Decision support system framework for design of low impact development based on SWMM5.1 using multi-scenario analysis

Increasing impervious areas due to rapid urbanization and land use weakens the urban environmental compositions and eventually produce water related problems such as flood, streamflow depletion, and water quality deterioration. To rehabilitate the distorted hydrologic cycle, Low Impact Development (LID) technologies had appeared and EPA SWMM developed an innovative LID control module that involves with infrastructure practices. However, the module should be repeatedly simulated to develop the detailed design concept. Therefore, this study developed an effective decision support system (DSS) for LID planning and design based on the LID control module of the US EPA’s SWMM 5.1. The hydrologic cycle and runoff of the selected urban watershed to multiple LID scenarios can be simulated and analysed using the developed DSS. At first, the system derives various effective LID types and physical characteristics for the LID design after the sensitivity analysis of the LID design parameters. Then, the most effective sub-catchment for LID planning can be derived after the LID multi-scenario analysis. It was found that this DSS provide a better detailed design concept among various plausible LID options for water cycle rehabilitation.