Difference between revisions of "Level spreaders"

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The length of the level spreader should be determined by the type of filter area and the design flow:
The length of the level spreader should be determined by the type of filter area and the design flow:
* 1.4 m of level spreader length per every 0.01 m³/s of inflow for discharges to a [[filter strip]] or turf conservation area;
* 1.4 m of level spreader length per every 0.01 m³/s of inflow for discharges to a [[filter strip]] or grassed area;
* 4.3 m of level spreader length per every 0.01 m³/s of inflow when the spreader discharges to a forested conservation area.
* 4.3 m of level spreader length per every 0.01 m³/s of inflow when the spreader discharges to a forested conservation area.
* The minimum level spreader length is 4 m and the maximum is 40 m.
* The minimum level spreader length is 4 m and the maximum is 40 m.

Revision as of 19:53, 14 July 2020

This clever design incorporates a level spreading device after a curb cut has narrowed the flow path. This kind of treatment train approach would provide an opportunity to provide pretreatment at the point of concentration. Photo credit: MPCA
Diagram from Wikimedia commons. Credit: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory

Level spreaders should conform to the following design criteria in order to ensure non-erosive sheet flow into vegetated areas such as vegetated filter strips, swales or forested conservation areas[1].

The length of the level spreader should be determined by the type of filter area and the design flow:

  • 1.4 m of level spreader length per every 0.01 m³/s of inflow for discharges to a filter strip or grassed area;
  • 4.3 m of level spreader length per every 0.01 m³/s of inflow when the spreader discharges to a forested conservation area.
  • The minimum level spreader length is 4 m and the maximum is 40 m.
  • The level spreader lip should be concrete, wood or pre-fabricated metal, with a well anchored footer, or other accepted rigid, non-erodible material.
  • The ends of the level spreader section should be tied back into the slope to avoid overflow scouring or erosion around the ends of the spreader.
  • Where relevant, the width of the level spreader channel on the up-stream side of the level lip should be three times the diameter of the inflow pipe, and the depth should be 20 cm or one-half the culvert diameter, whichever is greater.

  1. Hathaway, J. M., & Hunt, W. F. (2006). Level Spreaders : Overview , Design , and Maintenance.