Difference between revisions of "Enhanced grass swales"

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Enhanced swales aim to both reduce the flow rate and retain a portion of the conveyed water. For these purposes the best x-section is that which maximizes the wetted perimeter for a given area.  
Enhanced swales aim to both reduce the flow rate and retain a portion of the conveyed water. For these purposes the best x-section is that which maximizes the wetted perimeter for a given area.  
For a given width and depth, the difference between a triangular and trapzoidal section is small. As shown in the diagrams, under low flow conditions the trapezoidal has greater wetted perimeter, and at higher flows the triangular profile does.
For a given width and depth, the difference between a triangular and trapzoidal section is small. As shown in the diagrams, under low flow conditions the trapezoidal has greater wetted perimeter, and at higher flows the triangular profile does.
===Check dams===
{{:Check dams}}


==Design==
==Design==

Revision as of 18:14, 3 October 2017

This article is about installations designed to capture and convey surface runoff along a vegetated channel, whilst also promoting infiltration.
For underground conveyance which promotes infiltration, see Exfiltration trenches.
For conveyance along planted channels, on both surface and underground, see Bioswales.

Overview[edit]

The fundamental components of an enhanced grassed swale are:

Additional components may include:

Planning considerations[edit]

Best cross sections[edit]

Both sections a)triangular and, b)trapezoidal, are constrained within ratios of 8:1 H:V
At lowest flow rates (smallest area) the trapezoidal swale (b) has the greater wetted perimeter; at higher flow rates (greater area) the triangular geometry (a)has a larger wetted perimeter for same area. Both channels modelled using ratios shown in figure above

Enhanced swales aim to both reduce the flow rate and retain a portion of the conveyed water. For these purposes the best x-section is that which maximizes the wetted perimeter for a given area. For a given width and depth, the difference between a triangular and trapzoidal section is small. As shown in the diagrams, under low flow conditions the trapezoidal has greater wetted perimeter, and at higher flows the triangular profile does.

Design[edit]

All swales should be designed to meet the following criteria:

  • Minimum residence time of 5 minutes.
  • Maximum flow velocity 0.3 m/s
  • Bottom width between 0.6 - 2.4 m
  • Minimum length 30 m



Adding check dams[edit]

To calculate the spacing and sizing of check dams, see Check dams: Sizing



Maximum depth of flow

  • 50% height of grass for regularly mown swales, to maximum of 75 mm.
  • 33% height of vegetation for infrequently mown swales.

Modeling

TTT.png

Swale element in TTT menu
Weir elements may be incorporated as check dams for detailed design

It is recommended that grass and enhanced grass swales be modelled using the 'Swale' element in the TTT. A 'swale' has to connect two existing elements within the TTT Bioswales or dry swales, which have amended filter media, should be modelled as bioretention cells. The alternative is to use the 'enhanced swale' within the LID toolbox, but this incorporates fewer design parameters (and doesn't account for infiltration).

A 'swale' as a conveyance element in the TTT (key parameters)
General Info
Upstream Node Name of node on the inlet end of the swale (higher elevation)
Downstream Node Name of node on the outlet end of the swale (lower elevation)
Manning's Roughness Lower numbers indicate less surface obstruction and result in faster flow.

Suggested range for mown grass (dependent on density) 0.03 – 0.06 [1]

Upstream Invert (m) Depth of swale invert above node invert at inlet end of the swale
Downstream Invert (m) Depth or elevation of the swale invert above the node invert at the outlet end of the swale
Cross section
Maximum Depth (m) Depth of the swale
Bottom Width (m) Bottom width of the trapezoidal swale
For a triangular channel, enter 0
Left Side Slope (m/m) Left side slope (run/rise). Suggested value of 3 or 4 if design permits.
Right Side Slope (m/m) Right side slope (run/rise). Suggested value of 3 or 4 if design permits.
Seepage (mm/hour) Infiltration rate of native (or amended) soil
Parameters for 'enhanced swales' in the LID toolbox of the TTT
Surface
Berm height (mm) This is the height of the curb which constrains the overland sheet flow of water. Where the bottom of the slope discharges directly into another LID facility without impedance, the value is 0.
Surface roughness (Manning’s n) Lower numbers indicate less surface obstruction and result in faster flow.

Suggested range for mown grass (dependent on density) 0.03 – 0.06 [1]

Surface slope (%) If the slope > 3%, use Check dams to create temporary ponding, increase infiltration, and slow flow to reduce erosion.
Swale side slopes (run/rise) Suggested value of 3 or 4 if design permits.

Materials

Turf: List

  1. 1.0 1.1 Oregon State Univ., Corvallis. Dept. of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering.; Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati ONRMRL. Storm Water Management Model Reference Manual Volume I Hydrology (Revised). 2016:233.https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPURL.cgi?Dockey=P100NYRA.txt Accessed August 23, 2017.