URBRAIN
The traditional urban planning and stormwater management can no longer respond to high intensity rain events (climate change) and for sustainable development alternative green and blue solutions should be adopted.
URBRAIN consists of techniques and methods for rainwater management in the perspective of urban climate change adaptation. It provides a common approach between urban planners, civil engineers and geoscientists. So far, components of “Green Infrastructure” ("rainwater ponds", "bioswales" etc.) identified by international research projects have been studied mostly individually. There is clearly a need for a model that uses these components globally, in a system, applicable at the city scale.
Technology validated in relevant environment.
Fidelity of breadboard technology increases significantly. The basic technological components are integrated with reasonably realistic supporting elements so they can be tested in a simulated environment. Examples include “high-fidelity” laboratory integration of components.
Fidelity of breadboard technology increases significantly. The basic technological components are integrated with reasonably realistic supporting elements so they can be tested in a simulated environment. Examples include “high-fidelity” laboratory integration of components.
The innovation has been tested for the case study of Tineretului Neighbourhood - Bucharest. The objective of the test was to reduce more than 20% of runoff by using green infrastructure systems like rainwater ponds, bioswales, ditches planted with vegetation, etc. Also, the purpose of the test was mainly to identify which green infrastructure equipment can be more efficient in reducing runoff, on what type of site those equipments should be implemented and how many of these equipments are necessary to achieve the main objective.
The mathematical model simulates the flow in the sewage system and the surface drainage of rainwater. The results identify the impact of green infrastructure solutions on the sewage system and on the local development.
How does it work?
The model can consider a mix of green infrastructural solutions and new urban planning vision for collecting runoff, applicable on any urban area. It provides details on how local authorities can reduce runoff inflow in sewerage systems by using those infrastructures and on which solutions are more efficient than others depending on the specific site. The concept of the model is the efficient use of rainwater in urban areas. Rainwater harvesting, storing and local scale use is a key aspect for the model. The benefits of URBRAIN are of social, economical and environmental nature.
The model is very useful for urban planners helping them to adopt new criteria for establishing P.O.T. (the percentage of the land use) for each urban area.
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