Chapter 4: Data Collection, Evaluation, and Documentation
Anchor: #i1000174Section 1: Introduction
This chapter discusses general hydraulic data collection needs, data location, analysis, evaluation, and documentation.
The importance and extent of the project and facility determine the amount of effort needed for data collection and evaluation. A comprehensive, accurate, and economical highway drainage design requires reliable data for its success. Failure to base a design on adequate and appropriate data can lead to economic loss and interruption of the roadway function (see Figure 4-1).
Figure 4-1. Roadway Base Failure
A systematic data collection program generally leads to a more orderly and effective analysis or design. The following table outlines the data collection process:
- Identify data types: drainage area characteristics, land use, stream course data, facility site data, streamflow data, and climatological data.
- Determine data sources: site investigation data and resource agencies.
- Evaluate data.