Revision of rainfall intensity data in Spain for the sizing of sanitation networks and pumping equipment

Abstract

Today, rainfall intensity represents, in countries like Spain, an important factor of uncertainty with an impact on different areas of the habitat, including the built environment. The regulations have been using maps of isohyet curves drawn from precipitation accumulation data at meteorological stations. Different factors, among which climate change seems to be found, have, in recent years, produced data that invites some concern. We face, on the one hand, long periods of drought and, on the other, maximum values that exceed those expected. This work analyzes the data from the Spanish Meteorological Agency to date, quantifies the rainfall values for different return periods and compares them with those required in section HS-5 of the Technical Building Code. It also establishes a calculation method for rainwater pumping systems.