The Bioretention node allows for the creation of a generic bioretention system, also known as a raingarden (Does not include the creation of tree pits and rooftop raingardens as they have separate respective nodes). ​

    Bioretention systems detain stormwater and utilise multiple layers of soil and vegetation to filter and treat pollutants. The process of detaining stormwater also reduces peak volumes of runoff during high rainfall events. The treated stormwater can be directed to stormwater drainage systems or harvested for reuse. ​

    Bioretentions are recommended in the following usage cases:​

    Bioretentions can be a high maintenance treatment measure depending on the upstream water quality. They should not be used when the water treated has high levels of sediment and litter, the system will quickly be clogged and cease to effectively function. Additionally, catchments with high flow rates should avoid this measure as the garden bed can be easily eroded. A MUSIC Bioretention node has 31 parameters which can be varied, many of them set to various values by Authority Guidelines. Building an appropriate Bioretention as per Guidelines is quite difficult and checking of parameters by Authority is near impossible. John Connor Online sets parameters as per Authority Guidelines, and only allows inputs within the appropriate values.

*Min max input table based on typical engineering bounds and may differ depending on local authority rules ​

    The Tree pit node is modelled as “bioretention” with parameters specific to tree pits.​ ​

    Tree pits function in a similar way to raingarden bioretention systems, by detaining stormwater and utilising permeable soil and vegetation (in this case trees) to filter and treat pollutants. As with raingardens, the water filtered can be reused or output to the stormwater drainage system. ​

    Tree pits are recommended in Individual allotments or Subdivisions.​ ​

    Tree Pits can be a high maintenance treatment measure depending on the upstream water quality. They should not be used when the water treated has high levels of sediment and litter, the system can quickly be clogged and cease to effectively function. Additionally, catchments with high flow rates should ensure a diversion is installed to prevent erosion.​

    Roof Raingardens are green areas which are built atop of buildings, providing a variety of benefits. ​ In addition to amenity value for residents, .​ ​

    Roof Raingardens function in a similar way to typical raingarden/bioretention systems, by detaining stormwater and utilising permeable soil and vegetation to filter and treat pollutants. As with regular raingarden/bioretention systems, the water filtered can be reused or output to the stormwater drainage system. ​

Swales are devices which are great to use atop catchments. However, there area many requirements for swales:​

They cannot be too steep due to erosion, not too flat due to ponding,​

Batters not too steep due to safety, velocity x depth product too high will wash away children and pets, ​

A too high width/length aspect ration means they’re ineffective and ​

and ​

A too high grass leads to snakebites.​

John Connor Online implements limits required by Authority for the Swale node. ​

For further information, good resources can be found here:​

    Sediment Basins are used for capture of gross pollutants and coarse sediment. ​ ​

    When modelling, John Connor Online preloads the required parameters as per Authority Guidelines.

    It is important to note that there are minimum requirements for Sediment Basin Depth (e.g. it cannot be a 200mm deep puddle) and also there’s a requirement for minimum detention time (e.g. water can’t rush through it in 15 minutes). ​

    This is due to sedimentation time requirements. ​

    When building the sediment basin, do not forget the maintenance requirements. ​ ​

    A good resource for more information is here:​

    Wetland are large water bodies which are usually used to polish the stormwater. ​

    They clean the water to a high standard, while providing good amenity. ​

    Wetlands need to be protected by a Primary/Secondary device such as a Vortex separator, a Sedimentation basin or such. ​

    The EDD cannot be too high so it doesn’t suffocate plants by flooding them. ​

    The average permanent pool height limits should be between 0.3m and 0.7m. ​

    Water needs to move slowly through the wetland, so that it allows treatment to take place. ​

    John Connor Online puts limits on the appropriate values, and ensures all values required by Authority are preloaded. ​

    A good resource:​

Rainwater tanks have various sizes and characteristics. ​

Modelling a rainwater tank with MUSIC requires detailed knowledge.

John Connor Online informs users of what the values mean and what appropriate demands are. ​

John Connor Online implements limits required by Authority for the Rainwater Tank node. ​

For further information, good resources can be found here:​