Comparison of Observed Infiltration Rates of Different Permeable Urban Surfaces Using a Cornell Sprinkle Infiltrometer
Publication: Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 21, Issue 7
Abstract
Efforts to retrofit pervious surfaces into urban landscapes are ongoing, yet the in situ infiltration rates of such surfaces have not been adequately studied. Of increasing interest in urban stormwater management is whether the infiltration rates of different permeable surfaces can be reliably estimated based on surface type alone. To this aim, a total of 139 infiltration tests were conducted using a Cornell sprinkle infiltrometer at 39 different sites distributed within New York City and Philadelphia. The results show significant statistical differences among surfaces: urban parks and tree pits without guards have the lowest infiltration rates; vegetated courtyards, tree pits with guards, porous pavers, backyards, and bioretention facilities display moderate infiltration rates; and porous concrete has the highest infiltration rate. The infiltration rates measured for most of the sites are similar or greater than the local design storm, suggesting that minimal rainfall excess would be generated from these surfaces as long as sufficient subsurface storage space is available.
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Acknowledgments
This research was partially supported by The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Department of State, and the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. A special thanks to Meltem Celik and Bob Shindelbeck of Cornell University, The New York City Soil and Water Conservation District interns, Zachary Benedetto, and Allison Neuman. Thanks to Stephanie Miller, Charlie Stillwell, and Daniel Leal. A special thanks also to Richard Shaw from USDA-NRCS and the various property owners who allowed us to perform site testing, including the Philadelphia Water Department and the Fordham Bedford Housing Corporation.
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Published In
Journal of Hydrologic Engineering
Volume 21 • Issue 7 • July 2016
Copyright
© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 11, 2015
Accepted: Dec 29, 2015
Published online: Mar 16, 2016
Published in print: Jul 1, 2016
Discussion open until: Aug 16, 2016
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