Analytical Probabilistic Model for Evaluating the Hydrologic Performance of Green Roofs
Publication: Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 18, Issue 1
Abstract
An easy-to-use and physically based analytical probabilistic model is developed to evaluate the long-term average hydrologic performance of green roofs. The probabilistic models of local rainfall characteristics are introduced first, the hydrologic and hydraulic processes occurring on and inside a green roof system are then described mathematically, and the closed-form mathematical expressions depicting the storm-water management performance of a green roof system are finally obtained using the derived probability distribution theory. Simplifying assumptions are made to mathematically describe the hydrologic and hydraulic processes. The validity of these assumptions and the overall probabilistic approach is demonstrated by comparing its outcomes with results from a series of continuous simulations using long-term rainfall data from Detroit, Michigan and observations from a real case study in Portland, Oregon.
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and the China Scholarship Council.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 18 • Issue 1 • January 2013
Pages: 19 - 28
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 1, 2011
Accepted: Jan 13, 2012
Published online: Jan 16, 2012
Published in print: Jan 1, 2013
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