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Calcimator

Drainage Swale Calculator

Design a drainage swale using Manning's equation to determine channel dimensions for a target flow rate.

Inputs

cfs
%
:1

Results

Bottom Width

2 ft

Swale Depth

0.31 ft

Flow Velocity2.26 ft/s
Cross-Section Area0.91 sq ft
Top Width3.9 ft
How to Use This Calculator
  1. Enter the drainage area in acres that drains to the swale.
  2. Set the design storm rainfall intensity in inches per hour and runoff coefficient for your surface type.
  3. Input the desired swale slope in percent and Manning's n for the channel material.
  4. Review the peak flow (CFS), required channel cross-section, and recommended dimensions.
  5. Verify velocity stays within non-erosive limits (< 3 ft/s for bare soil, < 6 ft/s for grass-lined).
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