Enhancing Infiltration Capacity in Urban Residential Land Using Artificial Infiltration Device

Abstract

Land use change from catchment area to residential can reduce infiltration volume, decrease infiltration capacity, and increase surface runoff. This research develops an artificial infiltration device focused on micro-scale stormwater management in residential areas that is modular, economical, and can be integrated with urban drainage systems to be applied on narrow lots. Artificial infiltration device is in the form of a shallow well measuring 50cm × 50cm × 100cm, with geotextile-covered walls and a palm fibre-covered base. In the centre of the well, a perforated PVC pipe with a diameter of 4 inches and a split of 2×3 cm is installed to facilitate the flow of water and prevent the wall of the well from collapsing. The first stage of the research involves collecting and testing soil samples from 10 residential properties to determine soil characteristics and infiltration. The second stage measures the performance of the artificial infiltration device using data on the roof area, rainfall, inflow, and outflow volumes. The final stage evaluates the performance of the device by determining the infiltration capacity using Horton's equation and the relationship between rainfall intensity, surface runoff, and infiltration. The results show that using 1 unit of artificial infiltration device with an average rainfall intensity of violent category and an average roof area of 30 m²can increase the infiltration capacity 11 times, from 72.3 mm/hour to 798 mm/hour. This result shows a significant increase in the device's water absorption capacity. The device slowed the onset of surface runoff to an average of 12.5 minutes, potentially reducing the flood peak. The device also increased the critical point from the 3rd to the 48th minute, increasing infiltration volume and reducing surface runoff. The infiltration device can reduce the risk of flooding and inundation in urban residential land.