Principles of Building Drainage Design

Welcome to "Principles of Building Drainage Design." This course bridges traditional civil engineering with modern sustainable urban planning, exploring the critical necessity of managing exterior water to protect structures and enhance landscapes.

You'll learn to move beyond simple water removal, examining how drainage systems can provide multifunctional benefits and integrate ecosystem services into the built environment. We analyze the mechanics of soil and water interaction, the hardware required for effective systems, and the theoretical frameworks that drive Sustainable Urban Drainage Design (SUDS).

Key learning outcomes include:

• Understanding the relationship between soil composition and water behavior, differentiating between capillary and gravitational moisture, and identifying surface and subsurface water sources.
• Mastering topography analysis, including slope calculation and leveling tools, to predict runoff patterns and erosion risks.
• Exploring the theoretical framework of SUDS, emphasizing multifunctionality and breaking down its four critical design criteria: Water Quantity, Water Quality, Amenity, and Biodiversity.
• Delving into technical specifics of material selection, including pipe types (HDPE, PVC), French drains, catch basins, and channel drains.
• Applying calculation methodologies like the Rational Method for peak runoff rates and introducing advanced modeling techniques for flood prediction and water quality assessment.
• Gaining practical knowledge in installation techniques, from trench excavation to proper bedding and backfilling.
• Understanding discharge design options, such as pop-up emitters and daylighting to swales.
• Developing troubleshooting methodologies to identify system failures, diagnose obstructions, and perform necessary maintenance for long-term viability.

This course ensures you're equipped to design resilient, efficient, and sustainable drainage infrastructures.