravel filled infiltration systems, flow should be delivered to the ‘detention volume’ via a perforated
pipe network.
The hydraulic control measures described in

Table 11.6 are designed using the following techniques.

[Link].[Link]. Pipe Flows (Inflow Pipe and Overflow Pipe)

Pipe flows are to be calculated in accordance the Singapore Code of Practice which use
standard pipe equations that account for energy losses associated with inlet and outlet
conditions and friction losses within the pipe. For most applications, the pipe or culvert
will operate under outlet control with the inlet and outlet of the pipe/ culvert being fully
submerged. With relatively short pipe connections, friction losses are typically small and
can be computed using Manning’s equation.

[Link].[Link]. Perforated Inflow Pipes

Two design checks are required to ensure that the perforated inflow pipes within the
gravel of the filled infiltration systems have sufficient capacity to convey the ‘design
operation flow’ (Section 11.3.5) and distribute this flow into the infiltration system,:
• Ensure the pipe itself has capacity to convey the ‘design operation flow’

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 Chapter 11 – Infiltration Systems

• Ensure the perforations are adequate to pass the ‘design operation flow’.
It is recommended that the maximum spacing of the perforated pipes is 3 m (centres) and
that the minimum grade is 0.5 % from the inflow point. The inflow pipes should be
extended to the surface of the infiltration system to allow inspection and maintenance
when required. The base of the infiltration system must remain flat.
Perforated Pipe Conveyance
To confirm the capacity of the perforated pipes to convey the ‘design operation flow’,
Manning’s equation can be used (which assumes pipe full flow but not under pressure).
When completing this calculation it should be noted that installing multiple perforated
pipes in parallel is a means of increasing the capacity of the perforated pipe system.
Perforated Pipe Slot Conveyance
The capacity of the slots in the perforated pipe needs to be greater than the maximum
infiltration rate to ensure the slots does not become the hydraulic ‘control’ in the
infiltration system (i.e. to ensure the in-situ soils and ‘detention volume’ set the hydraulic
behaviour rather than the slots in the perforated pipe). To do this, orifice flow can be
assumed to occur through the slots and the sharp edged orifice equation used to
calculate the flow through the slots for the full length of perforated pipe. Firstly, the
number and size of perforations needs to be determined (typically from manufacturer’s
specifications) and used to estimate the flow rate out of the pipes, with the driving head
being the difference between the overflow level and the invert of the perforated pipe. It is
conservative, but reasonable, to use a blockage factor to account for partial blockage of
the perforations. A 50 % blockage should be used.

Q perf = B ⋅ Cd ⋅ A ⋅ 2 ⋅ g ⋅ h Equation 11-1

Where
Qperf = flow through perforations (m3/s)
B = blockage factor (0.5)
Cd = orifice discharge coefficient (assume 0.61 for sharp edge orifice)
A = total area of the perforations (m2)
g = gravity (9.79 m/s2)
h = head above the centroid of the perforated pipe (m)
If the capacity of the perforated pipe system is unable to convey the ‘design operation
flow’ then additional perforated pipes will be required.

[Link].[Link]. Overflow Pit

To size an overflow pit, two checks should be made to test for either drowned or free
flowing conditions. A broad crested weir equation can be used to determine the length of
weir required (assuming free flowing conditions) and an orifice equation used to estimate
the area between openings required in the grate cover (assuming drowned outlet
conditions). A blockage factor is to be used that assumes the grate is 50 % blocked.
While the smaller of the two would normally suffice, the larger of the two pit
configurations should be adopted to provide a level of conservatism. Furthermore, the
size of the pit should also be selected to ensure that it would adequately accommodate
the stormwater pipe draining from it.
For free overfall conditions (weir equation):

Q weir = B ⋅ Cw ⋅ L ⋅ h 3 / 2 Equation 11-2

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 Chapter 11 – Infiltration Systems

Where
3
Qweir = flow into pit (weir) under free overfall conditions (m /s)
B = blockage factor (= 0.5)
Cw = weir coefficient (= 1.66)
L = length of weir (perimeter of pit) (m)
h = flow depth above the weir (pit) (m)
Once the length of weir is calculated, a standard sized pit can be selected with a
perimeter at least the same length of the required weir length.

For drowned outlet conditions (orifice equation):

Q orifice = B ⋅ Cd ⋅ A 2 ⋅ g ⋅ h

Equation 11-3
Where B, g and h have the same meaning as above
Qorifice = flow rate into pit under drowned conditions (m3/s)
Cd = discharge coefficient for sharp edge orifice (adopt 0.6)
2
A = area of orifice (perforations in inlet grate) (m )
When designing grated field inlet pits, reference is to the requirements of the Public
Utilities Board.

[Link].[Link]. Overflow Weir

In applications where infiltration systems require a discharge control pit, a ‘spillway’ outlet
weir will form part of the high flow bypass system to convey the ‘above design flow’. The
‘spillway’ outlet weir level will be set at the top of the ‘detention storage’ to ensure
catchment flows bypass the infiltration system once the ‘detention volume’ is full. The
length of the ‘spillway’ outlet weir is to be sized to safely pass the maximum flow
discharged to the discharge control pit (as defined the ‘above design flow’ in Section
11.3.5).
The required length of the ‘spillway’ outlet weir can be computed using the weir flow
equation (Equation 11.2) and the ‘above design flow’ (Section 11.3.5).

[Link].3.11. Step 11: Consider Maintenance Requirements

Consider how maintenance is to be performed on the infiltration system (e.g. how and
where is access available, where sediment likely to collect etc.). A specific maintenance
plan and schedule should be developed for the infiltration system, either as part of a
maintenance plan for the whole treatment train, or for each individual asset. Guidance on
maintenance plans is provided in Section 11.4.1.

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[Link].3.12. Design Calculation Summary

Following is a design calculation summary sheet for the key design elements of an
infiltration system to aid the design process.

INFILTRATION SYSTEMS DESIGN CALCULATION SUMMARY

CALCULATION SUMMARY

Calculation Task Outcome Check

Catchment Characteristics
Catchment area ha
Catchment landuse (i.e residential, commercial etc.)
Storm event entering infiltration system (minor or major) year ARI

1 Site and soil evaluation

Site and Soil Evaluation' undertaken in accordance with AS1547-2000 Clause 4.1.3
Soil type
Hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) mm/hr
Presence of soil salinity
Presence of rock/shale
Infiltration site terrain (% slope)
Groundwater level m HD
m below surface
Groundwater quality
Groundwater uses

2 Confirm design objectives

Confirm design objective as defined by conceptual design

3 Select infiltration system type

Leaky Well
Infiltration Trench
Infiltration 'Soak-away'
Infiltration Basin

4 Pre-treatment design
Level 1 Pre-treatment (avoid clogging)
Level 2 Pre-treatment (groundwater quality protection)

5 Determine design flows

'Design operation flow' (i.e. 1 year ARI) year ARI
'Above design flow' (i.e. 2 - 100 year ARI) year ARI
Time of concentration
minutes
Identify rainfall intensities
'Design operation flow' - I1 year ARI mm/hr
'Above design flow'- I2 –100 year ARI mm/hr
Design runoff coefficient
'Design operation flow' - C1 year ARI
'Above design flow'- C2 –100 year ARI
Peak design flows
3
'Design operation flow' - 1 year ARI m /s
'Above design flow' (2-100 year ARI) m3/s

6 Size infiltration system

Hydrologic effectiveness approach
Hydrologic effectiveness objective %
Depth m
Porosity (void = 1.0, gravel filled = 0.35)

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INFILTRATION SYSTEMS DESIGN CALCULATION SUMMARY

CALCULATION SUMMARY

Calculation Task Outcome Check

2
'Infiltration Area' m
'Detention Volume' m3

7 Locate infiltration system

Minimum distance from boundary (Table 11.5) m
Width m
Length m

8 Set infiltration depths (sub-surface systems only)

Ground surface level m HD
Groundwater level m HD
m below surface
Infiltration system depth m
Top of infiltration system m HD
Base of infiltration system m HD
Cover m
Depth to water table m

9 Specify infiltration 'detention volume' elements

Gravel size mm diam.
Modular plastic cells
Geofabric

10 Flow management design

Inflow/Overflow structures
Direct inflow
Overflow pit/pipe
Discharge control pit
Discharge pipe
Pipe capacity m3/s
Pipe size mm diam.
Inflow pipe
Pipe capacity m3/s
Pipe size mm diam.
Overflow pipe
3
Pipe capacity m /s
Pipe size mm diam.
Overflow pit
3
Pit capacity m /s
Pit size mm x mm
Perforated inflow pipes
No. of pipes
Pipe size mm
Discharge control pit
Pit size mm x mm
Weir length m

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11.4. Construction and Establishment

It is important to note in the context of a development site and associated
construction/building works, delivering infiltration measures can be a challenging task.
• Construction activities which can generate large sediment loads in runoff
which can clog infiltration measures
• Construction traffic and other works can result in damage to the infiltration
measures.
A careful construction and establishment approach is needed to ensure that the
system is delivered in accordance with its design intent. A staged construction and
establishment methodology for infiltration measures is provided in Leinster (2006).

11.4.1. Maintenance Requirements

Maintenance for infiltration measures aims at ensuring the system does not clog with
sediments and that an appropriate infiltration rate is maintained. The most important
consideration during maintenance is to ensure the pre-treatment elements are
operating as designed to prevent sediments from blocking the infiltration measure and
to prevent groundwater contamination.
To ensure the system is operating as designed, the infiltration zone should be
inspected every 1 - 6 months (or after each major rainfall event) depending on the size
and complexity of the system. Typical maintenance of infiltration systems will involve:
• Routine inspection to identify any surface ponding after the design infiltration
period, which would indicate clogging/ blockage of the underlying aggregate or
the base of the trench.
• Routine inspection of inlet points to identify any areas of scour, litter build up,
sediment accumulation or blockages.
• Removal of accumulated sediment and clearing of blockages to inlets.
• Tilling of the infiltration surface, or removing the surface layer, if there is
evidence of clogging.
• Maintaining the surface vegetation (if present).

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11.5. Checking Tools

This section provides a number of checking aids for designers and assessment
officers. In addition, the following checking tools are provided:
• Design Assessment Checklist
• Construction Inspection Checklist (during and post)
• Operation and Maintenance Inspection Form
• Asset Transfer Checklist (following ‘on-maintenance’ period).

11.5.1. Design Assessment Checklist

The Design Assessment Checklist presents the key design features that are to be
reviewed when assessing the design of an infiltration system. These considerations
include configuration, safety, maintenance and operational issues that need to be
addressed during the design phase. If an item receives an ‘N’ when reviewing the
design, referral is to be made back to the design procedure to determine the impact of
the omission or error.
In addition to the checklist, a proposed design should have all necessary permits for its
installation. Assessment officers will require that all relevant permits are in place prior
to accepting a design.

11.5.2. Construction Checklist

The Construction Checklist presents the key items to be reviewed when inspecting the
infiltration measure during and at the completion of construction. The checklist is to be
used by Construction Site Supervisors and Compliance Inspectors to ensure all the
elements of the infiltration measure have been constructed in accordance with the
design. If an item receives an ‘N’ in satisfactory criteria then appropriate actions must
be specified and delivered to rectify the construction issue before final inspection sign-
off is given.

11.5.3. Operation and Maintenance Inspection Form

In addition to checking and maintaining the function of pre-treatment elements, the
Operation and Maintenance Form can be used during routine maintenance inspections
of the infiltration measure and kept as a record on the asset condition and quantity of
removed pollutants over time. Inspections should occur every 1 - 6 months depending on
the size and complexity of the system. More detailed site specific maintenance schedules
should be developed for major infiltration systems and include a brief overview of the
operation of the system and key aspects to be checked during each inspection.

11.5.4. Asset Transfer Checklist

Land ownership and asset ownership are key considerations prior to construction of a
stormwater treatment device. A proposed design should clearly identify the asset
owner and who is responsible for its maintenance. The proposed owner should be
responsible for performing the asset transfer checklist. The Asset Transfer Checklist
provides a template for facilitating asset transfer following the maintenance period.

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 Chapter 11 – Infiltration Systems

Infiltration Measure Design Assessment Checklist

Asset I.D.

Infiltration Measure Location:

3 3
Hydraulics: Design operational flow (m /s): Above design flow (m /s):

2
Area: Catchment Area (ha): Infiltration Area (m ): Detention Volume (m3):

SITE AND SOIL EVALUATION Y N

Site and Soil Evaluation undertaken

Soil types appropriate for infiltration (Ksat > 0.36mm/hr, no salinity problems, no rock/shale)?

PRE-TREATMENT

Groundwater conditions assessed and objectives established?

Level 1 Pre-Treatment provided?

Level 2 Pre-Treatment provided?

INFILTRATION SYSTEM Y N

Design objective established?

Has the appropriate design approach been adopted?

Infiltration system setbacks appropriate?

Base of infiltration system >1m above seasonal high groundwater table?

Has appropriate cover (soil depth above infiltration system) been provided?

If placed on >10% terrain (ground slope), has engineering assessment been undertaken?

FLOW MANAGEMENT Y N

Overall flow conveyance system sufficient for design flood event?

Are the inflow systems designed to convey design flows?

Bypass/ overflow sufficient for conveyance of design flood event?

COMMENTS

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 Chapter 11 – Infiltration Systems

Infiltration Measures Construction Inspection Checklist

Asset I.D. Inspected by:

Site: Date:
Time:
Constructed by: Weather:
Contact during
visit:

Checked Satisfactory Checked Satisfactory

Items inspected Items inspected
Y N Y N Y N Y N
DURING CONSTRUCTION
A. FUNCTIONAL INSTALLATION Structural components
10. Location and levels of infiltration system and overflow
Preliminary Works
points as designed
1. Erosion and sediment control plan adopted 11. Pipe joints and connections as designed
2. Traffic control measures 12. Concrete and reinforcement as designed
3. Location same as plans 13. Inlets appropriately installed
4. Site protection from existing flows [Link] of geofabric to sides and base
Earthworks 15. Correct fill media/modular system used
5. Excavation as designed B. SEDIMENT & EROSION CONTROL (if required)
6. Side slopes are stable 16. Stabilisation immediately following earthworks

Pre-treatment 17. Silt fences and traffic control in place

7. Maintenance access provided 18. Temporary protection layers in place
8. Invert levels as designed C. OPERATIONAL ESTABLISHMENT
19. Temporary protection layers and associated silt
9. Ability to freely drain
removed

FINAL INSPECTION
1. Confirm levels of inlets and outlets 6. Check for uneven settling of surface
2. Traffic control in place 7. No surface clogging
3. Confirm structural element sizes 8. Maintenance access provided
4. Gravel as specified 9. Construction generated sediment and debris removed
5. Confirm pre-treatment is working

COMMENTS ON INSPECTION

ACTIONS REQUIRED
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Inspection officer signature:

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 Chapter 11 – Infiltration Systems

Infiltration Measures Maintenance Checklist

Asset I.D.

Inspection Frequency: 1 to 6 monthly Date of Visit:

Location:

Description:

Site Visit by:

INSPECTION ITEMS Y N ACTION REQUIRED (DETAILS)

Sediment accumulation in pre-treatment zone?

Erosion at inlet or other key structures?

Evidence of dumping (eg building waste)?

Evidence of extended ponding times (eg. algal growth)?

Evidence of silt and clogging within 'detention volume'?

Clogging of flow management systems (sediment or debris)?

Damage/vandalism to structures present?

Drainage system inspected?

Resetting of system required?

COMMENTS

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Infiltration Measure Asset Transfer Checklist

Asset Description:

Asset ID:

Asset Location:

Construction by:

'On-maintenance' Period:

TREATMENT Y N

System appears to be working as designed visually?

No obvious signs of under-performance?

MAINTENANCE Y N

Maintenance plans and indicative maintenance costs provided for each asset?

Inspection and maintenance undertaken as per maintenance plan?

Inspection and maintenance forms provided?

ASSET INSPECTED FOR DEFECTS AND/OR MAINTENANCE ISSUES AT TIME OF ASSET TRANFSFER Y N

Sediment accumulation at inflow points?

Litter present?

Erosion at inlet or other key structures?

Traffic damage present?

Evidence of dumping (e.g. building waste)?

Evidence of ponding?

Surface clogging visible?

Damage/vandalism to structures present?

COMMENTS

ASSET INFORMATION Y N

Design Assessment Checklist provided?

As constructed plans provided?

Copies of all required permits (both construction and operational) submitted?

Proprietary information provided (if applicable)?

Digital files (eg drawings, survey, models) provided?

Asset listed on asset register or database?

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11.6. Infiltration measure worked

example
11.6.1. Worked example introduction
An infiltration system is to be installed to treat stormwater runoff from a residential
allotment. Pre-treatment of stormwater prior to discharge into the ground via
infiltration is essential to ensure sustainable operation of the infiltration system and
protection of groundwater (as discussed in Australian Runoff Quality, Engineers
Australia, 2006). Suspended solids and sediment are the key water quality
constituents requiring pre-treatment prior to infiltration. Roof runoff is directed into a
rainwater tank for storage and to be used as an alternative source of water. Overflow
from the rainwater tank can be discharged directly into the gravel trench for infiltration
into the surrounding sandy soil without further “pre-treatment”. Stormwater runoff from
paved areas will be directed to a pre-treatment vegetated swale and then into a gravel
trench for temporary storage and infiltration. An illustration of the proposed allotment
stormwater management scheme is shown in Figure 11.7.

Figure 11.7 Illustration of Allotment Stormwater Management Scheme

[source: Urban Water Resource Centre, University of South Australia;
[Link] ]

2
The allotment in question in this worked example is 10000 m in area on a rectangular
2
site with an overall impervious surface area of 5000 m . The site layout is shown in
Figure 11.8.

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 Chapter 11 – Infiltration Systems

5KL
rainwater
tank

Figure 11.8 Site Layout

2
Of the impervious surfaces, roof areas make up a total of 2100 m , while on-ground
2
impervious surfaces make up the remaining 2900 m . There is no formal stormwater
drainage system, with stormwater runoff discharging into a small table drain in the
front of the property. The design objective of the infiltration system is retention of
stormwater runoff from the allotment with a hydrologic effectiveness of 95%.
Stormwater flows in excess of the detention capacity of the infiltration system are
directed towards the road table drain at the front of the property.
Roof runoff is directed to a 5 kL rainwater tank. Although rainwater tanks can provide
significant peak discharge reduction owing to their available storage capacity, in this
worked example an assumption is made that the 5kL tank will be full. The design
criteria for the infiltration system are to:
• Provide pre-treatment of stormwater runoff.
• Determine an appropriate size of infiltration system.
• Ensure that the inlet configuration to the infiltration system includes provision
for by-pass of stormwater when the infiltration system is operating at its full
capacity.
This worked example focuses on the design of the infiltration system and associated
hydraulic structures.

11.6.2. Step 1: Site and Soil Evaluation

The site characteristics are summarised as follows:
2
• Catchment area 2100 m (roof)
2
• 2900 m (ground level paved)
2
• 5000 m (pervious)
2
• 10000 m (Total)
• Landuse/surface type – pervious area is either grassed or landscaped with
garden beds.
• Overland flow slope – Lot is 25m wide, 40m deep, slope = 3%
• To define the site’s suitability for infiltration of stormwater Boreholes were
drilled at 2 locations within the site and the results are as follows:
• Soil type = sandy loam

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 Chapter 11 – Infiltration Systems

• Hydraulic conductivity = 80 mm/hr

• Presence of soil salinity = no problems discovered
• Presence of rock or shale = no rock or shale discovered
• Slope/ terrain (%) = 2 – 4 %, ground level 10 m Height Datum (HD) in
infiltration location
• Groundwater details (depth, quality and uses) = water table 5 m below surface
(5 m HD), moderate water quality with local bores used for irrigation.
• Field tests found the soil to be suitable for infiltration.

11.6.3. Step 2: Confirm Design Objectives

The design objectives are summarised as follows:
• Size infiltration trench to retain 95% of the mean annual runoff volume from
the site.
• Design the inlet and outlet structures to convey the peak 3-month ARI flow
from the critical (flow rate) storm event. Ensure the inlet configuration includes
provision for stormwater bypass when the infiltration system is full.
• Pre-treat stormwater runoff.
• Design appropriate ground cover and terrestrial vegetation over the infiltration
trench.

11.6.4. Step 3: Select Infiltration System Type

Based on the site attributes, the scale of the infiltration application (i.e. 1.0 ha) and
Table 11.1, an infiltration ‘soak-away’ system is selected.

11.6.5. Step 4: Pre-treatment Design

An infiltration ‘soak-away’ has been selected for the site, reference to Section 11.2.4
and Table 11.3 indicates that Level 1 pre-treatment is required. Roof runoff is directed
to a rainwater tank. Although the tank may often be full, it nevertheless serves a
useful function as a sedimentation basin. A conservative approach to calculating the
infiltration capacity was taken by assuming that the 5kL tank will be full at the
commencement of the design event. This configuration is considered sufficient to
provide the required sediment pre-treatment for roof runoff.
Stormwater runoff from paved areas is directed to a combination of grass buffer areas
and a vegetated swale area which is slightly depressed to provide for trapping of
suspended solids conveyed by stormwater. Stormwater flows from the swale area into
a grated sump pit and then into the infiltration system.
Pre-treatment for sediment removal is therefore provided by the following:
• Connection of roof runoff into a rainwater tank;
• Paved area runoff is conveyed to a combination of grassed buffer areas and a
vegetated swale.

11.6.6. Step 5: Determine Design Flows

As described in Section [Link], the ‘design operation flow’ is required to size the inlet
to the infiltration system. In this case, flows into the infiltration system are to be
regulated through a discharge control pit, which will deliver flows up to the 3-month
ARI into the infiltration system. Flows greater than the 3-month ARI, or when the
infiltration system is full, will bypass the infiltration system by overtopping the overflow
weir in the discharge control pit. Therefore:
• ‘design operation flow’ = 3-month ARI

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Design flows and Runoff Coefficients were estimated using the Rational Method as
described in the Code of Practice on Surface Water Drainage (Public Utilities Board
2006).
2
Catchment area = 10000 m
tc ~ 6 min
C = 0.65
Rainfall Intensities tc = 6 mins
I3 month = 60.6 mm/hr
I100 = 275 mm/hr
Rational Method Q = CIA/360 [A = 1.0 Ha]
3
Q3 month = 0.109 m /s
3
Q100 = 0.497 m /s

11.6.7. Step 6: Size Infiltration System

Estimating the required storage volume of the infiltration system is through computer
simulation or reference to the design curves in Figure 11.6.
With a sandy loam in situ soil, a saturated hydraulic conductivity of 360 mm/hr is
adopted and Figure 11.6 shows that the required storage area (assuming an effective
depth of 1m) is 3% of the contributing impervious area. Thus the storage volume
3
required is 0.65 x 10000 x 0.03 = 195 m .

11.6.8. Step 7: Locate Infiltration System

As the general fall of the site is to the front of the property, it is proposed that the
infiltration system be sited near the front of the property with paved area runoff
directed to grassed buffers and a feature vegetated landscaped area adjacent to the
infiltration system. Given the sandy soil profile of the site, the minimum distance of the
infiltration system from structures and property boundary is 1 m.
Overflow from the infiltration system will be directed to the table drain of the street in
front of the property.

11.6.9. Step 8: Set Infiltration Depths

The depth of the infiltration systems must be set to ensure the base is a minimum of
1.0 m above the seasonal high water table and there is a minimum of 0.3 m cover.
Considering the water table sits 5 m below surface, a maximum infiltration depth of 3.7
m applies with 0.5m of soil covering the soak-away.
Infiltration depth = 1.0 m
Depth to water table = 3.5 m
2
The available site area is approximately 48 m and therefore, the effective depth to
3
achieve storage of 195m is 4.1 m. A gravel-filled trench will be used and will have a
porosity of 0.35. The resulting actual depth of the infiltration tank will need to be
11.7m.
The proposed layout of the infiltration system is shown in Figure 11.9.

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5KL
rainwater
tank

16 x 3m
infiltration unit
Discharge
control pit

Pre-treatment
vegetated
Overflow landscaped area
connected to
drain

Figure 11.9 Layout of Stormwater Infiltration System

11.6.10. Step 9: Specify Infiltration ‘Detention Volume’ Elements

The following design specification applies to the infiltration ‘soak-away’:
• Gravel - clean (fines free) stone/ gravel with a uniform size of 5 mm diameter.
• Geofabric - Geofabric must to be installed along the side walls and through the
base of the infiltration detention volume to prevent the migration of in-situ soils
into the system. Geofabric must be non-woven type with a minimum
perforation or mesh size of 0.25 mm.

11.6.11. Step 10: Hydraulic Control Design

Flow into the infiltration ‘soak-away’ will be regulated through a discharge control pit
with overflow or bypass flows being directed into the piped drainage system located in
the road reserve. As depicted in Figure 11.10. The discharge control pit consists of
the following:
• Inflow pipe - connection between the pit and the infiltration basin sized to
convey ‘design operation flow’ (3-month ARI)
• Perforated inflow pipes - to distribute ‘ design operation flow’ (3-month ARI)
into the gravel filled ‘detention volume’
• overflow weir – flows above the 3-month ARI to bypass the infiltration system
and to be directed to the street table drain.

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Internal Weir Compacted Soil

600 500
400

Discharge 1200
Control Pit Mesh Screen

300m ΦUPVC
Outlet pipe

Gravel-filled
soakaway

Figure 11.10 Pit Inlet design – Connection to Infiltration System

3
Peak 3-month design flow = 0.109 m /s (calculated previously) and assuming pervious
3
area not contributing any runoff. There will be approximately 0.046 m /s discharging
3
from the rainwater tank overflow and 0.063 m /s from other paved areas.
There are two inlets to the infiltration system, i.e. one from the rainwater tank and the
second from the driveway (see Figure 11.9). These inlets are to be designed to
discharge flows up to 0.063 m3/s each into the infiltration trench with overflows
directed to the table drain on the street in front of the property.
Pipe connections from the inlet pits to the infiltration system and street table drain are
computed using the orifice flow

Q
Ao =
C d 2 gh

Cd = Discharge Coefficient for sharp edge orifice (0.6)

h = Depth of water above the centroid of the orifice (m)
2
Ao = Orifice area (m )

3
For pipe connections to the infiltration system, adopt h = 0.15 m; Q = 0.063m /s
2
This gives an orifice area (Ao) of 0.062 m , equivalent to a 280 mm diameter pipe
adopt 300 mm diameter uPVC pipe.
Formatted: Indent: Left: 0 cm,
[Link].12. Perforated Inflow Pipes Hanging: 1.59 cm, Outline numbered
+ Level: 3 + Numbering Style: 1, 2, 3,
To ensure appropriate distribution of flows into the gravel filled ‘detention volume’, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left +
three 300 mm diameter perforated pipes laid in parallel (0.75 m apart) are to accept Aligned at: 1.11 cm + Indent at: 2.38
cm
flows from the 300 mm diameter RCP.
Two design checks are required:
3
 Ensure the pipe has capacity to convey the ‘design operation flow’ (0.109 m /s).

 Ensure the perforations are adequate to pass the ‘design operation flow’.

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 Chapter 11 – Infiltration Systems

Perforated Pipe Conveyance

Manning’s equation is applied to estimate the flow rate in the perforated pipes and
confirm the capacity of the pipes is sufficient to convey the ‘design operation flow’
3
(0.109 m /s). The three 300 mm diameter perforated pipes are to be laid in parallel at
a grade of 0.5 %.
2 1
A.R 3 .S 2

Q= Manning’s equation
n
Applying the Manning’s equation using Manning’s n = 0.015 finds:
Q (flow per pipe) = 0.320 m3/s
3 3
QTotal = 0.960 m /s (for three pipes) > 0.109 m /s, and hence OK.

Perforated Pipe Slot Conveyance

To ensure the perforated pipe slots are not a hydraulic choke in the system, the flow
capacity of perforated pipe slots is estimated and compared with the ‘design operation
flow’ (0.109 m3/s). To estimate the flow rate, an orifice equation (equation 11-5) is
applied as follows:

Q orifice = B ⋅ Cd ⋅ A 2 ⋅ g ⋅ h

Where:
Head (h) = 0.4 m
Blockage (B) = 0.5 (50 % blocked)
2
Area (A) = 3150 mm /m clear perforations, hence blocked area
= 1575 mm2/m

Slot Width = 1.5 mm

Slot Length = 7.5 mm
Pipe diameter = 300 mm
Coefficient (Cd) = 0.61 (assume slot width acts as a sharp edged orifice).

Number of unblocked slots per metre = (1575)/(1.5x7.5) = 140

(Note: blockage factor (B) already accounted for in ‘Area’ calculation above)
Inlet capacity /m of pipe = [ 0.61 × ( 0.0015 × 0.0075 ) × 2 × 9.81 × 0.4 ] × 140
= 0.0027 m3/s
Inlet capacity/m x total length (3 lengths of 16 m)
= 0.0027 x (3 x 16) = 0.129 m3/s > 0.109, hence OK.
Perforated pipes = 3 x 300 mm diameter perforated pipe laid in parallel, 0.75 m apart
and at 0.5 % grade.

[Link].6.13. Bypass Design

An overflow weir (internal weir) located within the discharge control pit (Figure 11.11)
separates the inflow pipe to the infiltration system from the overflow pipe that conveys
excess flows to the street table drain. The overflow internal weirs in discharge control
pits are to be sized to convey the peak 3-month ARI flow and the overflow weir is
designed to provide at least 150m freeboard i.e.

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 Chapter 11 – Infiltration Systems

(For conservative design, choose the larger flow for design of discharge control pit,
3
0.063 m /s)
3 3
Qdesign = 2 x 0.063 m /s (two inlet pits) = 0.126m /s
The weir flow equation (equation 11-6) is used to determine the required weir length:
Q weir = B ⋅ Cw ⋅ L ⋅ h 3 / 2

So, using the

3
Qdesign flow = 0.126 m /s

B = 1.0 (no blockage for internal weir)

Cw = 1.66

h = 0.3 m

We can solve for L, giving a weir length (L) = 0.46 m.

To size the pipe connection to the street table drain, use the orifice equation and solve
for A
Q orifice = B ⋅ Cd ⋅ A 2 ⋅ g ⋅ h

Adopting:
h =0.40 m;
3
Q = 0.126 m /s
B =1
g = 9.81
Cd = 0.6 (assumes sharp edge orifice)

This gives an orifice area (A) of 0.075 m2, equivalent to a 310 mm diameter pipe 
adopt 450 mm diameter uPVC pipe.

Discharge control pit

600 High
250 flows

600mΦ UPVC pipe

connected to street
300mmΦ UPVC drainage system

Figure 11.11 Weir used for infiltration system bypass

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 Chapter 11 – Infiltration Systems

[Link].6.14. Design Calculation Summary

INFILTRATION SYSTEMS DESIGN CALCULATION SUMMARY

.

CALCULATION SUMMARY

Calculation Task Outcome Check

Catchment Characteristics
Catchment area 0.1 ha

Catchment landuse (i.e residential, commercial etc.) Residential

Storm event entering infiltration system (minor or major) 3-month year ARI

1 Site and soil evaluation

Site and Soil Evaluation' undertaken in accordance
Soil type Sandy-loam

Hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) 360 mm/hr

Presence of soil salinity No

Presence of rock/shale No

Infiltration site terrain (% slope) 3

Groundwater level RL 5 m

5 m below surface

Groundwater quality Moderate

Groundwater uses Irrigation

2 Confirm design objectives

Confirm design objective as defined by conceptual design 95% HE

3 Select infiltration system type

Leaky Well
Infiltration Trench

Infiltration 'Soak-away'
Infiltration Basin

4 Pre-treatment design
Level 1 Pre-treatment (avoid clogging)

Level 2 Pre-treatment (groundwater quality protection)

5 Determine design flows

'Design operation flow' (< or =1 year ARI) 3-month year ARI

'Above design flow' (2 - 100 year ARI) 100 year ARI

Time of concentration
6 minutes

Identify rainfall intensities
'Design operation flow' - I1 year ARI 60.6 mm/hr

'Above design flow'- I2 –100 year ARI 275 mm/hr

Design runoff coefficient
'Design operation flow' - C1 year ARI 0.65

'Above design flow'- C2 –100 year ARI 0.65

Peak design flows
3
'Design operation flow' – 3-month ARI 0.109 m /s

3
'Above design flow' (100 year ARI) 0.497 m /s

6 Size infiltration system

Hydrologic effectiveness approach
Hydrologic effectiveness objective 95 %

Depth - m
Porosity (void = 1.0, gravel filled = 0.35) 0.35
2
'Infiltration Area' 48 m

3
'Detention Volume' 19.5 m

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 Chapter 11 – Infiltration Systems

INFILTRATION SYSTEMS DESIGN CALCULATION SUMMARY

.

CALCULATION SUMMARY

Calculation Task Outcome Check

7 Locate infiltration system
Minimum distance from boundary (Table 11.5) 1.2 m

Width 3 m

Length 16 m

8 Set infiltration depths (sub-surface systems only)

Ground surface level RL10 m

Groundwater level RL 5 m

5 m below surface

Infiltration system depth 1.2 m

Top of infiltration system RL 4.5 m

Base of infiltration system RL 3.3 m

Cover 0.5 m

Depth to water table 1.7 m

9 Specify infiltration 'detention volume' elements

Gravel size 5 mm diam.

Modular plastic cells
Geofabric

10 Flow management design

Inflow/Overflow structures
Direct inflow
Overflow pit/pipe

Discharge control pit
Discharge pipe
Pipe capacity 0.126 m3/s

Pipe size 450 mm diam.

Inflow pipe
3
Pipe capacity 0.063 m /s

Pipe size 300 mm diam.
Overflow pipe
3
Pipe capacity 0.126 m /s

Pipe size 450 mm diam.

Overflow pit
3
Pit capacity - m /s N/A
Pit size - mm x mm N/A
Perforated inflow pipes
No. of pipes 3

Pipe size 300 mm

Discharge control pit
Pit size mm x mm N/A
Weir length 1 m N/A

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 Chapter 11 – Infiltration Systems

11.7. References
Argue JR (ed) 2004, Water Sensitive Urban Design: Basic Procedures for ‘Source
Control’ of Stormwater, AWA, University of South Australia
CRCCH (Cooperative Research Centre for Catchment Hydrology), 2003, Model for
Urban Stormwater Improvement Conceptualisation (MUSIC) User Guide, Version 2.0,
December
DPI, IMEA & BCC (Department of Primary Industries – Water Resources, Institute of
Municipal Engineers Australia – Qld Division & Brisbane City Council) 1992,
Queensland Urban Drainage Manual (QUDM), prepared by Neville Jones &
1
Associates and Australian Water Engineering for DPI, IMEA & BCC, Brisbane .
Engineers Australia 2006, Australian Runoff Quality, Engineers Australia,
ACT,[Link]
Engineers Australia, 2003, Australian Runoff Quality Guidelines, DRAFT, June
Institution of Engineers Australia, 1997, Australian Rainfall and Runoff – A guide to
flood estimation, Editor in Chief – Pilgram, D.H.
Leinster, S 2006, Delivering the Final Product – Establishing Water Sensitive Urban
th th
Design Systems, 7 International Conference on Urban Drainage Modelling and 4
International Conference on Water Sensitive Urban Design Book of Proceedings,
Volume 2, A Deletic and T Fletcher (eds), Melbourne.
Melbourne Water. 2005. WSUD Engineering Procedures: Stormwater. CSIRO
Publishing.
Public Utilities Board (2006). Code of Practice on Surface Water Drainage. Singapore.
50p.
Standards Australia 2000, AS/NZS 1547:2000: On-site domestic wastewater
management, Standards Australia
UPRCT (Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust) 2004, Water Sensitive Urban
Design: Technical Guidelines for Western Sydney, prepared by URS Australia Pty Ltd
for UPRCT, NSW

ABC Waters Stormwater Quality Management Guidelines Page 38