Office of Structures Manual for Hydrologic and Hydraulic Design

The Manual for Hydrologic and Hydraulic Design was prepared by the State Highway Administration (SHA) Office of Structures(OOS) Structure Hydrology and Hydraulics Division (SHHD), to guide and direct engineers involved in locating, analyzing and designing bridges and culverts in Maryland. 

This SHHD Manual consists of two volumes. The chapters in Volume I (Chapters1-6) provide an overview of SHH​D design and project development procedures. Revisions to Volume I were completed in 2020 and will be further updated in 2025. 

The chapters in Volume II provide detailed design guidelines and analysis procedures for the various aspects of the design of hydraulic structures. These chapters (Chapters 7-14 and 19) were revised between 2007-2016. SHHD is updating and revising the Volume II chapters ,and the documents will be posted as they are completed. In the meantime, check this website regularly to verify that you are using the current version of each chapter and contact OOS SHHD for any questions or clarifications.​

Manual for Hydrologic and Hydraulic Design ​

Volume 1: Overview and Procedures (2020 Revision)

Chapter 1: Introduction (2020 Revision)

​Chapter 2: Laws and Regulations (2020 Revision)

Chapter 3: Procedure: Design Guidelines and Permits (2020 Revision)

Chapter 4​: Project Development (2020 Revision)

Chapter 5: Data Sources and Field Surveys (2020 Revision)

Chapter 6: Documentation (2020 Revision)​

Volume 2​: Design Methodologies (2015 Revision) 

​Chapter 7​: Scour Program for Existing Bridges​ (April 2011)

​Chapter 8: Hydrology (September 2009)

Chapter 9: Channels (March 2011)

Chapter 10: Bridges (August 2011)

Chapter 11: Evaluating Scour at Bridges (April 2016)

Chapter 12: Bridge Deck Drainage Systems (April 2011)

Chapter 13: Culverts (April 2011)

Chapter 14: Stream Morphology and Channel Crossings ( August 2007)​


Other useful links​

For additional information contact ​​


Dana N. Havlik, P.E.
Division Chief
Office of Structures
Structure Hydrology & Hydraulics Division​