M. Möderl*, M. Kleidorfer*, R. Sitzenfrei * and W. Rauch* * Unit of Environmental Engineering, University of Innsbruck, Technikerstr. 13, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria

Abstract

This article presents the development and application of the software tool VulNetUD. VulNetUD is a tool for GIS-based identification of vulnerable sites of urban drainage systems (UDS) using hydrodynamic simulations undertaken using EPA SWMM. The benefit of the tool is the output of different vulnerability maps rating sewer surcharging, sewer flooding, combined sewer overflow (CSO) efficiency and CSO emissions. For this, seven predefined performance indicators are used to evaluate urban drainage systems under abnormal, critical and future conditions. The application on a case study highlights the capability of the tool to identify weak points of the urban drainage systems. Thereby it is possible to identify urban drainage system components which cause the highest performance decrease across the entire system. The application of the method on a real world case study shows for instance that a reduction of catchment areas which are located upstream of CSOs with relatively less capacity in the downstream sewers achieves the highest increases efficiency of the system. Finally, the application of VulNetUD is seen as a valuable tool for managers and operators of waste water utilities to improve the efficiency of their systems. Additionally vulnerability maps generated by VulNetUD support risk management e.g. decision making in urban development planning or the development of rehabilitation strategies.

Keywords: Decision support tool, GIS, hydrodynamic simulation, vulnerability, urban drainage systems

Name of software:	VuNetWS (Vulnerability of Urban Drainage Networks)
Contact address:	Michael Möderl, Wolfgang Rauch Unit of Environmental Engineering University of Innsbruck Technikerstr. 13, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
Tel:	+43 (512)507-6918
Fax:	+43 (512)507-2911
Year first available:	2008
Software required:	MCRInstaller.exe, version 7.7 or Matlab (R2007b) Version 7.5.0.342
Program language:	Matlab
Program size:	~ 1 MB