Green-skin permeable system for urban rainwater management

The increase of the human population, its concentration in the cities and the urban expansion is promoting the waterproofing of large areas of soil which generate important environmental impacts as: denaturation of the environment, loss of biodiversity, and the strong modification of the hydrological processes which finally increase the risks of flooding, overloading and water pollution of natural and urban water bodies

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Developed by Sistemas Urbanos Drenaje Sostenible S.L.

Cities need a new "living and permeable skins" that act as water and atmospheric filters. Permeable systems focus on the origin of the problem allowing to "plug or replace" many of the current impermeable surfaces by new ones composed by "infiltration cells" and "flat ducts" that are able to collect rainwaters and increase the filtering and recycling of urban runoff fluxes.

TRL6. Prototype system verified

Technology demonstrated in relevant environment. Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment. The different components of the SUDS’ solution have been and are being tested and demonstrated at the small scale in Spain and abroad (building roofs, parkings at surface level, railway stations). These tests have been performed in Madrid, Barcelona, Logroño and Valencia the framework of different research (FIDICA) and applied projects (LIFE CERSUDS). SUDS aims to promote the implementation of this nature-based technology concept at larger scale during the design of urban development processes in Europe and Mediterranean countries.

See more information about this level and the TRL and SRL levels.

The main components of the system have been tested separately, and an initial integration exercise has been conducted.

Credits

Collaborators

How does it work?

This SUDS’ solution combines a “soil permeable system” with a “flat conduit pavement” made with new materials. The system is able to emulate the natural hydrological cycle, capturing the rainwater as much as possible to where it falls, filtering it, and channeling the resulting subsurface drainage – through “drainage cells” or flat conduits – to suitable sites where to be stored, treated or recharged. In doing that, the system reduces the pollution of urban runoff fluxes, and the requirements of water for gardening.

Limitations/conditions under which this innovation does not work or is less effective

The effectiveness’ system is reduced during extreme cold weather events

Added value
Our solution allows to reduce the waterproofing of urban soils converting those into new “skins” able to efficiently harvest and manage rainwater, improving the urban environment, reducing the risks of flooding and wastewater generation, shortening the volumes and costs of wastewater treatment, and making a more rational and eco-friendly use of urban runoff waters.