Thesis
Application of a simplified analysis method for natural dispersion of highway stormwater runoff
Washington State University
Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
2005
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/354
Abstract
Stormwater quantity control has long been a challenge for highway designers. Traditionally centralized BMP (best management practice) designs are often cost prohibitive and inefficient in many rural highway applications. The use of existing vegetated rights of way as a method of treating stormwater, a component of the broader stormwater treatment concept more generally referred to as “low impact development” (LID), has become a primary focus of the Washington State Department of Transportation. In order to adequately design and utilize such stormwater management controls, however, further research and correlation between numerical infiltration/runoff models and field experiments were needed. This paper focuses on evaluating natural dispersion performance by utilizing simulated rainfall/runoff data collected using a field-scale rainfall simulator coupled with a numerical model to study the effects of slope length, angle, and impervious contributory area on natural dispersion applications. A simplified equation was established to analyze natural dispersion performance based on multiple variables; this method is not used in the formulation of existing stormwater regulatory guidelines. The research and resulting evaluation procedure indicate that current regulatory guidance for the use of natural dispersion as a stormwater quantity control strategy is not physically accurate.
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Details
- Title
- Application of a simplified analysis method for natural dispersion of highway stormwater runoff
- Creators
- Mitchell Steven Reister
- Contributors
- David Yonge (Degree Supervisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Department of
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; [Pullman, Washington] :
- Identifiers
- 99900525376001842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis