Overflow simulation and optimization of a drainage system in an urban area in northern Anhui Plain

Abstract Quantitative simulation of urban waterlogging using computer models is an effective technical means for urban stormwater management, especially for predicting and preventing waterlogging. In this study, a city in northern Anhui Plain, China, was selected as the study site. The Storm Water Management Model was applied to simulate the dynamic changes in the pipeline overload, node overflow, and discharge port runoff characteristics from three perspectives: surface runoff, pipe network transmission, and flow control of low-impact development. The operation of the rainwater pipe network under different return periods and the real-time operation of the rainwater pipe network were simulated to seek solutions to urban waterlogging problems caused by flat terrain and slow drainage. The results revealed that surface runoff is the primary source of rainfall in the study area, with a runoff coefficient of 0.599. The drainage pipe network was optimized by expanding the diameter of the pipe from ≤ 1.5 mm to ≥ 2 mm. The water reduction rate was more than 50%, and overload did not occur after optimization. Therefore, sinking greenspace technology and optimization methods for expanding the pipe diameter can reduce urban waterlogging.