Experimental study of hydrological effect of green roofs to be used in the metropolitan area of the so-called Great Resistencia district.

Abstract

Preliminary results of a study on a physical modeling referred to hydrologic effectiveness and efficiency are presented herefor use in the Greater Resistencia Metropolitan Area (AMGR), Chaco. Extensive green roofs are systems that are placed on traditional roofs to reduce the effects of waterproofing of urban land in order to laminate runoff hydrograms they generate. They are composed of several layers built with different elements, having different characteristics and properties, the upper layer consisting of an organic substrate, and thin thickness, which allows growth of low size vegetation and for what are known green roofs. Increasing on waterproofing associated to urbanization, the low natural slope of the land and its location in an area of water risk makes it conducive implementing this system in the cities making up Great Resistencia Metropolitan Area, as a mitigation measure that would minimize effects of high intensity rainfall, thus reducing and delaying direct runoff water, helping to avoid (or at least minimize) flooding caused by rainfall. The aim of this work was evaluate qualitatively and quantitatively effects of this type of roofing. To do this, a physical model of the extensive roof was constructed, by using a traditional flat roof as a comparison. Preliminary results obtained showed an important damping and retarding effect of the runoff of this type of roof.