Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: none Changes/Problems: No major changes in approach were seen, however, completion of final chemical mixing system design was delayed due to a graduate student who resigned early. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? This project has provided training and professional development for two graduate students and two faculty members. Both students completed Masters thesis projects (one based on a separate grant), and both faculty were able to present the research results at professional meetings and interact with colleagues across the country. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Yes, the results have been published in research journals and presented a numerous professional meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The following were acheieved: Specific objectives: I. Completed design and testing of a full-scale sediment mixing devise using field soil. II. Designed an integrated chemical mixing device to allow nutrients and pesticides to be mixed with the simulator water and sediment flows.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2011
Citation:
Alms, W.C., T.G. Franti, and D.P. Shelton. 2011. Improved Soil Mixing and Delivery System for a Storm Runoff Simulator. Applied Eng. in Agri., Vol. 27(4):579-586.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2008
Citation:
Sutko, N.J., T.G. Franti, and D.P. Shelton. 2008. Development of a Storm Runoff Simulator: Part 3 Sediment Mixing Device. Applied Engineering in Agriculture, 24(6): 753-761.
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Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Project outputs include: 1)mentoring a graduate student to continue simulator development, Phase III; 2) creating prototype chemical mixing system design (Phase III) and running preliminary mixing tests under various pipe configurations, water discharge rates, and chemical input concentrations and rates; and 3) presentations about the rain garden evaluation research results where the revised runoff simulator was used. Presentations were made at the annual meeting of The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, the American Ecological Engineering Society, the USDA National Water Conference, and StormCon. PARTICIPANTS: Participants in the project included graduate students Andrew Anderson and Daniel Tucker, and both received training via their course work and interaction with the research project team. TARGET AUDIENCES: The audience for the runoff simulator development is the research community who could use it for field research. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Presentations given increased knowledge of the target research community about the development and use of the runoff simulator to conduct plot-type research, in this case, evaluation of rain gardens.
Publications
- Anderson, A.R., T.G Franti and D.P. Shelton. 2012. Hydrologic Evaluation of Established Rain Gardens Using a Storm Runoff Simulator. Proc. 2012 Storm Con Conference, Denver, CO. (published)
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Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Outputs include presenting formal results to the annual meeting of the American Ecological Engineering Society (May 2011), and presenting a thesis summary presentation to a University of Nebraska and public audience. PARTICIPANTS: Participants in the project included graduate students Andrew Anderson and Daniel Tucker, and both received training via their course work and interaction with the research project team. Partners in the project were the City of Lincoln (identify cooperating home owners and provided access to city water), as well as 12 homeowners who allowed experimentation on their rain gardens. TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience for this project is private homeowners who install or have installed a rain garden. The audience for the runoff simulator development is the research community who could use it for field research. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Outcomes this year include: 1) development of a mobile runof simulator and mixing device, transportable on an 18 foot trailer, 2) using this mobile device to test the hydrologic characteristics of rain gardens in Lincoln, Nebraska. The device was highly successful and integral to completing the rain garden project. The objective of this project was to evaluate the hydrologic properties of twelve established residential rain gardens using a stormwater runoff simulator. A volume-based design storm of 1.19 inches (90% Water Quality Volume) was applied as a synthetic SCS-Type II 30-minute runoff hydrograph in each garden based on their respective catchment characteristics. Data including ponding zone storage capacity, infiltration rate, drain time, soil characterization, and observations of berm, outflow, and grading performance were collected and analyzed to make performance conclusions for each site. Results indicate that rain gardens constructed on loamy to silty clay loam soils in a residential watershed in Lincoln, NE can infiltrate at the rates recommended by state and national guidelines. The geometric mean infiltration rate for all sites was 4.13 cm h-1 and 2.75 cm h-1 for the design event and overflow event, respectively. Every rain garden tested drained in 30 h or less, with six gardens draining in less than one hour. Rain garden storage capacity was poor with only two gardens able to hold the water quality design runoff volume. On average, rain gardens studied were able to hold only 40% of the design storm volume. Poor basin grading, outflow structure construction and placement, and berm integrity are reasons for the inadequate storage.
Publications
- Alms, W.C., T.G. Franti, and D.P. Shelton. 2011. Improved Soil Mixing and Delivery System for a Storm Runoff Simulator. Applied Eng. in Agri., Vol. 27(4):579-586.
- Anderson, A.R., 2011. Hydrologic Evaluation of Established Rain Gardens in Lincoln, Nebraska Using a Storm Runoff Simulator. M.S. Thesis, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 111 pp.
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Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10
Outputs
OUTPUTS: During this reporting year the storm runoff simulator was converted from a laboratory prototype to a field prototype. The field prototype is capable of being transported by roadway to locations of experimental sites. The conversion consisted of designing the layout and completing the build-out for an 18-foot trailer to transport the mixing tank, meters, valves, and piping system. The build-out included only a single mixing tank and metering system, that is, the prototype model. A full-scale model will require two mixing tanks, and one addtional water tank. Dissemination of results related to the native soil mixing and redesign of the metering and monitoring systems included preparation of a research manuscript for submission to Applied Engineering In Agriculture, and presentation of a paper and oral report at the Annual International Meeting of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers. PARTICIPANTS: Andrew Anderson, M.S. Graduate Student, Environomental Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, was involved in build-out of the mobile runoff simulator and completion of preliminary rain garden hydrology evaluations, which is part of his training toward completion of his Masters degree. Thomas G. Franti, Associate Professor, and David P. Shelton, Professor, Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, were the primary research investigators on this project. Dr. Franti was afforded professional development by presenting a paper on this project at the ASABE Annual International Meeting. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The impact of these efforts provide a mobile runoff simulator that was used to conduct preliminary experiments of rain garden hydrology. The mobile unit can provide a controlled hydrograph input into the rain garden to simulate roof runoff for any design storm. This research is funed by a USDA NIFA grant.
Publications
- Franti, T.G., D.P. Shelton, and W.C. Alms. 2010. Soil Mixing and Delivery System for a Storm Runoff Simulator. Presented at the 2010 ASABE Annual International Meeting, Pittsburgh, PA, June 20-23, 2010. Paper No. 1009044.
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Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09
Outputs
OUTPUTS: One masters graduate student completed their thesis. One referred journal article was published. One proceedings paper was published. A second generation hydrolgraph control system was designed, built and tested. A native soil sediment mixing device was designed, built and tested. Three reports to manufacturers were prepared and delivered to repor the performance of their equipment. PARTICIPANTS: P.I. Associate Professor Thomas G. Franti, lead researcher Co P.I. Professor David P. Shelton, project collaborator, reviewer Graduate Student William C. Alms, designed, built and tested equipment Research Engineer Alan Boldt, assisting in all testing The following manufacturers contributed equipment to this project: McCrometer, Inc., 3255 W. Stetson Ave., Hemet, CA 92545 A-T Controls, Inc., 11363 Deerfield Road, Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 SeaMetrics, 19026 - 72nd Avenue South, Kent, WA 98032 National Instruments Corporation, PO Box 202262, Dallas, TX 75320-2262 TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
A storm runoff simulator to test vegetative filter strips was created in the early phases of this project; however it was not able to do so using native sediment. The project goal is to create an improved runoff simulator to allow more accurate testing of filter strips. This abstract presents the design and testing of a sediment mixing and variable flow control device to create a sedigraph using native soil. The mixing system has a maximum sediment load capacity of 441 kg and a peak sediment delivery rate of 1.15 kg s-1. The main objectives for this simulator were to create a method to process the field soil, create a uniform sediment slurry mixture, and create a control system that would deliver that native soil slurry in varying flow rates corresponding to the rates given in a desired hydrograph. Eroded soil that had been deposited near a terrace riser was scraped from a field, processed with a hammer mill, and mixed in a 1890-L cone-bottom tank. A trash pump was used to further break down the sediment in the mixing tank and aid in developing and maintaining a uniform concentration within the mixing tank. The sediment mixing system was capable of producing concentrations within 3.3% of the target concentration with a maximum concentration of 0.294 kg L-1. The simulated hydrographs that were created with the redesigned control system had a NSE of 0.998 and a RMSE of 0.06 L s-1. The simulated hydrographs also recorded a peak value within 1% of the target flow rate as recorded by a magnetic flow meter.
Publications
- Alms, W.C. 2009. Development of a Storm Runoff Simulator: Native Sediment Mixing Device With a Control System. M.S. Thesis, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 105 pp.
- Alms, W.C., T.G. Franti and D.P. Shelton. 2009. Native Soil Mixing System for a Runoff Simulator. Presented at the 2009 Mid-Central ASAE Meeting, Ames, IA, April 4-5, 2009.
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Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: A grant was received to continue development of a prototype sediment mixing device using native soil (sediment) rather than silica sand as the soil. An M.S. graduate student completed field testing of a re-design of the prototype mixing device for one soil type, and one sediment concentration. A referred journal article describing the sediment mixing device design and testing was published to disseminate that information. PARTICIPANTS: Graduate Student William C. Alms, Research Engineer Alan C. Boldt, Associate Professor Thomas G. Franti, Professor George E. Meyer. Companies contributing equipment to the development of this project include: National Instruments, A-T Controls, McCrometer Inc., and SeaMetrics Inc. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
Redesign of the prototype mixing device has resulted in the ability to mix native soil (sediment) with water to a controlled, constant concentration, and deliver that sediment in a controlled and varialbe manner. This will enable use of the storm runoff simulator in the field with native soil. Further testing needs to be completed on a range of soil types. Donations from private companies of meters, valves, and control systems with an equivalent value of approximately $10,000 aided in the development of the prototype mixing device.
Publications
- Sutko, N.J., T.G. Franti, and D.P. Shelton. 2008. Development of a Storm Runoff Simulator: Part 3 Sediment Mixing Device. Applied Engineering in Agriculture, 24(6):xxx-xxx.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Results of this project have been disseminated in a Masters Thesis, Development of a storm runoff simulator: Sediment mixing and delivery mechanism.
PARTICIPANTS: Nicholas J. Sutko, graduate student, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE
Impacts
Currently, a prototype-scale sediment and water mixing system has been designed and built using fine silica sand as a substitute for sediment, and using a mixing tank and rotary mixer. The slurry can be metered to effectively distribute a sedigraph output from the tank. A second Masters level graduate student has received training on this project and graduated in May 2007.
Publications
- Franti, T.G., D.P. Shelton and J.D. Cermak. 2007. Development of a Storm Runoff Simulator: Part 1 Design Considerations. Applied Engineering in Agriculture, 23(5):603-611.
- Franti, T.G., D.P. Shelton and J.D. Cermak. 2007. Development of a Storm Runoff Simulator: Part 2 Water Output Control Device. Applied Engineering in Agriculture, 23(5):613-620.
- Sutko, N.J. 2007. Development of a storm runoff simulator: Sediment mixing and delivery mechanism. Masters Thesis, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE. 141 pp.
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Significant progress has been made to develop a prototype sediment mixing and delivery system. A pilot study completed using a 100 gallon tank with silica sand and eroded sediment. Each material was successfully mixed using a rotary agitator, or a rotory agitator with recirculting pumps. Outflow from the tank was at a constant concentration. At the prototype scale, using a 500 gallon tank, only 1 of 4 tests were successful at mixing sediment with water. Silica sand was easily mixed to a constant concentration. The prototype sediment mixing mechanism works well with a uniform, fine sediment.
Impacts
Research tool now available to evaluate runoff hydrograph flow through conservation buffers and for other hydraulic simulations. A prototype sediment mixing system is functional for uniform, fine sediment.
Publications
- Sutko, N.J., T.G. Franti and D.P. Shelton. 2006. Creation of Synthetic Sediment Graphs for Storm Runoff Simulation. Presented at the 2006 Mid-Central ASABE Conference, Manhattan, KS, March 31-April 1. ASABE Paper No. MC06-4104.
- Franti, T.G. and D.P. Shelton. 2006. A Storm Runoff Simulator to Evaluate Grass Filter Strips and Other Storm Water Management Systems. In: Graham, R. (ed.). Examining the Confluence of Environmental and Water Concerns, Proceedings of the World Environmental and Water Resources Congress 2006; Sponsored by the Envir. & Water Res. Inst., ASCE, May 21-25, 2006, Omaha, NE. CD-ROM Paper No. 14277.
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
Current plot scale conservation buffer research does not necessarily reflect performance in a field setting. A natural storm hydrograph simulator is needed to evaluate conservation buffers with widths and field to buffer area ratios (BAR) that are similar to the design criteria specified by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). To evaluate buffers in a field setting the simulator should be compatible with typical resource constraints of 15,200 L stored water, 63 L s-1 peak flow rate or 1 ton of soil mass in the field, and be easily transported along highways. Additionally the simulator should be able to produce hydrographs with a variety of shapes. The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) Curve Number Method and Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE) were used to determine what field and precipitation conditions could be simulated for the selected buffer design criteria of 100:1 BAR, 6 m width and 7.5 m plot length, given the resource constraints. It was
found that the selected buffer design criteria would not be compatible with the resource constraints. Based on the initial analysis nine buffer design criteria scenarios were evaluated. From this analysis it was determined that the simulator could be developed for a 1 x 9 m buffer plot with resource constraints of 7580 L, 7.2 L s-1 and 0.71 tons of soil, for greater than 30:1 BAR. The storm hydrograph simulator, based on a feedback control system between an actuated valve and flow meter, that operates under gravity flow was designed, built and tested. A time-compressed 10yr-2hr SCS design hydrograph with a 7.3 L s-1 peak flow rate was used to calibrate the simulator for optimal performance with large changes in flow rate and for compatibility with a with variety of hydrograph shapes. When reproducing the compressed SCS hydrograph, the simulator maintained comparable efficiencies between repetitions, with a 2% error between RMSE and the total flow range. Hydrographs with step changes
in flow rate, plateaus at various flow rates, multiple peaks, and flow rates up to 9.8 L s-1 can be simulated with comparable efficiencies and 4 - 6% error.
Impacts
Research tool now available to evaluate runoff hydrograph flow through conservation buffers and for other hydraulic simulations.
Publications
- T.G. Franti, J.D. Cermak and D.P. Shelton. 2005. Development of a Runoff Hydrograph Simulator.. Presented at the 2005 ASAE International Meeting, Tampa, Florida, July 17-20, 2005. ASAE Paper No. 052050.
- Cermak, J.D. 2004. Development of a Storm Runoff Hydrograph Simulator for the Evaluation of Conservation Buffers. M.S. Thesis. University of Nebraska
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Progress 10/01/03 to 09/30/04
Outputs
Current plot scale conservation buffer research does not necessarily reflect performance in a field setting. A natural storm hydrograph simulator is needed to evaluate conservation buffers with widths and field to buffer area ratios (BAR) that are similar to the design criteria specified by the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). To evaluate buffers in a field setting the simulator should be compatible with typical resource constraints of 15,200 L stored water, 63 L s-1 peak flow rate or 1 ton of soil mass in the field, and be easily transported along highways. Additionally the simulator should be able to produce hydrographs with a variety of shapes. The Soil Conservation Service (SCS) Curve Number Method and Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE) were used to determine what field and precipitation conditions could be simulated for the selected buffer design criteria of 100:1 BAR, 6 m width and 7.5 m plot length, given the resource constraints. It was
found that the selected buffer design criteria would not be compatible with the resource constraints. Based on the initial analysis nine buffer design criteria scenarios were evaluated. From this analysis it was determined that the simulator could be developed for a 1 x 9 m buffer plot with resource constraints of 7580 L, 7.2 L s-1 and 0.71 tons of soil, for greater than 30:1 BAR. The storm hydrograph simulator, based on a feedback control system between an actuated valve and flow meter, that operates under gravity flow was designed, built and tested. A time-compressed 10yr-2hr SCS design hydrograph with a 7.3 L s-1 peak flow rate was used to calibrate the simulator for optimal performance with large changes in flow rate and for compatibility with a with variety of hydrograph shapes. When reproducing the compressed SCS hydrograph, the simulator maintained comparable efficiencies between repetitions, with a 2% error between RMSE and the total flow range. Hydrographs with step changes
in flow rate, plateaus at various flow rates, multiple peaks, and flow rates up to 9.8 L s-1 can be simulated with comparable efficiencies and 4 - 6% error.
Impacts
Research tool now available to evaluate runoff hydrograph flow through conservation buffers.
Publications
- Cermak, J., T. Franti and D. Shelton. 2004. Feasibility of Developing a Runoff Simulator for Conservation Buffer Evaluation. Presented at the 2004 Mid-Central ASAE Conference, St. Joseph, MO, March 25-26, 2004. ASAE Paper No. MC04-303
- Cermak, J. 2004. Development of a Storm Hydrograph Simulator for the Evaluation of Conservation Buffers. M.S. Thesis. University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE. 139 pp.
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