Open Access
Dynamic prediction of effective runoff sediment particle size for improved assessment of erosion mitigation efficiency with vegetative filter strips
(Elsevier, 2023) Reichenberger, Stefan; Sur, Robin; Sittig, Stephan; Multsch, Sebastián; Carmona Cabrero, Álvaro; López Rodríguez, José Javier; Muñoz Carpena, Rafael; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertstitate Publikoa
The most widely implemented mitigation measure to reduce transfer of surface runoff pesticides and other pollutants to surface water bodies are vegetative filter strips (VFS). The most commonly used dynamic model for quantifying the reduction by VFS of surface runoff, eroded sediment, pesticides and other pollutants is VFSMOD, which simulates reduction of total inflow (ΔQ) and of incoming eroded sediment load (ΔE) mechanistically during the rainfall-runoff event. These variables are subsequently used to calculate the reduction of pesticide load by the VFS (ΔP). Since errors in ΔQ and ΔE propagate into ΔP, for strongly-sorbing compounds an accurate prediction of ΔE is crucial for a reliable prediction of ΔP. The most important incoming sediment characteristic for ΔE is the median particle diameter (d50). Current d50 estimation methods are simplistic, yielding fixed d50 based on soil properties and ignoring specific event characteristics and dynamics. We derive an improved dynamic d50 parameterization equation for use in regulatory VFS scenarios based on an extensive dataset of 93 d50 values and 17 candidate explanatory variables compiled from heterogeneous data sources and methods. The dataset was analysed first using machine learning techniques (Random Forest, Gradient Boosting) and Global Sensitivity Analysis (GSA) as a dimension reduction technique and to identify potential interactions between explanatory variables. Using the knowledge gained, a parsimonious multiple regression equation with 6 predictors was developed and thoroughly tested. Since three of the predictors are eventspecific (eroded sediment yield, rainfall intensity and peak runoff rate), predicted d50 vary dynamically across event magnitudes and intensities. Incorporation of the improved d50 parameterization equation in higher-tier pesticide assessment tools with VFSMOD provides more realistic quantitative mitigation in regulatory US-EPA and EU FOCUS pesticide risk assessment frameworks. The equation is also readily applicable to other erosion management problems.
Open Access
Assessment of the flood mitigation ecosystem service in a coastal wetland and potential impact of future urban development in Chile
(Elsevier, 2022) Rojas, Octavio; Soto, Evelyn; Rojas, Carolina; López Rodríguez, José Javier; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza
A worldwide increase in flooding due to climate change and population growth in exposed areas is expected, especially in coastal areas; therefore, nature-based solutions (NBS) for risk reduction are necessary to increase the resilience of cities, particularly in developing countries, which usually lack large budgets for structural measures but have natural areas such as wetlands that can be used as NBS. The flood mitigation ecosystem service of a coastal wetland in central Chile was analyzed. Using hydrological and topo-bathymetric data, two flood hazard scenarios were modeled: (i) S1 current and (ii) S2 projected, which was established based on land-use planning instruments and urban projects developed since 1954. Flood hazard maps for different return periods were obtained and indicators related to the mitigation potential of the wetland were calculated. It was proven that urban project development has intensified since 2000, mainly in the form of real estate development, with an increase in occupation of 50%, and the wetland area is projected to be further reduced by around one third, decreasing potential flood mitigation. Thus, for an extreme return period, in this case 500 years, the water volume stored by the wetland would decrease by more than 38% and the flooded area of the wetland by 30%, increasing flooding and vulnerability of the urban area, with various repercussions for surrounding neighborhoods and infrastructure. The number of people and homes affected would increase by around 6% and 8%, respectively, such that the affected land value would reach an additional US$55 million, which would be very detrimental in a city that has seen its natural spaces encroached upon by gray infrastructure. This research reaffirms the need to support the restoration and conservation of coastal wetlands under pressure from urban development in an area with a lack of green infrastructure planning.
Open Access
Aluminum coated fiber optic sensor for enhancing flow rate measurement
(SPIE, 2023) Rodríguez Rodríguez, Armando; Urroz Unzueta, José Carlos; Diéguez Elizondo, Pedro; Bravo Acha, Mikel; López-Amo Sáinz, Manuel; López Rodríguez, José Javier; Ingeniería; Ingeniería Eléctrica, Electrónica y de Comunicación; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC; Ingeniaritza; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa, Elektronikoaren eta Telekomunikazio Ingeniaritzaren
A water flow and velocity aluminum-coated Fiber Bragg Grating sensor system for open channels was designed, simulated and tested. The sensing head was designed, ruggedized and customized to measure velocities at different depths, in order to calculate the discharge in open channels. This paper shows, for the first time to our knowledge, the simulation of such kind of fiber sensors in open channels.
Open Access
Determinación de las curvas IDF en Igueldo-San Sebastián. Comparación de diferentes métodos
(Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, 2018) López Rodríguez, José Javier; Delgado Zabala, Oihane; Campo-Bescós, Miguel; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza
Las curvas de intensidad-duración-frecuencia (IDF) son una herramienta fundamental en ingeniería hidrológica. Se ha partido de la serie de precipitación de 88 años registrada cada diez minutos en la estación meteorológica de Igueldo (San Sebastián). Después de aplicar varios test para comprobar la homogeneidad y la no estacionariedad de la serie de precipitación, se determinaron las curvas IDF mediante un análisis de frecuencia con el programa Hydrognomon. Dichas curvas se compararon con las obtenidas a partir de la serie simulada con el modelo estocástico de Barlett-Lewis Modificado (MBL) y con las estimadas mediante la ecuación de Témez. El objetivo de este trabajo es la evaluación de estas dos últimas metodologías. Las curvas y los yetogramas generados con la expresión de Témez presentaron un buen ajuste a partir de periodos de retorno, T, mayores a 20 años. No fueron tan buenos los obtenidos a partir de la serie simulada con MBL.
Open Access
Geomorphological instantaneous unit hydrograph model with distributed rainfall
(Elsevier, 2019) Goñi Garatea, Mikel; López Rodríguez, José Javier; Gimena Ramos, Faustino; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza
Two variants of the Instantaneous Unit Hydrograph model based on a Geomorphological association of linear Reservoirs (IUHGR), incorporating the Spatial Variability of Rainfall (SVR), have been developed. The proposed models are based on the Geomorphological Reservoirs (GR) scheme consisting of a cascade of linear reservoirs aggregating sub-watersheds. The model, in its first version, was formulated so that it incorporated a spatial variability pattern of rainfall associated with a certain frequency and oriented towards its application in the field of hydrological design. This model was considered to be stationary in the time (GRSVR(s)) for being linked to some design conditions. The second version of the model is applicable to the simulation of real events, where there is a dynamic (GRSVR(m)) spatial distribution of rainfall that varies in time, as in the case of the movement of rainstorms. Both models permit the input of relevant information on the spatial variability of the rainfall, taken from different rain gauge records, without losing the simplicity of the GR model with a single parameter, which represents the hydrological time response of the watershed. The models have been calibrated and validated with the data from one gauged watershed in northern Spain. The analysis conducted in both cases showed that the models which contemplated the spatial variability of the rainfall, GRSVR(s) and GRSVR(m), were capable of simulating rainfall variability effects in the surface runoff hydrograph better than the GR model, which averages the precipitation values recorded in the different rain gauges.
Open Access
The transformation of a trade fair and exhibition centre into a field hospital for COVID-19 patients via multi-utility tunnels
(Elsevier, 2021) Valdenebro García, José Vicente; Gimena Ramos, Faustino; López Rodríguez, José Javier; Ingeniería; Ingeniaritza
This article exposes, through the case study of the IFEMA trade fair and exhibition centre in Madrid (Spain), the benefits of using a multi-utility tunnels (MUTs) system as a smart and sustainable solution for the distribution of utility networks in buildings, or in complexes made up of several buildings, to enable their quick and continuous adaptation. The saturation of the health system in the capital of Spain, motivated by the COVID-19 pandemic, forced the authorities in Madrid to improvise an emergency centre in this building. The multi-utility tunnels system was the key enabling element to deploy the necessary networks, including those for medical gases, to convert several exhibition halls into a field hospital with a maximum capacity of 5000 conventional beds and another 500 Intensive Care Unit beds, in just 100 h.
Open Access
Distributed humidity sensor for moisture-front monitoring in soils
(Optica, 2020) Leandro González, Daniel; Delgado Zabala, Oihane; López Rodríguez, José Javier; Bravo Acha, Mikel; López-Amo Sáinz, Manuel; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa, Elektronikoaren eta Telekomunikazio Ingeniaritzaren; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC; Ingeniería Eléctrica, Electrónica y de Comunicación
In this contribution, high spatial resolution distributed humidity sensing was demonstrated for moisture-front monitoring in soils by using polyimide coated optical fiber.
Open Access
Caracterización del modelo HEC-HMS en la cuenca de río Arga en Pamplona y su aplicación a cinco avenidas significativas
(Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción (Chile), 2012) López Rodríguez, José Javier; González Moreno, Miguel Ángel; Scaini, Anna; Goñi Garatea, Mikel; Valdenebro García, José Vicente; Gimena Ramos, Faustino; Proyectos e Ingeniería Rural; Landa Ingeniaritza eta Proiektuak
Pamplona es una ciudad que es atravesada por el río Arga a lo largo de una llanura aluvial, que es susceptible de inundaciones cuando se producen avenidas de cierta magnitud. Ante esta situación es importante contar con un modelo hidrológico que permita simular los caudales del río que atraviesa el núcleo urbano, a partir de los datos de los distintos pluviómetros existentes en la cuenca, y que sirva para alimentar a modelos hidráulicos que permitan definir las zonas inundables asociadas a distintos niveles de probabilidad. Con esta finalidad, se ha montado y caracterizado el modelo HEC-HMS de la cuenca del río Arga en Pamplona, y posteriormente, se ha aplicado a las cinco avenidas más significativas de los últimos años, de las que se disponen de los mínimos datos de caudal y precipitación necesarios. HEC-HMS es un modelo lluviaescorrentía que se basa en estructurar la cuenca origen en subcuencas asociadas a los cauces de la red fluvial. El flujo base en los hidrogramas observados se ha estimado mediante el filtro de Eckhardt. Después de realizar un análisis de sensibilidad de los parámetros inciertos del modelo, en el que se ha observado que el más sensible es el CN, se ha aplicado el modelo con los datos de las series de precipitación de las estaciones automáticas, y con los datos de las automáticas más las manuales, en este segundo caso los resultados han mejorado significativamente obteniéndose resultados satisfactorios.
Open Access
Comparison between capacitive and microstructured optical fiber soil moisture sensors
(MDPI, 2018) López Aldaba, Aitor; López Torres, Diego; Campo-Bescós, Miguel; López Rodríguez, José Javier; Yerro Lizarazu, David; Elosúa Aguado, César; Arregui San Martín, Francisco Javier; Auguste, Jean-Louis; Jamier, Raphael; Roy, Philippe; López-Amo Sáinz, Manuel; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa eta Elektronikoa; Landa Ingeniaritza eta Proiektuak; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC; Institute on Innovation and Sustainable Development in Food Chain - ISFOOD; Ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica; Proyectos e Ingeniería Rural
Soil moisture content has always been an important parameter to control because it is a deterministic factor for site-specific irrigation, seeding, transplanting, and compaction detection. In this work, a discrete sensor that is based on a SnO2–FP (Fabry-Pérot) cavity is presented and characterized in real soil conditions. As far as authors know, it is the first time that a microstructured optical fiber is used for real soil moisture measurements. Its performance is compared with a commercial capacitive soil moisture sensor in two different soil scenarios for two weeks. The optical sensor shows a great agreement with capacitive sensor’s response and gravimetric measurements, as well as a fast and reversible response; moreover, the interrogation technique allows for several sensors to be potentially multiplexed, which offers the possibility of local measurements instead of volumetric: it constitutes a great tool for real soil moisture monitoring.
Open Access
Microstructured optical fiber sensor for soil moisture measurements
(Optical Society of America, 2018) López Aldaba, Aitor; López Torres, Diego; Campo-Bescós, Miguel; López Rodríguez, José Javier; Yerro Lizarazu, David; Elosúa Aguado, César; Arregui San Martín, Francisco Javier; Auguste, Jean-Louis; Jamier, Raphael; Roy, Philippe; López-Amo Sáinz, Manuel; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa, Elektronikoaren eta Telekomunikazio Ingeniaritzaren; Ingeniaritza; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC; Ingeniería Eléctrica, Electrónica y de Comunicación; Ingeniería
A discrete sensor based on a Sn0₂-FP (Fabry-Pérot) cavity is presented and characterized in real soil conditions. Results are compared, for the first time to our knowledge, with a commercial capacitive sensor and gravimetric measurements.