Urban Drainage Systems Course

Lesson 1 • Catchment Delineation and Mapping

Teaches watershed boundary identification using topographic and GIS data. Accurate catchment maps are essential inputs for all hydraulic calculations.

Lesson 2 • Stormwater vs. Combined Sewer Systems

Distinguishes separate stormwater, sanitary, and combined sewer networks. Clarifies operational and regulatory implications of each system type.

Lesson 3 • Drainage System Components Overview

Introduces pipes, channels, inlets, manholes, and outfalls as a connected system. Builds vocabulary and component recognition used throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Energy and Momentum in Drainage

Applies Bernoulli's equation and momentum principles to transitions and structures. Enables accurate head loss estimation at inlets, outlets, and bends.

Lesson 2 • Culvert Hydraulic Design

Covers inlet control, outlet control, and tailwater effects for culvert sizing. Culvert design integrates pipe and open-channel hydraulics into a single structure.

Lesson 3 • Pipe Flow and Pressure Hydraulics

Analyses full-pipe and partially full flow using Darcy-Weisbach and Manning's methods. Connects pipe sizing to system capacity and surcharge risk.

Lesson 4 • Hydraulic Modelling Software Basics

Introduces steady and unsteady flow simulation tools used in drainage practice. Establishes model-building skills applied in later design chapters.

Lesson 1 • Unit Hydrograph and Routing

Develops synthetic unit hydrographs and routes flows through channels and basins. Enables time-distributed flow analysis for larger or complex catchments.

Lesson 2 • Curve Number and Runoff Volume

Uses the curve number method to estimate direct runoff volume from storm events. Provides volume inputs needed for detention and infiltration facility design.

Lesson 3 • Continuous Simulation Approaches

Introduces long-term rainfall-runoff simulation for volume-sensitive design problems. Contrasts with event-based methods and identifies appropriate use cases.

Lesson 4 • Design Storm Selection and Frequency

Explains return periods, exceedance probability, and intensity-duration-frequency curves. Correct storm selection determines the protection level of any drainage system.

Lesson 1 • Hydraulic Grade Line Analysis

Traces the hydraulic grade line through a network to identify surcharge and flooding risk. HGL analysis confirms design adequacy before construction documents are finalised.

Lesson 2 • Outfall Design and Erosion Control

Designs energy dissipators, riprap aprons, and headwalls at pipe outfalls. Prevents scour and channel erosion caused by concentrated discharge velocities.

Lesson 3 • Inlet Design and Spacing

Covers gutter flow, inlet efficiency, and bypass flow for curb and grate inlets. Proper inlet spacing prevents street flooding and protects pedestrian safety.

Lesson 4 • Network Layout and Manhole Design

Establishes pipe network topology, manhole spacing, and junction loss calculations. Correct layout minimises head losses and simplifies future maintenance access.

Lesson 1 • Channel Lining Selection and Design

Evaluates grass, riprap, concrete, and geosynthetic linings against permissible shear stress. Lining choice determines long-term channel stability and maintenance frequency.

Lesson 2 • Floodway and Floodplain Analysis

Performs water surface profile analysis to delineate floodways and floodplains. Results inform land use restrictions and drainage improvement planning.

Lesson 3 • Channel Transitions and Drop Structures

Designs chutes, drops, and transitions that manage energy at grade changes. Prevents uncontrolled scour and maintains channel alignment through steep terrain.

Lesson 4 • Channel Cross-Section Design

Sizes trapezoidal, rectangular, and triangular channels using Manning's equation. Efficient cross-section selection reduces construction cost and maintenance burden.

Lesson 1 • Stormwater Permit Compliance

Explains municipal stormwater permit requirements, monitoring, and reporting obligations. Compliance planning integrates quality controls into drainage system management.

Lesson 2 • Non-Structural Pollution Prevention

Covers source control, street sweeping, and illicit discharge detection programmes. Non-structural measures reduce pollutant loads before runoff enters the drainage system.

Lesson 3 • Urban Stormwater Pollutants

Catalogues sediment, nutrients, metals, hydrocarbons, and pathogens in urban runoff. Understanding pollutant sources guides selection of appropriate treatment controls.

Lesson 4 • Sediment Control Practices

Covers sedimentation basins, sediment traps, and silt fences for construction sites. Temporary controls prevent off-site sediment discharge during land disturbance.

Lesson 1 • Green Roofs and Rainwater Harvesting

Covers extensive and intensive green roof hydrology and cistern sizing for reuse. These practices reduce roof runoff volume and peak discharge from dense urban sites.

Lesson 2 • LID Performance Monitoring and Verification

Establishes monitoring protocols to verify LID volume reduction and water quality performance. Monitoring data supports adaptive management and regulatory compliance reporting.

Lesson 3 • Bioretention Cell Design

Sizes bioretention cells for volume capture, media filtration, and plant uptake. Bioretention is the most widely applied LID practice in urban redevelopment projects.

Lesson 4 • Permeable Pavement Systems

Designs permeable asphalt, concrete, and paver systems for infiltration and storage. Structural and hydrological performance must both be verified during design.

Lesson 1 • Drainage System Inspection Methods

Covers CCTV, sonar, and visual inspection techniques for pipes, channels, and structures. Systematic inspection generates the condition data needed for asset management decisions.

Lesson 2 • Capital Improvement Programme Development

Builds a risk-based capital improvement programme from condition and performance data. Prioritisation balances asset criticality, failure consequence, and budget constraints.

Lesson 3 • Pipe Rehabilitation Techniques

Evaluates cured-in-place lining, slip lining, and pipe bursting for structural renewal. Trenchless methods minimise surface disruption and reduce rehabilitation costs.

Lesson 4 • Condition Assessment and Grading

Applies standardised grading systems to rank defect severity and structural risk. Condition grades drive prioritisation of maintenance and rehabilitation investments.