Open Collections

Botanical Gardens project

University of British Columbia. Sustainability Office

Working with UBC SEEDS and UBC Botanical Garden, our team was tasked with proposing an efficient and cost effective solution to the issue of seasonal flow rate variations in Rock Creek at the UBC Botanical Garden, which have raised concerns regarding flooding, erosion, and aesthetics of the stream. Through our three months endeavor, we have examined pre-existing information, conducted research on methods of flow rate control, and gathered other details regarding the stream as required. From this information, we have formulated a series of suggestions for mediating seasonal flow rate variations and controlling the associated problems. We also conducted proper surveying for the stream and were able to map out the elevation profile for the stream; the total elevation drop across the stream is approximately 7.5m over a 93m length. Four locations of steep elevation drop in the stream were also identified. Through analysis of past local precipitation data, we have determined that there is indeed a very large seasonal fluctuation in expected flow rate in Rock Creek; precipitation rates are generally between 5mm to 15mm per day during the winter and spring months between October and June, while summer precipitation is negligible. Average flow rate for Rock Creek I was found to be 13.45L/s, and based on the data, the flow rate strongly correlates with the trend seen in precipitation. After considering the characteristics of the stream, we have outlined four solutions, which are as follows: adding a permeable holding pond at the top of the stream, rock weir placement along the upper half of the stream, stream bed roughening along the lower half of the stream, and riprap installation along the sides of the stream. These proposed ideas are explored in detail in the following report, explaining the purpose, design, cost, drawbacks, and possible improvements of each. Disclaimer: “UBC SEEDS provides students with the opportunity to share the findings of their studies, as well as their opinions, conclusions and recommendations with the UBC community. The reader should bear in mind that this is a student project/report and is not an official document of UBC. Furthermore readers should bear in mind that these reports may not reflect the current status of activities at UBC. We urge you to contact the research persons mentioned in a report or the SEEDS Coordinator about the current status of the subject matter of a project/report.”

Text

University of British Columbia. CIVL 202; UBC Social Ecological Economic Development Studies (SEEDS) Student Report

Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library

10.14288/1.0108535

Applied Science, Faculty of; Civil Engineering, Department of

Unreviewed

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/ca/