HydroCAD Supports
GreenBlue RootSpace
HydroCAD provides direct support for the RootSpace®, manufactured by GreenBlue Urban. This allows the RootSpace to be easily used within any HydroCAD model for stormwater storage, detention, or infiltration.
The RootSpace features a unique interlocking design, which allows the cells to be connected and stacked to match the specific size requirements of each project.
Support for the RootSpace was added in HydroCAD-10 build 21. If you have an earlier version of HydroCAD, you must obtain a program update in order to model RootSpace systems.
How chambers are modeled
In a HydroCAD model, stormwater chambers typically appear as part of the storage definition for a "pond". In the simplest case, HydroCAD calculates the available storage for use with other calculations. But more often, it is used to generate a complete inflow or runoff hydrograph and route the water through the pond. The resulting analysis indicates the water levels attained throughout the rainfall event, as well as any discharge that may occur through outlet devices, or infiltration into the surrounding ground.
Flexible storage options
Each pond may include an unlimited number of storage definitions as required
to describe its overall storage characteristics. This makes it
easy to model complex storage arrangements, such as a combination of multiple
chambers, pipe storage, catch basins, or other contributing volumes. The
model can also include overflow storage, such as a parking lot, which may be
used to detain larger rainfall events.
HydroCAD can also embed (bury) chambers in a bed of crushed stone, and automatically calculate the combined storage of the chamber and stone voids at any water surface elevation. This makes it easy to determine the storage for virtually any configuration of storage chambers, without resorting to any manual calculations.
Modeling the GreenBlue RootSpace
Setting up a pond to use RootSpace chambers is a simple process: Just pick the desired "GreenBlue RootSpace" from the drop-down list, set the system height (up to 5 chambers high), and specify the number of modules.
HydroCAD also provides an automated chamber wizard for easy chamber layout, modeling, and cost estimating. Just set the number of chambers, and the wizard automatically sizes the stone bed (if applicable) and creates the necessary storage definitions. The composite storage for the chambers and stone voids is calculated automatically.
Detailed RootSpace information
The RootSpace definitions included with HydroCAD are intended to model an
empty RootSpace used for stormwater retention or detention. These
definitions should not be used to model a RootSpace installation that is filled
with growth media (such as a tree pit) since these applications do not behave
like an open pond.
For detailed product specifications and design information, please visit the GreenBlue RootSpace page.
For more information about HydroCAD
Please see the following pages for further HydroCAD information:
Pond storage calculations
Storage chamber modeling
(includes step-by-step instructions)
Exfiltration calculations
General support page
HydroCAD features and capabilities
Free evaluation program
Pricing and ordering
Images courtesy of GreenBlue Urban.
RootSpace® is a registered trademarks of GreenBlue Urban.
HydroCAD® is a registered trademark of HydroCAD
Software Solutions LLC.