Browsing by Author "Ramesh, Shalini"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Design Principles and Case Study Analysis for Low Impact Development Practices - Green Roofs, Rainwater Harvesting and Vegetated Swales
    Ramesh, Shalini (Virginia Tech, 2011-08-11)
    This thesis on Low Impact Development (LID) Practices provides design guidelines and principles for three important LID practices: green roofs, rainwater harvesting and bioswales. The most important component of the thesis is the qualitative analysis of various case studies based on the LID objectives drawn from the literature review for each LID practice. Through the course of my research, I found that there was no one single source which provided information on the design guidelines accompanied by case examples which could help the designer with built examples where the LID practices have been executed. Therefore, developing this thesis document which provided all this information started as my masters thesis project. The document is designed to be used by people with a variety of expertise like landscape architects, landscape contractors, engineers and clients. The manual is organized into five chapters. The manual details the process of stormwater management and then gradually leads to the evolution of Low Impact Development Practices and detailing out three important LID practices: green roofs, rainwater harvesting, vegetated swales and briefly about infiltration systems. The LID principles outlined in this manual were developed over the last few years to address runoff issues associated with the new residential, commercial and industrial suburban developments. Information to develop this manual has been drawn from numerous sources like the Low Impact Design Strategies developed by the Prince George's County, Maryland, US EPA, Low Impact Development urban design tools and numerous other research papers. It is my hope that the manual will provide adequate information to its users by not only providing design guidelines but also provide built examples through the case studies.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Pellissippi Wetland Park
    Gilboy, Elizabeth; Steika, Kim; Grossman, Mara; Langston, Daniel; Ramesh, Shalini (Virginia Tech. Community Design Assistance Center, 2010-04)
    The proposed Pellissippi Wetland Park is located in heart of Lebanon, Virginia, county seat for Russell County. The site is immediately adjacent to the Russell County Government Center as well as a proposed farmer's market and Veteran's Memorial. Northrup Grummon and CGI offices border the western edge of the side, while a new residential development lies immediately to the north of the site. The park is in walking distance from Lebanon Primary, Elementary, and Middle Schools as well as the Russell County Library. Opportunities for connectivity within the community are great.

    The project site is approximately 5 to 7 acres. The land was deemed unfit for development, allowing the Russell County Industrial Development Authority to lease the land to the Town of Lebanon for environmental education and recreation purposes.

    The project site and its surrounding context lie within the Clinch River Watershed. Water from Pellissippi Wetland Park enters the Clinch River via Little Cedar Creek. The park aims to offer educational opportunities to residents and visitors related to environmental stewardship, environmental functions and diversity, and low impact development. It also aims to improve the quality of the water that passes through its boundaries before it enters the Clinch River.

    A team of educators, local officials, and agency experts were asked to participate in the Pellissippi Wetland Park project team to guide the design development, funding, and implementation of the park. Patrick Smith, an Office of Surface Mining Volunteer in Service to America (OSM/VISTA) intern was brought in to coordinate this effort. The project team contacted the Community Design Assistance Center to request conceptual design assistance for the park site. Goals for the park include:

    - Preserve and Enhance Existing Natural Areas on the Site

    - Increase Positive Environmental Functions on the Site

    - Provide Opportunities for Environmental Education

    - Ensure Accessibility (ADA) and Connectivity to the Broader Community

    - Increase Habitat and Biodiversity

    - Offer Opportunities for Passive Recreation