The climate is changing. Rainfall is becoming more frequent and more severe. Particularly urban regions are facing more and more challenges with rainwater. At UT, we want to face these challenges head-on. In 2016, we already constructed an AquaBASE system on campus.
Heavy and prolonged rainfall cause a burden on the sewage system in Enschede, making it prone to flooding. As site manager, UT needs to process this rainwater and the desire to make the living environment climate-proof and water-robust. In 2016 it was decided to construct an entirely new, water-buffering system under the Boerderij parking lot to prevent more problems in the future. At the time of construction, this was only the second completed AquaBASE system in the Netherlands.
AquaBASE is a water buffering and infiltration system. The system consists of a hollow space with permeable stones above, interspersed with small joints to ensure good flow and infiltration capacity. AquaBASE retains water longer so that it infiltrates the soil more slowly, replenishing the groundwater table. And not only that: AquaBASE simultaneously forms the stable base for a foundation. The substrates feature hollow spaces, in which water is stored, and still have sufficient load-bearing capacity and stability for car parks. In this way, this parking lot can contribute to the infiltration of rainwater while maintaining its function.
