Standardizing Criteria for Calculating Urban Storm Drainage Flow Rates Using Basin Division Based on Aerial Photogrammetry: The Case Study of Culiacan, Mexico

Abstract

Urban storm drainage is fundamental for the well-being of the population of cities with torrential rainfall regimes because it is essential for the rapid and safe disposal of stormwater runoff. However, it is not uncommon for hydrological studies to determine the design flow of storm drainage works carried out in the same urban basin using different criteria depending on the experience of the person performing them. This can represent a problem when integrating and reviewing the results of hydrological studies carried out by different hydrologists. To address this problem, we propose a methodology consisting of methods used by various authors to determine the design flow rate in urban hydrologic studies. We suggest using a novel method to delineate urban basins based on photogrammetry obtained through flights with unmanned aerial vehicles. Subsequently, the necessary parameters are obtained to define the intensity–duration–return period curves, the runoff coefficients, and finally the design flow rate. The contribution of this article is technological. In this sense, a new methodology is proposed that applies existing knowledge to solve a practical problem observed in the field of urban hydrology and storm drainage. The case study is a basin with frequent flooding located in Culiacan, Mexico.