Title : Nature-based solutions: Evaluation of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) at pilot scale for flood control in Panama
Abstract:
Panama City has undergone rapid and unplanned urbanization, tripling in size over the last 25 years and recording 2,717 natural events between 1990 and 2013. Flooding is not only the most frequent natural phenomenon (54% frequency), but also an economic catastrophe, causing 86.9% reported economic losses. This reality requires a restructuring of urban drainage and urban water cycle management, evolving from limited approaches to a multi- objective approach that drives improvement in design and planning.
In response to this problem, this research project was developed, based on the study of current traditional drainage systems to design the prototype of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS). This is an alternative method to direct channeling of surface water flows through the traditional pipe and sewer system.
Prior to the construction of the prototypes, a digitalized design of traditional drainage and SuDS was carried out using design renderings in software such as SKETCHUP, REVIT, and CIVIL 3D to achieve an accurate representation of the dimensions, shapes, and details of the prototype.
This experimental project evaluates the hydraulic and water quality variables of small-scale prototypes through laboratory testing over a set period, quantifying the performance and efficiency of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems compared to traditional drainage systems.
In this way, the project innovates in generating tools for adaptation to climate change that support the advancement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely: SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)
