Siphonic roof drainage system analysis utilising unsteady flow theory

Over the past three years a UK EPSRC research programme has been underway at Heriot-Watt University investigating siphonic roof rainwater systems. This text aims to report the principle findings of the project to date. A brief description of experimental and numerical aims is given. The priming procedure which occurs in an idealised system is documented. The test procedures employed are described, and experimental results are illustrated. The framework employed to numerically model the ambient hydraulics is described in some detailed. Conclusions are drawn regarding the operational characteristics of siphonic roof rainwater systems as a whole.