If you are a civil engineer, you have probably heard the classic joke: “What are the three most important elements of a civil design and construction project?” The answer? “Drainage, drainage, and drainage.”
Drainage design is critical to the success of any project and is a major component of civil engineering. Drainage considerations weave into every project milestone, starting as early as the due diligence and early-on planning phases. Early steps in identifying possible drainage or flood-prone challenges include:
- Reviewing floodplain, stream, and wetland information to understand the “wet” and flood-prone area, along with getting an understanding of potential specialized studies needed and potential permitting requirements.
- Evaluating crash history and understanding whether there is a trend caused by wet pavement conditions.
- Consulting with governing agencies to learn about past challenges they have experienced with improper drainage or flooding, and whether any studies or mitigation measures have been performed to alleviate or improve the water flow.
During the design phase, it’s essential to understand the proper standards and best installations for proper drainage. Consideration of standard inlets and ditches combined with more innovative techniques, such as bio-retention islands or permeable pavements, are great ways to achieve a successful drainage design.
Unfortunately, our nation’s infrastructure continues to age. As it ages and development continues, proper drainage can be compromised. Causes include undersized systems, improper maintenance, or increased flows from impervious areas. Flooding, often unpredictable, disrupts daily life, affects commutes, damages homes and workplaces, and poses threats to life and safety. It also leads to significant financial costs from emergency response and repairs.
As with all infrastructure, drainage structures and systems require maintenance, repairs, and upkeep to keep them functioning properly.