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Updated: Mar 30, 2026
10:35
A Protocol for Conducting Rainfall Simulation to Study Soil Runoff
Published on: April 3, 2014
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An event-based hydrologic simulation model for bioretention systems
A Roy-Poirier1, Y Filion2, P Champagne2
1School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JL, UK.
Summary
This study introduces the bioretention hydrologic model (BHM) to simulate stormwater runoff. The model accurately predicts bioretention system performance, highlighting soil water storage and exfiltration as key processes.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Hydrology
- Water Resource Management
Background:
- Bioretention systems effectively manage stormwater volume and quality.
- Accurate hydrologic modeling is crucial for optimizing bioretention performance.
- Existing models require adaptation for enhanced pollutant transport integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce the bioretention hydrologic model (BHM).
- Simulate the hydrologic response of bioretention systems during storm events.
- Improve accuracy and integrate pollutant transport models.
Main Methods:
- Developed a one-dimensional model (BHM) based on the RECARGA model.
- Incorporated four completely-mixed layers, accounting for evapotranspiration, overflow, exfiltration, and underdrain discharge.
- Calibrated model parameters using an optimization algorithm against field data from 10 storm events.
Main Results:
- BHM accurately simulated hydrologic responses, with flows sensitive to antecedent moisture and soil drainage parameters.
- Temporal disparities in flow were observed, attributed to preferential flow paths in field systems.
- Soil water storage was identified as the primary short-term hydrologic process.
Conclusions:
- Bioretention hydrologic model (BHM) provides a valuable tool for simulating bioretention system performance.
- Exfiltration is a significant process in permeable native soils.
- Further research may refine models to account for preferential flow paths for enhanced accuracy.
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