Sustainability Applications for Storm Drainage Systems Minimizing Adverse Impacts of Global Climate Change

Abstract

Storm drainage systems should provide effective means of removing excessive rain water from urban areas. The majority of existing storm drainage systems have been constructed without considering global climate change and its new precipitation trends. New or existing storm drainage systems should be designed and upgraded to effectively regulate stormwater without increasing risks to public safety or causing social and economic damage. Furthermore, most existing storm drainage systems need proper asset management, higher hydraulic capacity to capture more stormwater, adequate storage capability to manage flow, and overflow control. The majority of urban storm drainage systems consist of in-line drainage pipelines and off-line storage facilities for temporary flow control. An off-line tunnel storage system is one of the best applicable options to mitigate urban flood risk without significant upgrading or adding new in-line storm drainage pipelines and storage. The tunnel boring machine (TBM) has been selected for most stormwater storage tunnel construction methods. Other trenchless technologies using various repair, rehabilitation, and replacement methods can also be used as sustainable construction methods for storm pipelines. This paper suggests various sustainable applications. The authors also propose a strategic implementation plan for new sustainable trenchless technology including TBM and low-impact design (LID) applications to mitigate urban flooding risks.