The water flow exchanged between the two is controlled by the sewer drainage network capacity and the water discharge rates allowed trough the inlets (i.e. linkage model). These elements ultimately control the amount of water that will flood the surface. Surprisingly none of the existing linkage elements have been validated, and it is our opinion that some rely on some crude assumptions. The aim of this project is to validate a theoretical model termed Multiple-Linking-Element (MLE) using a real scale model.

Innovation: The striking idea behind the MLE is the decomposition of the inlet structure into a series of elements that can be modelled separately and then reassembled back to form the complete element. Five control sections are defined that limit and control the discharge rates in both directions, i.e. from the sewer to the surface and vice-versa. The MLE was distinguished in 2006 with an award by the Young Persons' Papers Competition held in Leeds by the IAHR UK section. However the model remains theoretical since it was never validated with real data. The paramount importance of this project is therefore highlighted by the novelty of the MLE; furthermore, none of the existing linkage-models have ever been validated. Indeed, the great novelty of this project is to be the first ever to generate enough good-quality data for validation of such linkage-models.

MLE project is funded by PTDC/AAC-AMB/101197/2008