STREET GUTTER
Introduction
Street gutters are vital components of urban stormwater management systems. They are designed
to channel runoff from streets, reducing the risk of flooding and ensuring efficient drainage. The
design of street gutters takes into account several factors, including flow capacity, hydraulic
efficiency, and environmental considerations. This report outlines the principles of gutter design,
their hydrological behavior, and relevant design guidelines, with references drawn from David
A. Chin's Water Resources Engineering.
1. Purpose of Street Gutters
Street gutters primarily serve to direct stormwater runoff from the pavement to drainage systems.
The water flows from the street surface into the gutter and ultimately towards inlets that convey
the water to larger stormwater systems or detention basins. Proper gutter design helps mitigate
street flooding, prevent property damage, and maintain road safety during rainstorms.
2. Hydrological Considerations
As Chin discusses in Water Resources Engineering, understanding the hydrological behavior of
a watershed is key to designing effective drainage systems. Key hydrological parameters that
influence gutter design include:
Rainfall Intensity: The amount of rainfall within a given time period, typically
expressed as inches per hour. Intensity affects the peak runoff rate that the gutter must be
designed to handle.
Runoff Coefficient: This coefficient represents the fraction of rainfall that becomes
runoff. It depends on the land use, surface type, and soil characteristics. Urban areas
generally have a higher runoff coefficient due to impervious surfaces such as roads and
rooftops.
Catchment Area: The area contributing to the runoff. The size and layout of the
catchment area determine the volume and flow rate of water that needs to be managed by
the gutter system.
3. Hydraulic Design of Street Gutters
Chin emphasizes the importance of understanding hydraulic principles in designing street gutters
to ensure efficient water conveyance. The key elements of hydraulic design include:
Flow Capacity: The gutter must be able to carry the expected flow without overflowing.
The flow capacity is determined based on the flow rate, which depends on the intensity of
the rainfall and the size of the contributing catchment area.
Flow Regimes: Gutters generally operate under open channel flow conditions, where the
water is not completely enclosed. The flow may transition from subcritical to
supercritical flow depending on the slope and cross-sectional shape of the gutter.
Designing for these flow regimes requires understanding the Manning's equation, which
helps determine the velocity and depth of flow.
Manning’s Equation:
Q=1nAR2/3S1/2Q = \frac{1}{n} A R^{2/3} S^{1/2}Q=n1AR2/3S1/2 Where:
o QQQ = Flow rate
o nnn = Manning’s roughness coefficient
o AAA = Cross-sectional area of flow
o RRR = Hydraulic radius (area/wetted perimeter)
o SSS = Slope of the gutter
Chin explains that an appropriate selection of gutter shape, material, and roughness coefficient is
essential to achieving desired flow velocities and reducing erosion and maintenance
requirements.
4. Gutter Types and Cross-Sections
The design of gutters involves selecting the appropriate cross-section and material. Common
types of gutters include:
Flat-bottomed Gutters: Often used in residential areas, these gutters have a relatively
simple design but may have limited capacity for high-intensity storms.
V-shaped Gutters: These gutters help concentrate flow and increase velocity, which may
be desirable in areas with steep slopes.
Curb and Gutter: A combination of a curb and a sloped gutter, commonly used in urban
streets to separate the roadway from the gutter system. The design must ensure that the
curb height is appropriate to prevent overflow onto streets while allowing sufficient flow
into the gutter.
5. Environmental and Maintenance Considerations
Effective street gutter systems must consider environmental impacts, including sediment
transport, water quality, and the preservation of natural drainage paths. Chin notes that gutters
should be designed to minimize erosion and sedimentation, which can reduce their efficiency and
require costly maintenance.
Maintenance involves periodic cleaning to remove debris and prevent blockages, which could
reduce flow capacity and cause localized flooding. The gutter design should allow for easy
access for maintenance personnel.
References
Chin, D. A. (2018). Water Resources Engineering (3rd ed.). Pearson Education, Inc.
