Evaluation Of The Drainage Channels For The Campus Of The University Of North Sumatra In 2012

Feb 27, 2025 by ADMIN 94 views

**Evaluation of Drainage Channel Improvements at the University of North Sumatra in 2012**

Introduction

The University of North Sumatra (USU) campus in Medan has been facing serious problems related to drainage. Despite efforts to normalize and repair drainage channels in 2012, several areas on campus still experience standing water. For instance, in December 2013, a puddle occurred at the exit of the university road and Tridharma Street, disrupting transportation activities on campus. This situation highlights the need for a more effective solution to prevent inundation and maintain the quality of campus environmental infrastructure.

Background

A good drainage system is crucial for reducing excess water, both from rain and seepage, on the USU campus. The campus's drainage system plays a vital role in maintaining the quality of life for its residents, including students, staff, and faculty. However, the existing drainage system has been inadequate in addressing the issue of standing water, leading to disruptions in daily activities.

Methodology

To address the issue of standing water on the USU campus, researchers conducted a study to evaluate the effectiveness of drainage channel improvements in 2012. The study aimed to examine the importance of a good drainage system on the USU campus and to identify potential solutions to prevent inundation. The researchers collected primary and secondary data, including measurements of the drainage channel cross-section, field observations, and information about drainage, rainfall, and land use.

Data Collection and Analysis

The researchers used various methods to collect data, including:

Primary Data: Measurement of the drainage channel cross-section and field observation using available tools.
Secondary Data: Information about drainage, rainfall taken from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), and land use.

The researchers calculated periodic flood discharge using rational formulas and determined the dimensions of infiltration wells suitable for various types of buildings according to the existing building area.

Results

The results of the study showed that the maximum rainfall recorded reached 134,352 mm in a 10-year period. The rational method and formula for the intensity of mononobe rainfall were used to determine the discharge that occurs in each drainage channel. The researchers also determined the dimensions of infiltration wells that are suitable for various types of buildings according to the existing building area.

Analysis and Recommendations

Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that although there are improvements made in drainage channels, other factors such as the presence of waste greatly affect the performance of the drainage system. Therefore, good waste management in the campus environment must be a priority. Organized waste management and the existence of socialization to students and staff regarding the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of drainage channels is very necessary.

In addition, the implementation of infiltration wells can be a surefire step to reduce the volume of water entering the drainage channel. Infiltration wells not only help reduce inundation, but also improve soil quality and create better ecosystems in the campus area.

Conclusion

Responding to existing problems, USU should consider conducting periodic evaluations of the drainage system and carrying out routine maintenance. This activity includes cleaning channels from waste and surveillance of water flow to remain smooth. Collaborative efforts between the campus, students, and the surrounding community can also strengthen the implementation of more sustainable environmental preservation programs.

With these steps, it is hoped that the campus can reduce the problem of standing water and create a more comfortable environment for the entire academic community. The success of the efficient drainage system setting on USU campus will certainly have a positive impact, not only for the beauty of the campus, but also for the quality of life of all its residents.

Future Directions

The study highlights the need for further research on the effectiveness of infiltration wells in reducing the volume of water entering the drainage channel. Additionally, the study suggests that the implementation of sustainable waste management practices and the creation of better ecosystems in the campus area are crucial for maintaining a healthy and comfortable environment for the academic community.

Limitations

The study has several limitations, including:

Limited Data: The study relied on limited data, including measurements of the drainage channel cross-section and field observations.
Small Sample Size: The study had a small sample size, which may not be representative of the entire campus.
Lack of Control Group: The study did not have a control group, which makes it difficult to determine the effectiveness of the drainage channel improvements.

Recommendations for Future Research

Future research should aim to address the limitations of the current study by:

Collecting More Data: Collecting more data, including measurements of the drainage channel cross-section and field observations, to improve the accuracy of the results.
Increasing Sample Size: Increasing the sample size to ensure that the results are representative of the entire campus.
Including a Control Group: Including a control group to determine the effectiveness of the drainage channel improvements.

By addressing these limitations, future research can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of drainage channel improvements and the implementation of sustainable waste management practices on the USU campus.

Q: What is the main problem with the drainage system on the USU campus?

A: The main problem with the drainage system on the USU campus is that it is not effective in preventing inundation and maintaining the quality of campus environmental infrastructure. Despite efforts to normalize and repair drainage channels in 2012, several areas on campus still experience standing water.

Q: What are the causes of standing water on the USU campus?

A: The causes of standing water on the USU campus include:

Rainfall: Heavy rainfall can overwhelm the drainage system, leading to standing water.
Seepage: Water can seep into the ground, causing standing water in certain areas.
Waste: The presence of waste in the drainage channels can disrupt the flow of water, leading to standing water.

Q: What is the role of infiltration wells in reducing standing water on the USU campus?

A: Infiltration wells can help reduce standing water on the USU campus by:

Reducing the volume of water entering the drainage channel: Infiltration wells can absorb excess water, reducing the volume of water entering the drainage channel.
Improving soil quality: Infiltration wells can help improve soil quality by allowing water to infiltrate the ground, reducing the risk of erosion and landslides.
Creating better ecosystems: Infiltration wells can create better ecosystems by providing a habitat for plants and animals.

Q: What are the benefits of implementing sustainable waste management practices on the USU campus?

A: The benefits of implementing sustainable waste management practices on the USU campus include:

Reducing waste: Implementing sustainable waste management practices can reduce the amount of waste generated on campus.
Improving water quality: Proper waste management can help improve water quality by reducing the amount of pollutants entering the drainage system.
Creating a healthier environment: Implementing sustainable waste management practices can create a healthier environment by reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.

Q: What are the steps that the USU campus can take to improve its drainage system?

A: The USU campus can take the following steps to improve its drainage system:

Conducting periodic evaluations: Conducting periodic evaluations of the drainage system can help identify areas for improvement.
Implementing routine maintenance: Implementing routine maintenance, such as cleaning channels from waste and surveillance of water flow, can help ensure that the drainage system is functioning properly.
Collaborating with the community: Collaborating with the community, including students, staff, and faculty, can help strengthen the implementation of more sustainable environmental preservation programs.

Q: What are the potential consequences of not addressing the issue of standing water on the USU campus?

A: The potential consequences of not addressing the issue of standing water on the USU campus include:

Disruptions to daily activities: Standing water can disrupt daily activities, including classes, research, and other campus events.
Health risks: Standing water can pose health risks, including the spread of waterborne diseases.
Environmental degradation: Standing water can lead to environmental degradation, including erosion and landslides.

Q: What are the next steps for the USU campus in addressing the issue of standing water?

A: The next steps for the USU campus in addressing the issue of standing water include:

Implementing infiltration wells: Implementing infiltration wells can help reduce the volume of water entering the drainage channel.
Implementing sustainable waste management practices: Implementing sustainable waste management practices can help reduce waste and improve water quality.
Conducting periodic evaluations: Conducting periodic evaluations of the drainage system can help identify areas for improvement.