Drainage Area for Peak Rate of Runoff Calculator

Burkli Zeigler Formula:

\[ AD = \left( \frac{Q_{BZ} \times 455}{K' \times I_{BZ} \times \sqrt{S_o}} \right)^2 \]

Peak Rate of Runoff for Burkli Zeigler:

m³/s

Runoff Coefficient for Burkli Zeigler:

Intensity of Rainfall in Burkli Zeigler:

m/s

Slope of the ground:

Drainage Area:

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1. What is the Burkli Zeigler Formula?

The Burkli Zeigler formula is used to calculate the drainage area based on peak runoff rate, runoff coefficient, rainfall intensity, and ground slope. It's commonly used in hydrological engineering for watershed management and flood prediction.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Burkli Zeigler formula:

\[ AD = \left( \frac{Q_{BZ} \times 455}{K' \times I_{BZ} \times \sqrt{S_o}} \right)^2 \]

Where:

\( AD \) — Drainage Area (m²)
\( Q_{BZ} \) — Peak Rate of Runoff for Burkli Zeigler (m³/s)
\( K' \) — Runoff Coefficient for Burkli Zeigler (dimensionless)
\( I_{BZ} \) — Intensity of Rainfall in Burkli Zeigler (m/s)
\( S_o \) — Slope of the ground (m per 1000m)

Explanation: The formula calculates the drainage area by considering the relationship between runoff characteristics and rainfall intensity, adjusted for ground slope.

3. Importance of Drainage Area Calculation

Details: Accurate drainage area calculation is crucial for watershed management, flood control planning, urban drainage system design, and environmental impact assessments.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values with appropriate units. Peak runoff rate and rainfall intensity should be in m³/s and m/s respectively. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical range for runoff coefficient?
A: Runoff coefficients typically range from 0.3-0.95, with higher values for impervious surfaces and lower values for permeable areas.

Q2: How is rainfall intensity measured?
A: Rainfall intensity is usually measured in mm/hr but should be converted to m/s for this calculation (1 mm/hr = 2.77778×10⁻⁷ m/s).

Q3: What factors affect the runoff coefficient?
A: Surface type, soil permeability, vegetation cover, and antecedent moisture conditions all affect the runoff coefficient.

Q4: When is the Burkli Zeigler formula most applicable?
A: This formula is particularly useful for small to medium-sized watersheds with relatively uniform characteristics.

Q5: Are there limitations to this formula?
A: The formula assumes uniform rainfall distribution and may be less accurate for complex terrain or highly variable land use patterns.