The existing stormwater run-off inlet structure was experiencing significant operational challenges due to frequent blockages caused by debris. This issue posed a considerable risk of flooding to adjacent properties, necessitating an engineered solution to improve debris management and enhance flood protection.

My Scope of Involvement

I was tasked with designing a robust and efficient solution to mitigate debris blockages at the stormwater inlet. My primary responsibility was to develop a new debris deflector system and conceptually integrate it with other flood protection measures, such as extended berms. This involved a comprehensive approach, from conceptualization to detailed design, ensuring the new structure would significantly outperform the existing trash rack.

Key Responsibilities and Deliverables

  • Engineered an Improved Debris Deflector: I designed a steel debris deflector specifically tailored to address the site’s challenges, adhering to the rigorous standards outlined in the USDOT Federal Highway Administration’s “Debris Control Structures” guidelines. This involved:

    • Material Selection: Specified the use of re-purposed railroad rails or similar robust materials to ensure structural integrity and longevity, making the deflector significantly more resilient than the existing trash rack.
    • Optimized Geometry for Debris Management:
      • Designed a large surface area to maximize the deflection of debris away from the inlet.
      • Incorporated a sharp angle in the deflector design to facilitate the natural movement of debris to the channel edges, simplifying subsequent removal.
      • Ensured that the angle at the apex of the deflector and the total area of the two sides met or exceeded the specified criteria (e.g., apex angle between 15° and 25°, total area at least 10 times the culvert’s cross-sectional area).
      • Followed guidelines for bar spacing, ensuring it was not greater than the minimum culvert span dimension and considered aspects like the spacing of horizontal bars along the sides and top of the deflector.
    • Enhanced Flow Continuity: Critically, the design ensured that even if the sides of the deflector became partially blocked, a flow path would remain available for water to spill over the top and into the inlet, reducing the risk of complete blockage and subsequent flooding.

  • Flood Mitigation Strategy: My design for the debris deflector was a key component of a broader strategy to reduce the likelihood of flooding. The enhanced debris management capabilities of the deflector, when coupled with proposed extended berms, would provide significantly improved protection for adjacent properties.

  • Technical Adherence and Innovation: The design meticulously followed the USDOT Federal Highway Administration’s guidelines, including specific parameters for dimensions and bar spacing, while also incorporating innovative features to maximize debris deflection and ensure continuous water flow. I analyzed and applied these technical specifications to create a practical and effective solution.

This project showcased my ability to translate technical guidelines into a functional design, addressing critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and enhancing community resilience against flooding.