Xpstorm V10 Rational Formula Hydrology

Tutorial 8: Rational Formula Hydrology - Basic Stormwater Design
Tutorial 8: Rational Formula Hydrology -

Basic Stormwater Design
This tutorial will create a basic stormwater model based on a 5-year design rainfall. The system
is composed of two branches, consisting of circular pipes (subsurface network) and natural
channels (surface network). The inflow hydrographs are generated from the subcatchment
area. We will go step by step through all design and analysis phases.
In order to be more efficient we will create a new job from template. All global hydrology and
hydraulics data and surface shapes required for this project are stored in the template file.
To create this example follow the detailed instructions below.
Step 1 Start xpstorm and create a new database from a template.

Select Create from Template and Continue.
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Go to the Work directory and enter the file name "RatTut1.xp”.
Select Save to save the model file.
Step 2
Browse to the Template directory and open the file named "RationalHydrology.xpt".
This will load the data stored in the template file.
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Steps 3 to 9 are optional and used to view data obtained from the template file.
Step 3 (OPTIONAL) Viewing existing Rational Formula Global Data in Template
The Rational Formula data is selected from the Rational Formula Global Database. There are
currently 5 different Intensity-Duration-Frequency methods supported. Rainfall intensity may
be calculated in one of five ways:
1) Using the method described in AR&R, 1977 (Pattison, 1977);

2) The method described in AR&R, 1987 (Pilgrim, 1987);
3) By using a user defined Intensity-Frequency-Duration Table;
4) A Generalized Equation; and
5) The Alameda County Public Works (California) method.
The second method (AR&R, 1987) will be used for Rainfall intensity calculation in this
example.
The coefficient of runoff may be calculated by one of four methods:
1) The method described in AR&R, 1977 (Pattison, 1977), (Ordon, 1954);

2) The method described in AR&R, 1987 (Pilgrim, 1987), (Australia only),
3) Entering a Constant Runoff Coefficient for each subcatchment, and,
4) The Alameda County Public Works (California) method.
There are no restrictions on combining any runoff coefficient with any intensity calculation
method. We will select AR&R, 1987 as a method to be used to calculate runoff coefficients.
Step 4
Select Global Data from the Configuration menu.
Step 5
Scroll down the list of Data Base Type and select Rational Formula. ARR1987 will appear in
the list of Record Name and select Edit to see record details.
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Step 6
Select Edit button in line with Intensity – Duration Method to view its details.
Select OK to return to Rational Formula Dialog.
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Step 7
Select Edit button in line with Runoff Coefficient Method then press OK to return to Rational
Formula Dialog.
Select OK to return to Global Data Dialog.
Step 8
In Data Base Type select Natural Section Shape. In Record Name select Default Shape and
press Edit button to see record details.
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An open channel with an irregular cross-section is used for the surface network. The cross
section profile is defined by Section Coordinates, which may be input from a HEC-2 file, or
manually by selecting the Edit button. The cross-section may also be altered using a Floodway
Encroachment.
Elevations are used only to determine the shape of the cross-section. Invert elevations are
defined in the node data dialog box and also by the Upstream and Downstream Elevations
shown in the appropriate link dialog.
The low point in the cross-section is the lowest point between the left and right Main Channel
Stations. The high point is the highest point of all the cross-section coordinates.
If the left-most or right-most elevations are less than this (maximum) value, vertical sides
are projected up to the high point. Total cross-section depth is computed as the difference
between the high point of the cross-section and low point of the cross-section.
The profile is defined in terms of station (x) and stage (elevation).
Select OK to exit the dialogs and return to the network.
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Step 9 Creating the Network

Background data in the form of aerial photos, GIS Shape files, contour maps or subdivision
layouts may be imported to facilitate the creation of the network. To import a background
select Background Images from the View menu or choose the Add Background Image
icon from the toolstrip.
The network is created on the screen using the palette of tools (icons)
contained in the toolstrip in the window.
Step 10
Select the HDR button from the toolstrip to enter Hydraulics Mode.
Step 11
Select the “Multi-link” tool from the toolstrip. Note that the cursor shape will change to indicate
the network is being created. Create the network as shown below.
There are two link types - multi-link or single link. Multi link objects are used to represent
surface and subsurface conduits. To create a link you can simply click on the window in the
position of the upstream node of the link. Next, create the downstream node and move to
the next location and left click the mouse again. To cancel the command you can double click
the right mouse button or select the Selection Tool (arrow) from the toolstrip.
Select the Pointer tool from the toolstrip. Note that the cursor will change back to an
arrow.
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Step 12
Rename the nodes as shown below and as explained in Tutorial 1, Step 11.
Step 13
Select the Rnf button from the toolstrip to enter Runoff Mode.
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Step 14
Hold down the Ctrl key and select with the left mouse all of the nodes except "OUTLET" and
the button from the vertical toolstrip on the left side. An alternative method to select all
nodes is to select the all nodes button on the toolstrip and then select to activate
objects in Runoff Mode.
Step 15
Open the Node Data dialog for MHA1 by either double clicking onthe node or selecting the
node and select Data from the Edit Menu. Enter the Sub Area Data for the subcatchment as
follows:
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Step 16
Select the flag button 1 that represents the first subcatchment.
Step 17
Click on the Rational Formula button and enter the data as shown below.
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There are six major types of Hydrograph Generation techniques available in Runoff.
1. SWMM Runoff Non-linear Reservoir Method

2. Kinematic Wave Method
3. Laurenson Non-linear Method/Rafts
4. SCS Unit Hydrograph Method
5. Other Unit Hydrograph methods, Nash, Snyder (Alameda), Snyder, Rational Hydrograph,
Time/area, and Santa Barbara Urban Hydrograph.
6. Rational Formula
We are going to use Rational Formula technique. In Rational Formula Hydrology the following
methods are available for calculating the Time of Concentration, Tc (and thereby the rainfall
intensity):
1. Constant
2. Friend’s Equation
3. Izzard’s Formula
4. Kinematic Wave
5. Alameda Method
6. Kerby’s Equation
7. Kirpich’s Equation
8. Bransby Williams Method
9. US Federal Aviation Authority
In this tutorial Kinematic Wave method will be used to calculate Tc.
Pervious Runoff C – The Runoff Coefficient will be required if the Direct or Alameda method
for calculating C is selected in the Rational Formula Global Database. We will not need to
enter its value in this example.
Runoff Curve Number - The Runoff Curve Number will only be required if AR&R 1977 (the
Ordon Curve method) is selected in the Rational Formula Global Database. Again, this is not
required for our selection.
Additional Travel Time - Travel time from outlet of subcatchment to the connecting node
(minutes). This time does NOT represent the gutter time component of a time of concentration,
but the additional time beyond the time of concentration.
Time of Constant Flow - The duration of the period of constant flow is entered in this field (in
minutes). To simulate constant flow enter duration equal to or longer than the Job Control
simulation time in this field.
Step 18
Instead of going manually through all above shown dialogs in Runoff Mode for all Nodes
in the network we can create an XP Tables and enter data for all nodes. In this tutorial XP
Tables: Hydrology Data has already been set up (in template file) so we will only need to
enter data.
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To select XP Tables you can either:

1. Select XP Tables from the Results menu, or
2. Press F2, or
3. Select the XP Tables icon to access the list of available XP Tables. If default XP tables
are shown and you want to select an appropriate table from the list or create a new table,
then select the XP Tables icon again.
Step 19
Check the Hydrology Data flag on and uncheck all others.
Step 20
Select View and enter the data in the the table as indicated below. The Table is created in a
second window and it is very important to click the Save icon or the data in the network view
will NOT be updated. This saves the data in the table to the XP database.
Make sure to change the default subcatchment (Active subcatchment) from pull down menu
to subcatchment 1.
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The data to be entered in Hydrology Data XP Tables is as follows:
Sub-Catch Area ha Imperv. Width Slope Routing Ground- TC TC

Flag Percent. (Sub- (sub- Method water Method Method
(Sub- catch1) catch1) (Sub- Flag (Pervious) (Imperv)
catch1) m % catch1) (Sub-catch1)
MH A1 On 3.600 38.900 1.0000 1.0000 Rat Form Off Kin Wave Kin Wave
MH BA On 3.500 42.900 1.0000 1.0000 Rat Form Off Kin Wave Kin Wave
OUTLET Off 0.000 0.000 1.0000 1.0000 Rat Form Off Constant Constant
Additional Additional Flow Path Flow Path Flow Path Flow Path Catchment Catch- Time of
Travel Travel Length Length Slope Slope Roughness ment Constant
TIme Time (Pervious) (Imperv) (Pervious) (Imperv) (Pervious) Rough- Flow
(Pervious) (Imperv) ness
(Imperv)
MH A1 1.000 1.000 90.000 40.000 2.500 2.500 0.150 0.010 1440
MH BA 0.000 0.000 68.000 36.000 1.600 1.600 0.150 0.010 1440
MH A2 0.000 0.000 120.000 62.000 4.600 2.700 0.150 0.010 1440
MH A3 0.000 0.000 45.000 22.000 1.900 1.200 0.150 0.010 1440
MH A4 0.000 0.000 52.000 32.000 1.500 1.500 0.150 0.010 1440
OUTLET 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 1440
Save and close the Tables window by selecting the Close box in the upper right-hand corner
of the window to return to the main network sindow.
NOTE: Do not select the top close box as it will exit xpstorm application.
Step 21 Solving Hydrology Only

Select Job Control Runoff from the Configuration menu and enter in the Job Title: Rational
Formula Hydrology.
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Step 22
Select Time Control button and enter hour 6 for Simulation End to set time interval for
simulation.
Select OK to return to Runoff Job Control.
Step 23
Select Evaporation button and turn on radio button: Use default of 0.1 inch/day. Select OK
to return to Runoff Job Control. Select Print Control to review or change the print control
options. Select OK to return to Runoff Job Control dialog.
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Step 24
Select Rational Formula button and enter the data as shown below:
Select OK to return to Runoff Job Control and select OK to return to the main window.
Step 25
From the Configuration menu select Interface Files.
197
Make sure that "Create New File in Runoff Layer" and "Read Existing File in Hydraulics
Layer" are both active and have the same file selected.
Interface files option provides for using hydrograph flows generated in one of the xpstorm
modules (Runoff, Sanitary or Hydraulics) or by another program, xprafts for example. Flows
can be stored on binary interface files that are created from a model solve. Each of the modes
(Runoff, Sanitary, Hydraulics) when solved, can read and write certain types of interface files.
xpstorm uses interface files to transfer data from one mode to another.
Step 26
Initially we will use solve mode "Runoff" to analyze hydrology only. Select Mode Properties
from the Configuration drop down menu and uncheck "Hydraulics" in Solve Mode and then
check Runoff. Select OK.
Step 27
Select Solve from the Analyze menu or select the Solve icon on the toolstrip.
If no errors or warnings are detected then an error.log will not be displayed (although a file
will be created) and you will be prompted for an output file name. If errors are reported you
will need to correct them and re-solve the network.
198
Enter the output file name and select Save. xpstorm will use a default name based on your
data file name with a “.out” extension. You may abort the solve at this point by clicking on the
<Cancel> button or pressing the <Esc> key.
Analysis of the network will be performed and then control will return to the network window.
Intermediate status messages describing the progress of the analysis will be displayed during
the run.
Step 28
You can review results by highlighting the network segment you wish to review and then
select Review Results from the Results menu or select F7.
199
As explained in previous examples, you can right click over the first results view and select
the Maximize option. At this point you can print your results by selecting Print from the File
menu. You may also return immediately to the network window at any stage by closing the
review results screen by selecting the Close button on the toolstrip.
Step 29 Checking the Output File

Check the output text file by selecting Browse File from the Results menu.
The Open File dialog box below will be shown with a default mask “*.out”. This will cause all
files with extension .out to be shown in the list beneath. To display another type of file enter
a new mask e.g. *.* to show all files. This mask is the same as the DOS mask for listing files (as
used in the DIR command for example). This list of files is sorted in alphabetical order with
directories shown first in upper case and all other files in lower case. If there are more files
than will fit in a window you may scroll through the list using the arrow keys.
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Select RatTut1.out as the output file name.
The following text output file will be displayed. You may page through the file with the <PgUp>,
<PgDown> keys, Ctrl <Home> or Ctrl <End>, or scroll through the file using the up, down,
left, right arrow keys, or press. Close the notepad when you wish to return to xpstorm.
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Step 30 Hydraulics Analysis

The Hydraulics layer uses a link-node network to describe the physical model and thereby the
mathematical solution of the gradually varied unsteady flow equations that form the basis
of the solution method.
Nodes are the storage elements and correspond to manholes or pipe and channel junctions.
The calculated variables associated with the node are volume, head and surface area. Inflows
such as hydrographs and outflows such as weir diversions, pumps and flooding take place
at the nodes.
Inlet Capacity can be invoked to limit the amount of water received by the node from the
interface file and overland conduits as a maximum capacity or a rating curve. In this, construct
dual drainage can be simulated with flow overland and only partial flow in subsurface
conduits. With this extra effort, dual “major” (street surface) and “minor” (sub-surface sewer
network) drainage systems can be simulated using a parallel system restricting flow in both
directions.
Inflow constrictions by inlets etc. can also be simulated as orifices or rating curves if their
hydraulic characteristics are known.
Step 31
Select the HDR icon on the toolstrip to switch back to Hydraulics Mode.
Open the Node Data dialog by double-clicking on node MHA1 and enter the following
data.
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Step 32
Check on Inlet Capacity button and enter the data as follows:
Select OK and return to Node Data and select OK again to return to the network window.
Step 33
To enter the hydraulics data for the OUTLET node, open the OUTLET node by double clicking
on the node and enter the data as shown.
NOTE: The last node in the network is always interpreted as the outlet node.
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Step 34
Enter for Outlet Fixed Backwater 50.5m and check on Tide Gate.
Select Type 2, Fixed Backwater in Type of Outlet Control and select Use minimum of
Yc_Yn.
Select OK until you return to the network window.
Step 35
To enter the hydraulics data for other nodes in the network, instead of going manually through
all dialog boxes in Hydraulics Mode for all Nodes in the network we can create XP Tables and
enter data for all nodes. In this tutorial XP Tables: Hydraulic Node Data has already been
set up (in template file) so we will only need to enter data. Click on Results / XP Tables from
the Menu, press F2 or select the XP Tables icon to access the list of available XP Tables.
Unselect all XP Tables apart from Hydraulic Node Data.
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Step 36
Select View Button and enter the node data into the table as indicated below. The Table
is created in a second window and it is very important to click the Save icon once data is
modified.
205
Save and close the Tables Window by clicking the close box in the upper right-hand corner
of the table window, to return to the main network window.
NOTE: Do not press top close button as it will exit the application.
Step 37 Entering Hydraulics Data for Multi-link L1

Open the Link Data dialog for “L1” between “MH A1” and “MH A2” by double clicking with
left mouse button or select object with left click and choose “Data…” from Edit Menu. Enter
Conduit Name for first two conduits: L1_pipe and L1_channel respectively and check on
buttons 1 and 2.
When you activate Conduit 1 the following Conduit Data dialog box will appear.
206
Step 38
First make sure the Circular shape is selected and then select Conduit Profile and enter the
data as shown.
Select OK to return to Conduit Data dialog and select OK again to return to the Multiple Link
dialog.
Step 39
Select button 2 to enter the dialog for Conduit 2 Data.
Step 40
Select Natural shape button and enter the following data.
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Press grey box (right of Shape) and in Select Dialog select Default Shape in Natural Section
Shape list and press Select button to return to Natural Section Dialog. To view details of
Default Shape press Edit button. Select OK twice to return to main window.
Step 41
You can now enter the hydraulics data for all multi-links by activating the first two conduits
for every link and checking the conduit flag. You will also need to enter the following names
respecively.
Multi-conduit Conduit 1 Conduit 2
L1 L1_pipe L1_channel
To enter the data for all multi conduits you can repeat the above procedure. In this tutorial XP
Tables: Hydraulic Link Data has been created with required variables. Now enter the data
in its fields and save the changes to update the data in the network.
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Step 42
Open XP Tables and check On only Hydraulic Link Data and uncheck all other options. Click
on View.
Enter the data into the table as indicated below. Make sure to Save before exiting.
Note: Upstream Crown Elevation and Downstream Crown Elevation data cannot be entered
manually. Enter all other data, save and close and U/S Crown Elevation and D/S Crown Elevation
will be automatically updated.
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Pipe Name Shape Upstream Downstream Upstream Downstream Diameter

Crosn Crown Invert Invert (Height)
Elevatiion Elevation Elevation Elevation
(m) (m) (m) (m) (m)
L1_pipe Circular 49.689 49.489 48.864 48.664 0.825
L1_channel Natural 54.830 53.48 53.650 52.30 1.180
L5_pipe Circular 49.989 49.489 49.164 48.664 0.825
L2_pipe Circular 49.439 49.339 48.614 48.514 0.825
L3_pipe Circular 49.289 48.839 48.464 48.014 0.825
L4_pipe Circular 48.789 48.039 47.964 47.214 0.825
Pipe Name Length Roughness Left Main Right Natural

Channel Channel Channel Section
Length Length Length
(m) (m) (m) (m) Shape GLDB
Reference
L1_pipe 40.000 0.200 0.000 0.000 0.000
L1_channel 40.000 0.001 40.000 40.000 40.000 Default Sh
L5_pipe 100.000 0.200 0.000 0.000 0.000
L2_pipe 20.000 0.200 0.000 0.000 0.000
L3_pipe 90.000 0.200 0.000 0.000 0.000
L4_pipe 150.000 0.200 0.000 0.000 0.000
Step 43
To solve the network in Hydrology and Hydraulics solve mode, select Mode Properties from
the Configuration menu, uncheck Current Mode and select Runoff & Hydraulics in Solve
Mode. Select OK.
Enter hour 6 in the End Time field in the Job Control dialog (Configuration menu) and select
OK.
Select Solve from the Analyze menu or select the Solve button on the toolstrip. If no
errors or warnings are detected then an error.log will not be displayed (although a file will
be created) and you will be prompted for an output file name. If errors are reported you will
need to correct them and re-solve the network.
Enter the output file name and select Save. xpstorm will use a default name based on your
data file name with a “.out” extension. You may abort the solve at this point by clicking on the
<Cancel> button or pressing the <Esc> key.
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Analysis of the network will be performed and then control will return to the network window.
Intermediate status messages describing the progress of the analysis will be displayed during
the run.
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Step 44
Select the pipe(s) you wish to review. To select a number of pipes hold down the “Ctrl” key
while clicking on the pipe(s). Select links L1, L2, L3 and L4.
Select Review Results from the Results menu.
Close the graph by selecting the top frame or Esc key.
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Step 45
From the Results menu select Dynamic Long Section View and press the "Play" button to
run (play) simulations.
Selecting the Show/Hide data button from the toolstrip will show and hide the conduit
dimension and the link flow and velocity as well as the node depths below the graphic. The
image above is presented with the data hidden.
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You can also view the results in Cross Section View and Plan View as the following diagram
shows by selecting Dynamic Section View under the Results Menu.
Step 46 Checking the Output File

Check the output text file by selecting Browse File from the Results menu as shown in Step
29.
Step 47 The End

To finish, select Exit from the File menu, you can also close the program by choosing the close
program buttonon the top right of the window. You will then be asked if you wish to save
your changes.
This provides a quick tour of the fundamentals of using the Rational Formula Hydrology method in
xpstorm.
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Tutorial 8: Rational Formula Hydrology - Basic Stormwater Design

Tutorial 8: Rational Formula Hydrology -

To create this example follow the detailed instructions below.

Step 1 Start xpstorm and create a new database from a template.

Go to the Work directory and enter the file name "RatTut1.xp”.

Select Save to save the model file.

1) Using the method described in AR&R, 1977 (Pattison, 1977);

The coefficient of runoff may be calculated by one of four methods:

1) The method described in AR&R, 1977 (Pattison, 1977), (Ordon, 1954);

Select OK to return to Rational Formula Dialog.

Select OK to return to Global Data Dialog.

The profile is defined in terms of station (x) and stage (elevation).

Select OK to exit the dialogs and return to the network.

Step 9 Creating the Network

1. SWMM Runoff Non-linear Reservoir Method

In this tutorial Kinematic Wave method will be used to calculate Tc.

To select XP Tables you can either:

The data to be entered in Hydrology Data XP Tables is as follows:

Sub-Catch Area ha Imperv. Width Slope Routing Ground- TC TC

Step 21 Solving Hydrology Only

Select OK to return to Runoff Job Control.

Step 29 Checking the Output File

Select RatTut1.out as the output file name.

Step 30 Hydraulics Analysis

Select OK until you return to the network window.

Step 37 Entering Hydraulics Data for Multi-link L1

Pipe Name Shape Upstream Downstream Upstream Downstream Diameter

Pipe Name Length Roughness Left Main Right Natural

Select Review Results from the Results menu.

Close the graph by selecting the top frame or Esc key.

Step 46 Checking the Output File

Step 47 The End

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