Development of an Integrated Urban Drainage Cycle Management Model for City of Colombo

Abstract

Floods are the most frequently occurring hazard event among all natural disasters. Poorly prepared compact cities have become prone to flash floods even in a small storm event. Present urbanization happening in these cities creates an imbalance between urban runoff volume and effective drainage capacity. For the survival of these cities it is vital to establish proper urban drainage systems resistant to flash floods. However, this is a complicated task for many Asian cities due to solid waste blocking drainages. Thus, Asia urge for a more comprehensive drainage design which considers present and future forms of the cities, solid waste disposing patterns, floating population and imminent prone areas of urban sprawl. This research paper introduces a novel approach in urban drainage management through the concept of "Urban drainage cycle". There, consider the storm water circulation of a city as a cycling process pertain to urban drainage. Geographical information system based computational techniques are being used to track the breakdowns of the urban drainage cycle. This step will initiate the development of "Integrated urban drainage cycle management model". It consists of the Geographical information system based spatial decision support system and a mathematical model. Outputs of the model will use as inputs of "Solid waste resist urban drainage" design. Developed model and drainage design will be physically tested in Madampitiya, Nagalagam Street of City of Colombo Sri Lanka.