KADUNA POLYTECHNIC

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCES ENGINEERING

REPORT ON:
DRAINAGE SYSTEM FROM MASS COMM TO STAFF GATE

COURSE TITLED: PRACTICAL HYDRAULIC STRUCTURE

COURSE CODE: (CEC 412)

PRESENTED BY:

GROUP (B)
S/N NAME REG. NO
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10

SUBMITTED TO:
MAL. ALIYU

MAY, 2024
INTRODUCTION
Drainage systems are critical for managing water flow in urban and rural areas.
Proper drainage prevents flooding, protects infrastructure, and maintains sanitary
conditions. However, inadequate drainage can lead to severe problems such as
waterlogging, structural damage, and health hazards. This report explores the
common problems associated with drainage systems and proposes effective
solutions.
Without proper drainage analysis, a structure runs the risk of flooding, foundation
damage, and in worst case scenarios erosion and even sinkholes. There for,
drainage system is the arrangement provided on a surface or building for
collecting or conveying waste or excess water through channels or drain pipes,
by gravity to join a public sewer, a septic tank, treatment plants or other point of
disposal. One of the functions of the drainage system is to collect surface and/or
ground water and direct it away, thereby keeping the ballast bed drain. The
drainage system must also protect the substructure from erosion, from becoming
sodden, and from losing its bearing capacity and stability.

RESIDENTIAL DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

Residential drainage systems are very important as they prevent rotting, mold,
mildew, and structural damage in building from buildup of water
Residential drainage system removes excess water from residential area. This
system helps to whisk water away from walkways, driveways, and roofs to avoid
flooding.
THE TYPES OF RESIDENTIAL DRAINAGE SYSTEMS ARE
Slope
Downspout/ gutters
Surface
Subsurface
 ● SLOPE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
Slope drain allows water to flow downward from a structure with the aid of pipes
moving down a slope. A pipe is installed and anchored into a small incline, which
causes water to flow through the pipe and away from the structure.
● DOWNSPOUT AND GUTTER SYSTEMS
Downspouts collect water from gutters and divert it to the ground. A downspout
is typically connected to a gutter system on a building and carries water away
from the roof down to the ground. Downspouts empty out the water on slope so
that the water does not pool at the base of the downspout.
Combined drainage system is single drain used to convey both water from
sanitary usage and rainwater from roofs and other surfaces to a shared sewer.
This system is economical to install. Separate drainage systems used to separate
foul water drain that leads to a sanitary sewer. The rainwater from roofs and other
surfaces is conveyed in a separate surface water drain into a surface water sewer.
This system is relatively expensive to install. Our review courses thoroughly
review the building and design code to follow proper drainage system (Rodex,
1998)
● SURFACE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
Surface drainage systems contain shallow ditches dug in a parallel pattern, which
act as canals for run-off water. These ditches lead the water into the main drain
to avoid water pooling and flooding.
● SUBSURFACE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
A subsurface drainage system is also known as a French drain. Subsurface drains
are placed beneath the top layer of soil to remove excess water at the root level.
Subsurface drains require the digging of deep ditches and the installation of
underground pipes. A large collector drain is installed to collect water from the
pipes
CAUSES OF DRAINAGE FAILURE AND THEIR POSSIBLE
SOLUTIONS
1. Clogging and Blockages
Causes
- Debris and Sediments: Leaves, trash, and other debris can accumulate in
drains, leading to blockages.
- Fat, Oil, and Grease (FOG): Disposal of cooking oil and grease down
drains can solidify and cause blockages.
Accumulation of debris, sediments, and waste materials.
Consequences:
- Flooding: Blocked drains can lead to water backup, causing localized
flooding.
- Structural Damage: Water overflow can damage building foundations and
roads.
- Example: A study in Nigeria highlighted that improper disposal of solid waste
into drainage channels was a significant cause of urban flooding.
Water backup, flooding, and damage to property.
2. Poor Design and Construction
Causes
● Incorrect Pipe Sizing: Pipes that are too small cannot handle peak flow
volumes.
● Improper Slope: Incorrect gradients can cause water to stagnate or flow
too quickly, leading to erosion.
Inadequate planning, incorrect pipe sizing, and improper slope.
Consequence:
Inefficient water flow, frequent repairs, and high maintenance costs.
3. Aging Infrastructure
Causes:
- Material Degradation: Old pipes made of materials like clay or cast iron
can crack or collapse.
Deterioration of old pipes and drainage channels.
Consequences
- Inefficient Water Flow: Water may not drain properly, causing persistent
puddles and waterlogging.
- Frequent Repairs: Poor design often requires constant maintenance and
repairs.
Leaks, collapses, and reduced capacity.
- Example: Inadequate drainage design was a contributing factor in the 2005
Mumbai floods, exacerbating the disaster's impact.
4. Inadequate Maintenance
Causes
- Neglect: Lack of routine inspection and cleaning leads to the accumulation
of debris.
Consequences:
- Unexpected System Failures: Sudden blockages or failures can occur,
causing extensive damage.
- Accumulation of blockages and unexpected system failures
-Example: A report by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
pointed out that insufficient maintenance is a key factor in the poor condition of
U.S. infrastructure .
5. Environmental Factors
Causes:
Heavy rainfall, climate change, and urbanization.
Consequences:
Increased runoff, overwhelmed systems, and erosion.
OTHER CAUSES OF DRAINAGE PROBLEM
1. Dangerous loss of foundation stability
2. Insect infestation, mold and allergens.
3. Oversaturated soil swells causing structural foundation damage.
4. Cracks in interior walls and exterior surfaces termites
5. Damage to landscape and soil erosion.
6. Sticking doors and windows.
7. Discoloration and premature aging of concrete and exterior brick.
8. Reduced bearing capacity in the sub grade and road structures causing
permanent deformation.
9. Reduces pavement life and increase pavement management cost.
POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO DRAINAGE FAILURE
1. Regular Maintenance and Cleaning
- Implementation:
● Schedule routine inspections and cleaning to prevent blockages.- Vehicles
passing over or too close beside the drains
● root growth especially from nearby trees
● Crown corrosion in closed drains containing sewage
- Benefits: Ensures optimal performance, extends system lifespan, and reduces
emergency repairs.
2. Improved Design and Construction
- Implementation: Follow engineering standards for pipe sizing, slope, and
materials. Utilize modern technologies and materials.
- Benefits: Enhances system efficiency, reduces construction errors, and
minimizes future issues.
3. Upgrading Aging Infrastructure
- Implementation: Conduct assessments to identify and replace outdated
components.
 - Benefits: Increases system reliability, capacity, and compliance with current
standards.
4. Adoption of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)
- Implementation: Integrate green infrastructure like rain gardens, permeable
pavements, and retention basins.
- Benefits: Reduces runoff, improves water quality, and enhances urban
aesthetics.
5. Community Awareness and Participation
- Implementation: Educate the public about proper waste disposal and the
importance of drainage systems.
- Benefits: Reduces pollution, prevents blockages, and fosters community
involvement.
6. Advanced Monitoring and Control Systems
- Implementation: Use sensors and automated controls to monitor flow and
detect issues in real-time.
- Benefits: Enables proactive maintenance, reduces response times, and
enhances system management.
If rehabilitation of a failed system is to have a good chance of success, diagnosis
and elimination of the original causes of failure are required as well as treatment
of the immediate symptoms. Each possible cause of collapse has its cure. (Safety
in sewers and at sewage works. (London, institution of civil engineers, 1967)
a) Vehicles can easily damage open drains. If vehicle damage recurs
frequently, the drains should be protected by some form of barrier such as
a rail or a keystone. If the damage is due to vehicles attempting to cross the
drain, then an adequate vehicle crossing should be built over it. Vehicle
damage to covered drains indicates that they should either be laid deeper
or be protected by concrete.
b) Roots from nearby trees will tend to grow into drains, especially if they
contain standing water and the linings are not impermeable. The most
effective protection, if the problem persists, is to remove all trees within 5
m of the drain.

c) Erosion in an unlined channel is illustrated along with the appropriate

remedies. In a lined drain, erosion can mean the lining itself is not robust
enough, and a more resistant lining is needed. A common weak point is at
the joints between channel or pipe elements, which should be sealed with
cement mortar. Where the slope is greater than 10%, baffles or steps of
some kind are needed. Scouring on the outside of a channel lining can mean
that water is not entering the drain but running parallel to it. If the lining
rises above ground level, it needs notches in the sides so that the water can
flow in. Small earth banks running diagonally across the road will also help
to divert water to the drain at the side. Alternatively, scouring beside the
drain can mean that it overflows during storms, indicating that more
frequent cleaning, a larger drain, or more frequent turnouts are required
closed drains that are overloaded, and water can escape into the ground
through the joints owing to the pressure inside the pipe. When the pressure
drops, the water runs back into the drain, carrying soil with it and
excavating a cavity over the drain which will eventually collapse. The
solution is to seal the joints with cement grout or, preferably, to build a
larger drain.

d) Water pressure from the outside or pressure resulting from the swelling of
clay can be controlled by using sand bedding and providing weep holes in
the lining
BENEFITS OF A GOOD DRAINAGE SYSTEM

The foundation of every home plays an important role in the rigidity and structure
of the property. And since the substructure has a lot of responsibilities, it is
necessary it stays in the best shape possible with regular maintenance targeted
towards keeping water away from the foundation and the rest of the home in
general.

● Lack of proper drainage system which we lack in Nigeria has continued to

contribute to a lot of disheartening events like flooding and collapse of
buildings if the foundation is not deeply rooted.
● It won’t cost you anything to maintain a good drainage system in your home;
it comes with a lot of benefit too. Here are some of the benefits of having a
good drainage system in your home:
● It prevents water accumulation

This is the most important use of a good drainage system; it allows the free flow
of water and in most cases prevents accumulation that can lead to flooding.
Drainage systems also prevent the accumulation of stagnant water, which can
encourage mosquitoes to breed.

● It reduces the occurrence of soil erosion

Accumulated water over time can lead to soil degradation which brings about a
muddy ground surface which in turn will result in soil erosion. But with an
effective drainage system you don’t have to worry about the washing away of
your garden’s top soil and help maintain the balanced moisture too.

● It guarantees a healthy living if properly managed

The regular maintenance of the drainage system is very important as it will

continuously wave any possible blockage that may be caused by eroded
sediments or not properly disposed waste.
There are several distinct elements involved in assessing and obtaining a quality
drainage system, if these elements are properly considered, a drainage system will
perform satisfactory for a long period of time. The life expectancy of a drainage
system will decrease or the system performance will be in adequate if one or more
of these basic elements is not properly addressed. These basic elements include;

1. Resource condition: soil, water, topography, and plants.

2. Inspection and maintenance
3. Degree of performance.
4. Equipments and materials
5. Planning and design.
6. Construction and installation

The cures for most of the causes of blockage are fairly easy to see: collection of
refuse, removal of structures, and clearing of vegetation. If the drains have an
even and adequate slope, it should not be necessary to remove silt, clearing the
vegetation whose roots hold silt in place should enable the next heavy flow in the
drain to wash it away.

However, the slope may not always be even. Uneven settlement of the ground is
common in flat areas of clay soil, and is another cause for uneven slope. Damage
by vehicles and earthquakes can also cause distortion, or even misalignment of
sections of drainage channel or pipe resulting in blockage by sediment or other
solids. In such cases, the drain should be rebuilt to an even slope, although slight
irregularities can be corrected by filling in the depressions with mortar.
CONCLUSION
Effective drainage management is essential for urban resilience and
environmental health. By addressing the root causes of drainage problems and
implementing comprehensive solutions, communities can mitigate the risks
associated with poor drainage. Regular maintenance, improved design,
infrastructure upgrades, sustainable practices, public awareness, and advanced
monitoring are key strategies to ensure efficient and reliable drainage systems.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Develop a Comprehensive Maintenance Plan: Municipalities should
establish a structured maintenance schedule to regularly inspect and clean
drainage systems.
2. Invest in Infrastructure Upgrades: Allocate funds for the replacement and
modernization of aging drainage components.
3. Promote Sustainable Practices: Encourage the use of SUDS and other eco-
friendly solutions to manage stormwater.
4. Engage the Community: Conduct awareness campaigns to educate the public
on their role in maintaining drainage systems.
5. Leverage Technology: Implement advanced monitoring systems to optimize
drainage management and pre-emptively address issues.
 REFERENCES
"Chennai Floods: A Call for Better Urban Planning," Environmental Research
Letters.
"Engineering Standards for Infrastructure Resilience," National Institute of
Standards and Technology (NIST).
"Flooding in Mumbai: Causes, Impacts, and Mitigation Strategies," Natural
Hazards Journal.
"Urban Flooding in Lagos, Nigeria: Impact and Sustainable Solutions," Journal
of Urban Planning and Development.
American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), "Report Card for America’s
Infrastructure."
European Environment Agency (EEA), "Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems
(SUDS) in Europe."
International Water Association (IWA), "Smart Technologies in Drainage
Management."
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), "Water Infrastructure Needs and
Investment."
United Nations, "Public Awareness and Community Participation in Urban Water
Management."
APPENDIX