Estimation of runoff depths on paved areas

Abstract

A study was carried out to produce design guidance on maximum water depths and runoff rates from impervious pavements. The guidance improves on current design practice by taking into account parameters such as the pavement surface characteristics and geometry, critical storm duration and geographical location of the catchment. This paper describes the site monitoring programme for data collection that led to the development of roughness equations for various types of pavement surface. The field measurements were also used to validate a rainfall-runoff numerical model based on kinematic wave theory that was also produced as part of this study and which allowed the development of general design guidance.