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PLUMBING CONNECTION
SUMMER 2016
TEST RIG UPDATE
M
ore experimental research is required to accurately
evaluate the capacity of conventional roof drainage
systems and to investigate how it might change in
the future due to expected increases in rainfall intensities
resulting from climate change. This is where the vision
of Mark Alexander of the AHSCA became integral to the
research project taking flight.
“The Research Project now has its own website
www.testrig. com.auwhich Victorian chapter president Ben Rimmington
has donated an incredible amount of time and energy to
design, develop and implement,” Mark Alexander said.
“Chief Investigator, Dr Terry Lucke has done a wonderful
job at interpreting our requirements for the construction of
the test rig facility. While the scaffold construction of the rig
appears quite simplistic to the casual observer, the flexibility
and functionality that Terry has been able to design into the
structure is remarkable, with simplicity and reliability being
the key ingredients.”
The design of the rig incorporates:
∫ Three working levels.
∫ Adjustable gutter width.
∫ Adjustable gutter depth.
∫ Adjustable gutter gradient.
∫ Adjustable outlet location, each end or central.
∫ The ability to adjust the flow at each roof sheet.
∫ The ability to observe both positive and negative
(syphonic) pressure effects on each outlet and overflow
configuration.
The design challenges of the facility were not just limited
to the physical rig construction; the pumps used to generate
the specific pressure and flow requirements of simulated
storm patterns also required unique consideration. BKB
Grundfos developed a dedicated pump set solution with
modulating flow and pressure characteristics that can
replicate storm hydrographs from historical storm
FEBRUARY 2015 MARKED AN IMPORTANT TIME FOR THE ASSOCIATION OF HYDRAULIC SERVICES CONSULTANTS
AUSTRALIA (AHSCA) AS AN AGREEMENT WAS MADE TO COLLABORATE WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF THE SUNSHINE
COAST (USC) TO UNDERTAKE CUTTING-EDGE RESEARCH TO INVESTIGATE, QUANTIFY AND ACCURATELY PREDICT
THE HYDRAULIC BEHAVIOUR OF ROOF WATER IN BOX GUTTERS AND DOWNPIPES OF LARGE BUILDINGS. THE PAST
12 MONTHS HAS SEEN CONSIDERABLE DEVELOPMENTS AT THE NATIONAL ROOF DRAINAGE RESEARCH FACILITY.
JUSTIN FELIX
REPORTS.
AHSCA UPDATE