7.

Road Drainage (06 Periods)

7.1 Necessity of road drainage work, cross drainage
7.2 Surface and subsurface drains and storm water drains. Location, spacing and
typical details of side drains, side ditches for surface drainage. Intercepting
drains, pipe drains in hill roads, details of drains in cutting embankment,
typical cross sections

Introduction to Road Drainage

Road drainage is a crucial aspect of civil engineering that ensures the safe and effective removal of
surface and subsurface water from roadways. Proper drainage design is essential for maintaining road
longevity, preventing water-related damage, and ensuring the safety of road users. This introduction
outlines the key concepts, components, and importance of road drainage systems.

Importance of Road Drainage

1. Longevity of Roads:

 Water Damage Prevention: Proper drainage prevents water from infiltrating the road
structure, which can lead to weakening of the foundation, potholes, and cracks.

 Material Preservation: By directing water away from the road, the materials used in
road construction, such as asphalt and concrete, are preserved, reducing the need for
frequent repairs.

2. Safety:

 Reduced Hydroplaning: Effective drainage minimizes water accumulation on the road

surface, which reduces the risk of hydroplaning and accidents.

 Enhanced Visibility: By preventing water pooling, road drainage systems help maintain
better driving conditions, improving visibility for drivers during and after rainfall.

3. Environmental Protection:

 Erosion Control: Proper drainage systems help prevent soil erosion by managing runoff
in a controlled manner.

 Pollution Control: Drainage systems can be designed to filter and treat runoff, reducing
the introduction of pollutants into natural water bodies.

Necessity of Road Drainage Work and Cross Drainage

Proper road drainage work, including cross drainage structures, is essential for several reasons,
encompassing road safety, longevity, and environmental protection. Here’s a detailed look at why these
components are necessary:
Necessity of Road Drainage Work

1. Preservation of Road Integrity:

 Preventing Water Accumulation: Without proper drainage, water can accumulate on

the road surface, infiltrate the road base, and weaken the structural integrity of the
pavement.

 Minimizing Potholes and Cracks: Effective drainage reduces the formation of potholes
and cracks caused by water seepage and freeze-thaw cycles.

2. Enhancing Road Safety:

 Reducing Hydroplaning Risks: Standing water on road surfaces can lead to

hydroplaning, where vehicles lose traction and control. Proper drainage ensures rapid
removal of surface water, reducing this risk.

 Maintaining Clear Visibility: Adequate drainage prevents water pooling, which can
splash onto windshields, maintaining clear visibility for drivers during and after rain.

3. Extending Road Lifespan:

 Preventing Erosion: Proper drainage helps prevent erosion of road shoulders and
embankments, which can undermine the road structure.

 Reducing Maintenance Costs: By preserving the road structure and preventing damage,
effective drainage reduces the frequency and cost of repairs.

4. Environmental Protection:

 Controlling Runoff: Proper drainage systems manage runoff effectively, preventing

uncontrolled flow that can lead to erosion and sedimentation in water bodies.

 Pollutant Filtration: Some drainage systems can incorporate features to filter pollutants
from road runoff before they enter natural waterways.

5. Compliance with Regulations:

 Meeting Standards: Ensuring road drainage systems comply with local, regional, and
national regulations is essential for project approval and funding.

Necessity of Cross Drainage

Cross drainage structures, such as culverts and bridges, are integral components of road drainage
systems, especially where roads intersect with natural watercourses. Their necessity includes:

1. Ensuring Uninterrupted Water Flow:

  Natural Watercourse Management: Cross drainage structures allow natural
watercourses (streams, rivers, and drainage channels) to pass beneath roads,
maintaining their flow without obstruction.

 Flood Prevention: By providing a pathway for water, these structures prevent water
from pooling on the road or flooding adjacent areas, protecting infrastructure and
properties.

2. Protecting Road Infrastructure:

 Preventing Road Washouts: In the absence of cross drainage structures, water can
erode the roadbed and wash out sections of the road during heavy rains or floods.

 Maintaining Road Stability: These structures support the road by preventing water
accumulation that could destabilize the roadbed and embankments.

3. Facilitating Safe Transportation:

 Uninterrupted Travel: Cross drainage structures ensure that roads remain passable
during and after heavy rainfall, maintaining connectivity and access for vehicles and
pedestrians.

 Safety During Flood Events: Properly designed cross drainage structures can handle
high flow rates, reducing the risk of road overtopping and ensuring safe passage during
extreme weather conditions.

4. Environmental Considerations:

 Minimizing Ecological Disruption: Cross drainage structures can be designed to

minimize impact on aquatic ecosystems, allowing for the safe passage of fish and other
wildlife.

 Reducing Sediment Transport: Properly designed structures help control sediment

transport, reducing the impact on downstream water quality and habitats.

5. Economic Benefits:

 Cost-Effective Solutions: Investing in robust cross drainage structures can prevent costly
road repairs and reconstructions caused by water damage.

 Sustainable Infrastructure: These structures contribute to the sustainability and

resilience of the road network, supporting long-term economic growth and
development.
Surface and Subsurface Drains and Storm Water Drains: Location, Spacing, and Typical Details of Side
Drains and Side Ditches for Surface Drainage

Effective road drainage systems incorporate surface drains, subsurface drains, and storm water drains to
manage water efficiently and maintain road integrity. Each type of drainage has specific roles and
placement criteria, ensuring comprehensive water management.

Surface Drains

Surface drains are designed to remove water from the road surface and its immediate surroundings.
These drains typically include side drains and side ditches. Side drains are shallow channels running
parallel to the road, often located at the edge of the pavement or shoulder. Their primary function is to
collect and convey runoff from the road surface to designated outfall points, such as natural
watercourses or storm drains. Proper placement of side drains is crucial; they are usually positioned
within a few feet of the road edge to capture surface water promptly. The spacing of inlets along side
drains depends on the road gradient and expected runoff volume, with closer spacing in areas with
heavy rainfall or steep slopes to ensure efficient water capture.

Side ditches, on the other hand, are deeper and wider channels designed to handle larger volumes of
water. These ditches run along the roadside, typically at the toe of the embankment or at a slight
distance from the pavement edge. Side ditches collect not only surface runoff from the road but also
water flowing down adjacent slopes. The design of side ditches considers factors like soil type,
vegetation, and local rainfall patterns to prevent erosion and ensure stability. The depth and width of
side ditches vary, generally ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 meters deep and 0.5 to 2 meters wide, based on the
expected water flow. The longitudinal slope of side ditches is maintained to facilitate continuous water
movement, usually between 0.5% to 3%, ensuring that water flows towards designated discharge points
without causing standing water or erosion.

Subsurface Drains

Subsurface drains address groundwater and prevent it from affecting the road structure. These drains
are essential in areas with high groundwater tables or where soil permeability causes water retention
under the road. Subsurface drainage systems typically include perforated pipes or French drains,
installed beneath the road surface or alongside the roadbed. Perforated pipes are laid in trenches filled
with coarse aggregate, allowing groundwater to enter the pipe and be transported away from the road.
The placement of subsurface drains is critical; they are often installed at the base of the road subgrade
or parallel to the road at intervals that ensure comprehensive groundwater management. The spacing
between subsurface drains depends on soil permeability and groundwater flow rates, typically ranging
from 15 to 30 meters in highly permeable soils to 5 to 15 meters in less permeable soils.

French drains, consisting of gravel-filled trenches with a perforated pipe at the bottom, are another
effective subsurface drainage method. These drains are particularly useful for intercepting groundwater
before it reaches the road structure. French drains are installed at strategic locations, such as the road
shoulder or embankment base, and their spacing depends on similar factors as perforated pipes. Proper
installation ensures that groundwater is effectively intercepted and redirected, preventing damage to
the road foundation.

Storm Water Drains

Storm water drains are designed to handle runoff from both the road surface and surrounding areas
during heavy rainfall events. These systems are integral to urban and highway drainage, where large
volumes of water need to be managed swiftly to prevent flooding. Storm water drains typically include a
network of inlets, pipes, and outfall structures that collect and convey runoff to appropriate discharge
points. The location of storm water inlets is crucial for efficient water management. Inlets are placed at
regular intervals along the road, near intersections, and in low-lying areas where water is likely to
accumulate. The spacing of storm water inlets varies based on road gradient, catchment area, and
expected runoff volume, typically ranging from 30 to 100 meters.

The design of storm water drain pipes considers the peak flow rates and local regulations. Pipes are
sized to accommodate the maximum expected runoff, ensuring that the drainage system can handle
extreme weather events without overflow. The alignment and slope of storm water pipes are designed
to facilitate efficient water flow, preventing sedimentation and blockages. Outfall structures, where
storm water is discharged into natural water bodies or retention basins, are designed to minimize
erosion and environmental impact.

Typical Details of Side Drains and Side Ditches for Surface Drainage

Side drains and side ditches play a vital role in surface drainage. Side drains are typically shallow, with a
trapezoidal or rectangular cross-section, designed to capture runoff from the road surface quickly. They
are often lined with concrete or grass to prevent erosion and facilitate maintenance. The bottom width
of side drains ranges from 0.3 to 0.5 meters, with side slopes of 1:2 (vertical) or flatter to ensure stability
and safety.

Side ditches are larger and deeper than side drains, designed to handle greater water volumes. They
have a trapezoidal cross-section with bottom widths ranging from 0.5 to 2 meters and depths from 0.5
to 1.5 meters. Side slopes are typically 1:3 or flatter, considering safety and erosion control. Side ditches
may be lined with riprap, geotextiles, or vegetation to prevent erosion and enhance water conveyance.
Regular maintenance, including debris removal and vegetation control, is essential to ensure the
functionality of side ditches and prevent blockages.

Intercepting Drains, Pipe Drains in Hill Roads, and Drains in Cutting Embankments: Typical Cross
Sections

Intercepting Drains

Intercepting drains, also known as catch drains, are designed to capture and divert surface water
running down slopes before it reaches the roadway. These drains are particularly important in hilly or
mountainous regions where uncontrolled surface water can cause significant erosion and destabilize the
road structure.

Location and Design: Intercepting drains are typically located upslope from the road, following the
contour lines to effectively intercept and channel water away from the road. They are constructed with
a trapezoidal or V-shaped cross-section, with dimensions depending on the expected volume of runoff.

Typical Cross Section:

 Depth: 0.5 to 1 meter

 Bottom Width: 0.3 to 0.5 meters

 Side Slopes: 1:1 to 1:2 (vertical

 Lining: The drains can be lined with grass, geotextile, or riprap to prevent erosion and enhance
durability.

Intercepting drains typically have a gentle slope (1-2%) to ensure smooth water flow without causing
sedimentation.

Pipe Drains in Hill Roads

Pipe drains are crucial for managing both surface and subsurface water in hill roads. They help prevent
water from accumulating and causing landslides or undermining the road structure.

Types and Location:

 Horizontal Drains: These are perforated pipes installed horizontally into the hillside to drain
subsurface water.

 Longitudinal Drains: Installed parallel to the road, these pipes collect water from the
intercepting drains and other surface drains.

 Cross Drains: Perpendicular to the road, these drains transfer water from the uphill side to the
downhill side, often leading into culverts or open channels.

Typical Cross Section:

 Diameter: 150 to 300 mm, depending on the expected water volume.

 Pipe Material: PVC, HDPE, or perforated concrete pipes.

 Trench Dimensions: The trench width should be at least twice the diameter of the pipe, and the
depth should ensure the pipe is below the road subgrade.
  Bedding: A layer of coarse aggregate (100 to 150 mm thick) is placed at the bottom of the trench
for proper bedding.

 Backfill: The trench is filled with graded aggregate around the pipe and covered with geotextile
to prevent clogging with fine particles.

Drains in Cutting Embankments

Drains in cutting embankments manage water from both the cut slope and the road surface, preventing
erosion and maintaining slope stability.

Side Drains: Located at the toe of the cut slope, side drains collect surface water and convey it away
from the road.

Typical Cross Section:

 Depth: 0.5 to 1 meter

 Bottom Width: 0.5 to 1 meter

 Side Slopes: 1:1 to 1:2

 Lining: Grass, geotextile, or concrete lining, depending on the volume of water and soil erosion
potential.

Subsurface Drains: Installed at the base of the cut slope, these drains collect and remove groundwater
to prevent slope destabilization.

Typical Cross Section:

 Perforated Pipe Diameter: 150 to 300 mm

 Trench Depth: 0.5 to 1 meter below the road surface

 Bedding and Backfill: Coarse aggregate with geotextile wrapping

Embankment Drains: In embankment sections, drains are placed to manage both surface runoff and
seepage through the embankment material.

Typical Cross Section:

 Surface Drains: Located at the embankment toe, with dimensions similar to side drains in
cutting embankments.

 Subsurface Drains: Perforated pipes or French drains installed within the embankment,
especially near the base, to intercept seepage.

Key Features:
 Depth and Width: Similar to those in cuttings, ensuring efficient water removal.

 Lining: Riprap or concrete lining to prevent erosion, particularly in high-flow areas.

Typical cross section of a side drain