Laboratory analysis of the outflow and detention processes from modular tray-based blue roofs

ABSTRACT

Novel laboratory experiments were carried out to investigate the outflow process and the detention effects of a tray module of a blue roof (BR) system designed for runoff control from building roofs. The experiments revealed the outflow from the tray to decline during time, due to a number of complex dynamics occurring in proximity of the outlet orifice. The tests also showed the system to provide potential for relevant attenuation of the flow peak during inflow events (i.e. precipitation) of different magnitude. Based on regression analysis, an empirical relationship was developed for the evaluation of the tray outflow as a function of time, thus providing a tool for improved design of BRs. Finally, combination of the identified relationship with a routine for the water balance simulation of the tray was shown to describe reliably the detention process in the BR tray module.

KEYWORDS:

• Blue roofs
• rooftop systems
• runoff detention
• runoff peak attenuation
• SUDS

Acknowledgements

This work has been [partially] funded by the University of Catania within the project ‘Piano della Ricerca Dipartimentale 2016–2018’, Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.