Analyse and Design of Urban Sewer Network Using SewerGEMS Software

Abstract

The study titled “Analyse and Design of Urban Sewer Network Using SewerGEMS Software” focuses on the need for efficient and sustainable sewerage systems in rapidly developing metropolitan areas like Hyderabad. Due to increasing population and urbanization, the existing sewer networks often face challenges such as overflows, blockages, and inadequate capacity. This research aims to analyze and redesign the sewer network of Gayatri Nagar under the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) using advanced hydraulic modelling through SewerGEMS software. The methodology involves systematic data collection, including layout and topographical mapping through Google Earth Pro and QGIS, and estimation of sewage generation based on population and water consumption data. The collected data are integrated into SewerGEMS to simulate the existing network and assess hydraulic parameters such as flow velocity, hydraulic grade line (HGL), and manhole surcharge levels. Based on the analysis, deficiencies such as undersized pipes and low slopes were identified. A redesigned network was then proposed by optimizing pipe diameters, slopes, and alignments to achieve self-cleansing velocity and efficient wastewater conveyance. The results obtained from SewerGEMS were compared with conventional manual design methods using standard hydraulic equations. The comparison revealed that software-based modelling provides greater accuracy, faster analysis, and enhanced visualization of flow characteristics. Additionally, a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) was designed to ensure proper wastewater treatment and disposal. Overall, the study concludes that SewerGEMS is a powerful tool for urban sewer system design, promoting sustainability, efficiency, and improved urban sanitation.

Introduction

Urbanization has increased the demand for efficient and sustainable sewer systems to manage wastewater and stormwater while protecting public health and the environment. Traditional manual design methods, though reliable, are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to errors. Modern tools like SewerGEMS and QGIS enhance sewer network design by enabling hydraulic modeling, spatial mapping, and data-driven optimization.

Objectives:

1. Analyze the existing sewer network of Gayatri Nagar using SewerGEMS.

2. Design an efficient sewer network using the software.

Study Area:
Gayatri Nagar, Hyderabad, spans 56.66 hectares (17°40’36’’ N – 17°45’30’’ N, 78°39’13’’ E – 78°42’41’’ E). The area exemplifies typical urban challenges like population growth, unplanned development, and infrastructure demands, making it suitable for geospatial and hydraulic analysis.

Methodology:

• Contour maps and spatial data were generated via Google Earth Pro and processed in QGIS.

• Population and sewage generation estimates were integrated into SewerGEMS.

• Hydraulic modeling identified bottlenecks and allowed for the design of an optimized, self-cleansing sewer network.

Results:

• Manholes: Depths ranged from 1.2 m to 7.9 m; flows varied with high-flow nodes like MH-15 handling 5.6 MLD. HGL analysis confirmed smooth gravity flow and proper network balance.

• Conduits: Circular DWC-PE pipes (197–395 mm) with slopes of 0.01–0.45 m/m ensured self-cleansing velocity, smooth energy flow, and structural stability. Flow rates ranged from 0.02 to 5.64 MLD.

• Outfall: Terminal outfall O-1 with 2.3 m structural depth handled 5.64 MLD under free-flow conditions, maintaining HGL and environmental compliance.

Conclusion

The study concludes that the integration of SewerGEMS and GIS-based tools provides a highly efficient, reliable, and sustainable approach for modern sewer network design compared to traditional manual methods. SewerGEMS automates complex hydraulic computations, reducing human error and design time while adhering to CPHEEO standards. It ensures accurate slope, velocity, and diameter optimization, achieving both functional and cost efficiency. The integration of Google Earth Pro and QGIS with SewerGEMS enhanced topographical accuracy, load allocation, and elevation modelling, resulting in realistic simulations and improved design precision. Hydraulic validation through Flex Tables and Engineering Profiles confirmed safe HGL levels, effective gravity flow, and overall structural stability. From a hydraulic standpoint, the methodology successfully optimized pipe diameters, slopes, and flow conditions, ensuring adequate capacity under both normal and peak scenarios. The incorporation of extraneous flows and extreme flow simulations strengthened the model’s resilience and adaptability to future population growth and climate change impacts. Material standardization and error validation ensured constructability and model consistency, supporting practical field implementation. Beyond technical performance, the study emphasizes broader benefits in public health, sustainability, and governance. The optimized design reduces blockages, flooding, and untreated discharges, improving hygiene and environmental quality. Economically, the methodology minimizes material usage and construction costs, supporting sustainable resource management. Its scalability and compatibility with smart technologies (SCADA/IoT) make it a forward-looking tool for smart city initiatives. Overall, the study establishes SewerGEMS as a foundational decision-support and planning tool, bridging academic research and real-world engineering applications. It promotes data-driven, sustainable, and resilient urban sanitation infrastructure aligned with India’s Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT, and UN SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) objectives.

References

[1] Rao, D. R. M., Ahmed, Z., Reddy, K. R. M., & Raj, E. (2013). Selection of drainage network using raster GIS – A case study. International Journal of Engineering Science Invention, 2(3), 35–40. http://www.ijesi.org/papers/Vol(2)3/Version-2/E2353540.pdf [2] Elimam, A. A., & Charalambous, C. (1990). Heuristic design of sewer network. Journal of Environmental Engineering, 116(6), 1181–1199. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9372(1990)116:6(1181) [3] Fryd, O., Dam, T., & Jensen, M. B. (2012). A planning framework for sustainable urban drainage systems. Water Policy, 14(5), 865–886. https://doi.org/10.2166/wp.2012.025 [4] Saxena, A. K., & Chandrawanshi, S. (2019). Design of sanitary sewer network for Railway Colony Ratlam using SewerGEMS V8i software. Samrat Ashok Technological Institute, Vidisha. [5] Pawar, A., Patil, S., & Toche, N. (2021). Design of sewer system for a village using SewerGEMS. International Journal of Advanced Engineering Research and Science (IJAERS), 8(6), 55–60. https://doi.org/10.22161/ijaers.86.7 [6] Chavan, S. R., & Shitole, S. S. (2022). Design of sewerage network by using SewerGEMS. International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology (IJIRSET), 11(4), 3125–3132. https://doi.org/10.15680/IJIRSET.2022.1104055 [7] CPHEEO. (2013). Manual on Sewerage and Sewage Treatment Systems. Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India. http://cpheeo.gov.in/cms/manual-on-sewerage-and-stp.php [8] Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). (2003). IS 1172: Code of Basic Requirements for Water Supply, Drainage and Sanitation. BIS, New Delhi.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Pradeep Dachiri, Dr. G. K. Vishwanad, K. Kushal Kumar. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.