Modelling the effect of rainfall patterns on the runoff control performance of permeable pavements

Abstract

With the implementation of low impact development (LID) in urban areas, it is necessary to quantify the actual effectiveness of LID facilities. In this study, a coupled hydrology-hydrodynamic numerical model was utilized to investigate the runoff control effectiveness of permeable pavements in the city centre of Shijiazhuang, China. Two groups of designed rainfall events with the same duration but different rainfall amounts and peak rainfall intensity locations were presented, and the effectiveness of permeable pavement was demonstrated by the reduction in the total runoff volume, water depth, and inundated area. The results indicate that the rainfall amount is the main factor affecting the runoff control of permeable pavements, and their effectiveness decreases with increasing rainfall amounts and peak intensity coefficients. Moreover, permeable pavements are more effective in reducing the residential waterlogging area, and the proportion of the inundated area above a depth of 0.2 m is considerably diminished. This study reveals the response of the runoff control of permeable pavements to different rainfall patterns, which is essential for supporting the design and practical operation of permeable pavements. HIGHLIGHTS Simulation scenarios with different rainfall patterns were presented to investigate the runoff control effectiveness of permeable pavement.; A series of indicators, including runoff volume, water depth, and inundated area, were presented to illustrate the runoff control effectiveness.; The effect of the relationship between rainfall intensity and infiltration rate on runoff generation was analysed.;

Keywords

• designed rainfall
• low impact development
• numerical model
• permeable pavement
• runoff control