TECHNICAL PAPERS
Feb 1, 1989

Selection of Stormwater Model Parameters

Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 115, Issue 1

Abstract

Stormwater models, which are used extensively for stormwater drainage design and management, require calibration. The parameters usually estimated by calibration include infiltration and roughness. Parameters that can be determined by measurement include catchment area, slope, and length of flow path. The dependency of parameter values on the level of model discretization was investigated. Experiments were performed on a small urban catchment, and results of different levels of discretization were compared to observed hydrograph volume and peak runoff. The only factor found to require adjustment based on the level of discretization and the size of subcatchment was the overland flow time. Small‐scale discretization required a longer flow path or a higher Manning roughness coefficient than coarse discretization to predict lag times correctly.

Get full access to this article

View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.

References

1.
Alley, W. A., Dawdy, D. R., and Schaake, J. C. (1980). “Parametric‐deterministic urban watershed model.” J. Hydraulic Div., ASCE, 106(5), 679–690.
2.
Cousens, W. W. H., and Burney, J. R. (1976). “Small catchment flood modelling.” Water S.A., 2(4).
3.
Diskin, M. H., and Simpson, E. S. (1978). “A quasi linear spatially distributed cell model for the surface runoff system.” Water Res. Bull., 14(4), 903–918.
4.
Green, I. R. A. (1984). “WITWAT Stormwater drainage program.” Report 2/1984, Water Systems Res. Programme, Univ. of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
5.
Green, W. H., and Ampt, G. H. (1911). “Studies of soil physics, 1, the flow of air and water through soils.” J. Agr. Sci., 4(1), 1–24.
6.
Hughes, D. A., and Beaten, A. N. (1987). “An assessment of isolated flood event conceptual models in different climates and physiographic areas.” Report 138/1/87, Water Research Commission, Pretoria, South Africa.
7.
Horton, R. E. (1933). “The role of infiltration in the hydrological cycle.” Trans. Amer. Geophys. Union. Hydrol. Papers, 446–460.
8.
James, W., and Robinson, M. A. (1981). “Standard terms of reference to ensure satisfactory computer‐based urban drainage design studies.” Canadian J. Civil Engrg., 8(3), 294–303.
9.
Kerst, E. (1987). “The effect of catchment discretization on stormwater model parameters.” MSc (Eng) Report, Univ. of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
10.
Lane, L. J., and Woolhiser, D. A. (1977). “Simplifications of Watershed geometry affecting simulation of surface runoff.” J. Hydrol., 35, 173–196.
11.
Overton, D., and Meadows, M. F. (1976). Stormwater modelling. Academic Press.
12.
Pilgrim, D. H. (1975). “Model evaluation, testing and parameter estimation in hydrology.” Natl. Symp. on Hydrology, Australian Acad. of Sci.
13.
Stephenson, D., and Meadows, M. E. (1986). Kinematic hydrology and modelling. Elsevier, Amsterdam.
14.
Wisner, P. E. (1980). OTTHYMO. A planning model for master drainage plans in urban areas. University of Ottawa.
15.
Zaghoul, N. A. (1981). “SWMM model and level of discretization.” J. Hydr. Engrg., ASCE, 107(11), 1535–1545.

Information & Authors

Information

Published In

Go to Journal of Environmental Engineering
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 115Issue 1February 1989
Pages: 210 - 220

History

Published online: Feb 1, 1989
Published in print: Feb 1989

Permissions

Request permissions for this article.

Authors

Affiliations

D. Stephenson, Member, ASCE
Prof. of Hydr. Engrg., Univ. of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2050, South Africa

Metrics & Citations

Metrics

Citations

Download citation

If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.

Cited by

View Options

Get Access

Access content

Please select your options to get access

Log in/Register Log in via your institution (Shibboleth)
ASCE Members: Please log in to see member pricing

Purchase

Save for later Information on ASCE Library Cards
ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.

Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
ASCE Library Card (5 downloads)
$105.00
Add to cart
ASCE Library Card (20 downloads)
$280.00
Add to cart
Buy Single Article
$35.00
Add to cart

Get Access

Access content

Please select your options to get access

Log in/Register Log in via your institution (Shibboleth)
ASCE Members: Please log in to see member pricing

Purchase

Save for later Information on ASCE Library Cards
ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.

Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
ASCE Library Card (5 downloads)
$105.00
Add to cart
ASCE Library Card (20 downloads)
$280.00
Add to cart
Buy Single Article
$35.00
Add to cart

Media

Figures

Other

Tables

Share

Share

Copy the content Link

Share with email

Email a colleague

Share