CIMA+’s Post

Flooding is a devastating natural disaster, causing immense damage to property, infrastructure, and lives. While complete prevention might not always be possible, strategic canal design can significantly reduce the speed and volume of floodwaters, mitigating their destructive impact. This article explores how incorporating specific elements within canals can slow down floodwater flow: 1. Weirs and Check Dams: These are low-head barriers constructed across the width of a canal. They create a series of steps, forcing the water to cascade down, dissipating its energy and reducing its overall velocity. This controlled descent helps prevent erosion downstream and allows for gradual infiltration of floodwater into the surrounding ground. 2. Channel Meandering: Instead of straight, rigid canals, designing them with gentle meanders increases the channel length. This extended path offers more resistance to the water flow, naturally slowing it down. Additionally, meanders create deposition zones for sediment carried by floodwaters, preventing clogging further downstream. 3. Vegetation Buffers: Planting native trees and shrubs along the canal banks creates a vital buffer zone. These plants act as natural filters, trapping debris and sediment, preventing them from reaching downstream areas. Their root systems also help stabilize the canal banks and enhance water infiltration into the soil, further reducing floodwater volume. 4. Roughened Channels: Lining the canal bed with materials like riprap (large stones) or vegetation creates a roughened surface. This increased friction helps to slow down the water flow as it encounters more resistance. Benefits of Strategic Canal Design: Reduced floodwater velocity, minimizing erosion and property damage. Increased water infiltration, replenishing groundwater reserves. Improved water quality by trapping debris and sediment. Enhanced habitat creation for flora and fauna within the canal ecosystem. Implementing these techniques requires careful engineering expertise, considering factors like floodwater volume, canal dimensions, and local environmental conditions. However, the long-term benefits outweigh the initial investment, making strategic canal design a cost-effective and sustainable approach to flood mitigation. #floodcontrol #watermanagement #sustainableinfrastructure #engineering #resiliency #civilengineering By sharing this knowledge, we can contribute to building more resilient communities in the face of floods. Let's continue the conversation – share your thoughts and experiences with flood mitigation strategies in the comments below!

🌧️ Unprecedented Flooding in Valencia, Spain: A Stark Reminder of Urgent Climate Risks 🌍 Between October 29 and November 1, 2024, #Valencia experienced catastrophic #flooding, with over 4.453 billion cubic meters of rainfall inundating the region in just a few days. This extreme event underscores the critical need for resilient flood risk management strategies as #climate #change drives more frequent and intense weather events. The impact of rising sea surface temperatures (SSTs) on cut-off low-pressure systems, which fueled this extraordinary rainfall, calls for innovative approaches to urban planning, infrastructure resilience, and emergency preparedness. For more insights, check out my recent Q&A with Ottawa Media where we dive into the broader implications of this event for flood-prone regions worldwide, including Canada: Link to Q&A (#uOttawa): https://lnkd.in/ewKUEKez #ClimateChange #FloodRiskManagement #InfrastructureResilience #ValenciaFloods #UrbanPlanning #SustainableDevelopment

How is Chicago reducing combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and flooding vulnerability despite Climate Change? The answer: The Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP), which has been under construction for 50 years, is nearly finished. According to the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, the system currently has a capacity of more than 11 billion gallons for combined sewage and stormwater, and this capacity will increase to 17 million in 2029. As a result, CSOs have been reduced from an average of 100 days per year to 50, and the flooding vulnerability has significantly decreased. I look forward to searching for flooding risk assessments before and after this huge project to see the millions of dollars that the city has saved thanks to risk reduction infrastructure. Infrastructure development is the key to reducing vulnerability to climate change. Long-term planning and engineering investment are essential, rather than merely discussing the issue without taking action. #climaterisk #urbanplannig #climatechange #civilengineering #floodingrisk #disasterrisk #Chicago

A smarter city skyline for flood safety https://lnkd.in/dcNDU5Nn With climate change and rising urbanization, the likelihood and severity of urban flooding are increasing. But not all city blocks are created equal. Researchers investigated how urban layout and building structures contribute to pedestrian safety during flooding. Based on their simulated results, the team recommends modifying building corners and protective block layouts to reduce pedestrian risk.

A Moving Target: The Challenge of Predicting Flood Risk In many parts of the country, simplified or erroneous assumptions continue to guide decision making. Municipalities may elect to move forward with more-rigorous design standards (employing 500-year flood levels, for example), but these initiatives are still rare. Diminished building areas translates into a smaller tax base for a flood hazard that may or may not materialize. Due to many competing interests, the vast majority of localities are still following a “wait and see” approach. Read More: https://lnkd.in/esaKYpQF  #Flooding #FloodRisk #FloodMitigation

Why turning cities into ‘sponges’ could help fight flooding. #urbandesign #climatechange #landscape #ecosystems #ecodesign https://flip.it/8GC1EM

🚨 Valencia’s Recent Flash Floods: A Call to Prioritize Resilient Infrastructure 🌊   What happened? The recent flash flood in Valencia has once again underscored the importance of prioritizing infrastructure maintenance for the hydrologic system. Such maintenance is crucial not only for meeting essential needs but also for preventing natural disasters and protecting citizens. Delays in necessary maintenance of drainage and control systems have resulted in significant loss of human life. Consequently, the economic burden of rebuilding damaged or missing infrastructure further exacerbates the impact. The Solution: The loss of life emphasizes the need to implement effective solutions to prevent or mitigate future natural disasters. Our solutions are not only built to last but designed to integrate seamlessly into existing systems for maximum impact. The importance of using the best materials to withstand natural forces, coupled with our team’s expertise, motivates us to support you in this mission. With the experience and knowledge gained from repeated natural disasters, we have developed sophisticated solutions to ensure the highest standards. We are here to support you in achieving these essential infrastructure developments. 💡 Now is the time to act! Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance to secure the best outcomes in your efforts to improve and develop the hydrologic infrastructure. Let’s work together to turn these challenges into sustainable outcomes for communities. Picture: OD 3260 mm Intake and Outfall Pipes #infrastructure #natrualdisasters #water #floods #hydrologicinfrastructures #hydrologic #mitigation #drainage #pipeline #planhidrologico #valencia

Hundreds of marae around the country are exposed to natural hazards like flooding, landslides, and other natural disasters, according to new research. Haukapuanui Vercoe (Te Arawa, Tūwharetoa, Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Pāhauwera, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāi Tahu), an Engineering PhD student, analysed 869 marae across Aotearoa to assess their vulnerability. Marae play a crucial role in disaster response, but resourcing is a critical challenge, given the pressing need for repairing or upgrading infrastructure and buildings. Vercoe stresses the need for adequate funding and resources, suggesting collaborative efforts between central and local governments. It's essential to ensure marae are properly supported in their vital community roles. “Marae often receive little to no acknowledgement for their significant contribution to civil defence and emergency response, as well as recovery and relief efforts. Although marae and hapū will continue to support the wider community from the goodness of their hearts, marae should not bear the cost and must be resourced accordingly.” https://lnkd.in/ggPfVJV4

Interesting story on the BBC today asking whether London should, or perhaps this would be better phrased as 'could', become a 'sponge city'. https://lnkd.in/egH25aSm An interesting concept being trialled widely in China and the Netherlands. Essentially, in a sponge city, a wide and diverse range of spongy urban features, such sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and 'green' roofs, among many others, are incorporated into urban planning to help filter water down through the soil and substrata to find its way, eventually, to aquifers underground. The idea being that if you can stop water running off non-permeable surfaces (think of the number of paved over driveways as one example on the increase) that almost immediately feeds into drains and sewers, you can do a number of things, e.g.: 1. Replenish aquifers 2. Nourish plant life and associated eco-systems 3. Reduce the volume of flooding at street level 4. Reduce the water flowing into and through our drainage and sewer systems, which will have a reductive effect on overflow pipes and treatment works. There is, of course, cost involved, but it's a concept that can be developed incrementally over time. An interesting concept, would love to hear your thoughts. #water #spongecity #flooding #suds

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴! 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗱𝗼 𝘄𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴? Urban flooding is becoming an increasingly frequent and devastating issue for cities in Europe. Climate change and fast urbanization are exceeding the capacity of drainage systems, while torrential rains cause significant damage. Read the article below to find out how we can prevent urban flooding.