Lessons Learned From Developing A Master Stormwater Model
To understand how a stormwater drainage system functions, calculations and analysis must be performed. This analysis and calculations can be performed via a large number of methodologies. Over the last 7 years, using PCSWMM, the City of Virginia Beach has developed a SWMM model of its Primary Stormwater Management System (PSMS).
Each portion of developing the master model has challenges, and multiple lessons have been learned during the process. Lessons learned include:
- Data collection – you need to know what you have in the way of infrastructure;
- Validation and Calibration – once you’ve created the model, how do you make sure it is correct;
- Overflows – runoff knows no boundaries and you must confirm appropriate pathways are provided to handle the flows; and,
- Use of the Model – what is the most efficient way for designers to use the models.
Author Bio
Charles J. (C.J.) Bodnar, P.E. is a registered Virginia Professional Engineer and is the Stormwater Technical Services Program Manager for the City of Virginia Beach, Department of Public Works Stormwater Engineering Center. He graduated in 1990 from the Virginia Military Institute with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. C.J. worked as a land development consultant for over 20 years prior to joining the City of Virginia Beach in 2015.
