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Application of Time Domain Reflectometers to Urban Settings
Citation:
O'CONNOR, T., A. ROWE, E. STANDER, AND M. BORST. Application of Time Domain Reflectometers to Urban Settings. Presented at Million Trees NYC, Green Infrastructure & Urban Ecology: A Research Symposium, New York City, NY, March 05 - 06, 2010.
Impact/Purpose:
To inform the public.
Description:
Time domain reflectometers (TDRs) are in-situ monitoring probes that produce a temperature-compensated signal proportional to soil moisture content of the surrounding material when calibrated to a particular media. Typically used in agricultural settings, TDRs may also be applied to urban soils. EPA’s Urban Watershed Management Branch located at the Edison Environmental Center (EEC) has been exploring the use of TDRs as a way to monitor stormwater infiltration practices. TDRs are installed in pilot- and full-scale bioretention units (e.g., rain gardens). The TDRs measure soil moisture and sense the wetting front as the stormwater infiltrates through the planting media and into the native soil. Recently, a new permeable pavement parking lot was constructed at the EEC. This parking lot was designed for long-term monitoring and includes permanently-installed TDRs, both in the crushed concrete storage layer and the underlying soil. Early indications suggest that while TDRs placed in crushed concrete may not provide calibrated moisture content, measured wetting fronts correspond to those of the TDRs in soils. Extensive bench-scale, proof-of-concept testing was performed in crushed concrete before the permanent installation below the paved surfaces as a proof of concept test. Application of this technology may be suitable to urban areas that are interested in modifying tree pit design, controlling stormwater using infiltration practices such as rain gardens and porous pavements, or using manufactured or engineered soils, and seek or require supporting data that water is infiltrating and available to plants.
URLs/Downloads:
Symposium
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION_PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR.PDF (PDF, NA pp, 5 KB, about PDF)