1. Good day everyone!

Today we will be presenting to you our assigned topic to be

discussed: the rational formula, a fundamental concept in hydrology and
engineering.

2. Here are the reporters or the members of our group.

3. Before we begin, let me outline the objectives of our report

4. Our report contains the Introduction of a Rational Formula, a discussion of the

equation or the formula, and answering sample problems.

5. So, let’s come now to the introduction and discuss what is rational formula.
The rational formula is the key method used to estimate peak stormwater runoff from
urban areas for sewer design purposes. It has been a fundamental tool in hydrology and
engineering, especially for various applications including drainage design, flood control,
and stormwater management. Engineers and hydrologists widely use the Rational
Formula for preliminary design and quick assessments,
One of the key features of the Rational Formula is its simplicity. It offers a quick and easy
method for estimating peak runoff rates without requiring complex calculations or
extensive data inputs.

6. The Rational Formula has a rich history, reflecting its importance in the evolution of
hydrological engineering. It has stood the test of time and remains a foundational
method in the field of hydrology. It provides a straightforward approach to calculating the
rate of runoff resulting from a rainfall event, providing engineers and hydrologists with a
valuable tool for designing drainage systems and managing stormwater effectively.

In summary, the Rational Formula is a widely used method in hydrology for estimating peak
stormwater runoff from a specific area. It provides a straightforward approach to calculating the
rate of runoff resulting from a rainfall event, providing engineers and hydrologists with a valuable
tool for designing drainage systems and managing stormwater effectively.

7. Now, let's find out the brief history of the rational formula
Horace Horton:
He is an American civil engineer, who introduced the Rational Formula in his 1933 book
"The Design of Small Sewage Treatment Plants."
He developed the formula to estimate peak stormwater runoff from urban areas for
sewer design purposes.
The formula, expressed as peak runoff rate (Q) equals the rainfall intensity (i) multiplied
by the area (A) and the runoff coefficient (C).
Horton's formula provided a simple and practical method for estimating stormwater
runoff, making it suitable for engineering applications.
 8. Next is Thomas Mulvany:
He is an Irish engineer, who further refined the Rational Formula by introducing a
correction factor to account for the time of concentration.
His formula, known as the Mulvany Formula, is expressed as peak runoff rate (Q) equals
the rainfall intensity (i) multiplied by the area (A) and the runoff coefficient (C) divided by
the time of concentration.
He recognized the importance of considering the time it takes for runoff to travel from the
farthest point in a watershed to the outlet (time of concentration), especially in urban
areas with complex drainage networks.

9. So today, the Rational Formula has remained a foundational tool in hydrology and
engineering practice.
Despite the emergence of more complex hydrological models, the Rational Formula
continues to be widely used for its simplicity and practicality.
Advances in technology have led to the development of computer-based models that
offer more detailed simulations, but the Rational Formula remains relevant, particularly
for small to moderate-sized watersheds and preliminary design purposes.

So, the Rational Formula can be traced back to the early 20th century, with Horton's
initial formulation and Mulvany's refinement playing key roles in its development and
standardization. Today, the Rational Formula stands as a fundamental method for
estimating stormwater runoff rates, reflecting its enduring relevance in hydrology and
engineering.

10. The Rational Formula, while a useful tool, is based on several assumptions and has
certain limitations:

Assumptions:
First assumption: It assumes that rainfall intensity is uniform over the entire area of interest
during the storm event. This assumption simplifies calculations but may not reflect the actual
spatial variability of rainfall.

Next, it assumes that the runoff coefficient (C) remains constant throughout the storm event. In
reality, C may vary due to changes in land use, soil conditions, and antecedent moisture levels.

Steady-state conditions. Meaning that the runoff coefficient and rainfall intensity remain constant
throughout the storm event. It doesn't account for variations in intensity over time.

Single Event Analysis: It is typically applied to analyze the runoff from a single storm event and
does not consider long-term variations in rainfall patterns or changes in land use.

Lastly, the Rational Formula assumes a homogeneous surface with uniform characteristics
across the entire area. In reality, land surfaces are often heterogeneous, leading to variations in
runoff coefficients.
 11. Limitations:
The Rational Formula is most suitable for small to moderate-sized watersheds. For
larger watersheds, it may not adequately capture the spatial variability of rainfall and
runoff.

Limited Accuracy: The Rational Formula may provide only approximate estimates of
peak runoff rates. It may not accurately predict runoff in areas with complex topography,
land use patterns, or storm characteristics.

The accuracy of the results depends on the quality and availability of input data, such as
rainfall intensity, runoff coefficients, and area measurements. Lack of accurate data can
lead to significant errors in the estimated runoff.

The Rational Formula Neglects Infiltration. It does not account for the infiltration of
rainfall into the soil. In areas with high infiltration rates, such as vegetated areas, the
actual runoff may be lower than predicted.

It does not consider the temporal distribution of rainfall or the time it takes for runoff to
travel from different parts of the watershed to the outlet. This can lead to inaccurate
estimates of peak runoff rates, especially in urban areas with complex drainage
networks.

Overall, while the Rational Formula provides a quick and simple method for estimating peak
stormwater runoff, its assumptions and limitations should be considered when applying it to
engineering and hydrological analyses.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Rational Formula stands as a foundational tool in hydrology and engineering,
offering a straightforward method for estimating peak stormwater runoff from a given area.
Developed in the early 20th century by Horace Horton, the formula has been widely used for
drainage design, flood control, and stormwater management. Its simplicity and practicality have
made it a go-to approach for engineers and hydrologists, particularly for small to moderate-sized
watersheds and urban drainage systems. However, the Rational Formula comes with limitations
and assumptions. It assumes uniform rainfall intensity, constant runoff coefficients, and
steady-state conditions, which may not always hold in real-world scenarios. Additionally, its
accuracy can be influenced by the quality and availability of input data. While the formula has
been refined and adapted over time, it remains most suitable for preliminary design and quick
assessments. Despite its limitations, the Rational Formula continues to play a valuable role in
hydrological analysis, providing valuable insights into stormwater runoff for engineering projects
and water management initiatives.