Model for Designing Infiltration Basins in Tropical and Subtropical Climates with a Focus on Unpaved Roads

Abstract

AbstractControlling runoff from impervious surfaces such as roadways is an important part of storm water management in both urban and rural societies. Infiltration basins are one type of structure used to control storm water runoff. Design of these structures often involves using a single design storm and the assumption that the basin is initially dry. However, in tropical and subtropical climates where rainfall occurs frequently, the assumption of a dry basin is invalid. The objective of this study was to develop a new infiltration basin model that includes the effects of closely spaced storms on basin size. The model was used to design an infiltration basin for a section of unpaved road in Joao Pinheiro, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The performance of the model was evaluated with respect to infiltration rate, storm return period, and basin dimension parameters. Results showed that the infiltration rate was the most important input variable affecting basin size and that small but closely spaced storm events mor...