STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY

Ugbowo Road in Benin City faces persistent flooding and drainage failure driven by rapid urbanization, poor maintenance, and structural decay. This study assessed the structural integrity and hydraulic efficiency of drainage sections at four key locations: UBTH, Adolor Junction, Uselu Shell, and Ekehuan Link Road. Through visual inspections, non-destructive rebound hammer testing, and hydraulic analysis using Manning’s and Rational Methods, the research aimed to identify specific causes of failure and propose viable technical solutions. The investigation revealed significant structural defects, including cracks, erosion, and honeycombing, with concrete compressive strengths (12.7–19.8 MPa) falling below the required 20–25 MPa standard. While hydraulic analysis confirmed that the original designs possessed sufficient capacity to handle peak discharges, their performance is currently crippled by heavy siltation, waste dumping, and poor slope alignment. Consequently, the study identified functional inefficiency and maintenance neglect, particularly at the critical Adolor Junction rather than design inadequacy as the primary drivers of drainage failure. To restore optimal functionality and mitigate urban flooding, the study recommends the
reconstruction of failing sections using 25 MPa concrete and the implementation of a rigorous maintenance regime involving routine desilting. Technical enhancements, such as the installation of trash screens and inspection chambers, should be paired with the enforcement of environmental sanitation policies. Finally, the establishment of a drainage asset management plan by the Edo State Ministry of Works and Environment is essential for the long-term monitoring and sustainability of the corridor's infrastructure.