Design process of

surface
drainage

NAME: ERTAZA STUDENT ID:

MUSLIM ACMI 0188

DATE:01/02/2024
 What is meant by surface drainage?

 Surface drainage refers to the process of removing excess water from the
surface of an area, such as land, roads, or fields. This is typically done to
prevent waterlogging, erosion, and the related problems these issues can
cause, such as damage to infrastructure, agricultural losses, and health
hazards. Surface drainage systems are designed to channel water away
from areas where it's unwanted, directing it towards appropriate outlets
like rivers, lakes, stormwater systems, or infiltration basins. The systems
often involve components like ditches, gutters, grates, and channels that
collect and guide the water efficiently. The effectiveness of surface
drainage is crucial for urban planning, agricultural land management, and
in areas prone to heavy rainfall or flooding.
Objectives of
Surface Drainage
 Preventing Waterlogging: Surface drainage systems are
designed to prevent water accumulation that can lead to
waterlogging. This is particularly important in agricultural areas
where waterlogging can damage crops and in urban areas where
it can affect the structural integrity of roads and buildings.

 Reducing Erosion: By directing excess water away efficiently,

surface drainage helps to minimize soil erosion. Erosion can
remove topsoil, leading to reduced agricultural productivity and
the destabilization of structures.

 Safeguarding Infrastructure: Proper drainage protects

infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and buildings from the
damage caused by standing water and the hydrostatic pressure
it creates. This prolongs the lifespan of these structures and
reduces maintenance costs.

 Improving Traffic Safety: On roads and highways, surface

drainage contributes to safer driving conditions by reducing the
amount of water on the roadway, thereby minimizing the risk of
hydroplaning.
Types of Surface Drainage Systems

.Open Ditches.
.Subsurface Pipes.
.Gutters and Inlets.
.Slopes and Gradients.
 Open Ditches:
 The image illustrates an open ditch,
which is a type of surface drainage
system typically found alongside rural
roads or in agricultural fields. Open
ditches are excavated channels designed
to collect and transport excess water
from the surface of the land to prevent
waterlogging and to manage runoff.
They are characterized by their sloped
sides, which can be reinforced with
vegetation or riprap to prevent erosion.
The water flowing through the ditch is
directed away from areas where it could
cause damage or flooding to safer
discharge points such as streams, ponds,
or other water management systems.
 Subsurface Pipes

 Subsurface pipes, also known as drain tiles

or French drains, are used in areas where
surface water needs to be removed from
the subsurface layer of the soil. These pipes
are typically perforated to allow water to
enter and then be transported away from
areas that are prone to waterlogging. They
are buried below the top layer of soil and
are often surrounded by gravel or a similar
material to facilitate drainage and prevent
soil from clogging the pipes. The purpose of
subsurface pipes is to enhance soil aeration
and to prevent the water table from rising
to a level that could be detrimental to
plants, foundations, or other structures.
The image provides a visual representation
of subsurface drainage pipes as they would
be installed underground.
 Gutters and Inlets.

 Gutters and inlets are integral components of

urban drainage systems, designed to manage
surface water runoff. Gutters, typically found
at the edges of roofs or along the curbs of
streets, collect rainwater and direct it towards
inlets, which are openings that allow the water
to flow into the stormwater drainage system.
This system channels the water away from the
streets and buildings to prevent flooding,
waterlogging, and potential water damage to
urban infrastructure. Inlets are strategically
placed to optimize water collection and are
often covered with grates to prevent debris
from entering the drainage system while
allowing water to pass through. The image
visually depicts gutters and inlets in an urban
setting, highlighting their functionality and
placement within the street scene.
 Slopes and Gradients.

 Slopes and gradients are critical

elements in surface drainage design.
They involve shaping the land to control
and direct the flow of water. Properly
designed slopes and gradients prevent
water accumulation and facilitate the
movement of water towards designated
drainage areas, such as channels or
basins. This design technique is used to
enhance the natural runoff pathways
and can be critical in preventing erosion,
waterlogging, and flooding. The
illustrated image shows a landscaped
area with designed slopes leading
towards a drainage system, exemplifying
how land contouring is utilized for
effective water management.
Components of a
Surface Drainage
System

 Catch Basins
 Channels
 Pipes
 Outfalls
Catch Basins:

Positioned typically at street

corners or low points, catch
basins collect surface water
through grates, trapping debris
and sediment. They connect to
the underground drainage
system, leading the water away
from urban areas.
Channels

These are open conduits, either natural or man-made,

designed to direct the flow of water to a designated area,
such as a river, pond, or larger drainage system. They can be
lined with concrete or rocks to prevent erosion.
Pipes

 Underground pipes carry water from catch basins and other

collection points to the outfalls. They are a crucial component
in urban areas where surface channels may not be practical.
Outfalls

These are the points where drainage systems discharge

water into bodies of water, stormwater management ponds, or
other watercourses, often designed to minimize erosion and
blend with the natural environment.
Role of Surface
Drainage

Flood control
Soil conservation
Urban infrastructure protection
Flood control

Flood control refers to the set of measures, strategies, and

actions designed to prevent or minimize the adverse effects of
flooding on human life, property, and the environment. The
primary goal of flood control is to manage and mitigate the
impacts of excessive water levels, which can result from
heavy rainfall, snowmelt, storm surges, or other natural
events.
Soil conservation

Soil conservation refers to the practices and techniques

aimed at preventing soil erosion, improving soil health, and
preserving the quality and fertility of the soil. It is essential
for sustainable agriculture, forestry, and land use, as healthy
soil is fundamental for food production, maintaining
ecosystems, and mitigating environmental problems. Here are
some key aspects and methods of soil conservation:
Urban infrastructure
protection
Cities around the world are struggling to provide people with
the infrastructure they need to thrive. Nature-based
infrastructure delivers cost-effective, climate-resilient
infrastructure services and generates a wealth of co-benefits
for citizens, such as reduced air pollution and improved well-
being. It also creates an enabling environment for other
sustainable infrastructure. To maximize the benefits of NBI,
the value of nature must be at the heart of strategic, cross-
sectoral urban planning
THANKYOU
ERTAZAMUSLIM42@GMAIL.COM