Design of Sewerage Network for Tumbigere Village using Openflows SewerGEMS and QGIS

Design of Sewerage Network for Tumbigere Village using Openflows SewerGEMS and QGIS

Chethana M P

PG Student, Department of Environmental Engineering Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology, Davanagere, Karnataka, India

Dr. S Suresh

Professor, Department of Civil Engineering Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology, Davanagere, Karnataka, India

Abstract – This study presents the design of a sewer network for Tumbigere village using QGIS and SewerGEMS software. QGIS was used to generate spatial and elevation data, while SewerGEMS enabled hydraulic modelling and system optimization. The design integrates both gravity conduits and pressure lines with pumping provisions to overcome terrain limitations and ensure continuous flow. This approach provides a reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable sewage conveyance system that improves sanitation and safeguards public health in the village. The results of this study can serve as a reference for developing sewerage infrastructure in similar rural settlements. The methodology also demonstrates the effective use of GIS and hydraulic modelling tools for planning and designing future wastewater management systems.

Keywords: SewerGems, Conduits, Manholes, Sewer Network, Outfall

I INTRODUCTION

The efficient design of sewer networks is essential for ensuring sustainable urban growth and safeguarding public health. This study focuses on the design of a sewer system using SewerGEMS software for Tumbigere village located in Davangere district, Karnataka, India. Traditional sewer design methods are often time-consuming and tedious, requiring extensive manual calculations. Any change in design parameters necessitates a complete re-analysis, making the process inefficient and prone to human error.

In many urban regions, sewage and stormwater are conveyed either through a combined sewer system or a separate system where sanitary and storm drains function independently. Despite regular maintenance through access points like manholes, these systems may fail during periods of intense rainfall, leading to combined sewer overflows (CSOs) or sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). Such failures are often aggravated by factors like poor system planning, lack of maintenance, and outdated infrastructure, which result in the discharge of untreated wastewater into nearby water bodies, posing threats to both the environment and public health.

Designing a sewer system is a complex process that requires consideration of multiple parameters, including pipe slope, flow velocity, invert levels, excavation depth, and cost optimization. Achieving a balance between hydraulic efficiency, maintenance feasibility, and economic viability is crucial for an effective network design.

SewerGEMS offers a significant advantage by integrating hydraulic modeling tools with AutoCAD and Geographic Information System (GIS) platforms. It enables engineers to analyze, optimize, and modify sewer systems efficiently, providing alternative solutions for improved performance. Its dynamic simulation capabilities make it a comprehensive and user-friendly tool for the design and analysis of both sanitary and combined sewer systems, ensuring a reliable and sustainable approach to wastewater management.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

1. To gather and examine essential data, including demographics, landscape features, land utilization, and water usage, that is essential for planning a sewer network.

2. To develop a practical and efficient sewerage system for the village with the help of SewerGEMS software, ensuring compliance with environmental and public health regulations.

3. To implement established hydraulic design principles, such as Mannings equation and self-cleansing velocity, within the software to enable precise system modeling.

4. To assess the sewer design produced by the software, focusing on aspects like pipe dimensions, gradients, flow speeds, and distribution patterns.

5. To validate the design methodology by comparing it with conventional manual approaches, emphasizing the benefits of utilizing SewerGEMS for planning.

   II LITERATURE REVIEW

   1. General

      The design and management of sewer systems are crucial for public health and sustainable urban development. Traditional manual design methods, though informative, are time-consuming and prone to human error. With advancing technology, SewerGEMS has emerged as an efficient tool for sewer network design and analysis. It enables precise hydraulic modeling and integrates seamlessly with GIS for spatial analysis. Engineers can simulate real-world conditions and optimize pipe sizes and layouts effectively. Studies have shown that SewerGEMS improves design accuracy and reduces the time required for analysis. It allows better evaluation of system performance under varying loads. Compared to manual methods, SewerGEMS offers higher flexibility, reliability, and cost efficiency. Overall, it enhances the planning and management of sustainable sewer infrastructure.

   2. Literature Studies

      Murugesh et al. (2015) concluded that Bentley SewerGEMS enables faster and more efficient project completion. It is recognized as a dynamic, multi-platform tool (GIS, CAD, and Stand-Alone) for modeling clean and combined sewer systems. The software supports hydraulic analysis, slope calculation, and the generation of detailed design reports and cross-sections.

      Gupta et al. (2017) stated that sanitary sewer frameworks are vital infrastructure for managing water pollution but are complex due to intricate hydraulics. Traditional design methods based on Hazen-Williams and Mannings equations are limited in applicability, emphasizing the need for optimization and accuracy in modern sewer design.

      Patel and Ankita Parmar (2019) highlighted that sewer systems are crucial for environmental sustainability and public health protection. Their study utilized SewerGEMS V8i, a fully dynamic, multi-platform modeling solution, for the design and analysis of sanitary and combined sewer systems.

      Padgaonkar et al. (2023) designed a sewerage framework compatible with existing infrastructure to support rapid development. Using the Sewer Diamonds program, they analyzed the sewer network and generated outputs like pipe alignment, gradients, diameters, flow velocities, and cover levels for effective system planning.

      Gajre and Regulwar (2024) emphasized that efficient sewer system design ensures urban sustainability and public health. Their study, based on CPHEEO guidelines, focused on maintaining parameters like velocity, slope, and tractive force within limits. Using SewerGEMS, they optimized pipe sizes and materials, recommending integration of wastewater recycling and long-term performance evaluation in future research.

      Dawood and Mawlood (2024) focused on storm sewer design under rapid urbanization using SewerGEMS and QGIS 3D mapping. Their results provided detailed hydraulic parameters including flow velocity, pipe diameter, gradients, hydraulic grade line, and excavation depth, demonstrating the tools capability in optimizing stormwater management systems.

   3. Research Gap and Relevance

      Although there are not many specific studies focusing

      on Tumbigere Village, approaches and insights from comparable rural infrastructure projects can be effectively utilized to plan the village's sewage system. Situated in the Davangere district, Tumbigre shares similar topographical and demographic features with other rural areas where SewerGEMS has been successfully implemented. This indicates that using the software to create an efficient and sustainable sewer network that meets the village's terrain, population distribution, and future growth requirements is a suitable choice.

      III METHODOLOGY

      Fig.1. Methodology flowchart showing the modelling of a sewerage network

      1. Study Area Tumigere Village

         Tumbigere is a rural village in Davangere taluk, Karnataka, with a population of 817 as per the 2011 Census. It lies in a tropical monsoon region receiving 870 1,120 mm of annual rainfall. The area consists mainly of residential zones and small agricultural lands with basic sanitation infrastructure. With population growth, a planned sewer system is essential to improve hygiene, wastewater management, and sustainable rural development.

         Fig. 2. Study area selected

      2. 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): 817 (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 67 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

      3. Software Tools Used

1. SewerGEMS

   SewerGEMS was utilized for the hydraulic modeling and design of the sewerage network. The software facilitated pipe sizing, slope determination, flow analysis, and network optimization. Various scenario management tools were employed to evaluate system performance under different population growth and flow conditions.

2. QGIS

   QGIS was applied for spatial data processing, including the preparation of base maps, terrain evaluation, and slope analysis. The software was also used for catchment delineation and manhole location planning, which were later integrated with SewerGEMS for hydraulic analysis.

3. Hydraulic Simulation (SewerGEMS)

The projected sewage loads were input into SewerGEMS to conduct a hydraulic simulation of the network. The software evaluated the hydraulic performance of conduits and manholes under varying flow conditions.

• Minimum Pipe Diameter: 150 mm, in compliance with CPHEEO guidelines.

• Hydraulic Parameters: Mannings roughness coefficient (n

= 0.013); flow velocity maintained between 0.63.0 m/s to ensure self-cleansing and prevent scouring.

• Design Flow: A peak factor of 2.5 was applied to the average flow to determine maximum discharge capacity.

• Manholes: Spaced 3050 m apart, with depths adjusted according to terrain variations.

The simulation results confirmed that the designed network satisfies hydraulic efficiency standards and provides safe and reliable sewage conveyance for both current and future population demands.

IV IMPLEMENTATION

1. QGIS: The first phase of this project will utilize QGIS (Quantum Geographic Information System), which is a free and open-source geographic information system used for visualizing, analyzing, and mapping spatial data. This step is essential for understanding the geographical characteristics, terrain, and current infrastructure within the project site.

   QGIS IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS:

   Fig.3. Step-by-step GIS mapping workflow in QGIS

2. SewerGEMS: It enables efficient sewer network design by combining advanced hydraulic modeling with GIS data from QGIS. It allows accurate flow simulation, capacity assessment, and identification of bottlenecks, supporting the development of cost-effective, sustainable, and hydraulically efficient wastewater systems.

Fig. 4. Workflow of sewerage network

1. Conduits

   V RESULTS C. Summary Scenario

   1. Routing Method: Dynamic Wave analysis

      using SWMM, allowing for surcharge and

      Flow velocities range from 0.71 to 2.36 m/s, within the recommended 0.63.0 m/s for self-cleaning. Pipe diameters vary between 250 and 650 mm, meeting design standards. All conduits are RCC (n = 0.013), ensuring durability. Downstream mains carry higher flows, while upstream branches handle smaller flows with adequate slopes. No conduits exceed capacity or risk sedimentation under the current design.

      Fig. 5. SewerGEMS model showing layout of conduits

2. Manholes

Manhole depths range from 21.58 to 98.79 m, with flow rates of 0.0350.755 m³/s, reflecting upstream to downstream accumulation. Hydraulic Grade Line levels remain below rim elevations, indicating no surcharge risk. Slope differences between inlets and outlets ensure self- cleansing velocities, with deepest manholes near downstream mains and shallower ones at upstream branches.

Fig. 6. Manhole hydraulic performance data from SewerGEMS

ponding.

1. Pressure Pipe Friction: Utilization of the Hazen Williams equation.

2. Time Setup: Variable time intervals that vary from a minimum of 0.5 seconds, up to 8 test runs.

3. Hydrology Method: SCS Unit Hydrograph combined with SCS Curve Number to account for losses.

4. Water Quality: Water quality considerations were not included in this analysis.

5. Additional: HS assessment and Rational Method frequency factors were excluded.

   Fig. 7. Base scenario configuration using SWMM solver in SewerGEMS

   VI CONCLUSION

   The sewer network design for Tumbigere village was developed using SewerGEMs software in conjunction with QGIS for spatial input and catchment delineation. The model encompasses catchment identification, sanitary load distribution, sizing of laterals and conduits, as well as assessments of manholes and outfalls, along with pollutant time-series analysis, all are thoroughly documented in the inventory and results section. Hydraulic evaluations demonstrate acceptable velocities, hydraulic gradeline (HGL) levels below rim elevations, and pipe dimensions that align with relevant design standards, indicating that the network has sufficient capacity under the proposed design conditions. This digital model serves as a dependable foundation for detailed design, cost estimation, construction planning, and assessing future scenarios such as storms or population growth. The final recommendations include verifying field elevations and inverts, along with making minor adjustments as necessary prior to construction.

   1. Scope for Future Work

• Plan for network expansion and land-use changes, assessing impacts from new residential, commercial, or industrial areas.

• Simulate extreme storm events and climate change to evaluate system resilience.

• Align sewer design with treatment facilities and optimize for cost, energy, and hydraulic efficiency.

• Support sustainable practices and maintenance planning, including wstewater reuse, critical manhole management, and peak flow control.

VII REFERENCES

1. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India. Environmental Standards for Effluent Discharge. (Accessed from: www.cpcb.nic.in)

2. 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.

3. Gupta, Mohit, P. Rao, and K. Jayakumar. "Optimization of integrated sewerage system by using simplex method." VFSTR J. STEM 3.1 (2017): 2455-

   3062.

4. Metcalf & Eddy (2014). Wastewater Engineering. McGraw-Hill. Chapter 2.

5. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), Govt. of India. National Policy on Faecal Sludge and Septage Management (2017).

6. Murugesh Katti, B. M. Krishna, and Kumar B. Manoj. "Design of Sanitary Sewer Network using Sewer GEMS Software International Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Volume 2 Issue 1: (2015):254-258.

7. N. Patel and A. Parmar, "Design of Sewer Network: A Review," Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 286-290, Mar. 2019.

8. Padgaonkar, Sourabh, Sunil Warade, and Abhijit Pendse. "Hydraulic Sewage Drainage Design for 23 Villages Newly Added in Pune Municipal Corporation by Using Sewergems Software." (2023).

9. P. K. Gajre and D. G. Regulwar, "Design of Sewer Network: A Case Study," International Journal for Research Trends and Innovation, vol. 9, no. 6, pp. 539-545, June 2024.

10. Tchobanoglous, G., Burton, F. L., & Stensel, H. D. (2014). Wastewater Engineering: Treatment and Resource Recovery (5th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

11. UNESCO (2017). Wastewater: The Untapped Resource. United Nations World Water Development Report.