SPRINKLING ASSEMBLY FOR SIMULATION OF DESIGN STORMS AS A MEANS FOR EROSION AND RUNOFF STUDIES

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Abstract
Various patterns of sprinkling assemblies constructed to simulate natural design storms in the field are described. A design storm is that storm causing the most severe erosion losses out of all storms in the period of design. Adequate means of conservation or protection should be devised to meet such a storm. The objective in the use of a rainfall simulator is to considerably shorten the study period, without having to wait for a natural design storm to occur. The simulated rain is applied by various overlapping patterns of two-arm rotating sprinklers positioned 2 metres above the ground. Results of performance tests of the simulator in relation to natural storms are summarized as follows: Uniformity of application was reproduced within a 10% range lower than natural storms. Intensities can be applied between 6 and 120 mm/hr within 10% of designed intensity. Angles of impact of simulator drops were found comparable to those of natural rain with wind velocities of 10 to 20 kph. The mode diameter of simulator drop size distribution was found to be 0.5–1.0 mm lower than that of natural rain. Kinetic energy was 60 to 75% and momentum 70 to 80% of those in a natural storm. Collection and measurement of runoff and erosion are described.

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