Application of dynamic and conceptual models for simulating flow hydrographs in an urbanized catchment under conditions of controlled outflow from stormwater tanks

Abstract

The main aim of the research presented in the work was to assess the usefulness of the dynamic SWMM (stormwater management model) and the conceptual SBUH (Santa Barbara Urban Hydrograph) model for simulating and predicting flow hydrographs in a small urbanized catchment under conditions of controlled (using valves) outflow from stormwater retention tanks in response to rainfall events. Most of the analyzed catchment of the Służewiecki Stream consists of the area beneath F. Chopin International Airport in Warsaw. A further aim of the study was the development of method for indicating the concentration time for a given rainfall–runoff event, where the influence of delaying the outflow of stormwater from the catchment as a result of its retention in tanks on the value of this parameter will be accounted for. The values of the median of absolute errors, obtained in a simulation using the SWMM in relation to peak flows and hydrograph volumes for the analyzed events, were 15.4 and 18.4%, respectively. The adequate values of simulation errors, obtained in the SBUH model using concentration times determined according to the developed method, were 11.4 and 15.4%. Satisfactory results of simulations were received using both models.

Stormwater Management in the City of Warsaw: A Review and Evaluation of Technical Solutions and Strategies to Improve the Capacity of the Combined Sewer System

“…To explain this, it is important to refer to hydrographs. The issue of hydrographs has already been addressed by many other scientists [41][42][43]. In total, there are seven parameters that influence the occurrence of floods [44].…”

“…Barszcz [43] Prediction of hydrographs of runoff from stormwater retention basins in the Słu żewiecki Stream Catchment.…”

“…Barszcz [43] evaluated the utility of using SWMM and SBUH models to predict hydrographs of runoff from stormwater detention reservoirs in the catchment of the Słu żewiecki stream, when controlled by appropriate valves. Assuming that the rainwater is retained in the reservoirs, and considering the effect of the delay in rainwater runoff from the catchment resulting from this retention, the author then proposed methods for determining the concentration time for a given rainfall event.…”