Palla and Gnecco ( 2015), for instance, modelled scenarios based on land use change related to UGI (e.g. However, studies do not account for site-specific constraints, and instead focus more on potential performances of UGI at different degrees of implementation. Therefore, the model representation should be as realistic as possible, reflecting the actual potential for different UGI development strategies. Contrary to conventional urban drainage infrastructure, retrofitted UGI is embedded as permeable and/or vegetated areas within an urban matrix and occupy space not only sub-superficially but also on the surface potentially requiring alternative use of space. In in a review of studies regarding catchment-wide upscaling of UGI by Golden and Hoghooghi ( 2018), the authors argued that a key consideration for upscaling and applying UGI models is a meaningful placement of those UGI practices at the catchment scale. limited availability of space, existing uses of space for traffic or housing, regulations regarding the placement as well as technical design criteria of UGI) to be feasibly implemented. In urban contexts, the development of UGI scenarios must consider existing spatial constraints (e.g. The closer the model representation to the actual infrastructure scenario is, the more ‘representative the modelling outputs are. occurrence, magnitude, timing, and duration of flooding) can be revealed (Golden and Hoghooghi 2018). By modelling and comparing hypothetical scenarios, new insights regarding the hydrological response (e.g. Hydrological models, including simulation of UGI under different meteorological conditions can support policy-making for infrastructure development. 2015 Palla and Gnecco 2015 Versini et al. 2014, 2015 Joksimovic and Alam 2014 Sin et al. street level) around the world (Jia et al. UGI solutions are increasingly implemented at small scales (i.e. Examples of UGI are retention basins, roof greening, infiltration trenches, and permeable road surfaces (Barbosa et al.
In contrast to grey infrastructure, NbS rely on near-natural structures and processes to reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) such as Urban Green Infrastructures (UGI) are being promoted (European Commission 2015) to deal with socio-ecological issues caused by increased urbanisation. In consequence, extreme precipitation events increase the likelihood of flooding. Impermeable surfaces and hydraulically efficient drainage networks decrease the infiltration and evapotranspiration volume, increasing the amount of superficial runoff (Walsh et al.
Urbanisation impacts the urban hydrology by altering the water balance of cities (Barbosa et al. Today, 50% of the world’s population lives in urban areas and this number is expected to rise by 2050 (United Nations 2015). There is a clear trend towards urbanisation in the world. These results can guide the formation of policies that promote UGI. In particular, the permeable pavement has the highest potential for flood reducing in public space while cisterns perform best at the property level.
Calibrating in pcswmm full#
The results from this study, conducted in the metropolitan area of Costa Rica, show that upscaling the full potential for UGI could significantly reduce surface runoff, peak flows, and flood volumes. This study proposes a scenario development and modelling approach for a more realistic upscaling of UGI based on empirical insights from a representative neighbourhood. Additionally, such approaches typically do not consider the suitable space for UGI and potential implementation constraints. Modelling approaches that extrapolate their flood reducing impact to larger catchment scales are often based on a simplistic assumption of different percentages of UGI implementation. Many studies have shown the effectiveness of flood control of UGI at a plot or neighbourhood level. Decentralized Nature-based Solutions such as Urban Green Infrastructures (UGI) are increasingly promoted to reduce flooding in urban areas.