Optimization of a storm drainage network using the storm water management model software in different scenarios

Abstract

The research developed was based on the design and optimization of a storm drainage network, with the objective of finding solutions to possible flooding events. For this purpose, three study areas of different topographic conditions were defined in the city of San Jose de Cucuta, Colombia, with an extension of 16.82 ha (high slope zone), 12.85 ha (medium slope zone) and 12. 10 ha (low slope zone); subsequently, a storm drainage network was designed for each of the study areas based on the current specifications of Colombian standards; the storm drainage network was modeled using the storm water management model software of the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States of America, a cost-benefit comparison was developed for the two alternatives. At the conclusion of the investigation, it was found that by elaborating the cost structure for the different conditions from both the initial and optimized designs, a savings of 17.8% was obtained in the high slope, 22.4% in the medium slope and 24.6% in the low slope, mainly in activities such as excavation and pipe diameters.