Insights into green roof modeling using SWMM LID controls for detention-based designs

Rainfall–runoff responses were observed in a laboratory environment using a rainfall simulator and a 7.43 m2 green roof cassette equipped with weighing lysimeters. SWMM LID controls were developed for various green roof profile configurations based on the physical properties of the composite materials. Unknown parameters affecting the drainage layer were adjusted in calibration. The cassette was modeled both as a typical Green Roof LID control using Manning’s equation at the drainage layer and a Bioretention LID control using an orifice equation in the drainage layer. Key parameters from a sensitivity analysis that were not directly measured were Manning’s roughness of the drainage layer, the drainage coefficient at the orifice, and the conductivity slope (HCO). The hydraulics of roof drains were considered by varying the width of the drain outlet from 0.25 m–1.22 m. During calibration and validation of multiple events, SWMM modeling resulted in a good fit compared to observed results (Nash–Sutcliffe model efficiency coefficient values of 0.70–0.89). Key limitations of SWMM green roof modeling are discussed with suggested improvements for future consideration.