The Use of SWMM simulation model in urban storm water management

In recent times, rapid population growth and urbanization have led to serious problems to be solved and managed by scientists and engineers. One of the most significant problems relates to management of urban drainage systems. Recent advances in both modeling techniques and computer technology have resulted in the development of sophisticated computer-based mathematical simulation models. These models serve to simulate both water quantity and quality problems encountered in urban watersheds. One of these models is. the SWMM (Storm Water Management Models) that has found a wide area of application in developed countries. The objective of the presented study is to investigate capabilities and properties of SWMM in simulating urban drainage and to apply it in simple hypothetical basins so that basic requirements for a real case study can be identified. To this end, the model software is studied to identify its basic characteristics and requirements. Next, hypothetical data are used to test the operation of the model The results of the study have shown that the basic problems that may be encountered in SWMM applications are related to data limitations. Provided that data required by the model are obtained, the SWMM model can be effectivery used in the planning and design of urban drainage systems of major cities in Turkey. The presented study points out to capabilities of the model in this respect It is expected that SWMM will be employed by urban planners and managers in our country. On this respect, the presented study serves the delineate model requirements and data needs for effective applications of SWMM. Having noted the characteristics and data requirements of the model at this stage, it is intended to run the model on the case of a real urban watershed as part of future studies.