Hydrology & Hydraulics

OTHON served as project manager and lead designer for Canal Segment 2 of the Luce Bayou Interbasin Transfer Project, a five-mile canal delivering raw surface water from the Trinity River to Lake Houston. The team provided canal design, drainage analysis, and property protection across a 1,200-acre watershed, using advanced hydraulic modeling tools like TR-55, HEC-RAS, and FLO-2D to evaluate flow impacts and optimize infrastructure.

Key design features included two 36-inch inverted siphons, culverts engineered for 100-year storm events, and adaptive reuse of dry pits to increase storage capacity. OTHON’s innovative approach eliminated one siphon, saving over $800,000 in construction costs. The project showcases OTHON’s ability to deliver resilient, cost-effective water infrastructure while supporting long-term regional growth.

OTHON conducted a detailed hydrologic and hydraulic analysis for Lower White Oak Bayou in Houston to assess the feasibility of removing abandoned railroad bridges without negatively impacting the watershed. The study evaluated whether a nearby 17.3-acre site could provide adequate detention to offset the effects of bridge removal and support future development above the 100-year floodplain.

Using corrected HEC-1 and HEC-2 models, OTHON confirmed that proposed in-line detention improvements could fully mitigate the removal of three multi-span bridges. The design included a 1,230-foot detention channel and excavation volumes sufficient to elevate the site for resilience. This work provided a cost-effective, environmentally sound solution for floodplain management in one of Houston’s most urbanized watersheds.

OTHON delivered comprehensive drainage improvements for the Easthaven and Clearwood Subdivisions in southeast Houston, addressing chronic flooding across a 211-acre service area. The project began with a detailed drainage study using XP-SWMM modeling to evaluate existing conditions, TxDOT culvert crossings, and limited outfall capacity. Alternatives were developed to manage overland flow, improve conveyance, and add detention through cost-effective, community-sensitive solutions.

Final design included lowering Easthaven Boulevard, constructing dual open ditches, adding off-site detention, and reconfiguring TxDOT culvert restrictors to increase stormwater storage. OTHON provided full design and construction administration, resulting in enhanced system resiliency, reduced flooding, and long-term drainage relief for residents.

OTHON served as Prime Consultant for drainage improvements in the Morningside Place Subdivision, addressing persistent street flooding caused by limited storm sewer capacity and backflow from the downstream channel. Despite adequate detention storage, undersized outfall infrastructure and lack of backflow prevention led to multi-day ponding after minor rain events.

Through detailed XP-SWMM and HEC-RAS modeling, OTHON identified targeted upgrades including increased inlet capacity, modified pond outlets, and installation of a cutoff wall with flap gate to prevent backflow. Final design and construction services delivered enhanced stormwater conveyance, improved roadway drainage, and long-term flood relief for residents.