OVERVIEW

An experimental research study will investigate and quantify the hydraulic behaviour of balcony and carpark drainage system outlets under typical Australian rainfall conditions, using physical testing and empirical hydraulic modelling.

The objective of the research is to investigate the behaviour of water flow around and through outlets in order to fully understand how different parameters affect flow conditions and capacities of drainage outlets. The results of this research will enable the optimisation of design processes and facilitate the development of an appropriate testing protocol for balcony and roof drainage outlets used in the Australian Construction Industry.

By: PhD student Christopher Cunningham.

ABOUT CHRIS CUNNINGHAM

Chris Cunningham is currently completing his PhD, entitled ‘Quantifying flowrates through roof drainage stormwater system outlets under typical Australian rainfall conditions’ at the University of the Sunshine Coast. Part of his research will involve investigating and quantifying the hydraulic behaviour of balcony and carpark drainage system outlets under typical Australian rainfall conditions.

Chris is a Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years’ experience in industrial research projects, asset management, project management and engineering design. Some of his industry research includes:

– Utilisation of solar thermal technology in a coal fired power generation.
– Reverse osmosis plant reuse using salinity gradient power generation.
– Coal fired power generation wood waste co-firing feasibility and plant impacts.

After working in many different roles within the industry, Chris is now a PhD student in the Stormwater Research Group whose research interests centre on fluid mechanics and optimising building hydraulic design. He is also interested in renewable energy systems and understanding how engineering design can adapt to the impacts of climate change.