Problem related to the rooftop drainage system

Ponding water can seriously increase the load on a roof assembly. As water
accumulates, deck deflections (sags) can increase, resulting in more ponding
water which could compromise the structural integrity of the deck. Flat roofs and
low slope roofs also face potentially serious condensation problems that can in
turn lead to costly rot or mold damage in buildings. The problem comes when
fallen trees from the near trees collected and block the water channel trough the
drainage.

This will give a potential problem such as surface water flooding or water
ponding on the rooftop of the building. Ponding water is defined as the water
which remains on a roof 48 hours or more. Most flat roofs require some sort of
pitch or slope to avoid ponding water. But unfortunately, ponding water occurs
on most flat roofs.
The others potential issues that is may contributed due to the water ponding on
the surface of the roof is the potential growth of plant on the rooftop drainage.
This will abuse the structure of the rooftop and the molds.

Solution for green rooftop drainage

1. Flat cast iron grafting drainage channel
The rooftop drainage should be covered with the grafting to avoid the leaves to
enter the drainage channel. This flat cast iron grafting is necessary as they
provide better filtration of unwanted object that comes along with the water flow
such as leaves.

2. Outlet (Holes) Flat grafting

The outlet holes on the drainage that provides the flow toward downwards
channel also need to be covered with flat grafting for final filtration before the
rainwater flow freely channelled downwards
Flat Grafting

Scale drawing (mm)

Product description

Flat grating
cast iron, fits all Spin
flat
roof drains,
External dimensions:
138 mm

3. Recalculate the outlets holes needed for better flow

The outlets holes that provide the channel flow towards downwards drainage
should be recalculated whether its need to be add holes for better rainwater flow.
This is important to minimizing the possibilities the water to be flood on the
rooftop.

Area of the Kompleks Akademik E rooftop : 527.5615m2

Total flow rate : Selangor rainfall intensity (0.017) x Area (527.5615m 2)
Number of outlets=

Total flow rate

Outlet flow rate

Number of outlets=

8.9678
3.12

Number of outlets=2 .8 3

Minimum outlet holes channel is 3 per roof

4. Regularly maintenance
The maintenances of the rooftop drainage should be done regularly. The
leaves and unwanted object should not be blocked the drainage channel.

The drainage channel should be cleaned up regularly and check the

rooftop structure for any damages due to the ponding water.

Neighbourhood Issues at Kompleks Akademik E

A goat pen located at the right side of the Kompleks Akademik E building. This
goat pen contribute unpleasant odour to the surrounding, Kompleks Akademik E
building was also not spared from getting this odour. We can clarify this as the
odour pollution toward the environment surrounding. These unpleasant odours
can also restrict outdoor activities, limit the opening of windows and generally
create an unpleasant environment for Kompleks Akademik. The greater the
frequency, intensity, duration and offensiveness of an odour, the greater the
impact on the community which is referring to the student as a primary user of
this building.

Picture 1: Goat Pen beside Kompleks Akedemik E

Solution for odour issues

1. Closing the goat pen
UPM need to find the better place for the goat farm. The place is too near
to the faculty building and also the Kompleks Akademik E which is primary
user is a student. Closing this farm and move to another place might be
the right choice for odour issues.

2. Plant a tree around the goat pen.

Instead of closing down the goat farm, there is an alternatives ways to

distinguish the odour issues related to the goat farm which is planting
vegetation could reduce ammonia and particulates that may degrade
surrounding air and water quality. Planting just three rows of trees around
poultry farms can cut nuisance emissions of dust, ammonia, and odours
from poultry houses and aid in reducing neighbour complaints, according
to scientists from the University of Delaware. Trees reduce farm house
emissions by capturing dust, ammonia and odours in their leaves. They
also aid in dispersion of emissions, which reduces the impact on
neighbours.
Planting trees demonstrates that the farm grower is being proactive to
address potential concerns of neighbours which is related to the Kompleks
Akademik E, gives the goat pen a landscape appearance and increases
property values. Adding the vegetative buffers also helps to reduce noise
associated with farm operations.

Landscape issues at Kompleks Akademik E

Big trees are planted used in the landscape of the building to provide screening
to filter light and direct traffic flow. The management of tree planted need to be
consider. For example the tree planted not too near to the building or drainage
system as it may contribute to potential issues such as damaging the building or
structure caused by the root of the plant or tree. Fallen branches also may also
contribute to a factor of a damage infrastructure. Trees are located near utility
lines, sidewalks, parking lots, streets, fences, walls or buildings, they will be
subjected to abuse from construction and maintenance in these areas.

The circled area is one of evidence that the tree planted near the drainage
system. This could possibly subject to abuse from construction and maintenance.
A proper management of planted tree for screening the building need to be
considered in this area.

Solution for Landscaping issues

1. Proper management of tree planting for screening
and shades
The only way solve the issues related to the structure abusing is to cut of
the abusing roots that damaging the building. When choosing a tree or
trees to plant, architecture should give careful consideration to design, in
particular how they will fit with their surroundings when they have
reached their mature size. Young trees are frequently planted in spaces
which are too small to allow them to grow to maturity, and a consequence
of this is that they may be disliked as they develop, frequently resulting in
heavy pruning or removal. Consequently, it is important to consider the
ultimate size of the tree when choosing what and where to plant.

Considering the plant roots

When planning tree placement, don't forget that roots spread

underground. Roots grow toward whatever moisture and oxygen
is available and can grow beyond the spread beyond the tree's
crown - at times, up to three times the crown's width. Trees with
aggressive or large root systems can cause structural damage
when planted too close to the Kompleks Akademik E. Roots can
also damage patios, driveways, walkways and underground
pipes, especially old or brittle pipes and drainage system. So
consider the potential spread of the roots when deciding how far
from the building.
Keep the distance from the building
Don't choose trees that create a lot of litter, such as trees that
drop messy fruit or frequently shed seed pods. Do not plant trees
close to the building that can pose a hazard, such as trees that
are susceptible to breaking in windy conditions. Limbs that
overhang roofs can drop leaves or pine needles that need to be
regularly removed, lest they clog gutters, rooftop drainage or
damage the roofing material and structure. And the overhanging
limbs can provide allow rodents easy access to the roof and
possibly the attic.
Determining the location for shades tree
Shade trees are planted in a location where they provide
protection from the afternoon sun during summer. This location is
usually near the southwest corner of the building. Size is also
considered when planting shade or other trees, because they
vary in height and spread. Large trees, up to 70 feet or more
should be planted at least 20 feet from the building, mediumsized trees up to 70 feet tall, 15 feet from the building, and small
trees 30 feet tall or less, 8 to 10 feet from the building.

Refferences
Books

Francis Joseph Patry 1974. Roof Drain Arrangement. United States

Patent 3909412
Hammer, Mark J. Water and Waste-Water Technology (1975) John
Wiley & Sons ISBN 0-471-34726-4 p.442
Metcalf & Eddy, Inc. (1972). Wastewater Engineering. (New York:
McGrawHill.) p.119.

Website

Trees kill odors and other emissions from poultry farms, accessed
on
10
May
2015,http://www.acs.org/content/acs/en/pressroom/newsreleases/
2008/august/trees-kill-odors-and-other-emissions-from-poultryfarms.html
How Close to My House Can I Plant a Tree?, accessed on 12 May
2015, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/close-house-can-plant-tree96222.html