Course coordinator
Associate Professor Shihu Hu
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Chemical Engineering School
The focus of this course is the design, operation and management related aspects of a sewer system. The course includes different sewer structures, sewer flows and related hydraulics, design of various components of a sewer system, in-sewer biological, physical and chemical processes and critical issues related to sewer operation and management. The major components of wastewater collection system (pump stations, manholes, drop structures, pipes, sewer overflows etc.) are introduced and their hydraulic principles are discussed. Students will obtain working knowledge of the design of various components of the sewer system and in-depth understanding of hydraulic modelling of sewer pipes. Course material, exercises and assignments aim to train the student in design principles commonly used in real world engineering practice. The biotransformation processes in a sewer pipe are discussed along with the physical and chemical processes. The key concepts of modelling of these processes are also introduced. The course further includes major operational issues of sewer system including inflow and infiltration; sewer overflows; gaseous emissions and related odour and corrosion problems, and their management. The students will develop the capacity to formulate strategies for effective operation and management of a sewer system through an in-depth understanding of the causes of the problem and available options for their mitigation. After successful completion of the course, students will be equipped with the understanding of the sewer system design and the key operational and management issues providing support to the engineering management of an urban water system.
Collection of wastewater and its treatment are two major functionalities of an urban wastewater system. As such, a sewer system serves as a critical component of an urban water system and it has significant interactions with other components of the system. The sewer related assets form significantly part of city water assets and therefore these need to be managed effectively.ﾠ In order to have an effective management of the water system in a holistic manner, one needs to be familiar with the fundamentals of design, operation and management of the sewer system.
The focus of this course is the design, operation and management related aspects of a sewer system. The course includes different sewer structures; sewer flows and related hydraulics; design of various components of a sewer system; in-sewer biological, physical and chemical processes; and critical issues related to sewer operation and management including inflow and infiltration; sewer overflows; gaseous emissions and related odour and corrosion.ﾠﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
Familiarity with the components of urban water system, general hydraulics and ﾠbiological, chemical and physical processes.
ﾠ
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
(High School Chemistry or CHEM1090 or CHEM1100) and [CHEE2001 or (CHEE3002 or CHEE2040)]
Course contact
Course coordinator
Dr Jiuling Li
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Jiuling Li
Dr Zhetai Hu
Tutor
Miss Ruoyao Yuan
Miss Jianan Ren
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
- Develop an in-depth understanding of the engineering principles and practices in relation to design, operation and management of sewer systems
- Acquire design and problem solving skills required for engineers working in the areas of wastewater collection and managementﾠ
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Explain the purpose of different components of a sewer system and rationale behind their design
LO2.
Estimate sewer flow taking into account the various contributing factors
LO3.
Differentiate between different types of sewers (separate versus combined, pressure main versus gravity)
LO4.
Perform necessary calculations for the design of sewer pipes, pump stations and other sewer structures
LO5.
Explain biological, physical and chemical processes relevant to a sewer system and their modelling approaches
LO6.
Identify key operational issues of sewer systems including sewer overflows; solids sedimentation; gaseous emissions and odour and concrete corrosion
LO7.
Apply the knowledge gained in this course to effectively operate and manage a sewer system
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
A series of short quizzes in Weeks 3, 5 and 8 during Tutorials
|
15% |
5/08/2024 - 9/09/2024 |
| Product/ Design |
Assignment#1: Hydraulic modelling of sewer network
|
20% |
2/09/2024 12:00 pm |
| Examination |
Exam In-Semester During Class
|
30% |
30/09/2024 12:00 pm |
| Project |
Assignment#2: Development of sewer management plan
|
35% |
21/10/2024 10:00 am |
Assessment details
A series of short quizzes in Weeks 3, 5 and 8 during Tutorials
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 15%
- Due date
5/08/2024 - 9/09/2024
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
There will be closed book quizzes on week 3, week 5, and week 8 during Tutorials. 5/8/2024, 26/8/2024, 9/9/2024 12 pm.
Reading: 10 minutes
Duration: 20 minutes
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Assignment#1: Hydraulic modelling of sewer network
- Online
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Product/ Design
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
2/09/2024 12:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L07
Task description
Students will be provided a GIS map of a catchment and will be asked to work out the following (individual submission):
1. Develop a layout of the sewer system based on the data collected from the map showing all the components of the sewer network
2. Plot a longitudinal profile for the main sewer line
3. Calculated wastewater flow for the sewer network based on the information provided
4. Develop a hydraulic model for the sewer network
Students are required to submit a report as well as a copy of the hydraulic model they have developed.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Turnitin
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Refer PPL Assessment Procedure Section 3 Part C (48)
Exam In-Semester During Class
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
30/09/2024 12:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Task description
Multiple choice questions, fill in the blanks, short answer questions and problem solving. Closed book/Invigilated.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | (In person) Casio FX82 series or UQ approved , labelled calculator only |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Assignment#2: Development of sewer management plan
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Project
- Weight
- 35%
- Due date
21/10/2024 10:00 am
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07
Task description
Separate case studies (in terms of published report/paper/article) and problem statements will be given to each student. Students are expected to investigate the asset management issues for their case study, and prepare a critical review of the problems and management plan. Alternative management options should be explored and presented. The findings should be presented in a form of a report. Each student will also be required to make a presentation of his/her work. Marking will be done based on the evaluation of both submitted report (40%) and the presentation (60%).
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Turnitin
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
Assessments must be submitted on or before the due date. Late submissions of assessment items will only be accepted if approval for late submission has been obtained prior to the due date.
Penalties Apply for Late Submission
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically 1-24.99% Lack of understanding of the concepts related to design, operation and maintenance of sewer networks. |
| 2 (Fail) |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically 25-39.99% overall. Minimal understanding of the concepts related to design, operation and maintenance of sewer networks and/or substantial amounts of incomplete work. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: Typically 40-49.99% overall. Demonstrates developing understanding of the concepts related to design, operation and maintenance of sewer networks covered in the course but still shows an incorrect understanding of some key concepts.Some of the assessments are incomplete. |
| 4 (Pass) |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically 50-64.99%. Functional understanding of of the concepts related to design, operation and maintenance of sewer networks; ability to apply the concepts learned in the course to solve engineering problems. Weighted average mark for the mid-term exam and quizzes combined should at least be 45%. |
| 5 (Credit) |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically 65-74.99%. Proficient understanding of the concepts related to design, operation and maintenance of sewer networks covered in the course with no major shortcomings in essential knowledge. The student is generally able to identify the problems in sewer operation and maintenance and explain the engineering measures to overcome them. Weighted average mark for the mid-term exam and quizzes combined should at least be 60%. |
| 6 (Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically 75-84.99%. Advanced understanding of all the concepts related to design, operation and maintenance of sewer networks, covered in the course with a very good coverage in essential knowledge. The student is often able to identify the problems in design, operation and maintenance of sewer system and explain engineering measures to overcome them, only failing to do so in the most complex cases considered in this course. Weighted average mark for the mid-term exam and quizzes combined should at least be 70%. All the assessments must be completed. |
| 7 (High Distinction) |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: Typically 85-100%. Exceptional understanding of all the concepts related to design, operation and maintenance of sewer networks covered in the course with a complete coverage of essential knowledge. The student is almost always able to identify the problems in design, operation and maintenance of sewer system and explain engineering measures to overcome them, even for the most complex systems considered in the course. Weighted average mark for the mid-term exam and quizzes combined should at least be 80%. All the assessments must be completed. |
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
- Submissions will be electronically submitted through blackboard. A turnitin link will be made available before the due date.
- Assessment criteria for reports/presentations will be given as part of the assignment.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Published papers, relevant reports and case studies.
Software
QGISﾠ-ﾠOpen Source Geographic Information System
EPA SWMMﾠ-ﾠStorm Water Management Model
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Lecture |
Introduction to sewers Historical development, sewer systems, wastewater flow, sources and constituents, separate and combined sewers, pressure mains and gravity sewers. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Tutorial |
Introduction to sewer network Introduction to Assignment 1, analysing information for a sewer system from a GIS map. Learning outcomes: L01, L03 |
|
Lecture |
Sewer flow calculations and design principles Inflow, infiltration and exfiltration, design principles of sewer pipes, sewer sediments, sewer overflow and flooding, flow hydraulics. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L07 |
|
Tutorial |
Wastewater flow calculations Wastewater flow calculations for separate and combined sewers. Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Lecture |
Sewer structures Sewer structures (pump stations, drops, air valves, manholes etc.) and their design principles. Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
|
Tutorial |
Guidance on Assignment 1 Students will have an opportunity to ask questions related to Assignment 1, provide guidance and support. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L07 |
|
Fieldwork |
Field trip Field visit to a local sewage pumping station. Learning outcomes: L01, L06 |
|
Lecture |
Hydraulic modelling of sewer network Concepts of hydraulic modelling, development of hydraulic model, simulation and analysis of results. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L07 |
|
Tutorial |
Practice on hydraulic modelling Demonstration of hydraulic modelling software, students to be provided guidance on building a model and running the simulations. Learning outcomes: L02, L04 |
|
Lecture |
Stormwater management Storm sewers and their design, runoff and overland flow, stormwater quality. Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L06, L07 |
|
Tutorial |
Sewer design calculations Storm water sewer design calculations, revision questions. Learning outcomes: L01, L04, L06 |
|
Lecture |
In-sewer processes Biological transformation in sewers - sulfur, carbon and nitrogen cycles, physical and chemical processes - acid base chemistry, precipitation, mass transfer. Learning outcomes: L05, L06 |
|
Tutorial |
Engineering calculations on in-sewer processes Calculations related to odour and corrosion predictions. Learning outcomes: L04 |
|
Lecture |
Odour and corrosion problems and their control Odour problems in sewer, chemical dosing for control, sewer corrosion and its causes, corrosion process, ventilation and other corrosion control technologies. Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06, L07 |
|
Tutorial |
Problem solving Solving problems (calculations) related to odour and corrosion control. Learning outcomes: L02, L04 |
|
Lecture |
Key issues in sewer management, sewer modelling General introduction to key issues in sewer management from an utility perspective, Introduction to sewer model and it's application to sewer management. Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06 |
|
Tutorial |
Solving problems (calculations) Solving problems (calculations) related to odour and corrosion control. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L07 |
|
Lecture |
Construction of sewers and assets management Construction of sewers, pipe materials, pipe laying, construction techniques, assets management. Learning outcomes: L06, L07 |
|
Tutorial |
Mid-semester examination Mid-semester exam, discussion on solution to the exam questions. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Lecture |
Integrated sewer management and control Pollution management, real-time control, integrated modelling, in-sewer treatment and interaction with downstream sewage treatment plant. Learning outcomes: L06, L07 |
|
Tutorial |
Guidance to project work Guidance to students on Assignment 2, discussion. Learning outcomes: L02, L04, L06, L07 |
|
Lecture |
Sewer operation, maintenance and rehabilitation Sewer operation, maintenance and rehabilitation, sewer cleaning. Learning outcomes: L06, L07 |
|
Tutorial |
Discussion on Assignment 2 Discussion on and feedback to Assignment 2. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
|
Workshop |
Project presentation Individual project presentations as a part of Assignment 2. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07 |
|
Tutorial |
Course Review Revision, review of the course, discussion. Learning outcomes: L01, L05, L06 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.