Randall J. Charbeneau

Evaluation of methods for estimating stormwater pollutant loads

This paper investigates a number of methods that can be used to generate constituent concentrations for use in stormwater modeling. These include the use of event mean concentrations (EMCs) and pollutant buildup and washoff formulations. Suspended solids data collected in the Austin, Texas, area from single-land-use watersheds were used to evaluate the usefulness of these methods. Use of a single EMC for all urban land uses was shown to provide a reasonable estimate of solids loads. This suggests that increases in total suspended solids loads resulting from development will be primarily a function of the increase in runoff volume, which in turn may be related to increased impervious cover. Water quality data did not indicate a strong correlation between initial pollutant load on the watershed and length of the antecedent dry period; however, the concentration of suspended solids in stormwater runoff does follow a simple washoff model.

First-passage-time transfer functions for groundwater tracer tests conducted in radially convergent flow

Abstract Forced-gradient groundwater tracer tests may be conducted using a variety of hydraulic schemes, so it is useful to have simple semi-analytic models available that can examine various injection/withdrawal scenarios. Models for radially convergent tracer tests are formulated here as transfer functions, which allow complex tracer test designs to be simulated by a series of simple mathematical expressions. These mathematical expressions are given in Laplace space, so that transfer functions may be placed in series by simple multiplication. Predicted breakthrough is found by numerically inverting the composite transfer function to the time-domain, using traditional computer programs or commercial mathematical software. Transport is assumed to be dictated by a radially convergent or uniform flow field, and is based upon an exact first-passage-time solution of the backward Fokker–Planck equation. These methods are demonstrated by simulating a weak-dipole tracer test conducted in a fractured granite formation, where mixing in the injection borehole is non-ideal.

A parsimonious model for simulating flow in a karst aquifer

Abstract This paper describes the hydrologic system associated with the Barton Springs portion of the Edwards aquifer and presents a lumped parameter model capable of reproducing general historical trends for measured water levels and spring discharge. Recharge to the aquifer was calculated based on flow loss studies of the creeks crossing the recharge zone and on estimates of the rate of diffuse infiltration of rainfall. Flow measurements on each creek above and below the recharge zone were used to develop a relationship between flow above the recharge zone and the rate of recharge. The five-cell groundwater model, each cell corresponding to one of the watersheds of the five main creeks crossing the recharge zone, was developed to support the management objectives of the City of Austin. The model differs from previous models in that the aquifer properties within cells are allowed to vary vertically. Each cell was treated as a tank with an apparent area and the water level of a single well in each cell was used to characterize the conditions in that cell. The simple representation of the hydrologic system produced results comparable to traditional groundwater models with fewer data requirements and calibration parameters. ©1997 Elsevier Science B.V.

An evaluation of geotextiles for temporary sediment control

The performance of geotextiles for sediment control was evaluated in the field and laboratory. Runoff samples collected in the field indicated that essentially no sediment removal was attributable to filtration by the fabric. Silt fences also had little influence on the turbidity of the discharged runoff. Total suspended solids removals of 68 to 90% were found in flume tests in which silt fences were installed. The removal efficiency was correlated with the average detention time of the impounded runoff behind the fence. Flow rates through the fences under field conditions were two orders of magnitude less than would be calculated using standard ASTM index characteristics of the fabrics. This discrepancy resulted from clogging of the fabric with sediment and from the turbulent flow through the fabric openings at the hydraulic heads on the fabrics when used as silt fences. The Center for Research in Water Resources, The Center for Research in Water Resources, The University of Texas at Austin.

A screening model for nonaqueous phase liquid transport in the vadose zone using Green‐Ampt and kinematic wave theory

In this paper, a screening model for flow of a nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) and associated chemical transport in the vadose zone is developed. The model is based on kinematic approximation of the governing equations for both the NAPL and a partitionable chemical constituent. The resulting governing equation is a first-order, quasi-linear hyperbolic equation to which the generalized method of characteristics can be applied. This approach generally neglects the contribution to the NAPL flux from capillary pressure gradients. During infiltration under ponded conditions, or when the NAPL flux exceeds the maximum effective conductivity of the soil, the effect of capillary suction is included in the model through the usage of the Green-Ampt model. All of the resulting model equations are in the form of ordinary differential equations which are solved numerically by a variable time step Runge-Kutta technique. Results from a simple column experiment were used to evaluate the vadose zone flow model assumptions. Independently measured parameters allow simulation without calibration of the model results. The match of the model to the data suggests that the model captures the qualitative behavior of the experimental system and is capable of an acceptable degree of quantitative agreement.

Methodology for Determining Laboratory and In Situ Hydraulic Conductivity of Asphalt Permeable Friction Course

The permeable friction course (PFC) is a layer of porous asphalt pavement overlain on conventional impervious hot-mix asphalt or portland cement concrete. The drainage properties of PFC are typically considered to be governed primarily by two hydraulic properties: hydraulic conductivity and porosity. Both of these hydraulic properties change over the life cycle of the PFC layer due to clogging of the pore space by sediment. Therefore, determination of the hydraulic conductivity and porosity of PFC can be problematic. Laboratory and particularly field tests are necessary for accurately determining the hydraulic conductivity of the PFC layer. Taking multiple measurements over the life of the pavement shows how these hydraulic characteristics change with time and the varying roadway conditions at which they are evaluated. Constant head laboratory testing has shown that PFC experiences a nonlinear flow relationship as described by the Forchheimer equation. In addition to the laboratory analysis of the hydraulic characteristics, a falling head field test is recommended to determine the in situ hydraulic conductivity. This incorporates the modeling techniques used in the laboratory testing and applies them to the falling head conditions used in the field. The result is a nondestructive test procedure for determining the in situ hydraulic conductivity which is necessary for estimating the extent to which the benefits associated with the drainage characteristics of the PFC layer will persist.

Simulation of the transient soil water content profile for a homogeneous bare soil

Characterization of the fate and transport of solutes through the vadose zone requires estimation of average water contents and travel times through the unsaturated profiles. This paper reviews a model for long-term simulation of the soil water content profile for a homogeneous bare soil using physically based parameters. For an arbitrary rainfall record, the model calculates the cumulative infiltration, runoff, evaporation, and recharge components, as well as the time average reduced saturation and its variance as a function of depth. The model is computationally efficient and easily allows long-term simulation for parameter sensitivity investigations.

Liquid Moisture Redistribution: Hydrologic Simulation and Spatial Variability

Liquid moisture redistribution processes begin when the infiltration for a rainfall or irrigation period comes to an end. Redistribution processes include the downward migration of soil moisture to eventually recharge the water table and the loss of water to the atmosphere through evapotranspiration. This paper reviews the application of relatively simple, physically based profile models for simulation of redistribution. Continuity and Darcy’s law are applied to the rectangular and kinematic profiles to model the change in water content and flux as a function of depth and time. Both initial conditions and evaporation are included, along with the use of probabilistic methods for addressing questions of spatial variability.

An analytical model for predicting LNAPL distribution and recovery from multi-layered soils.

An analytical model was developed for estimating the distribution and recovery of light nonaqueous phase liquids (LNAPL) in heterogeneous aquifers. Various scenarios of LNAPL recovery may be simulated using LDRM for LNAPL recovery systems such as skimmer wells, water-enhanced wells, air-enhanced wells, and trenches from heterogeneous aquifers. LDRM uses multiple horizontal soil layers to model a heterogeneous aquifer. Up to three soil layers may be configured with unique soil properties for each layer. Simulation results suggest that LNAPL distribution and its recovery volume are highly affected by soil properties. In sandy soils LNAPL can be highly mobile and the recovery efficiency can be high. In contrast, even at high LNAPL saturations, LNAPL mobility is typically low in fine-grained soils. This characteristic of LNAPL with respect to soil texture has to be carefully accounted for in the model to better predict the recovery of LNAPL from heterogeneous soils. The impact of vertical hydraulic gradient in fine grain zone was assessed. A sensitivity analysis suggests that the formation LNAPL volume can be significantly affected by a downward vertical hydraulic gradient if the magnitude is near a critical amount (=ρr-1). Sensitivity of input parameters with respect to LNAPL formation in soils and LNAPL recovery volume were identified through a sensitivity analysis. The performance of LDRM on predicting the distribution and recovery of LNAP was reasonably accurate for a short-term analysis as demonstrated in a case study. However, further validation is needed to ascertain the models performance in long-term simulations.

Hydraulic Model for Sedimentation in Storm-Water Detention Basins

Treatment of storm-water runoff may be necessary before discharge to surface waters. In urban areas, space constraints limit selection of conventional treatment systems, and alternative systems are needed. This research program involves design and laboratory testing of a small footprint nonproprietary detention basin which consists of pipes and box culvert sections with a specialized inlet and outlet system. This system can be placed below grade near the roadway section as part of the conventional drainage system and does not require additional right-of-way. A mathematical model, based entirely on hydraulic principles, is developed to estimate particle removal efficiency of the rectangular detention basin for the treatment of storm-water runoff by extending ideal horizontal tank theory under the condition in which water level is varied. A physical model was built in 1/5 scale to measure particle removal performance and validates the conceptual model. Experiments were performed for steady inflow conditions with different inflow rates, durations, and suspended sediment concentrations. Measured time series outflow suspended sediment concentrations and particle removal efficiency compare well with calculated results from the conceptual model. The outflow particle-size distribution can also be estimated using the conceptual model.