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Urban Drainage Systems

Urban drainage systems and technologies encompass a variety of approaches to manage and control stormwater runoff in urban areas.

Here is a list of some standard urban drainage systems and technologies:

  1. Stormwater Drains: Traditional underground pipes designed to collect and convey stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces to appropriate discharge points.
  2. Permeable Pavements: Pavement materials that allow water to pass through, reducing surface runoff and promoting infiltration into the ground.
  3. Green Roofs: Vegetated roof systems that absorb and slow down rainfall, reducing the volume and velocity of stormwater runoff.
  4. Rain Gardens: Landscaped depressions designed to capture and treat stormwater, promoting infiltration and reducing runoff.
  5. Bioretention Basins: Engineered basins that use vegetation and soil to capture and treat stormwater runoff before releasing it into the drainage system.
  6. Swales: Vegetated channels or ditches designed to convey and treat stormwater runoff, promoting filtration and infiltration.
  7. Detention Basins: Temporary storage areas for stormwater runoff are designed to control the flow rate and gradually release water.
  8. Retention Ponds: Permanent water bodies designed to retain stormwater runoff, providing water storage and promoting natural treatment.
  9. Infiltration Trenches: Underground trenches filled with absorbent material that promote stormwater infiltration into the ground.
  10. Cisterns and Rain Barrels: Containers that capture and store rainwater for later use, reducing rooftop runoff.
  11. Artificial Wetlands: Constructed wetlands that mimic natural wetland functions provide stormwater treatment and habitat enhancement.
  12. Smart Drainage Systems: Sensor-based systems that monitor and control drainage infrastructure, optimizing water flow and reducing the risk of flooding.
  13. LID (Low Impact Development): A holistic approach that integrates various sustainable design techniques to minimize the environmental impact of urban development on stormwater runoff.
  14. Sump Pump Systems: Mechanical systems designed to pump excess water from building basements or lower-lying areas to prevent flooding.
  15. Subsurface Infiltration Systems: Below-ground structures designed to store and infiltrate stormwater, often using chambers or perforated pipes.
  16. Channelization: Modification of natural or artificial channels to control and direct the flow of stormwater runoff.
  17. Water Quality Units: Filtration or treatment systems integrated into the drainage network to improve the quality of stormwater runoff.
  18. Check Dams: Small dams or barriers placed in channels to slow down water flow, reducing erosion and promoting sediment deposition.
  19. Innovative Permeable Surfaces: Advanced permeable materials for pavements and surfaces that allow stormwater to infiltrate and reduce runoff.
  20. Innovative Pipe Systems: Smart pipes with sensors and control mechanisms to manage stormwater flow and optimize drainage networks.
  21. …

These systems and technologies are often combined to create comprehensive and sustainable urban drainage solutions, considering each metropolitan area's specific characteristics and challenges.

References

Altobelli, M.; Cipolla, S.S.; Maglionico, M. Combined Application of Real-Time Control and Green Technologies to Urban Drainage Systems. Water 2020, 12, 3432. https://doi.org/10.3390/w12123432