Skip navigation.

Calculation and Use of Time of Concentration

Date & Time: 
Fri, 02/27/2015 - 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location: 
Stantec, 1500 Lake Shore Drive, Suite 100 Columbus, Ohio 43204

*Open only to Central Ohio Section Members
*Seating is limited to the first 25 people
*Bring your own lunch

Purpose and Background
Time of concentration is a frequently overlooked parameter in urban drainage design. It is often calculated using one of several common equations that are selected based on user familiarity rather than on the characteristics of the drainage basin. Time of concentration can also be calculated incorrectly when the emphasis is placed on finding the longest flow path, which often is not appropriate when used to determine peak flows. This webinar will cover the Kirby-Hathaway Equation; the Kirpich Equation; the FAA Equation; the SCS Method for computing time of concentration; as well as a solution using the physical concepts of sheet flow, shallow concentrated flow, and open channel flow. The webinar will include examples of the different equations and a discussion on when the use of each equation is appropriate. It will also include a discussion on requirements for time of concentration calculations in stormwater design manuals.

RSVP to president@centralohioasce.com by Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2015.

Primary Discussion Topics

  • Basic concepts of time of concentration, including sheet flow, shallow concentrated flow and open channel flow
  • Kirby-Hathaway, Kirpich, and FAA equations
  • The SCS method
  • Physical Concepts solution
  • Appropriate selection of longest flow path

Learning Outcomes

  • Know the basic tools needed to select an appropriate method to compute time of concentration
  • Become familiar with five different methods that can be used to compute time of concentration
  • Understand which method should be used for which type of drainage basin
  • Learn how selection of the wrong flow path can impact the calculation of time of concentration and peak flow
  • Understand examples of several methods that can be used to compute time of concentration and when each method is appropriate

Webinar Benefits

  • Become familiar with five different methods that can be used to compute time of concentration
  • Understand which method should be used for which type of drainage basin
  • Learn how selection of the wrong flow path can impact the calculation of time of concentration and peak flow

Intended Audience
Civil engineers involved in designing stormwater facilities or regulatory agency personnel responsible for reviewing stormwater facilities or preparing stormwater design manuals.

Webinar Outline

  • Basic concepts of time of concentration, including sheet flow, shallow concentrated flow and open channel flow
  • Kirby-Hathaway equation, including basin types
  • Kirpich equation, including basin types
  • FAA equation, including basin types
  • SCS Method
  • Physical Concepts solution
  • Appropriate selection of longest flow path

See the ASCE website for more info.


The Central Ohio Section of ASCE sponsors free continuing education webinars as a service to our members. These webinars are produced by ASCE and normally cost $250 or $300 for ASCE members. However, the Central Ohio Section is paying the registration fee and inviting any interested section members to attend for free. Just RSVP by the deadline. Seating is limited, so do not delay.

You can see the complete list of webinars available from ASCE National on their website. If you see one you like, let us know. If you and your company would like to host one, let us know that too. If you open it up to any interested Central Ohio ASCE section members to come, we will pay the registration fee.