Sewer and drainage networks in urban areas play a critical role in conveying storm flows and wastewater for treatment. Typically underground, they are susceptible to infiltration through cracks and joins when groundwater levels are high. However, infiltration into sewers and drainage networks is poorly understood, and was a significant issue during the 2013/14 winter floods. When groundwater levels are high, assets can become overwhelmed and cause property flooding, pollution incidents and restricted toilet flushing, as well as emerge at the surface to flood properties and disrupt traffic for prolonged periods.
To address this, Imperial College London, the British Geological Survey, University of Birmingham and Atkins have established a Centre for Research and Innovation.In collaboration with the water industry, we are developing an integrated research programme to better manage the risk and economic impact of groundwater infiltration into urban infrastructure by combining our academic and engineering excellence to deliver innovative practicable outcomes.
Improve scientific understanding of groundwater infiltration into urban infrastructure
Improve procedures for assessing economic impact of infiltration
Advance methods for detecting and monitoring groundwater infiltration processes
Develop and refine methods for assessing the risk from groundwater infiltration
Develop predictive techniques for groundwater infiltration processes
Develop techniques for visualising the complex below ground environment
The Environment Agency have recently published a report into the economic damage from the winter...
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