Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026

A Protocol for Conducting Rainfall Simulation to Study Soil Runoff
Published on: April 3, 2014
Comparison of short-term rainfall forecasts for model-based flow prediction in urban drainage systems
Søren Thorndahl1, Troels Sander Poulsen, Thomas Bøvith
1Aalborg University, Department of Civil Engineering, Sohngaardsholmsvej 57, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark. st@civil.aau.dk
Abstract:
Forecast-based flow prediction in drainage systems can be used to implement real-time control of drainage systems. This study compares two different types of rainfall forecast - a radar rainfall extrapolation-based nowcast model and a numerical weather prediction model. The models are applied as input to an urban runoff model predicting the inlet flow to a waste water treatment plant. The modelled flows are auto-calibrated against real-time flow observations in order to certify the best possible forecast. Results show that it is possible to forecast flows with a lead time of 24 h. The best performance of the system is found using the radar nowcast for the short lead times and the weather model for larger lead times.
Related Concept Videos
Typical Model Studies
Rapidly Varying Flow
Design Example: Creating a Hydraulic Model of a Dam Spillway
Modeling and Similitude
Gradually Varying Flow
Design Example: Designing a Residential Plumbing System

