Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Degree

Master of Engineering Science

Program

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Supervisor

Dr. Denis M. O'Carroll

Abstract

Green roofs are becoming a popular solution to manage the stormwater, to reduce the energy consumption in highly urbanized environment and provide many additional benefits. One of the key components that characterize the green roof system is the growth medium; the medium supports the plants, providing water and nutrient storage, and contributes to the roof insulation.

The object of this thesis is to investigate the hydraulic and the thermal properties of the green roof growth medium and to study the relationship among these properties through extensive laboratory analyses. In addition, the laboratory results are compared with direct measurements in the field, from the green roof site at the Western University campus. Despite the challenges posed by a complex soil such as the growth media, the results presented in the thesis provide a detailed characterization and useful information that can then be applied to model the green roof system.

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