DOI : 10.17577/IJERTV14IS100073
- Open Access
- Authors : Mohammad Raza Khazi, Vagish M
- Paper ID : IJERTV14IS100073
- Volume & Issue : Volume 14, Issue 10 (October 2025)
- Published (First Online): 17-10-2025
- ISSN (Online) : 2278-0181
- Publisher Name : IJERT
- License:
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
Design of Sewerage Network for Hangal Town using Openflows SewerGEMS and QGIS
Mohammad Raza Khazi
PG Student, Department of Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology, Davanagere, Karnataka, India
Vagish M
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology, Davanagere, Karnataka, India
AbstractThe growing demand for sustainable and efficient urban infrastructure requires the development of optimized sewerage systems that ensure cost-effectiveness, hydraulic efficiency, and environmental sustainability. This study focuses on the design and optimization of a sewerage network for Hangal Town using SewerGEMS software integrated with Geographic Information System (GIS) tools. GIS was applied to extract topographical and land-use data, enabling accurate alignment of sewer lines based on terrain elevation, population density, and urban growth patterns. Hydraulic modeling in SewerGEMS was carried out to analyze flow characteristics, pipe sizing, network layout, and pumping requirements, with optimization aimed at reducing energy use and construction costs. GIS-based mapping enhanced catchment delineation, identification of flood-prone areas, and determination of optimal sewer routes. Climate resilience measures were also incorporated to ensure long-term system reliability under future urban expansion and extreme weather conditions. The results demonstrate that integrating GIS and SewerGEMS significantly improves sewerage planning, reduces overall costs, and enhances hydraulic performance. The study contributes to the advancement of smart wastewater management systems by combining computational modeling with geospatial analysis for efficient and sustainable infrastructure design.
Keywords SewerGEMS, QGIS, Manholes, Sewer Network, Rural Areas.
I INTRODUCTION
Sewerage systems form an essential component of urban infrastructure, ensuring the safe collection, conveyance, and disposal of wastewater. An efficient sanitation framework is vital for environmental sustainability and public health, as untreated sewage often leads to water pollution, waterlogging, and outbreaks of waterborne diseases. In India, where urban areas are rapidly expanding, the design of sustainable sewerage networks has become a pressing challenge.
Traditional sewer planning methods are labor-intensive and limited in accuracy. With increasing population density and urbanization, modern computational and geospatial tools are required to achieve optimized designs. SewerGEMS, a specialized hydraulic and hydrological modeling software developed by Bentley Systems, offers advanced features for flow simulation, pipe sizing, and network optimization. Its integration with Geographic Information System (GIS) platforms such as QGIS enhances spatial accuracy by incorporating topographical, demographic, and land-use data. This combination allows engineers to design networks that are hydraulically efficient, cost-effective, and adaptable to future growth.
Hangal Town, located in Karnataka, has witnessed significant population growth, resulting in increased wastewater generation and sanitation challenges. The present study addresses these issues by designing a sewerage network using SewerGEMS integrated with GIS. The methodology involves hydraulic modeling, capacity analysis, rainfall data incorporation, and population forecasting to ensure that the system meets both present and future demands.
Integrating SewerGEMS with GIS allows precise hydraulic modeling and spatial planning, enabling engineers to optimize pipeline layouts, simulate various scenarios, and plan for future growth. This approach not only reduces construction and maintenance costs but also ensures that the sewerage network can meet both current and projected demands.
The significance of this study lies in its ability to deliver a sustainable and optimized sewerage plan, reducing construction and operational costs while maintaining compliance with environmental standards. By employing advanced computational tools, the project demonstrates how modern technology can contribute to smart urban wastewater management
A. OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
-
To collect vital information on population, RLs, topography, and groundwater tables in order to create a thorough report outlining the project's parameters and requirements.
-
To use Bentley's SewerGEMS software to evaluate the flow of sewage in a particular area before designing and analyzing an effective sewerage system with a focus on hydraulics and hydrology
-
To create a well-functioning and eco-friendly drainage system for Hangal town.
-
To use SewerGEMS software to check how the system will work and flow in real conditions.
-
To plan the sewer lines smartly by looking at the lands slope and how many people live in each area.
-
To make sure the system is designed to accommodate future expansion and follows environmental rules.
-
To use location-based data (like maps) to design the system more accurately.
II LITERATURE REVIEW
-
General
The design of sewerage networks is a key component of urban infrastructure, ensuring efficient wastewater management and environmental protection. Traditional design methods are
IJERTV14IS100073
time-consuming and prone to errors, whereas modern computational tools provide faster and more reliable results. SewerGEMS, a hydraulic and hydrological modeling software, supports engineers in pipe sizing, slope adjustments, flow analysis, and optimization. Its integration with GIS platforms further improves accuracy by incorporating terrain, land use, and population data. This review presents key studies that demonstrate the use of SewerGEMS and related approaches for sewer network planning.
-
Literature Studies
Christopher et al. (1986) developed one of the earliest computer-based sewer models, calibrated for both dry and wet weather conditions, showing the importance of simulation for future planning.
Patanwal and Malek (2015) emphasized that safe water supply and sanitation are basic public needs. They highlighted inconsistencies in sewerage design standards and recommended uniform guidelines for reliable planning.
Katti et al. (2015) demonstrated that SewerGEMS reduces cost and time by optimizing sewer alignment and hydraulic parameters such as diameter, slope, and velocity.
Noori and Singh (2017) combined GIS data with SewerGEMS modeling to design decentralized wastewater systems. Their study showed that GIS integration enhances spatial accuracy and supports sustainable solutions.
Sopariya et al. (2018) concluded that manual design methods are cumbersome, while computational models like SewerGEMS provide accurate hydraulic analysis and easy design modifications.
Kulkarni et al. (2021) used SewerGEMS integrated with QGIS to design urban wastewater systems, highlighting its role in handling rapid population growth and urbanization.
Padgaonkar et al. (2023) and Pande et al. (2024) have focused on climate resilience and future expansion, showing that advanced tools like SewerGEMS allow scenario analysis and performance evaluation for sustainable urban sewer planning.
-
Research Gap and Relevance The literature highlights that:
-
-
SewerGEMS integrated with GIS improves design accuracy and efficiency.
-
Most past research is based on larger cities, with limited applications for medium-sized towns like Hangal.
-
Few studies combine population forecasting, cost analysis, and climate resilience within a single sewerage project.
IJERTV14IS100073
III METHODOLOGY
Fig.1. Methodology flowchart showing the modelling of a sewerage network
-
Study Area Hangal Town
Hangal Town, located in Haveri District of Karnataka, was selected as the study area for the present work. The town has been experiencing rapid population growth, leading to increased wastewater generation and sanitation challenges. The geographical extent of the study area was delineated using QGIS software, which provided spatial information such as topography, elevation, and slope required for sewer network planning.
Fig. 2. Study area selected
-
Data Collection
For the design of the sewerage network, essential data were obtained from Census of India (2011), IS 1172:1993 Code of Basic Requirements for Water Supply, Drainage and Sanitation, and the CPHEEO Manual. The major parameters include population, water demand, and sewage generation.
-
-
Base Year Population (2011): 28,159 (Census of India, 2011)
-
Water Supply Rate: 135 LPCD (IS 1172:1993)
-
Sewage Factor: 0.8 (80% of water supplied becomes sewage)
-
Population Projection Method: Arithmetic Increase Method, with an average increase of 415.9 persons/year based on 20012011 growth.
The sewage flow (Q) is estimated using the formula: Q = (P × 135 × 0.8) / 1,000,000 (in MLD)
TABLE I. POPULATION PROJECTION AND SEWAGE FLOW
Year
Population (P)
Sewage Flow (MLD)
Remarks
2011
28,159
3.04
Base year (Census 2011)
2025
33,982
3.67
Design year (14 yrs after
2011)
2055
46,459
5.02
Future Design year
-
Software Tools Used a.SewerGEMS
SewerGEMS was used for hydraulic modeling of the sewerage network. The software enables pipe sizing, slope calculation, flow simulation, and network optimization. Scenario management was applied to test the system under different population and flow conditions.
b. QGIS
QGIS was used for spatial data processing, including preparation of base maps, terrain analysis, and slope mapping. Catchment delineation and manhole location planning were carried out in QGIS before integration with SewerGEMS.
-
Hydraulic Simulation (SewerGEMS)
The forecasted sewage loads were applied in SewerGEMS to simulate the sewer network. The software analyzed the hydraulic behavior of conduits and manholes under projected flow conditions.
-
Minimum Pipe Diameter: 150 mm (as per CPHEEO guidelines).
-
Hydraulic Parameters: Mannings roughness coefficient n = 0.013; velocity maintained in the range of 0.63.0 m/s to ensure self-cleansing and prevent scouring.
-
Design Flow: Peak factor of 2.5 applied to average flows for maximum discharge capacity.
-
Final Design: A trunk sewer of 1800 mm diameter was adopted to carry the ultimate design load of 2055.
-
Manholes: Provided at 3050 m spacing, with depths adjusted according to terrain variations.
-
The simulation confirmed that the designed sewer network meets hydraulic efficiency standards and ensures safe conveyance of sewage for both present and future populations of Hangal Town.
IV IMPLEMENTATION
-
QGIS was used for spatial data processing, including preparation of Digital Elevation Map, Hill Shade Map, Soil Texture Map, Contour Map, and Land Use Land Cover Map. The layers were digitized and integrated to generate the base for pipeline network mapping
The step-by-step procedure adopted in QGIS for preparing thematic maps and pipeline network mapping is shown in Figure
Fig.3. Step-by-step GIS mapping workflow in QGIS
-
SewerGEMS was used for hydraulic modeling. The process involved importing base maps, defining manholes and conduits, assigning pipe sizes, materials, and sanitary loads. Hydraulic simulation was then performed to analyze the network under different flow conditions.
The step-by-step procedure adopted in SewerGEMS
Fig. 4. Workflow of sewerage network
V RESULTS
A.CONDUITS
Table 5 presents the detailed hydraulic characteristics of the designed conduits in the Hangal Town sewerage network. Each conduit is described with its ID, start and stop nodes, material, size, and Mannings roughness coefficient. The table also provides velocity, flow, depth- to-diameter ratio, and pipe length values.
The results indicate that:
-
-
The minimum pipe diameter adopted was 150 mm, and the maximum was 1800 mm, as per CPHEEO guidelines.
-
Mannings roughness coefficient was taken as n = 0.013, suitable for concrete pipes.
-
Velocities across the network were maintained between 0.63.0 m/s, ensuring self-cleansing conditions and preventing scouring.
-
The flow values demonstrate that the designed system can accommodate both present and projected future sewage loads.
Fig. 5. SewerGEMS model showing layout of conduits
-
MANHOLES
ID, Label, Ground Elevation, Rim Elevation, Count of Sanitary Load, Type of Sanitary Load and Inflow Connection, Head Loss Method, Chances of Overflow.
Fig. 6. Manhole hydraulic performance data from SewerGEMS
-
LATERAL
ID, start nodes, end nodes, length, dia, and slope
Fig. 7. SewerGEMS flex table output showing lateral
-
TAPS
Id, Label, referenced link, type of unit, sanitary load, sanitary pattern, elevation.
Fig. 8. Tap table output (SewerGEMS)
-
Summary Scenario
-
The SewerGEMS scenario summary (Base Scenario) highlights the model configuration and solver settings, including dynamic wave routing, surcharge method, and conduit slope specifications.
-
The gravity hydraulics and SWMM dynamic parameters, such as Mannings roughness, convergence tolerance, and time step increments, were applied to ensure stable and reliable simulation results.
Fig. 9. Base scenario configuration using SWMM solver in SewerGEMS
VI SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
This study focuses on the design and hydraulic analysis of the sewerage network for Hangal Town using SewerGEMS, integrated with QGIS and guided by CPHEEO and IS codes. The project involved data collection, GIS base map preparation, estimation of sewage generation (3.67 MLD for 2025 and 5.02 MLD for 2055), and design of the sewer network including conduits, manholes, and pumping stations. Hydraulic analysis was performed using Mannings and Hazen-Williams equations, and verified through SewerGEMS simulations ensuring non-surcharged flow conditions (Depth/Rise 1). Manual and software results showed high consistency, confirming model reliability.
The developed network offers a scientifically planned and hydraulically optimized solution for Hangal Town, ensuring efficient wastewater collection, minmal environmental impact, and compliance with engineering standards. SewerGEMS proved to be an effective tool for accurate, sustainable, and technology-driven design, simplifying the network development process and supporting long-term urban sanitation planning.
A. Scope for Future Work
-
-
Integration of sewer and stormwater networks to reduce flooding.
-
Real-time monitoring and seasonal flow simulations.
-
Proper siting and capacity planning of sewage treatment plants (STPs).
-
Reuse of treated wastewater for agriculture and industry.
-
Consideration of climate change impacts and green infrastructure.
-
Life-cycle cost analysis and adoption of energy-efficient systems.
-
PPP models for funding and GIS/IoT-based smart sewer monitoring.
REFERENCES
-
Ali Reza Noori,and S. K. Singh. "Assessment and modeling of sewer network development utilizing Arc GIS and SewerGEMS in Kabul city of Afghanistan." Journal of Engg. Research ICARI Special Issue pp 22 (2021): 31.
-
Bhagat, R. M., P. B. Pande, J. M. Raut, S. W. Dhengare, A. S. Borse, and D. B. Jasutkar. "Optimizing Urban Infrastructure: Design and Analysis of Sewer Networks with SewerGEMS."International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology, Volume 72 Issue 10, 225-234.
-
Burke, Christopher B., et al. "An evaluation of a sanitary sewer system using a computer model." Tunnelling and underground space technology 1.2 (1986): 153-161.
-
Dawood, Anwer Hazim, and Dana Khider Mawlood. "Design of Storm Sewer System for Mass City Using Bentley SewerGEMS Software." Journal of Studies in Science and Engineering 4.1 (2024): 44-60.
-
Gupta, Mohit, P. Rao, and K. Jayakumar. "Optimization of integrated sewerage system by using simplex method." VFSTR J. STEM 3.1 (2017): 2455-3062.
-
Kulkarni, P. A., et al. "Design of sewer system for Holkarwadi Village by using SewerGEMS software." Int. J. Res. Appl. Sci. Eng.Technol 9:2119-2123.
