A storm drain system is only as effective as the inlet grates provided. A very expensive piping system can be rendered very ineffective if the number and capacity of inlets is compromised. While inlets are often placed at intersections as a matter of course, inlets between intersections are often ignored. Inlets provide the means for the runoff from the surface to reach the piping system. This series of courses provides a discussion of the various types of inlets, computations necessary to determine the interception capacity of the inlets, and a discussion on inlet location and spacing.
This 1-hour online course (Part 4 of a series) covers inlet locations and spacing. Part 1 provides a general discussion on types of grates and provides computations for inlet grates. A second course (Part 2) includes curb openings and combination grate and curb openings. A third course (Part 3) discusses inlets in sag locations. Another course deals with flow in gutters, which is directly related to inlet capacity. The student should have an understanding of flow in gutters before taking this course.
The text of the course is taken from the Federal Highway Administration's circular on Urban Drainage. It is strongly recommended that the student take Parts 1, 2 and 3 prior to taking this course and it is also necessary to either take the course on Gutter Flow or have a good understanding of the computations involved in gutter flow.
There will be a multiple-choice quiz at the end of this course.
After completing this course, you will be able to:
Describe the various types of inlets.
Calculate interception capacity of inlets.
Identify appropriate inlet locations.
Explain the criteria for spacing of inlets.
SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT: Mark Peterson, P.E., M.ASCE
Mr. Peterson has a BS and MS from Montana State University and more than 28 years of engineering experience in hydrology and hydraulics. He is currently a senior engineer with Kadrmas, Lee and Jackson and has worked extensively in both the private sector and in state government. He is licensed as a PE in MN, MT, ND, SD and WY. He was chairman of a three-person committee that re-wrote the Hydraulics Manual for the Montana Department of Transportation and authored the storm water regulations for subdivisions in Montana. He also teaches a two-day course on Introduction to Detention Pond Design for the American Society of Civil Engineers throughout the U.S.
1 hr. Online Course