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Kirpich Watershed Time of Concentration (Tc) Calculator

Time of concentration (Tc) represents the travel time required for runoff from the most hydraulically distant point to reach the catchment outlet.

Longest flow path distance to catchment outlet

Elevation difference divided by flow length

Calculated Result
22.5 min

Time of Concentration (Tc)

In Hours

0.37 hr

Calculation Breakdown

  1. Kirpich FormulaTc = 0.01947 · L^0.77 · S^-0.385 => 22.5 min

Tc vs Basin Slope

Interactive visualization based on your current inputs

Tc
0.09.61929381% Slope2.5% Slope5% SlopeSlope (%)Tc (min)

What Is the Kirpich Watershed Time of Concentration (Tc) Calculator?

Time of concentration (Tc) represents the travel time required for runoff from the most hydraulically distant point to reach the catchment outlet.

Kirpich equation is widely specified for small agricultural and rural drainage basins in stormwater design.

How Does the Kirpich Watershed Time of Concentration (Tc) Calculator Work?

The calculation evaluates user-provided measurements using recognized domain equations, converts between measurement units, and adjusts for real-world efficiency factors.

Kirpich Watershed Time of Concentration (Tc) Calculator Formula & Variables

The core mathematical equation utilized by this calculator is expressed as:

T_c = 0.01947 \cdot L^{0.77} S^{-0.385} \quad [\text{min}]

Metric Kirpich time of concentration formula.

How to Use the Kirpich Watershed Time of Concentration (Tc) Calculator

  1. Enter your primary measurements in the input fields above.
  2. Select your preferred units (e.g. metric or imperial) if applicable.
  3. Review or adjust operational assumptions such as field efficiency.
  4. Click Calculate to instantly generate the full results breakdown and visual chart.
  5. Use the Reset button at any time to clear the form and test a new scenario.

Step-by-Step Example Calculation

Rural Basin Drainage

Input Values:

channelLengthM:1800
slopeMPerM:0.015

Understanding Your Result

Your calculated result represents the realistic operational capacity or baseline output under the specified conditions. Comparing theoretical and effective outputs reveals the direct impact of turns, overlap, and practical downtime.

Factors That Affect the Result

Field terrain, operator experience, equipment maintenance, overlap margin, and weather conditions can significantly influence real-world output.

When Should You Use This Calculator?

Use this calculator whenever you need quick, verified estimates for job planning, budgeting, equipment sizing, or project timelines.

Assumptions & Limitations

  • For paved urban surfaces, a multiplying reduction factor of 0.4 to 0.6 is often applied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Calculation Accuracy & Reference Note

This calculator implements verified, deterministic mathematical equations based on published standards. Results should be treated as professional engineering estimates; always verify critical operations with local equipment manuals and site inspections.

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