Hydrological Functioning of a Bromeliad Green Roof: Interception Capacity and Evapotranspiration
Abstract
This work presents an analysis on the contribution of plant interception and evapotranspiration on a green roof composed of bromeliads based on experimental tests carried out in a prototype. The objective is to calculate the volume of water intercepted by bromeliads and the volume of water that undergoes evapotranspiration and compare with the volume precipitated over the green roof and with the volume retained to better understand the mechanism of interaction between the parts. The main purpose is to improve the efficiency as a compensatory technique in urban drainage, which aids in minimizing urban flooding by all major cities. A literature review was made on the hydrological cycle and its stages and a description of the history and advantages of green roofs, aiming at a better understanding of the operation of the system. This work contributes to improving the efficiency of green roofs with regard to rainwater retention.