Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urban stormwater management is a critical aspect of sustainable urban development, especially in the context of increasing urbanization and climate change impacts. This thesis focuses on the analysis and design of sustainable low-impact development (LID) practices for effective stormwater management in urban areas. The objective is to explore innovative strategies that can mitigate the negative impacts of stormwater runoff while promoting environmental sustainability and resilience. The introduction provides an overview of the importance of stormwater management in urban areas and the need for sustainable approaches to address associated challenges. The background of the study highlights the current trends in urban stormwater management, emphasizing the limitations of traditional infrastructure-based solutions and the growing recognition of LID practices as effective alternatives. The problem statement identifies the key issues related to urban stormwater management, including water pollution, flooding, and infrastructure strain, and underscores the significance of developing sustainable solutions to address these challenges. The objectives of the study are outlined to guide the research process, focusing on the analysis and design of LID practices tailored to urban environments. The limitations and scope of the study are discussed to clarify the boundaries and constraints of the research work. The significance of the study is highlighted in terms of its contribution to advancing knowledge in sustainable stormwater management practices and its potential impact on urban planning and development policies. The structure of the thesis is outlined to provide a roadmap for the reader, detailing the organization of chapters and key themes covered in each section. The literature review chapter presents a comprehensive analysis of existing research and case studies related to sustainable LID practices for urban stormwater management. Key concepts such as green infrastructure, permeable pavements, rain gardens, and bio-retention systems are explored to provide a theoretical foundation for the design and implementation of LID strategies. The research methodology chapter outlines the approach and methods used to collect and analyze data for the study. Research objectives, data sources, sampling techniques, and data analysis procedures are described to ensure the validity and reliability of the research findings. The chapter also addresses ethical considerations and limitations in data collection and analysis. The findings chapter presents the results of the analysis and design process, highlighting the effectiveness and feasibility of selected LID practices for urban stormwater management. Case studies and simulations are used to demonstrate the potential benefits of implementing sustainable LID strategies in different urban contexts. The discussion chapter interprets the findings in the context of existing literature and theoretical frameworks, addressing the implications for urban planning, environmental management, and climate resilience. Key insights and recommendations are provided to guide future research and policy development in the field of sustainable urban stormwater management. The conclusion summarizes the key findings and implications of the study, emphasizing the importance of integrating sustainable LID practices into urban planning and development processes. The thesis contributes to advancing knowledge on effective stormwater management strategies and provides practical recommendations for creating more resilient and sustainable urban environments. Keywords Urban Stormwater Management, Low-Impact Development, Sustainable Practices, Green Infrastructure, Climate Resilience, Urban Planning.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Analysis and Design of Sustainable Low-Impact Development Practices for Urban Stormwater Management" aims to address the increasing challenges related to urban stormwater management through the implementation of sustainable low-impact development practices. Urbanization and land development have significantly altered the natural hydrological cycle, leading to increased stormwater runoff, flooding, and water quality degradation in urban areas. Traditional stormwater management techniques such as conventional drainage systems are often unable to effectively manage these issues, resulting in environmental and infrastructure challenges. The research seeks to explore and analyze innovative low-impact development (LID) practices that can mitigate the adverse impacts of urban stormwater runoff while promoting sustainable urban development. LID practices focus on mimicking natural hydrological processes to manage stormwater at its source, reducing peak flows, improving water quality, and enhancing groundwater recharge. By integrating LID practices into urban design and planning, cities can achieve multiple benefits including flood risk reduction, improved water quality, enhanced aesthetics, and increased resilience to climate change. The study will involve a comprehensive literature review to examine the current state of knowledge on sustainable stormwater management and low-impact development practices. Key aspects to be explored include the principles and benefits of LID, design considerations, case studies of successful LID projects, and challenges to implementation. This review will provide a foundation for understanding the theoretical and practical aspects of sustainable stormwater management and inform the design and analysis phases of the project. In the research methodology, a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches will be employed to assess the effectiveness of selected LID practices in managing stormwater in urban environments. Field investigations, hydrological modeling, and performance monitoring will be used to evaluate the performance of LID practices in terms of stormwater quantity and quality management. The research will also consider factors such as cost-effectiveness, scalability, and stakeholder acceptance to assess the feasibility and potential barriers to implementing LID practices in urban settings. The findings of the study will contribute to advancing the knowledge and understanding of sustainable stormwater management practices in urban areas. By identifying effective LID strategies and design considerations, the research aims to provide insights that can guide urban planners, engineers, and policymakers in implementing sustainable stormwater management solutions. The outcomes of the project are expected to inform decision-making processes and support the development of policies and guidelines for promoting sustainable urban development and resilient stormwater management practices. Overall, the project "Analysis and Design of Sustainable Low-Impact Development Practices for Urban Stormwater Management" seeks to address critical environmental challenges associated with urbanization and stormwater runoff by promoting innovative and sustainable solutions. Through a multidisciplinary approach that integrates engineering, environmental science, and urban planning principles, the research aims to contribute to the development of more resilient, environmentally friendly, and livable urban environments.