Modeling and Sizing Bioretention Using Flow Duration Control

Abstract

Low-impact development (LID), such as bioretention, is increasingly used as a best management practice (BMP) to manage storm-water runoff. With LID becoming an integral part of storm-water management plans, it is critical to understand the hydrologic performance of these devices and their positive impacts on downstream hydrology, geomorphology, and ecology. This paper focuses on presenting a model evaluation of bioretention using calibrated and verified algorithms and describes the application of flow duration control (FDC) as a design strategy. The goal of bioretention, like many LID-based controls, is to replicate natural hydrologic processes. Storm-water controls designed to match preproject flow duration characteristics demonstrate that they come close to mimicking the natural hydrologic cycle, thereby protecting beneficial uses and promoting long-term sustainable solutions. This work presents the FDC approach for sizing bioretention and other similar flow control BMPs. This paper concludes with a sum...