Free Web Tool

Detention Pond Sizing

Quick required storage volume for stormwater detention using the Modified Rational Method — sweep storm durations to find the controlling required storage.

Inputs

weighted
ha
m³/s (pre-development peak)
i = a / (t + b)^n; mm/h, t min
min
min
Modified Rational Method
  • For each storm duration td, compute i(td) from IDF: i = a/(td+b)n (mm/h).
  • Inflow peak Qi = (1/360)·C·i·A (Q in m³/s, i in mm/h, A in ha).
  • Hydrograph: trapezoidal — rises in tc, plateau td − tc, falls in tc. Modified Rational uses simplified triangular: rise td, fall td.
  • Required storage S(td) = (Qi − Qa)·td · 60 (m³/s · min · 60 → m³).
  • Worst-case td giving maximum S is the controlling design duration.
  • This is a screening tool — use proper hydrograph routing for final design.

Results

Controlling Duration td*
Inflow Peak at td*
Required Storage V*
Equivalent depth
Storage in m³ / acre-ft