Building resilient cities with sustainable drainage systems (SUDS)

This series is designed to equip professionals with in-depth knowledge and practical skills in designing and implementing Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) using Autodesk InfoDrainage. Whether you're a planner, engineer, or environmental consultant, this course will enhance your ability to manage surface water effectively while contributing to sustainability and resilience in urban environments.

1. An Introduction to Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) 
 
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are designed to manage surface water runoff in a way that mimics natural drainage processes. They aim to improve water quality, enhance biodiversity, and provide aesthetic and recreational benefits. SuDS are increasingly important in urban planning as they address the challenges of urbanisation and climate change.
In this short video, you will discover the need for SuDS by looking at aspects such as runoff, evapotranspiration, infiltration, the four pillars of SuDS design, and run through some typical examples of SuDS structures.

2. The benefits of Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) 
 
Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) offer a range of benefits that contribute to environmental sustainability, urban resilience, and improved quality of life.

In this short video, we will take a high-level look at these benefits including ecology and biodiversity, combatting climate change, improved water quality, health and wellbeing, social economic benefits, flood alleviation, getting more from less, and rainwater demand and reuse. 

3. Rainfall Data Configuration 
 
Autodesk InfoDrainage is a software tool used for designing and analysing Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and stormwater management solutions. One of the critical inputs for such analyses is rainfall data, which informs the hydrological modelling and design processes.
In this short video, we will run through how to utilise FSR and FEH data inside Autodesk InfoDrainage, and how to configure storm profiles, return periods, account for climate change, and storm durations. 

4. Stormwater controls pond creation 
 
Retention ponds, also known as wet ponds, are a type of Sustainable Drainage System (SuDS) designed to manage stormwater runoff. Unlike detention ponds, which temporarily store water and then release it, retention ponds maintain a permanent pool of water throughout the year.

In this short video, we’re going to run through a step-by-step tutorial on how to design pond structures inside InfoDrainage, used for both retention ponds and detention basins.

5. Bioretention design 
 
Bioretention systems, commonly known as rain gardens or bioretention cells, are designed to manage and treat stormwater runoff. They use a combination of soil, vegetation, and microorganisms to filter and break down pollutants, thereby improving water quality and reducing runoff volume.

In this short video, we will look at the design characteristics of a typical bioretention strip and how these features are handled inside of Autodesk InfoDrainage.