Puls method for events simulation in a lot scale bioretention device

ABSTRACT Bioretention is a technique applied to treat and reduce runoff generated in urban areas. Although these facilities present complex processes, a simple model with few parameters can be useful for its project. This paper reports an application of Puls method as a bioretention simulation quantitative tool for events. A bioretention device in real scale was installed and monitored using four level sensors and a tipping-bucket rain gauge, both with data loggers. The method was applied in two ways: the facility as a single reservoir; and the facility as two serial reservoirs. Outflows depended on a single infiltration rate in the first case (K) and two infiltration rates in the second case (K1 and K2). The study used 15 events. Results showed suitable values for Nash-Sutcliffe (NS) and determination coefficients (R2) in the calibration phase, especially for bioretention simulated as a single reservoir, with NS values ranging from 0.64 to 0.95. NS ranged from 0.80 to 0.95 in the calibration phase for the device simulated as two serial reservoirs. The validation phase achieved lower NS and R2 than calibration phase. Despite this, the present study suggests the Puls model as a good option for research on bioretention devices modelling.