Urban flood modeling application: Assess the effectiveness of building regulation in coping with urban flooding under precipitation uncertainty

Abstract

This research evaluates the effectiveness of planning and building regulations in coping with urban flooding under different precipitation scenarios. Accordingly, the study simulated seven alternative scenarios considering the variations of precipitation, plot coverage regulations, and Low Impact Development (LID) options. The study utilized open-source geospatial software to model different surface runoff scenarios. Then the effectiveness of those seven alternatives was assessed by utilizing the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique to evaluate their sustainability in urban design. The results revealed that the plot coverage regulations are effective in managing floods during average rainfall events, and LID-based infrastructure solutions are effective during moderate rainfall events. Nevertheless, none of these solutions were solely adequate during extreme rainfall events. Regardless of the response to extreme rainfall occurrences, the practitioners’ opinion was in favour of green roof adoption and plot coverage regulation considering their effectiveness in managing more frequent average rainfall events, and the overall sustainability in maintaining the balance of urban hydrological pathways. Accordingly, the findings of the study can be utilized as a guide to the decision-making process in urban planning and design, and to formulate sustainable planning regulations and guidelines to cope with urban flooding under the precipitation uncertainty.