Design of Drainage Downspouts Systems over a Road Embankment

Numerous studies have examined the complex relationship between factors like embankment downspout spacing, height, slope, and rainfall characteristics in the quest to find the best spacing for embankment downspouts. Defining the correct spacing between road drainage elements is of utmost importance in minimizing water flow on roadways. This paper presents a methodology based on numerical methods for the design of road drainage systems using the Iber model. The objective of the work is to propose a tool and criteria for analyzing the hydraulic behavior of runoff on highways, determine the appropriate drainage behavior, and apply the methodology in a case study. This case study is based on a straight highway section with slopes up to 5%, according to Spanish road design regulations. Different dimensions are considered for the chute, drainage channel, collection nozzle, and downspout over the embankment. Tests are carried out to evaluate the separation between downspouts, the longitudinal slope, and the size of the nozzles. The results show the suitable hydraulic performance of the model, besides providing the absorption capacity of each downspout. The influence of the nozzle size, the slope, and the width of the causeway on the draughts and velocities is analyzed. The influence of downspout spacing and nozzle type on road drainage design is determined. In summary, this article presents a methodology and criteria for the design of road drainage systems and shows the results obtained in a case study using the Iber model. The results help in understanding the influence of different variables on the hydraulic behavior of road runoff and provide relevant information for proper drainage design.