FIJI NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

SBC 523
CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY 1

RESEARCH REPORT

SUB-SOIL DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

Group Members:

Adi Mafi, Anasimeci Maimanuku, Delwyn Navuku, Joseph Boleilovoni,

Krishmal Sharma, Pauliasi Tamani, Tausie Dominiko

Student ID:

A00228357, A00223365, A00220815, A00220200, A00197198, A00219718,

A00225191.

Programs of Study:

Diploma in Architectural Drafting, Diploma in Quantity Surveying & Diploma

in Construction.
 I. DECLARATION:

As team members, we thus formally certify that the content of this paper is entirely
relevant and authentic material created by the writers, with all relevant sources duly cited.

II. MEMO TYPE HEADING:

To: Mr. Soko

From: Adi Mafi, Anasimeci Maimanuku, Delwyn Navuku, Joseph Boleilovoni,

Krishmal Sharma, Pauliasi Tamani and Tausie Dominiko.

Due: 18 November 2022

Subject: Sub-Soil Drainage

III. POINT OF REFERENCE:

The documented report was requested by Mr. Soko in week 9 of Semester 2, 2022, the
requested subject matter given by Mr. Soko was to do a research report on sub-soil drainage.
The development and compilation of the report was carried out in a seven membered group
and was to be submitted by the 18th November, 2022. The final submission of the report was
sent through the Moodle shell and given in as a hard copy.

The main aim of this report was to carry out research on sub-soil drainage and try to find
information such as; the various types of sub-soil drainage, the challenges that come with
each type of drainage as well as recommendations.

IV. METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION:

The approaching tactics were employed as a means of obtaining information for this
research in order to accomplish the goal of the proposed report.

2.1 A research interview was carried out and recorded by Pauliasi, Krishmal and Tausie
with Mr. Manasa Batiweti, a civil engineer/ consultant at Engineered Design located in
Flagstaff. Mr. Batiweti was interviewed in his office while his responses were being
recorded upon his consent. All the data retrieved from Mr. Batiweti’s interview was then
jotted down and reviewed. The fundamental information was then used in the final report.

2.2 The secondary references were carried out by Adi Mafi, Anasimeci, Joseph and
Delwyn whereby the information was also looked into and filtered for the secondary
research. All related and relevant information was viewed, paraphrased and appropriately
accredited throughout the compilation of this report.
1.0 INTRODUCTION:

1.1 SUBSOIL DRAINAGE

Water damage may be mitigated through the installation of a subsurface drain, also known as
subsoil drainage. These are almost invisible inside a house, yet they do important work
protecting the property. Subsoil drains are drainage systems used to remove standing water
from the soil around a structure. Underground, the perforated or slotted pipes are protected
from soil intrusion by a geotextile layer. They are very efficient and may be put behind curbs
to prevent water from leaking into the road or other walkways.

1.2 BENEFITS OF SUBSOIL DRAINAGE

Installing a drainage system to manage water in and around your house is a typical practice
with several advantages. Positives and advantages abound when subsoil drains are installed;
An enormous reduction in the amount of water that may enter the landscape or the structure
has been achieved. Soil salinity, or the quantity of salt in it, decreases. Overall, the soil is
fortified, making it healthier. The soil is able to breathe better, leading to greener grass and
stronger plants. Soil that has been drained of excess water and fertilized will yield superior
fruits, vegetables, flowers, and plants. These methods improve grazing rates and extend
harvest times for farmers and other agricultural uses. Since water is prevented from getting
within their boundaries, the risk of damage to the home's walls and landscape is greatly
reduced. Soil moisture is reduced, which aids in making sure that building foundations don't
shift. Because they are so vital, most properties will already have sufficient systems built into
the ground. Gardens and other outside areas won't thrive without them, and houses will shift
and suffer damage as a result. In addition, they serve an essential role in agriculture, allowing
for more productive farming to take place in better soil.
1.3 BACKGROUND OF SUBSOIL

The Indus Valley civilisation, which developed sophisticated sewage and drainage systems, is
credited with inventing the first sub-soil drainage system. In the great towns of Harappa and
Mohenjo-Daro, every single home had easy access to running water and sewage systems.
Major roadways were lined with covered gravity sewers for waste disposal. Sir Hugh
Dalrymple, who passed away in 1753, is credited as the inventor of hollow-pipe drainage. In
today's world, sophisticated stormwater drainage systems use geotextile filters to trap and
stop tiny soil particles from entering and clogging the pipes. Synthetic geotextiles are a kind
of cloth often used in environmental and civil engineering. To prevent the loss of tiny soil
particles while yet enabling water to drain through, geotextiles are used. They are often set
along a trench that is subsequently filled with coarse granular material such as gravel, sea
shells, stone, or rock for a drainage system. After the trench is filled with soil, the geotextile
is wrapped over the stones. The geotextile allows groundwater to percolate through it, and the
stone channels it to an exit point. If the groundwater level is high, a perforated plastic (PVC
or PE) pipe is installed along the drain's foundation to boost the flow rate of water. Another
option is to use a prefabricated HDPE plastic drainage system, which often includes
geotextile, coco fibre, or rag filters. Because of the time and expense saved by not having to
carry and place stone drainage aggregate, the use of synthetic drains with concrete liners has
become more prevalent. Over the last 30 years, geotextiles, PVC filters, and HDPE filters
have largely supplanted older technologies as the go-to options for filtering soil. They may be
manufactured for low cost and laid with little effort, and their factory-controlled features
guarantee reliable filtering performance even in fine silty soil over the long term.
2.0 GATHERED FINDINGS:

2.1 PRIMARY SOURCE:

LOCAL DRAINAGE SYSTEMS IN FIJI

2.1.1 BUILDING

Surface drainage system

Mr. Batiweti mentioned the use of surface drainage system in his interview, he had said
that the drainage system placed in structures are simply to remove extra rain water from
routes like; roof tops, guttering’s and down pipes.

Sub-surface Drainage system

The civil engineer also highlighted that subsoil drainage is a system enforced in structures
to remove excess water from the surrounding soil. These involve laid down pipes existing
beneath ground level which is called pores pipe, which caters for water instead of soil and
silt.

2.1.2 ROADS

Mr. Manasa had named and elaborated on the three common types of sub surface
drainage systems used on Fiji’s roads.

Herringbone
Mr. Batiweti mentioned that this drainage features a number of lateral pipes sloped at
acute angles connected to a descending central pipe in a sloped position.

Moat system
As recorded in the interview, the moat system was briefly described as a typically water-
filled trench that extends deep and wide around the rampart of the fortified location
similarly to castle. Providing this drainage with a first line of defense has been the
practice traditionally.

Grid iron system

As highlighted on the recording this mentioned drainage type contains branch lines, sub
mains, and main lines as well, however, this system connects all of the lines, eliminating
dead ends. As a result, the water in this system flows continually without stopping.

2.1.3 NATIONAL STADIUM

Mr. Batiweti mentioned that during the construction of the stadium, it was ensured and
emphasized that the drainage was to have a slight fall in relation to the ground level, but
the mentioned feature would heavily depend on the site’s soil type and its water holding
capacity. This is to allow the movement of water in the soil and to avoid water logging.
2.2 SECONDARY SOURCES:
2.2.1 Diekers et al (2015) states that Stormwater runoff is often treated at the source, either
before it joins receiving rivers downstream or before it filters down into the earth, using
decentralized sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS).

2.2.2 Diekers et al (2015) Decentralized SUDS devices are widely available with a variety of
functions Among these are Swales (Figure 1), bio-retention systems (Figure 2), silt baskets
(Figure 3), and filter gullies (Figure 4).

Swales:

Figure 1 Source: Diekers et al (2015)

Bio- retention:

Figure 2 Source: Diekers et al (2015)

 Silt Baskets:

Figure 3 Source: Diekers et al (2015)

Filter Gullies:

Figure 4 Source: Diekers et al (2015)

2.2.3 Interceptor drains- These drains are installed at the base of slopes where the gradient
changes, typically where a steeper slope meets the flats, to intercept the downward flow of
subsurface water.

Interceptor Drains:

Figure 5 Source: Nz, T. (2021)

2.2.4 Mole drainage- Mole drains are unlined clay subsoil channels. Mole drainage is used
on soils that are frequently waterlogged due to irrigation or heavy rainfall.

Mole Drains:

Figure 6 Source: victoria, A (2022)

2.3 PROBLEMS:

2.3.1 Bio- retention system despite its adequate design, is prone to; clogging and costly
design changes to accommodate the cold snowy season

2.3.2 Swales have a tendency of clogging caused by long periods of standing water.

2.3.3 Deposited silt build up preventing water flow and leading to blockages is a famous
draw back when dealing with silt basket drainage.

2.3.4 Filter Gully are known to flood during heavy rainfall if the side entry slot is blocked or
clogged.

2.3.5 Interceptor Drains are known to; clog in crossover: This can occur when fats, oils,
grease, and debris accumulate in the crossover line that connects the two
compartments. Secondly, interceptors often clog in outgoing lines but fortunately
relatively easy to identify as it leads in both compartments
.
2.3.6 Lastly, mole drains have very unstable mole channels thus this becomes an issue
when considering mole drainage.
3.0 CONCLUSION:
Some of the important findings from the report have been summarized below.

3.1 Interview Analysis

3.1.1 Civil engineer Mr. Batiweti mentioned the use of surface drainage system and subsoil
drainage in structures to remove excess water from the surrounding soil when building
drainage is concerned. These involve laid down pipes existing beneath ground level which is
called pores pipe, which caters for water instead of soil and silt.

3.1.2 Mr. Batiweti mentioned that the three major types of drainage used on Fiji’s roads are;
Herringbone drainage, Moat system drainage and Grid iron drainage system.

3.1.3 Mr. Batiweti said that during the stadium's construction it was ensured and stressed
that the drainage had a little fall in relation to the ground level, but that this feature would be
greatly influenced by the type of soil on the site and its capacity to hold water.

3.2 Secondary Research Analysis:

3.2.1 From the secondary research, the data had highlighted the various types of drainages;
Swales, bio-retention systems, silt baskets, filter gullies, interceptor drains and mole drains.

3.2.2 Despite its adequate design, the bio-retention system is susceptible to clogging and
expensive design revisions to account for the cold, snowy season.

3.2.3 Swales frequently become clogged by prolonged standing water.

3.2.4 When dealing with silt basket drainage, deposited silt build up is a well-known
disadvantage that prevents water flow and causes blockages.
3.2.5 When it rains heavily, filter gullies are prone to overflow if the side entry slot is
closed or obstructed.

3.2.6 Crossover interceptor drains are reported to clog: This may happen if debris, fats, oils,
and grease build up in the crossover line that joins the two compartments. Second,
interceptors frequently obstruct incoming lines but are thankfully quite simple to spot because
they lead in both compartments.

3.2.7 The very unstable mole channels in mole drains are another problem when thinking
about mole drainage.
4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS:

4.1 Recommendations from Interview analysis

4.1.1 After the interview with Mr. Batiweti, it is concluded that the best recommendation
that could be made was to always have a site and soil investigation done to ensure the best
and most practical drainage system is chosen to prevent any costly changes and consequences
in the future.

4.2 Secondary Research Recommendations:

4.2.1 When it comes to bio-retention drainage system, Takaijudin, H. et al (2016)

recommends that; A minimum depth of 600mm to 760mm should and can be dug without
the planting of huge trees. In addition, the depth of the soil can be lowered to 460mm if
shallow-rooted plants are used instead. For areas with large trees, a depth of 1200 to 1400
mm is strongly advised.

4.2.2 For the Swales drainage type, the best recommendation that could be given is to dug a
little deeper than required to increase water flow with the intention of preventing water
clogging.

4.2.3 Filter Gully Slots must be regularly cleansed to avoid obstructions during periods of
severe rainfall.

4.2.4 When considering the issues faced with interceptor drainage systems, the most
appropriate recommendation would be to service and maintain the drainages systems on a
regular basis by certified professionals.

4.2.5 A type of gravel mole drainage was developed as a solution to the issue of mole drain
failure due to unstable channels, in which clean gravel aggregate of 10-20 mm, i.e., passing
20 mm and kept on 10 mm square mesh, is fed into a mole channel.
5.0 REFERENCE LIST:

Broadside eulogy dedicated to Patrick, Earl of Marchmount, Sir Hugh Dalrymple, and
others. Broadside Eulogy dedicated to Patrick, Earl of Marchmount, sir Hugh Dalrymple, and
others. (n.d.). Retrieved; November 16, 2022, from
https://digital.nls.uk/broadsides/broadside.cfm/id/15893

Coterell , A. (1980). In The Encyclopedia of Ancient Civilisations. (pp. 176–178). essay,

Rainbird Publishers.

Hulugalle, N. R., Weaver, T. B., Finlay, L. A., & Heimoana, V. (2013). Soil organic carbon
concentrations and storage in irrigated cotton cropping systems sown on permanent beds in a
vertosol with restricted subsoil drainage. Crop and Pasture Science, 64(8), 799.
https://doi.org/10.1071/cp12374

(2021, February 23). Problems Experienced with Interceptor in Drainage Line | MR Drains.
Unblock Drains London | Drain Repairs London | Drains Relining Specialists. Retrieved
November 11, 2022, from https://mrdrains.co.uk/blog/problems-experienced-with-
interceptor-in-drain-line/

Plumbing, O. (2020, April 17). What Is A Subsoil Drain? | Optimised Plumbing Services.
Optimised Plumbing Services. Retrieved November 10, 2022, from
https://optimisedplumbingservices.com.au/what-is-a-subsoil-drain/

Types of subsurface drainage systems. (2022, August 1). Agriculture Victoria. Retrieved
November 10, 2022, from https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-
animals/dairy/managing-wet-soils/types-of-subsurface-drainage-systems

Stormwater Management - Bioretention Basins. (n.d.). Stormwater Management -

Bioretention Basins. Retrieved November 15, 2022, from
https://www.lakesuperiorstreams.org/stormwater/toolkit/bioretention.html

County, M. (n.d.). How to maintain your GRASS DRAINAGE SWALE.

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DEP/Resources/Files/PostersPamphlets/Swale-
Maintenance.pdf

Takaijudin, Husna & Ab Ghani, Aminuddin & Zakaria, Nor. (2016). Challenges and
developments of bioretention facilities in treating urban stormwater runoff; A review.
Pollution Research. 2. 489-508. 10.7508/pj.2016.04.010.

Dierkes, C., Lucke, T., & Helmreich, B. (2015, March 13). General Technical Approvals for
Decentralised Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)—The Current Situation in
Germany. Retrieved November 14, 2022, from https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/7/3/3031

Gully Filter Bags SEDIMENT CONTROL TECHNIQUE Type 1 System Sheet Flow Sandy
Soils ✔. (2010). https://www.catchmentsandcreeks.com.au/docs/GB-1.pdf
6.0 APPENDIX:

Figures under appendix are samples of drainage cross-section at the Flagstaff Mall,
Suva.