Abstract

This work presents an analysis of the contributions of plant interception and evapotranspiration to the water balance of a bromeliad green roof, based on experimental tests conducted in a prototype. The objective is to calculate the volume of water intercepted by bromeliads and the volume of water that undergoes evapotranspiration, and to compare these volumes with the volume precipitated over the green roof and the volume retained, to improve understanding of the mechanism of interaction among the parts. The main purpose is to improve the efficiency of compensatory techniques in urban drainage, thereby minimising urban flooding across all major cities. A literature review was conducted on the hydrological cycle and its stages, along with a description of the history and advantages of green roofs, to improve understanding of the system’s operation. This work contributes to improving the efficiency of green roofs for rainwater retention.