The use of CFD modelling to optimise measurement of overflow rates in a downstream-controlled dual-overflow structure.

The measurement of the flow through complex combined sewer overflow structures in the frame of automated monitoring remains difficult. In this paper, a methodology based on the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling in order to improve the instrumentation of a downstream-controlled dual-overflow structure is presented. The dual-overflow structure is composed of two combined sewer overflows (CSOs) connected by a rectangular channel and controlled by a downstream gate located at the entry of the Meyzieu waste water treatment plant (close to Lyon, France). The analysis of the CFD results provides: (i) a better understanding of the interaction between the two CSOs--that means the hydraulic operation, the hydrodynamic behaviour, the backflow effect--and (ii) an ability to optimise the location of the water depth sensor. The measured water depth is used to assess the overflow rate by means of a numerical relationship. Uncertainties are also assessed.

Sewer system flow components identification using signal processing.

The development of a continuous model to simulate the behaviour of sewer systems requires detailed information on each component of the flows contributing to the global discharge. In this paper authors investigate a novel method based on signal processing and long time series data implemented with a 2 min time step (flow rate, conductivity, pH and turbidity) in order to identify the dry weather components in a separated stormwater sewer system draining an industrial catchment. The wavelet analysis is applied to the recorded data to identify main components in dry weather flow after the removing of the signal noise. This paper highlights also a method to detect inflow into sewer system and shows how hydrological modelling can be used to characterise the relevant components. These techniques could be used as a basis for several applications.

Urban flooding: one-dimensional modelling of the distribution of the discharges through cross-road intersections accounting for energy losses.

Many investigations have been carried out in order to develop models which allow the understanding of complex physical processes involved in urban flooding. The modelling of the interactions between overland flows on streets and flooding flows from rivers and sewer networks is one of the main objectives of recent and current research programs in hydraulics and urban hydrology. However, the modelling of the discharge distribution in the street network with crossroad needs further research due to the complexity of the flow through junctions. This paper outlines the ability of the improved one-dimensional CANOE software to simulate the street flows through the virtual network (developed under the Hy(2)Ville French National project framework) with several cross-roads. The improvements are done by adding in CANOE the energy losses coefficients deriving from the calibration phase based on the experimental study of the flow through small scale physical model of cross-road channels. Comparisons between 1D and 2D simulated distribution of discharges through the virtual network show a good agreement for the global distribution. However, large differences are observed focusing on the individual cross-road intersections in the virtual network.

One-dimensional modelling of the interactions between heavy rainfall-runoff in an urban area and flooding flows from sewer networks and rivers.

Many investigations have been carried out in order to develop models which allow the linking of complex physical processes involved in urban flooding. The modelling of the interactions between overland flows on streets and flooding flows from rivers and sewer networks is one of the main objectives of recent and current research programs in hydraulics and urban hydrology. This paper outlines the original one-dimensional linking of heavy rainfall-runoff in urban areas and flooding flows from rivers and sewer networks under the RIVES project framework (Estimation of Scenario and Risks of Urban Floods). The first part of the paper highlights the capacity of Canoe software to simulate the street flows. In the second part, we show the original method of connection which enables the modelling of interactions between processes in urban flooding. Comparisons between simulated results and the results of Despotovic et al. or Gomez & Mur show a good agreement for the calibrated one-dimensional connection model. The connection operates likes a manhole with the orifice/weir coefficients used as calibration parameters. The influence of flooding flows from river was taken into account as a variable water depth boundary condition.

Flooding flows in city crossroads: experiments and 1-D modelling.

This study focuses on the discharge distribution in an intersection of four channels, similar to a city crossroad. The channels and the intersection are all horizontal. Flow enters through two of the channels, and leaves through the other two. The flow is subcritical everywhere, and flow depths are controlled by vertical weirs at the exits of the outlet channels. The main variables that are measured are the flow rates in the four channels. When the weir heights in the outlet channels are the same, the ratio of flow rates in the outlet channels depends only on the ratio of flow rates in the inlet channels; if the outlet conditions are different, other parameters, such as the total flow rate also become important. The flow has also been simulated numerically using a solution of the 1-D Saint Venant equations, with a simple model to predict flow distribution in the intersection. A comparison with the experimental data shows that this model works well for the limited range of experimental conditions studied here. However, further work is needed on a wider range of conditions, closer to real conditions, before the model can be considered valid for practical applications.

Assessment of uncertainties in the modelling of CSOs.

Engineers generally use simulation tools such as SWMM, MOUSE, HYDROWORKS, etc. to simulate the operation of sewer systems. Equations used by these models to represent the hydraulics of sewer systems are well known as well as their performance. Thus assessment of the performance needs to suppose that the user is an expert who is able to describe each facility in the most accurate way according to the model. In Western Europe, important parts of sewer systems are old and combined structures. Such structures very often include very complicated special structures, especially within CSO facilities. Experience shows that the performance limits of the models do not rely on the accuracy of the equations, but on the ability of the modeller to describe these special structures properly. The objective of this research is to assess the part of errors and uncertainties which originate from modellers' inconsistencies in the description of special structures. Even if the results are obtained with specific software (CANOE), results can easily be generalised to other models, since the equations used (Barré de Saint Venant, etc.) are almost the same.

International report: Stormwater management.

An international survey of urban stormwater management (SWM) practice was conducted for IWA and produced contributions from 18 countries. The survey information was further expanded by a review of recent literature and summarised in this international report on SWM. The main findings of the survey include clear indications of a widespread interest in stormwater management and of the acceptance of a holistic approach to SWM promoting sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS). Specific implications of this philosophy include emphasis on source controls in SWM, transition from traditional "hard" infrastructures (drain pipes) to green infrastructures, needs for infrastructure maintenance and rehabilitation, formation of stormwater agencies (within larger integrated water agencies) with participation of both public and private sectors, and sustainable funding through drainage fees rather than general taxes. Further progress in this field requires targeted research and development, knowledge sharing, and above all, a high level of public participation in planning, implementing and operating stormwater management systems.

The purification performance of infiltration basins fitted with pretreatment facilities: a case study.

In the south-east of France, the evacuation of stormwater by infiltration into the ground is being developed for large aquifer systems such as the ground water in the Rhône valley and in the eastern part of Lyons. A study proposal has been presented to the water management department of the conurbation of Lyons, aimed at quantifying, within a reasonably short space of time, the effects, in terms of transport of pollutants, of the stormwater infiltration system in the underground water in eastern Lyons. To this end, a one year duration experiment was carried out on the Vénissieux infiltration basin which drains stormwater from a 380 hectares industrial catchment area. Its peculiar configuration also made it possible to acquire new knowledge on the qualitative operation of a few pretreatment facilities. After describing the operation of the basin and the experimental protocol, we shall present a body of data that we monitored and our conclusions about the behaviour of the pollution throughout the facilities. Then, we present methods used to assess the pollution removal performance of the infiltration basin and its pretreatment devices, the results obtained, and our conclusions about the impact of the infiltration basin on groundwater and soil.

Urban drainage redefined: from stormwater removal to integrated management.

Even though urban drainage has been practised for more than 5000 years, many challenges arising from growing demands on drainage still remain with respect to runoff quantity and quality; landscape aesthetics, ecology and beneficial uses; and operation of existing urban wastewater systems. Further advances can be achieved by adopting an integrated approach, optimal operation of the existing infrastructure, advanced pollution and runoff source controls, improved resilience of receiving waters, and adaptive water management. The specific research needs include new technologies and strategies for stormwater management, advanced treatment of urban wet-weather effluents, and tools for analysis and operation of drainage systems. High diversity of demands on, and region/site specific conditions of, urban drainage shapes the role of urban drainage experts--as mediators among the many stakeholders and fields involved.