Effect of Changing the Shape and Size of Inlet Area of Grates on the Hydraulic Efficiency of Urban Rainstorm Drainage Systems

Abstract

Urban rainstorm drainage systems are used to collect the surface runoff from streets and other land surfaces through grate or curb openings that convey it to the drains. The quantity of surface runoff that is not discharged to the urban rainstorm drainage systems due to inadequate grate size or because the grate capacity is exceeded can cause flooding, immoderate hazards to drivers and pedestrians, and disrupt urban activities. This study aims to carry out experimental work to investigate the hydraulic efficiency of urban rainstorm drainage systems using different types of grates (shape and size of inlet area) for harvesting excess rainwater. Different grate shapes (five) with different inlet areas were investigated, as well as using three relative grate inlet areas (26%, 51%, and 64%). The results of the experimental work indicated that the best grate shape is the grate type 4 which provided the smallest reduction in discharge efficiency within 8.7%. The results specified that changing the size of the inlet area of grates from (26%) to (64%) has a significant impact on urban rainstorm drainage systems efficiency which decreased by 4%. In addition, the dimensional analysis principle with multi regression analysis were used to develop an empirical equation to compute the efficiency of urban rainstorm drainage systems. The relation between grate shapes and the relative inlet area with the efficiency of grate capture provides an indication to the decisionmakers to increase the time period for maintenance which will save the cost for further maintenance. The presented empirical equation can help decisionmakers for monitoring the current situation of grate blockage (relative grate inlet areas) and the corresponding efficiency. This study is beneficial for future road drainage system construction to avoid problems by assessing the performances of the current drainage systems and proposing mitigation measures to avoid improper functioning. Finally, this methodology can help to improve the efficiency of urban rainstorm drainage systems that can reduce the risks of urban floods.