
Modeling the Compound Effects of Subsurface Infrastructure and Compacted Soil on Urban Flooding
Urban development has significantly compacted soils, altering porosity and reducing water infiltration capabilities in order to provide structural strength for infrastructure such as buildings and roads. This increases the risk of flooding because less water is able to enter the soil and percolate to the groundwater as compared to pre-development conditions. This study investigates the effects of soil compaction on stormwater runoff in the Middletown, PA watershed where the natural Bloody Run stream has been integrated into the stormwater system. Utilizing field measurements of soil compaction, porosity, and stormwater runoff modeling, the research focuses on areas with a compaction layer exhibiting soil resistance greater than 300 psi. Findings reveal that this layer delays water movement into deeper soil profiles, a delay influenced by rainfall intensity and depth. These effects are particularly pronounced in larger watersheds, where stormwater infrastructure may become overwhelmed, leading to increased flooding during intense rainfall events. Over the past three years, the research team has monitored stormwater infiltration using a network of soil sensors at two sites, collecting data every 15 minutes for real-time analyses. The study shows that in many residential areas, the compaction layer shifts in accordance to the amount of rainfall. Moreover, infiltration rates, analyzed using the Horton Infiltration equation and PCSWMM 2D modeling software, demonstrate significant variability and suggest that urban karst conditions—where subsurface infrastructure intersects with compacted layers—can exacerbate flooding by restricting vertical flow. These findings highlight the importance of accounting for soil compaction and urban karst in stormwater management strategies to ensure effective pipe sizing and the viability of stormwater control measures.
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Work Title | Modeling the Compound Effects of Subsurface Infrastructure and Compacted Soil on Urban Flooding |
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License | In Copyright (Rights Reserved) |
Work Type | Masters Culminating Experience |
Sub Work Type | Scholarly Paper/Essay (MA/MS) |
Program | Civil Engineering |
Degree | Master of Science |
Publication Date | December 2024 |
Deposited | December 13, 2024 |
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