Abstract
Numerous successful soil erosion and infiltration studies have been conducted using artificial rainfall simulation techniques. However, there appears to have only been a limited number of stormwater quality studies that have used these techniques successfully. To better understand the reasons for the low success rate of stormwater studies, a comprehensive literature review of previous studies using rainfall simulation techniques to replicate natural rainfall conditions was undertaken. The literature review was performed as part of an ongoing study to guide and direct the development of a new rainfall simulator at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia. The review found that the characteristics of natural rainfall events are extremely difficult to replicate accurately in mobile rainfall simulator test rigs. The study results also suggest that the characteristics of natural rainfall events are not comprehensively understood, and that there is much scope for increased research knowledge in this area. This paper presents the results of the literature review and discusses the important rainfall characteristics that need to be considered in designing an effective, accurate and reliable rainfall simulator. The paper also presents the results of an experimental investigation into the spatial uniformity of naturally occurring rainfall distribution patterns.