Manning's "n" For PVC Gravity Sewer Pipe

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Source: Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Association

Research on sewer-pipe hydraulics has shown that gravity sewer pipes can be conservatively designed using Manning's equation: Q = (1.486/n) (A) (R2/3) (S1/2)

where:

Q = flow volume, ft3/sec

n = Manning’s number, unitless

A = flow area, ft2

H = hydraulic radius, ft

S = slope, ft/ft

The equation is based on the assumption of steady open-channel flow.

The coefficient of roughness (“n”) in the equation is called “Manning’s number,” “Manning’s "n" factor,” or “Manning’s n” for short. The coefficient is a function of the characteristics of the pipe’s inner surface – the smoother the surface, the lower the coefficient and the greater the flow.

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF SMOOTHER-WALLED PVC PIPE

Traditionally, most engineers used an “n” of 0.013 for sewer-pipe design. However, the advent of smooth-walled PVC sewer pipe in the 1960s with an “n” of 0.009 allowed significant savings in sewer pipe systems:

1. Pipes could be laid at shallower slopes

2. Smaller-sized pipes could be used

3. Fewer lift stations were necessary

Research by Neal and Price verified that “n” = 0.009 for PVC sewer pipe. Conclusion 3 on page 127 of their report states: “…a conservative design may be obtained by use of the Manning formula, Eq. 2, in which n = 0.009.”

NO NEED FOR OVERLY CONSERVATIVE DESIGN

Some specifications still require that “n” = 0.013 for the design of all sewer pipes. The reasoning is that all sewer pipes will eventually build up a layer of slime, so all pipe materials should use the same coefficient.

However, research has shown that the thickness of the slime layer varies with the pipe material’s roughness and porosity.

Rougher, more porous surfaces maintain more slime than smoother, less porous surfaces. A report by Fisher summarized hydraulic research on Manning’s “n” for installed sewer pipes made from concrete, clay, and PVC. The conclusion was: “The Manning’s "n" value of 0.013 that is often used for design purposes is un-conservative for concrete and clay and over-conservative for PVC.”

A paper by Bishop and Jeppson also described hydraulic tests performed on in-service PVC sewer pipes. The study verified that “n” = 0.009 for PVC pipe and that there was no slime build-up in the pipes. From the “Conclusions” section of the paper: “The results of the 25 field measurements taken from four different localities verify that the value of Manning’s "n" should be taken equal to 0.009 for PVC pipe. This value is in agreement with the value determined in laboratory measurements. No distinguishable difference could be determined by eye between new PVC pipe or such pipe which has been in service for five years.”

OPTIMIZING SEWER-PIPE DESIGN

It makes fiscal sense to take advantage of the engineering properties of all infrastructure materials. Pipeline designers could save significant capital funds by recognizing that PVC sewer pipe is smoother than competitive materials and that using “n” = 0.009 can result in smaller pipes, flatter slopes, and fewer pumping facilities.

References: “Flow Characteristics of PVC Sewer Pipe,” Neale, L. and Price, R. (1964); "Hydraulic Characteristics of PVC Pipe in Sanitary Sewers," R. Bishop and R. Jeppson (1978); Handbook of PVC Pipe, Uni-Bell (2013); "Is Slime the Great Hydraulic Equalizer?" C. Fisher (2004)

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