Storm Water Lab Hosting Open House

The University of Central Florida (UCF) will host an open house showcasing its new storm water lab Dec. 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Guests are invited to see the UCF Stormwater Management Academy lab's rainfall simulator--the world's largest--and green roof experiments in action.

The rainfall simulator, an 8-ft by 30-ft arrangement of pipes, connects to a 1,500-gal water tank, according to Marty Wanielista, academy director. The technology helps researchers study how water falls on and runs off different surfaces. It also makes more clear how water flow dislodges particles that can become sediment and clog drains.

"This is the only simulator we know of that can reproduce the drop size and intensity of rainfall common to semitropical areas and also northern rainfall," said Wanielista.

Researchers are studying various plants and other green roof materials in sixteen lab chambers. The lab's roof serves as UCF's second green roof; the first, installed in 2004, sits atop the student union.

The lab open house will also feature demonstrations featuring pervious pavements, recycled rubber and paver blocks strong enough to handle heavy traffic loads but also absorb rainfall.

The open house coincides with the UCF Stormwater Management Academy's fifth anniversary. In its five-year history, the lab has received $14 million in research grants; major sponsors have included the Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Department of Environmental Protection and eight other organizations.

Source: UCF