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Thesis
Implementation of a non-parametric rainfall simulation method to size rainwater harvesting systems for stormwater management and irrigation of urban agricultural facilities
Master of Science (M.S.), Drexel University
Sep 2012
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-4126
Abstract
Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) are one of the biggest problems associated with stormwater runoff in Philadelphia. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) for the purpose of storage and non-potable reuse is one of several highly advocated solutions for reduction of stormwater runoff especially in urban areas. Various RWH systems have been designed based on simple supply vs. demand water balance concepts and somewhat more complex parametric rainfall simulation methods. This project involves the use of a non-parametric rainfall simulation method incorporated in the Storage and Reliability Estimation Tool (SARET) developed by Basinger, Montalto, & Lall (2010) to size a RWH system collecting stormwater runoff from residential roofs at an urban agricultural facility situated at 53rd and Wyalusing Avenue, Philadelphia. Two methods were used to obtain the irrigation requirements for the urban agricultural facility, one uses the Blaney-Criddle method (Blaney & Criddle, 1950) while the second uses water consumption bills obtained at the site. SARET then uses historical daily precipitation data for Philadelphia to develop storage vs. catchment area reliability curves based on which the desired volume of the storage facility as well as the catchment area are chosen. During the design phase, a bioretention facility was preferred as a treatment facility to improve the water quality of runoff collected from the roofs before application to the crops. Analyzing various options, StormChamber® developed by Hydrologic Solutions was chosen as a underground water storage facility. The specifications and construction plans for the bioretention facility, storage facility and other aspects of the system were then laid out to enable the final construction. Once the construction was complete, a preliminary assessment was performed by estimating the depth vs. volume relationship of the storage facility and conducting a statistical test on the observed data, based on which it was concluded tentatively that the system was working as designed. A more in depth analysis, based on a longer observation period is, however, required for a more conclusive assessment. Finally, a GIS analysis was performed using planimetrics data in ArcGIS 10.1 that looks at other residential sites within Philadelphia where a similar system can be replicated consisting of both the RWH system as well as the agricultural facility.
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Details
- Title
- Implementation of a non-parametric rainfall simulation method to size rainwater harvesting systems for stormwater management and irrigation of urban agricultural facilities
- Creators
- Ajay Sunder - DU
- Contributors
- Franco Montalto (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Civil (and Architectural) Engineering [Historical]; College of Engineering (1970-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 4126; 991014632826204721