Masters Theses

Keywords and Phrases

Green Infrastructure

Abstract

"Green roofs can provide environmental benefits and conserve energy; this research evaluated green roof stormwater management, nutrient loading, and erosion prevention for two green roof media. During a pilot study, the runoff quantity and composition from green roof material was evaluated continuously under field conditions for two different media, both tested under planted and unplanted conditions. Water quantity results show over a 40% reduction in runoff from just the growing media and over 60% reduction in runoff with established plants in green roof media over the eight month study. Previous studies have reported a "first flush" of excess nutrients but without evaluating the duration and intensity of this phenomenon throughout the first year of the roof's life. Total phosphorus at 30 mg/L and nitrogen concentrations above 60 mg/L were observed in green roof runoff initially, with concentrations decreasing over time to 5 and 10 mg/L, respectively. In addition, elevated total organic carbon concentrations were observed, with concentrations of 500 mg/L initially, decreasing to below ten percent of initial concentrations. Media type and age were the largest influences on carbon and nutrient concentrations. Understanding runoff nutrient kinetics can better aid in developing procedures to minimize nutrient runoff and predict nutrient loading more accurately. In testing physical stability, both wind tunnel testing and sampling of total suspended solids in runoff were performed. The green roof drainage and filter fabric systems proved effective at preventing water-based erosion, with median total suspended solids concentrations for both below 20 mg/L. Because wind erosion can occur, surface stabilizers (i.e. adhesives) are available to secure green roof media. Green roof adhesive and plant cover were evaluated through wind tunnel testing; both reduced wind scour down to one-tenth of observed scour without any cover, providing protection against wind erosion"--Abstract, page iv.

Advisor(s)

Burken, Joel G. (Joel Gerard)

Committee Member(s)

Mendoza, Cesar
Showalter, William E.

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Environmental Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Summer 2013

Journal article titles appearing in thesis/dissertation

  • Green roof water quality and quantity impacts

Pagination

x, 54 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references.

Geographic Coverage

Rolla (Mo.)

Rights

© 2013 Grace Ella Harper, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Green roofs (Gardening) -- Environmental aspectsGreen roofs (Gardening) -- DesignGreen roofs (Gardening) -- Missouri -- RollaSustainable buildings -- Design and constructionGreen roofs (Gardening) -- Case studiesWater quality -- Environmental testingNutrient pollution of water -- TestingWind erosion -- Environmental aspects

Thesis Number

T 10350

Electronic OCLC #

858610260

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