Evaluacion del Impacto de un Techo Verde sobre la Escorrentia Urbana Usando un Modelo a Escala

The present research work shows an experimental and exploratory study of a scaled green roof model. The purpose of this study was to estimate the parameters for runoff reduction in tropical areas and its corresponding application in sustainable urban drainage systems, such as green roofs in residential buildings. The study was based on the construction of two physical models of one (1) m2 each, which after their preparation were subjected to different rainfall events defined for three return periods (5, 10 and 25 years), three roof slopes (5%, 10% and 12%) and an antecedent humidity condition at field capacity. To recreate the rainfall intensity, a simulator was built using a pumping and sprinkler system. Roof outlets were used for volume measurements, located on each side of the roof. Peak flow rates for each model and runoff hydrographs were calculated and it was shown that through the use of these green roofs a reduction in peak flow rates of 16% is possible, even when the soil matrix is saturated.