Republic of the Philippines

CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES

Nabua, Camarines Sur
ISO 9001:2015 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Urbanization, as a global phenomenon, has been a fuel for economic growth,

improved living standards, and enhanced opportunities for millions of people worldwide

(World Bank 2020). However, the increase of urban areas and population confront

numerous challenges related to infrastructure and environmental sustainability. Amidst

these challenges, the effective management of water resources and drainage systems

emerges as a critical factor for urban resilience and sustainable development (UN-Habitat

2020).

Recent projections from the United Nations (UN) highlight an ongoing and

dramatic global shift towards urban living. By 2050, it was estimated that approximately

68% of the world's population will reside in urban areas. This represents a large increase

from the 55% reported in 2018. Such projections emphasize the constant growth of cities

and urban regions, reshaping the demographic and geographical landscape of the earth

(UN 2018). As urban areas grow and impervious surfaces like roads, buildings, and

pavements increase, the natural hydrological cycle is disrupted. Rainfall that once being

absorbed by the ground is now being directed into stormwater drains and channels,

increasing the volume and velocity of runoff (Pauleit et al. 2011).

 Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES
Nabua, Camarines Sur
ISO 9001:2015 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

A poor drainage system worsens the consequences of altering the hydrological

cycle. Ineffective drainage infrastructure is characterized by undersized canals, clogged

waterways, and outdated designs that struggle to cope with the increased volumes of

runoff (Philippine Statistics Authority 2017). Such infrastructure not only contributes to

flooding but also impair groundwater recharge, worsening water scarcity issues in urban

areas (Dodman et al. 2013).

The Philippines, enriched with different water bodies, faces challenges related to

the uneven distribution of rainfall which is crucial for replenishing these water bodies.

Rainfall patterns vary significantly across different regions of the country. Some areas

receive abundant rainfall, while others experience prolonged dry spells. According to the

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration

(PAGASA), the country's vulnerability to excessive precipitation, driven by monsoons,

typhoons, thunderstorms, the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), and frontal

passages, can lead to devastating floods, posing a significant threat to lives and

properties. This flood risk is part of a broader global issue, as flooding stand as one the

most common natural phenomenon that caused fatalities worldwide (Doocy et al. 2013).

Approximately 60% of the land area in the Philippines and 74% of its population

are exposed to various hazards, including floods, typhoons, and other natural calamities.

The consequences of such events have been severe, resulting in loss of life and economic

damages. The country's geographical location in the Northwestern Pacific Basin makes it

susceptible to an average of 20 typhoons annually, with Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 serving

 Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES
Nabua, Camarines Sur
ISO 9001:2015 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

as a tragic example of the devastating impact of these typhoons (Climate Change

Knowledge Portal 2021).

Baao, a landlocked municipality in the coastal province of Camarines Sur,

experiences intense flooding whenever a heavy rainfall occurs, or a strong typhoon

strikes particularly in the Poblacion area, which is a low-lying part of the town. The

Poblacion area of Baao consists of seven (7) barangays namely Del Rosario, San

Francisco, San Jose, San Nicolas, San Ramon, San Roque, and Sta. Cruz. The municipal

center of Baao is situated at approximately 13° 27' North, 123° 22' East, in the island of

Luzon. The elevation at these coordinates is estimated at 5.3 meters or 17.3 feet above

mean sea level (PhilAtlas 2016).

The researchers selected the Poblacion area in Baao as their study location due to

its ongoing problems with the drainage system in managing stormwater resulting to

intense flood occurrences that disrupt the daily lives of the residents, pose threats to their

health, damage properties, and result in economic losses. Hence, this study aimed to

design an improved drainage system in Poblacion, Baao, Camarines Sur.

Objectives of the Study

The study aimed to design an improved drainage system in Poblacion, Baao,

Camarines Sur. Specifically, the researchers sought to answer the following objectives:

1. To determine the present condition of the drainage system in Poblacion, Baao,

Camarines Sur, in terms of:

 Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES
Nabua, Camarines Sur
ISO 9001:2015 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

a. Drainage Network

b. Slope

c. Cross-Sectional Dimensions

d. Discharge Capacity

e. Siltation

2. To determine the projected discharge per drainage line.

3. To design an improved drainage system.

4. To determine the cost of the improved drainage system.

Significance of the Project

The researchers believe that the outcome of this study would benefit several

sectors. These include the following:

Community. The residents of Poblacion will benefit from an enhanced

stormwater management and reduced disruptions during heavy rainfall and storms with

an effective and improved drainage system.

Local Government. This study will serve as a reference for future drainage

system improvement projects in Poblacion for an effective urban planning and

stormwater management.

Engineers. This study can aid engineers in designing and implementing an

enhanced drainage system, leading to more effective infrastructure that can better manage

stormwater and mitigate flooding risks in the area.

 Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES
Nabua, Camarines Sur
ISO 9001:2015 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The DPWH is the

government agency in charge of planning, construction, and maintenance of public

infrastructure and highways in the Philippines. The DPWH can use the findings of this

study to inform infrastructure planning and development initiatives in the area. The

content of the study related to the present condition of the drainage system and

improvements can help DPWH prioritize and allocate resources effectively.

Researchers. The researchers will be able to use this study as a reference for

similar research endeavors in different locations, providing methodologies for their own

research. This study will also offer a repository of knowledge and perspectives to assist

future researchers in acquiring relevant information for their own studies.

Scope and Limitations of the Project

This study focused on the present condition of the drainage system in Poblacion

Baao, Camarines Sur, particularly in barangays San Roque, San Jose, and San Francisco

to design an improved drainage system for these areas. In assessing the present condition

of the drainage system in the said barangays, this process involved evaluating specific

parameters such as the drainage networks of the three (3) barangays, the slope, cross-

sectional dimensions, discharge capacity, and amount of siltation of each drainage line.

The data gathering process was limited to site inspections and engineering surveying and

used the Manning’s formula, an equation used to calculate water's rate in an open

channel, to calculate the discharge capacity of the existing drainage system.

 Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES
Nabua, Camarines Sur
ISO 9001:2015 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

In determining the projected discharge per drainage line, the researchers used the

Rational Method, a widely used hydrological technique for estimating peak stormwater

runoff. The runoff coefficient used was the maximum value for densely built residential

areas based on the DPWH Design Guidelines, Criteria and Standards (DGCS): Volume 3

– Water Engineering Projects (See Appendix A). The value for rainfall intensity used by

the researchers was determined based on the record of the Philippine Atmospheric,

Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the Bicol River

Basin Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (BRBFFWC), on the rainfall data of

Ombao station, the nearest rainfall station to Baao, in the years 2018-2023 (See Appendix

A).

In designing and determining the cost of the improved drainage system, the

researchers referred to the DGCS and used the Program of Works of the DPWH.

Furthermore, the implementation of this project is beyond the scope of this study,

however, this study is open to the DPWH, Local Government Unit (LGU) of Baao

especially the Municipal Engineering Office (MEO), and other corresponding authorities

for thorough review.

Definition of Terms

For further clarification and a better understanding of the study, the following

terms are defined technically and operationally:

 Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES
Nabua, Camarines Sur
ISO 9001:2015 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Cross-Sectional Dimensions. These are the measurements of the drainage

system's width, depth, and shape as taken perpendicular to its flow direction.

Discharge. It refers to the amount of water passing through a particular point in a

channel or conduit, typically measured in cubic meters per second (m³/s).

Discharge Capacity. It refers to the maximum amount of water that the channel

can effectively convey. It is a critical parameter for assessing the drainage system's ability

to handle peak flow rates during heavy rainfall or storm events.

Drainage Line. It is a channel or conduit that carries stormwater runoff or

wastewater. In this study, a drainage line is measured from one point to another in a

drainage system that is shown in its drainage network.

Drainage Network. It refers to a graphical representation or map illustrating the

interconnected system of drainage lines designed to manage stormwater runoff and

wastewater flow within a specific area.

Drainage System. It is a network of natural or artificial channels designed to

carry excess water away from an area. It helps prevent flooding and ensures efficient

water flow.

Projected Discharge. It refers to the anticipated volume of water flow through a

waterway or a drainage system.

Flood. It is an event where an excessive amount of water covers land that is

usually dry. It is often caused by excessive rainfall, storms, or the overflowing of rivers

or other bodies of water.

 Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES
Nabua, Camarines Sur
ISO 9001:2015 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Hydraulic Radius. It is a parameter used in hydraulic calculations that represents

the ratio of the wetted area of a channel to its wetted perimeter. The hydraulic radius is a

component of the Manning's Formula.

Hydrological Cycle. It is also known as the water cycle. It is the continuous

movement of water on Earth, involving processes such as evaporation, condensation,

precipitation, and runoff.

Impervious Surfaces. These are hard surfaces such as roads, buildings, and

pavements that do not allow water to infiltrate into the ground. These contribute to

increased runoff during rainfall events in urban areas.

Manning's Formula. Manning's Formula is an equation used to calculate the

flow rate or discharge and velocity of flow in open channels or culverts. It considers

factors such as channel cross-sectional area, roughness, and slope.

Outfall. It is the point where water is discharged from the drainage system into a

receiving body, such as a river, lake, sea, or another watercourse. It is the terminal point

of a drainage network where collected stormwater, wastewater, or surface runoff is

released.

Precipitation. It refers to any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from the

atmosphere and reaches the Earth's surface. This can include various forms such as rain,

snow, sleet, hail, and drizzle.

Rainfall Intensity. It is the rate at which rain falls over a specific period,

typically measured in millimeters per hour.

 Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES
Nabua, Camarines Sur
ISO 9001:2015 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

Rational Method. It establishes an empirical formula that is commonly used in

urban areas for computing peak rates of runoff for designing drainage structures.

Runoff Coefficient. Runoff Coefficient is a dimensionless factor that represents

the proportion of rainfall on a surface that becomes runoff. It ranges from 0 to 1, with 0

indicating no runoff and 1 indicating that all rainfall becomes runoff. It is a component of

the Rational method.

Siltation. It refers to the accumulation of fine particles, primarily silt and clay,

within the channels and structures. It can lead to reduced flow capacity, increased

flooding risk, and compromised drainage system effectiveness.

Slope. Slope refers to the incline or gradient of a surface along which water flows.

It is a critical factor influencing the speed and direction of water movement in rivers,

channels, and pipelines.

Tributary Area. It refers to the geographic area of land that contributes runoff

water to a specific point, such as a river, stream, or other water body. It is the area where

precipitation falling on the land eventually drains into a common outlet or watercourse.

Urbanization. Urbanization is the process of population growth and expansion of

urban areas, often accompanied by increased infrastructure development and changes in

land use. Urbanization is discussed as a factor contributing to the disruption of the natural

hydrological cycle and increased surface water runoff.

 Republic of the Philippines
CAMARINES SUR POLYTECHNIC COLLEGES
Nabua, Camarines Sur
ISO 9001:2015 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

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