Modeling of Infiltration from Trenches for Storm‐Water Control

Abstract

As a means of examining the performance characteristics of an infiltration trench for storm‐water control, the infiltration rate into the soil surrounding an infiltration trench is simulated with a two‐dimensional saturated‐unsaturated finite‐element model. The model is used to examine infiltration rates with respect to time, depth of water in the trench, distance to the water table, surrounding soil texture, and antecedent moisture condition. The impact of clogging of the bottom of the trench on infiltration rate is examined. The finite‐element‐model results are compared to results obtained using a Darcy's law approach to assess the applicability of the simple model for design purposes. The infiltration rates calculated with the simple model are shown to be conservative.