Comparing empirical water depth observations of a box gutter roof drainage system to three different international design guidelines

Luke Verstraten; Terry Lucke; Geoffrey O'Loughlin

doi:10.1016/j.jobe.2017.06.004

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Comparing empirical water depth observations of a box gutter roof drainage system to three different international design guidelines

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Comparing empirical water depth observations of a box gutter roof drainage system to three different international design guidelines

Luke Verstraten, Terry Lucke and Geoffrey O'Loughlin

Journal of Building Engineering, Vol.12, pp.178-187

2017

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2017.06.004

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Abstract

roof drainage

box gutters

hydraulic design

storm water management

extreme weather

Effective roof drainage is necessary to protect buildings and their contents from rainfall damage. Regulatory documents exist to ensure that a building's roof drainage system is adequate for the anticipated rainfall events experienced during the life of the building. Empirical observations that inform international design guidelines are largely attributable to a small number of investigative studies with a limited range of roof drainage system configurations and flow conditions. This paper compares the observed hydraulic performance of a 600 mm wide, rectangular box gutter case study model under various flowrates to values predicted in the Australian, US and European standards. The study measured the depth of water at various locations in the box gutter over a range of flowrates from 3 L/s to 20 L/s to determine whether the gutter depths recommended by the various design guidelines were adequate. Four different gutter slopes (1:200; 1:150; 1:100; and 1:40) were tested in the study. The results of the study indicated that the depth of flow in the box gutter was highly dependent on the inflow rate and the gutter slope. The results showed that the observed gutter water levels may or may not be considered adequate and safe, depending on the individual guideline applied. As regulatory documents aim to provide effective guidance, a deficit of box gutter depth is concerning while a surplus represents wasted resources. The findings of this study demonstrate some of the challenges faced by designers of roof drainage systems and hydraulic engineers.

Details

Title: Comparing empirical water depth observations of a box gutter roof drainage system to three different international design guidelines
Authors: Luke Verstraten (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Terry Lucke (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Geoffrey O'Loughlin (Author) - Anstad Pty Ltd.
Publication details: Journal of Building Engineering, Vol.12, pp.178-187
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd.
Date published: 2017
DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2017.06.004
ISSN: 2352-7102; 2352-7102
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; USC Business School - Legacy; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Sustainability Research Cluster
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451087202621
Output Type: Journal article
Research Statement: false

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