The $4.5 billion dollar project which is in the heart of Austin and Central Texas consists of reconstructing the I-35 expressway to address safety, mobility and east-west connectivity needs. Prior to the highway enhancements, a stormwater drainage system which included multiple drop shafts, drainage tunnels, pump station, discharge structure and a river outfall, needed to be designed.

As part of the project, Verdantas conducted multiple Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Physical Modeling of the various stormwater system components. The models were able to confirm performance of the components for a variety of possible storm scenarios. Objectives of the model studies included evaluation of energy dissipation, air entrainment and venting of the system, confirmation of compliance with the Hydraulic Institute Standards for intake design (ANSI/HI 9.8-2018) and potential for scour in the Colorado River.