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This paper discusses numerical modelling approaches for three different types of measures commonly used in the Netherlands: green roofs, swale filter drainage systems (swales), and infiltration-transport drainage systems (IT-drains). A combination of physically based and empirical formulae as well as urban hydrologic and hydraulic modelling software was used to assess the effectiveness of the measures.

The analysis has shown that these systems are promising, especially at the scale of the individual measures (a single IT-drain pipe, swale or green roof). Due to non-linearity issues, the up-scaling of such measures to city and neighbourhood levels remained a challenge, thus further research is required. The modelling concepts for green roofs and swales were applied in a synthetic case study to illustrate the possible effects of SUDS on the reduction of inundation volumes in urban areas. The case study consisted of an imaginary urban area with properties resembling average urban areas in the Netherlands.

These storm water infiltration systems have been developed to reduce flooding risk or to increase groundwater recharge. As a consequence, software modelling for urban drainage systems enabled water authorities and municipalities to assess the impact of sustainable urban drainage measures ‘SUDS’ on local flood hazards.  

Vergroesen, T., Verschelling, E. and Becker, B. (2014). MODELLING OF SUSTAINABLE URBAN DRAINAGE MEASURES. Revista de Ingeniería Innova, [online] 8, pp.pp. 1 - 16. Available at:

Link

[Accessed 12 Feb. 2018].

This paper studies the control of seawater intrusion using numerical modelling. A coupled transient density-dependent finite element model was used for modelling seawater intrusion. Also, a new cost-effective method for effectively controlling seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers was presented. This methodology (ADR -Abstraction, Desalination and Recharge) involves abstracting saline water and subsequently desalinating it. This desalinated water is then used for domestic consumption while any excess desalinated water is recharged to the aquifer.

The numerical model was integrated with a genetic algorithm (GA) to simulate different scenarios to control seawater intrusion. The effects that different combinations of abstraction, desalination and recharge have on seawater intrusion were also simulated.

The main objectives of the model were to minimise:

- the total capital and operational costs of the abstraction and recharge wells and

- the salt concentrations in the aquifer.

The results showed that the proposed ADR system performs significantly better than using abstraction or recharge wells alone, as it is the least costly and results in lower salt concentrations in aquifers. From the study, it was found that the cost of the ADR system is about 50% of the abstraction only scenario and 25% of the recharge scenario. This is because the water needed for recharge is provided primarily from the treatment of abstracted saline water. Moreover, excess treated water can be directly used for other purposes. The other aspect of the system’s efficiency is about minimising the total concentration of salinity in the aquifer as it has reduced the total concentration in the system by 15%. This is due to the system’s capability of moving the aquifer transition zone further to the coast.

Numerical modelling and control of seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers. (2013). In: 18th International Conference on Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering. [online] Available at:

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/db85/1041116c39b47a614b8036af9c553118d13b.pdf [Accessed 1 Feb. 2018].