6.

8
Design of Underdrain
Categorized under Item 501 of DPWH Standard Specifications.
Things to be considered when designing an underdrain:

The size and number of pipes and its locations of opening should be studied
carefully.
Filter materials should be fine enough so that the adjacent soil will not be
washed-out.
The top of underdrain should be sealed with impervious soil to prevent the
entrance of surface water.
Intercepting drains must extend into the impervious zone.
The pipes are laid with the flow line at least 1.20 meters below the finished
grade and carefully bedded with gravel or filter materials.

Materials
1. Zinc coated corrugated iron or steel pipe (AASHTO M-36)
2. Extra strength and standard strength clay pipe and perforated clay pipe
(AASHTO M-65)
3. Porous concrete (AASHTO M-176)
4. Perforated concrete (AASHTO M-175)
5. Bituminous fiber non-pressure sewer drain and underdrainage pipe system
(AASHTO M-177)
6. Asbestos cement perforated underdrain pipes (AASHTO M-189)
7. Granular backfill filter materials (AASHTO M-6)
Construction Requirements:

Pipe Installation
o Trenches are excavated to the dimension and grades required by the
plan.
o Bedding layer of Granular Backfill: <15cm
o Granular backfill are placed and compacted at the bottom of the
trench.
o Sub-drainage pipes are embedded firmly on the bedding.
Perforated Pipes
o Placed with the perforations downwardly secured joined with
appropriate fitting or bands.
Non-Perforated Pipes
o Laid with the bell end upgrade with open joints wrapped with suitable
material to permit entry of water, or unwrapped as may be specified.
Granular Backfill
o Placed 30cm above the top of the pipe
o Should not be displaced by the covering of open joints
Remainder of Granular Backfill
o Placed and compacted at every after 15 cm layers up to the required
height

Any remaining portion (of the trench) above it (GBM) shall be filled with
either granular or impervious material and thoroughly compacted.

Underdrain Outlet

Trench are excavated to the depth and width as planned.

Pipes are laid with all ends firmly joined and backfilled after inspection.

Blind Drain

6.9

Trenches are excavated as planned

Trenches are filled with granular backfill material to required depth.
Any remaining portion (of the trench) above it (GBM) shall be filled with either
granular or impervious material

Debris Control

Culverts should be designed to allow debris to pass.

Extend the curtain wall separating the barrels of the multi span culverts
upstream.
Install upstream debris racks or wire, steel rail or piling.

6.10 The Legal Aspect of Draining

o The flow of several streams or creeks were concentrated to single channel
that resulted to erosion, silting or flooding of private properties. (result of
agencys project)
o Water backed resulted to inundation of land or property or caused injury or
death.
o The agency would not be liable for damages if an unprecedented storm
causes the stream to overflow a newly constructed channel, provided that this
channel has the capacity equal to the natural volume of water flow.
o Design of drainage system must satisfy the various requirements of the
environmental laws and regulations.