Abstract

Depending on the spatial density of built cover and location within a catchment, residential areas make varying contributions to surface runoff throughout different rainfall events. This study examined these contributions and the associated effect of different surface covers and sustainable drainage systems on runoff generation. The Soil Conservation Service curve number (SCS-CN) method was applied to analyse urban development in the Hojea river catchment in southern Sweden.The results indicated that identical amounts of surface runoff are generated by low-density residential areas on heavy clay soils and high-density residential areas on sandy soils. However, increasing the density of built-up areas on sandy soils is likely to be more disruptive to the hydrological balance and to generate a greatly increasing difference in runoff as building density and impermeable surface area increase. A similar pattern is likely to occur if rainfall intensity increases. It may therefore be appropriate to apply different planning considerations to residential developments depending on the existing soil group, e.g. conserving existing vegetated surfaces on sandy soil and incorporating permeable paving materials and sub-surface infiltration beds in development on clayey soils. Increased area of impermeable surface cover will increase surface runoff in all residential areas, irrespective of building density, soil group and rainfall intensity. However, adapting a systems approach in combining vegetative structures and permeable paving materials with subsurface infiltration beds can help mitigate the impact of surface runoff, particularly in urban developments on clay-rich soils. (C) 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Flooding; Green infrastructure; SCS-CN method; Storm water management; Urban planning

Published in

Urban Forestry and Urban Greening
2014, Volume: 13, number: 2, pages: 304-314
Publisher: ELSEVIER GMBH, URBAN & FISCHER VERLAG

SLU Authors

• Deak Sjöman, Johanna

  • Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Sustainable Development Goals

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable


UKÄ Subject classification

Soil Science
Oceanography, Hydrology, Water Resources


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2013.10.007

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/67524