Hydrograph peak-shaving using a graph-theoretic algorithm for placement of hydraulic control structures. (May 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bartos, Matthew; Kerkez, Branko
• Is Part Of: Advances in water resources. Volume 127(2019)
• Page Start: 167
• Page End: 179
• Publication Date: 2019-05
• Subjects: Control systems -- Controller placement -- Graph theory -- Stormwater control; Hydrology -- Periodicals; Hydrodynamics -- Periodicals; Hydraulic engineering -- Periodicals; 551.48
• DOI: 10.1016/j.advwatres.2019.03.016
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0309-1708

Abstract

Highlights: New algorithm for placing hydraulic control structures in drainage networks. Attenuates downstream hydrograph by de-synchronizing tributary flows. Algorithm is fast and requires only digital elevation data. Abstract: The need to attenuate hydrograph peaks is central to the design of stormwater and flood control systems. However, few guidelines exist for siting hydraulic control structures such that system-scale benefits are maximized. This study presents a new graph-theoretic algorithm for stabilizing the hydrologic response of watersheds by placing controllers at strategic locations in the drainage network. This algorithm identifies subcatchments that dominate the peak of the hydrograph, and then finds the "cuts" in the drainage network that maximally isolate these subcatchments, thereby flattening the hydrologic response. Evaluating the performance of the algorithm through an ensemble of hydrodynamic simulations, we find that our controller placement algorithm produces consistently flatter discharges than randomized controller configurations—both in terms of the peak discharge and the overall variance of the hydrograph. By attenuating flashy flows, our algorithm provides a powerful methodology for mitigating flash floods, reducing erosion, and protecting aquatic ecosystems. More broadly, we show that controller placement exerts an important influence on the hydrologic response and demonstrate that analysis of drainage network structure can inform more effective stormwater control policies.