FHWA Resource Center
GEOTECH & HYDRAULICS TEAM
Hydraulic Design Series No. 4
INTRODUCTION TO HIGHWAY HYDRAULICS
Publication No. FHWA-NHI-01-019
August 2001
ABSTRACT:
Introduction to Highway Hydraulics, Hydraulic Design Series No. 4 (HDS-4), provides an introduction to highway hydraulics. Hydrologic techniques presented concentrate on methods suitable to small areas, since many components of highway drainage (culverts, storm drains, ditches, etc.) service primarily small areas. A brief review of fundamental hydraulic concepts is provided, including continuity, energy, momentum, hydrostatics, weir flow and orifice flow. The document then presents open channel flow principles and design applications, followed by a parallel discussion of closed conduit principles and design applications. Open channel applications include discussion of stable channel design and pavement drainage. Closed conduit applications include culvert and storm drain design. Examples are provided to help illustrate important concepts. An overview of energy dissipators is provided and the document concludes with a brief discussion
of construction, maintenance and economic issues.
As the title suggests, HDS-4 provides only an introduction to the design of highway drainage facilities and should be particularly useful for designers and engineers without extensive drainage training or experience. More detailed information on each topic is discussed by other Hydraulic Design Series and Hydraulic Engineering Circulars.
DOCUMENT AVAILABILITY:
To download an electronic copy:
RELATED NHI TRAINING COURSE:
FHWA-NHI-135065, Introduction to Highway Hydraulics
FHWA-NHI-135081, Introduction to Highway Hydraulics Software
RELATED SOFTWARE:
Visual Urban – Urban Drainage Design Programs (2002)
FHWA TECHNICAL CONTACTS:
Mr. Dan Ghere
Hydraulics Engineer, FHWA Resource Center
Phone: (708) 283-3557
Email: dan.ghere@fhwa.dot.gov
Mr. Joe Krolak
Sr. Hydraulics Engineer, FHWA HQ
Phone: (202) 366-4611
Email: joseph.krolak@fhwa.dot.gov
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