City of Calgary to Identify Urban Drainage Problems and Evaluate Capital Improvement Alternatives

The City of Calgary experienced significant flooding during a severe thunderstorm on June 6, 2007 leading to significant damages as sealed manholes failed causing extensive road damage and overland flows. The City of Calgary recognized the importance of the overland system as part of the drainage evaluation of the area as well as for future flood protection. Much of this area consists of older neighborhoods which were not designed using the major-minor system concept (i.e. roadways and pipes).

The City of Calgary engaged Associated Engineering to prepare a detailed dual drainage hydraulic model using MIKE URBAN.  The City requested that the model include the major overland flow system (roadways), the minor system (pipe network) and a dynamic connection between the major-minor system using the hydraulic capacity of all the catchbasins as well as the non-pressurized manholes.

The objective for this detailed approach was to understand the available conveyance and storage capacity within the overland system and thereby develop more cost-effective infrastructure upgrades for these areas. A secondary objective was to develop a clear understanding of the flooding locations and problematic surface flows. This would allow for the development of more effective solutions that would limit damage to private property owners from future storm events.