Austin detention basin optimization model

A model for least cost design of regional stormwater detention networks is developed to aid in identifying cost-effective regional detention basin sites within watersheds undergoing urban development. The model, through the application of dynamic programming techniques, is designed to minimize the cost of required facilities while meeting the hydrologic and hydraulic constraints of the watershed. For this study, model inputs include storage-elevation relationships at each candidate detention basin site, maximum permissible flow in each channel reach, land and dam construction cost functions, watershed hydrologic routing parameters, and design storm hydrograph parameters. The model can be applied to watersheds with multiple branching and existing detention basins. The program is applied to a 16.5 sq mi (42.7 km²) watershed in Austin, Texas. Eight existing and five candidate basins are considered.