Flood Control Planning

The goals of nonstructural flood-control planning are formulation, evaluation, selection, and implementation of a practicable management plan that provides optimal protection from the adverse effects of flooding. Many alternative flood-control measures can be dismissed by the water resources planner on the basis of judgement, but a substantial number will require detailed analysis before a suitable plan can be selected. This analysis is an iterative process, requiring input from the planar at each step. Software developed at the Hydrologic Engineering Center (HEC) allows efficient data storage in a structure-oriented data bank and provides for selective retrieval and manipulation of the data from an interactive terminal. Thus the planner is able to propose nonstructural measures and to evaluate rapidly the economic and technical feasibility of those measures in a iterative scheme that allows the required input from the planner. An application of the interactive plan evaluation software is presented. Steps in creating the data bank are defined, and use of the software for subsequent accessing and manipulating the data for plan evaluation is discussed. (Author).

Flood control and flood plain management investigations using spatial data management techniques are increasing in the Corps of Engineers. Pilot studies initiated in the mid-1970's were successful in consolidating analysis concepts, fostering the development of spatial data file creation and management technology and enhancing the consideration of existing and alternative future development patterns in Corps' planning studies. Over 30 studies using HEC-SAM, the Corps' spatial data management system, are now completed or underway. HEC-SAM was created through selective acquisition of commercial software, adaption of academic research products, and development by researchers at the Corps' Hydrologic Engineering Center (HEC). The HEC role continues to be that of system developer and technology transfer agent. The evolution, present capabilities, and applications of HEC-SAM are described. Observations are offered on spatial technology development, implementation, and servicing. (Author).

One of the effects of global climate change is the increasing variability of extreme flood events and cyclones. Current measures to mitigate flood impacts, particularly in the urban environment, are based on previously-planned flood risk intervals and no longer provide sufficient protection. Being prepared for unexpected changes and extreme flood events asks for a paradigm shift in current strategies to avoid and manage flood disasters. In order to stem the increasing impact of urban floods, a major rethink of current planning and flood management policies and practice is required, taking into account different spatial and temporal scales. This book addresses a broad spectrum of relevant issues in the emerging field of urban flood management. It may act as a stimulus for further research and development in urban flood management while informing and engaging stakeholders in the promotion of integrated and cooperative approaches in water management. An interdisciplinary approach which will be of interest to all those who are active in water, risk and urban management.

Over the last decades the world has witnessed a growing number of floods in urban areas. Climate change and rapid urbanization will exacerbate this trend. Flooding incidents in urbanized catchments and low-lying areas, such as polders, can lead to great public concern and anxiety, and their economical impact is severe. Apart from well-known flood prevention strategies, new approaches to the accommodation of floods are needed to create robust and sustainable solutions that enable us to cope with the ever-increasing urban pressure on flood-prone areas and the uncertainties created by climate change. Urban Flood Management comprises a multidisciplinary survey of recent developments in this field. Subjects like spatial and urban planning, flood insurance, flood resilience, flood proofing techniques, risk perception and preparedness and flood forecasting are treated by authorities from Brazil, India, the USA and Europe. Urban Flood Management will provide anyone active in the fields of water, risk and urban management with the latest information and insights that were obtained with a global and multidisciplinary approach.