Sensitivity Analysis of Bioretention Cells for Stormwater Management: A Study in Secondary Cities of India

Abstract

The present study conducts a comprehensive sensitivity analysis of bioretention cells, a green stormwater management infrastructure, in the context of urban stormwater systems in secondary cities of India (Bhopal and Kozhikode). The research aims to enhance our understanding of the performance and effectiveness of bioretention cells in mitigating the impacts of urbanization on stormwater runoff. Utilizing the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM), the study employs a systematic approach to assess the sensitivity of bioretention cells to various design and environmental parameters. The initial screening of diverse design parameters is performed using the one-factor-at-a-time (OAT) sensitivity analysis method. Subsequently, pivotal parameters, namely, conductivity, berm height, vegetation volume, suction head, porosity, wilting point, and soil thickness, are identified for further sensitivity analysis. Around 500 randomly and uniformly distributed samples for each sensitive design parameter are simulated using a Python wrapper for the Storm Water Management Model (PySWMM). These simulations are conducted under varying design storm scenarios. This research contributes valuable insights into the optimal design and configuration of bioretention cells tailored to the specific challenges posed by stormwater in secondary cities of India. By systematically analyzing the sensitivity of these green infrastructure elements, the study aims to inform urban planners, engineers, and policymakers about effective stormwater management strategies.