Understanding Water Movement

December 24, 2018
Listed in Storm Water

Hydrologic Cycle

Rain and snow falling on the ground will run overland or soak into the ground. Eventually all the runoff will reach lakes, streams, or the ocean where the water will evaporate and start the cycle all over again

Water Movement Around Roads

When maintaining and building roads and streets, we must be concerned with water flowing around them. Figure 2 shows a conceptual drainage system and how watermay enter a road. Water may enter roadways through “cracks and surface defects” on the pavement. Or it can “infiltrate from the side” through the fill. “Capillary action” may draw moisture up from the water table and cause the base to become saturated. “Excess water” in ditches and flowing through culverts can cause damage to roads by causing washouts and failure of storm water systems, slope instability, and erosion.

 

Source: Cornell Local Roads Program