Trench Drain Orientation 1

[GleasonS]

When working with a driveway where the slope isn't parallel to the travel lanes, is the preferred orientation of a trench drain to follow the contours or to run perpendicular to the travel lane? The rational for placing it along the contour makes sense, just wondering if there is a reasonable argument for the other.

Thanks
SG

 

[gbam]

Typically, I run a sheet flow interceptor perpendicular to the driveway centerline to minimize the length. Depending on your cross slope there should not be significant difference. Your calculations should reflect the cross slope, however. If the runoff is significant you may need a couple of them or even a transverse catchbasin with more length in the direction of flow.

 

[msquared48]

Place the trench drain as close to the run of the contour lines as you can.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering

 

[HuntPA]

If you want to intercept the water, place the trench drain at the lowest point (along the contours) to minimize ponding. If you are going into a structure, then it makes sense to have the drain perpendicular to the driveway as it enters the garage.

 

[gbam]

I probably should have asked, but what exactly are you trying to acheive with the trench drain, capture perpendicular or parallel flow? If its parallel or gutter flow then place it parallel to curb. Remember that trench drain is very short when placed perp to flow; unless you have vane grates or tilt bar it will not capture much on-grade.