Software Development for Hydrologic Analysis and Hydraulic Design of Minor Highway Drainage Structures
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Date
2007-03
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
In this thesis work, general watershed modeling concepts with relevance to road drainage,
such as the rational method (IDF curve approach as well as rainfall frequency analysis
approach), SCS Unit hydrograph, East African Flood Model etc. are reviewed. Their
theoretical backgrounds as well as their limitations in contemporary highway engineering
practice are discussed in adequate detail with special emphasis to practical application in the
Ethiopian context. The most common methods of road drainage design in current practice are
evaluated for their applicability in the Ethiopian context, the most practical ones are selected,
and finally an algorithm is developed to be translated into a computer program which shall
serve as an automated system for the selected procedures.
Accordingly, the advantages and pitfalls associated with each method are evaluated in light of
contemporary Ethiopian road design practice. Improvements and new approaches are
suggested where deemed necessary. Only after selection of the methods to be automated shall
algorithms be established that will serve as a basis for the development of the computer code
to be written in the Visual Basic programming language.
Although disproportionate importance has been attached to the hydrologic analysis part in the
thesis, hydraulic design methods for nominal dimensioning of structures are also established
through mathematical techniques in a view to prepare a simplified automation procedure.
As a result of this study, a user-friendly computer software has been developed in accordance
with the procedures and methodology outlined in the previous paragraphs. The software is
tested with a real project and the output compared with that from a manual design. Both
hydrographs are included in this volume for comparison. Outcomes rely appreciably on a
number of decisions that are at the exclusive discretion of the drainage designer, and it must
be noted that the software will be primarily a vehicle of these decisions.
Key words: hydrologic analysis; watershed modeling; road drainage design; minor drainage
structures; culvert; hydraulic design; software development; object-oriented programming
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Keywords
Hydrologic Analysis; Watershed Modeling; Road Drainage Design; Minor Drainage Structures; Culvert; Hydraulic Design; Software Development; Object-Oriented Programming