Curb-Cut Inlet Design Analysis & A Move Towards Dynamic Maintenance

Bridget M. Wadzuk, PhD

Villanova University

ABSTRACT:

A field survey of more than 140 curb-cut inlet openings to Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) in Philadelphia, PA, found most of the curb openings to be within the range of 4 to 30 inches long. Published technical literature on sizing curb openings, such as the design equations from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are based on experiments using curb openings 5 feet and longer. This study uses a laboratory study and Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models to quantify curb-cut capture efficiency and compare the observations to standard design equations. The outcome of this study will provide an understanding of the limitations of published technical literature on the sizing of curb openings and provide a guide for the sizing and design of small curb openings in urban areas.

In addition to the design of curb-cut inlet openings, the maintenance of these features can impact their ability to transfer water into a GSI system. As GSI implementation becomes more widespread, attention is turning towards maintenance. Maintenance cycles to maintain flow pathways and infiltration capabilities can be based upon seasons, vegetation cycles, land use, and secondary maintenance (e.g., local neighborhood street sweeping and development districts). Solutions to maintenance issues have a direct cost and resource benefit. To ensure that GSI is functioning efficiently over time and according to design standards and remains aesthetically pleasing, dynamic and cost-effective maintenance procedures are required. A data-driven framework is recommended to identify the maintenance needs in GSI based on the spatial monitoring data and to anticipate them according to the dynamics of hydrologic and vegetation processes. A literature review/peer city study was conducted to identify the leading edge GSI maintenance programs, technology, and mechanisms in US cities and to inform potential means to integrate risk analysis into the maintenance framework to evaluate how spatio-temporally data-driven maintenance activities can be used to reduce the risk of GSI failure while minimizing the cost.

SPEAKER BIO: 

Bridget Wadzuk is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Villanova University and works with the Villanova Urban Stormwater Partnership and the Villanova Center for Resilient Water Systems. Dr. Wadzuk teaches courses and researches in the area of water resources. She has over 15 years of experience specializing in stormwater management, with research on designing, implementing, monitoring, analyzing, and modeling various green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) systems, including constructed wetlands, bioretention, green roofs, and infiltration trenches. Her focus within these systems has been to develop an understanding of the hydrologic and hydraulic processes within GSI and manipulate them to optimize design and performance. Dr. Wadzuk is also engaged in community outreach and education on stormwater issues, including elementary and high school students as well as the broader stormwater community.

Engineers:

This seminar does qualify for 1.0 Professional Development Hour (PDH). A Certificate of Attendance will be available on site for AWRA-PMAS members only. The meeting price for non-members who wish to receive a Certificate of Attendance for the PDH is $10.00 ($3.00 for meeting + $7.00 for certificate). 

Please note: Presentation is to be given through Zoom at the link below. PDH's will be issued through PDFs.

Presentation at: https://villanova.zoom.us/j/304953720

Thank you!