Author(s): Aravena Jazmin; Dussaillant Alejandro

Linked Author(s):

Keywords: Recharge; Finite-volume; Rain garden; Bioretention; Urban stormwater

Abstract: Source control is the fundamental principle behind sustainable management of stormwater. Rain gardens are an infiltration practice that provides volume and water quality control, recharge, and multiple landscape, ecological and economic potential benefits. The fulfillment of these objectives requires understanding their behavior during events as well as long term, and tools for their design. We have developed a model based on Richards equation coupled to a surface water balance, solved with a 2D finite volume Fortran code which allows alternating upper boundary conditions, including ponding, which is not present in available 2D models. Also, it can simulate heterogeneous soil (layered or more complex geometries) to estimate infiltration and recharge. The algorithm is conservative; being an advantage compared to available finite difference and finite element methods. We will present performance comparisons to known models; to experimental data from a bioretention cell, which receives roof water to its surface depression planted with native species in an organic-rich root zone soil layer (underlain by a high conductivity lower layer that, while providing inter-event storage, percolates water readily); and to controlled experiments, as well as a natural rainfall event occurred in October 2006.

DOI:

Year: 2007