Drain Sizing

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“The objective of filters and drains used as seepage control measures for embankments is to efficiently control the movement of water within and about the embankment. In order to meet this objective, filters and drains must, for the project life and with minimum maintenance, retain the protected materials, allow relatively free movement of water, and have sufficient discharge capacity. For design, these three necessities are termed piping or stability requirement, permeability requirement, and discharge capacity, respectively. The terms filters and drains are sometimes used interchangeably. Some definitions classify filters and drains by function. In this case, filters must retain the protected soil and have a permeability greater than the protected soil but do not need to have a particular flow or drainage capacity since flow will be perpendicular to the interface between the protected soil and filter. Drains, however, while meeting the requirements of filters, must have an adequate discharge capacity since drains collect seepage and conduct it to a discharge point or area. In practice, the critical element is not definition, but recognition, by the designer, when a drain must collect and conduct water. In this case the drain must be properly designed for the expected flows.”.

Examples

Learn more about filters and drains for outlet works

Learn more good practices for pipe installation

Best Practices Resources

Filters for Embankment Dams, FEMA

Seepage Analysis and Control for Dams (EM 1110-2-1901), USACE

General Design and Construction Considerations for Earth and Rock-Fill Dams (EM 1110-2-2300), USACE

Trainings

On-Demand Webinar: Filters and Drainage Systems for Embankment Dams

On-Demand Webinar: Internal Drainage Systems for Embankment Dams

Citations:

Revision ID: 7079
Revision Date: 07/11/2023