Comparative analysis of sizing methods for reservoirs used to collect rainwater

• Grant number: 06/04529-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2006
• End date: October 31, 2007
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Civil Engineering - Construction Industry
• Principal Investigator: Simar Vieira de Amorim
• Grantee: Daniel José de Andrade Pereira
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The shortage of drinking water has been one of the biggest concerns at the beginning of the 20th century, been discussed all over the world and it is even considered by some writers as one of the potential reasons for wars in near future. Because of this, it has increased the search for efficient alternatives to reduce the consumption of drinking water per capita. The technological alternatives have been the most reasonable ones since they allow the reduction of consumption without the necessity of any sudden alterations in the users habits. Among these solutions the use of rainwater for non-drinking purposes seems to be a good alternative because it is not only reduce the consumption but also works indirectly as a nonstructural measure of urban drainage which is another problem that affects a great number of cities in Brazil. The reservatory dimensions are very important as regards the economical and financial viability of the implementation since the execution of that is in general the most expensive part. Consequently, this research aims to do a comparative analysis between the different methods of measurement of the reservatory, which were proposed by the researchers, in order to try to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each one. Systems have been used all over the world to collect rainwater especially in countries such as The United States, Japan, Germany and Australia. In Brazil, its usage is still very reduced mainly because of the lack of knowledge in technology, which causes certain distrust and insecurity on people. Though, the necessity of reduction of consumption of drinking water as a result of the actual crisis and the improvement of the techniques of execution, usage and maintenance of a system as that one, will lead to a gradual increase in its use next years. The request of a scholarship for this civil engineering student intents to insert him in the research field as well as give him a preparation that can contribute for the development of a particular technology for the reasonable use of water. The student will research the existing methods for measurement of a reservatory in bibliographies, will use them in a case study of a building, which belongs to the Department of Civil Engineering of the Federal University of São Carlos and will carry out the necessary comparisons. (AU)