Redefining resilience in the face of extreme rainfall
Sustainable and Technical Design Engineer Julia Cavanaugh of Capcon Engineering has published an exciting new research paper on the future of rainwater drainage in the face of climate change. The paper, co-authored with Eugene Finn and Professor John Sweeney of Maynooth University, is titled “Designing Resilient Drainage Systems for Intensified Rainfall Due to Climate Change.”
Also published by Engineers Ireland, this research explores one of the most urgent challenges in modern engineering: how to design drainage systems that can withstand the growing intensity of rainfall events driven by climate change.
Julia’s research outlines how traditional gravity-based drainage systems—still used in most building design—are proving inadequate under new climatic conditions. As displayed by case studies from Copenhagen, Cork, Madrid, and Greece, climate-driven rainfall events have already exceeded design limits, causing billions in infrastructure damage. The study argues that continuing to rely on historical rainfall data and static models poses unacceptable risks to both property and public safety.
A call for innovation—and a proven solution
The research positions siphonic drainage as a critical part of the solution. Operating under full-bore flow conditions, siphonic drainage systems can handle significantly higher rainfall intensities while using smaller pipe sizes and less material. Julia and her co-authors demonstrate how these systems deliver:
- Higher flow rates (up to 65 L/s compared to ~35 L/s in gravity systems)
- Reduced material use and embodied carbon, supporting net-zero design goals
- Improved resilience to short-duration, high-intensity rainfall events
- Compatibility with green roofs and rainwater reuse
In their conclusion, the authors call for engineers, architects, and policymakers to adopt adaptive drainage design as a standard practice—integrating climate data, forecasting, and siphonic technology to ensure the buildings of today remain resilient in the decades ahead.
As quoted in the research, “It is no longer feasible to depend on legacy infrastructure and outdated models. Instead, cities must adopt adaptive systems that reflect the realities of climate volatility.”
Driving Thought Leadership in Sustainable Design
At Capcon Engineering, we are proud to see Julia’s contribution recognised at a national level. Her research reinforces our ongoing commitment to transforming how buildings interact with water: through smarter, greener, and more data-driven rainwater management.
This publication reflects Capcon’s broader mission to lead global innovation in siphonic drainage and sustainable rainwater systems that protect buildings, people, and the planet in an era of unprecedented climate challenge.
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