Hydrological Considerations in Designing Roadways: Avoiding Hydroplaning

Abstract

High water levels on lanes poses high risk to the safety on highways. Since drainage structures are mostly focused on water spread issue at sideways, consequences of the buildup flow on the surface is overlooked . This study addresses whether optimizing cross slopes prevents hydroplaning. Water depths obtained using kinematic wave equation were tested against several studies for verification. Wide range of rainfall intensities and cross slopes were covered. Findings revealed that cross slope optimization for grades up to 10% prevents hydroplaning for intensities below 250mm/hr with widths up to 15m. The findings also shows cross slope optimization must be considered simultaneously with inlet design work.