Multiobjective Optimization for Improved Management of Flood Risk
Publication: Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 140, Issue 2
Abstract
Effective flood risk management requires consideration of a range of different mitigation measures. Depending on the location, these could include structural or nonstructural measures as well as maintenance regimes for existing levee systems. Risk analysis models are used to quantify the benefits, in terms of risk reduction, when introducing different measures; further investigation is required to identify the most appropriate solution to implement. Effective flood risk management decision making requires consideration of a range of performance criteria. Determining the better performing strategies, according to multiple criteria, can be a challenge. This article describes the development of a decision support system that couples a multiobjective optimization algorithm with a flood risk analysis model and an automated cost model. The system has the ability to generate potential mitigation measures that are implemented at different points in time. It then optimizes the performance of the mitigation measures against multiple criteria. The decision support system is applied to an area of the Thames Estuary and the results obtained demonstrate the benefits multiobjective optimization can bring to flood risk management.
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Acknowledgments
The research work presented here was completed as part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership project between HR Wallingford and the University of Exeter (KTP Programme No. 6780), which is gratefully acknowledged. The research reported herein was also conducted as part of the work of the Flood Risk Management Research Consortium (FRMRC). The FRMRC is supported by Grant EP/F020511/1 from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), in partnership with the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs/Environment Agency (Defra/EA) Joint Research Programme on Flood and Coastal Defence, United Kingdom Water Industry Research (UKWIR), the Office of Public Works (OPW) Dublin, and the Northern Ireland Rivers Agency (DARDNI). This financial support is gratefully acknowledged.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Water Resources Planning and Management
Volume 140 • Issue 2 • February 2014
Pages: 201 - 215
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 9, 2011
Accepted: Jun 5, 2012
Published online: May 16, 2013
Discussion open until: Oct 16, 2013
Published in print: Feb 1, 2014
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