Hydrological Modelling of a Road-Side Vegetated Filter Strip: Validation of a Coupled 2D Subsurface Flow and 1D Overland Flow Model

Abstract

Vegetated filter strips (VFS) are commonly employed as a best management practice to treat road runoff. In order to understand the long-term hydrologic behaviour of a road-side VFS, a coupled HYDRUS 2-D subsurface and 1D overland flow model was used. This model was validated over an 8 months period based on five soil moisture sensors readings. Results show good agreement between simulations and measurements for some sensors. Conversely, a discrepancy was identified for other sensors at particular periods. This outcome leads to a better understanding of the actual hydrological performance, such as a probable occurrence of preferential flow.