Hydraulic Performance Evaluation of Sanitary and Stormwater Systems: A Case Study at Jabir ibn Hayyan University, Iraq

Abstract

This study presents a hydraulic performance evaluation of the sanitary and stormwater drainage systems at Jabir ibn Hayyan University, a medical campus in Najaf, Iraq. The research was conducted to address the growing concerns of drainage inefficiency under peak flow conditions and to propose scalable, cost-effective solutions suited for developing academic institutions. The analysis is based on original architectural and mechanical drawings, from which representative segments of sanitary, stormwater, and combined pipelines were manually extracted. Classical hydraulic formulas, such as Manning’s equation, were used to evaluate key performance indicators, including pipe diameter, slope, discharge capacity, and maintenance hole spacing. The results reveal that while the sanitary and stormwater networks generally meet standard design thresholds, the combined segment exhibits performance vulnerabilities, particularly under intense rainfall events. The stormwater system is prone to sediment buildup due to insufficient slope, while shallow maintenance holes in the sanitary network may compromise durability. To enhance resilience, the study recommends partial flow separation, increased access points, and the integration of Low Impact Development (LID) features, such as bioswales and retention beds. Unlike simulation-dependent studies, this work demonstrates that practical and accurate assessments can be achieved through manual methods—an approach that aligns with the operational limitations of many Iraqi universities. The methodology is designed to be replicable in other low-resource academic environments, providing a template for data-driven infrastructure improvement. Ultimately, the findings aim to inform future drainage interventions, with a focus on sustainability, functionality, and long-term reliability.