APPENDIX

A
Friction Losses for Water Flow Through Pipe*
ccurate prediction of friction losses in pipe is a complex matter involving many variables. In Civil Engineering applications, the Hazen Williams formula is typically used to calculate friction losses through water conveying pipe. The formulae are as follows:

Q d

ow in gpm (or liters per minute) inside diameter in inches (or millimeters)

hf(ft / 100 ft)

1044 dinches4.8655 608,704,451 dmm4.8655

Qgpm C

1.85

(U.S.)
1.85

hf(m / 100 m) where hf C

Q L / min C

(metric)

friction head loss in feet per 100 ft (or meters per 100 m) of water pipe roughness coefcient

* Standards and practices for metric pipe manufacturing vary from country to country. It is therefore not practical to attempt to address international variances within this Appendix. Accordingly, discussion is conned to current practice in the United States. International readers are advised to consult their local regulating agency or manufacturer.

Roughness coefcient is based on the material of the pipe. For PVC pipe, the standard C value is 150. New steel pipe uses a C value of 140, but with use and corrosion a lower value is typically used. For HDPE pipe, a range of C values between 150 and 160 is typical. Tables A.1 and A.2 show friction loss data calculated by the Hazen Williams formula for the most commonly used steel and PVC pipe diameters, based on C values of 140 and 150, respectively. It should be noted that steel and PVC pipe are manufactured to different sizing specications and therefore do not have the same inside diameters (Chapter 15). The inside diameter of HDPE pipe can vary signicantly for any nominal diameter and a calculation of pipe friction using the true inside diameter is recommended. A graphical depiction of friction loss through PVC pipe developed from the PVC table is presented to provide a quick reference. A table is also included showing the friction loss through various ttings as an equivalent length of pipe.

Construction Dewatering and Groundwater Control: New Methods and Applications, Third Edition. J. P. Powers, A. B. Corwin, Paul C. Schmall and W. E. Kaeck Copyright 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. ISBN: 978-0-471-47943-7

597

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APPENDIX A
Table A.1 Friction Loss Data for Steel Pipe

APPENDIX A
Table A.1 (Continued )

599

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APPENDIX A
Table A.2 Friction Loss Data for PVC Pipe. Data courtesy IPEX Inc.

APPENDIX A
Table A.2 (Continued )

601

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APPENDIX A
Table A.3 Friction Loss Through Fittings in Equivalent Footage of Pipe. Data Courtesy IPEX Inc.

Figure A.1 Graphical depiction of friction loss through PVC pipe. Data courtesy IPEX Inc.