Adaptation of SuDS Modelling Complexity to End-Use Application

Abstract

Sustainable urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) have gained popularity over the last two decades as an effective and optimal solution to continuous population growth and urban creep. SuDS do not only provide resilience towards pluvial flooding but they also provide multiple benefits ranging from amenity improvement to ecological and social well-being amelioration. To understand these complex interactions SuDS modelling is the tool to inform decision makers. Major developments in SuDS modelling techniques have been observed in the last decade, from simple lumped or conceptual models to very complex models. Several software packages have been developed to aid planning and implementation of SuDS. These often require extensive amount of data and calibration to reach acceptable level of accuracy. However, in many cases simple models may fulfill the aims of a particular stakeholder. Thus, it is very important to understand stakeholders’ priorities and aims and optimize the selection of modelling techniques according to the end-use application.