Handbook of Research on Hydroinformatics by Gasmelseid Tagelsir

Author:Gasmelseid, Tagelsir...
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2014-05-21T23:28:16.900000+00:00

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

In this short description of flood management aspects and strategies, results from a variety of RIMAX research projects have been evaluated and adaptation strategies for their implementation under varying conditions summarized. Descriptions covered forecast and warning, preparedness of defences, flood management as well as damage assessment and social impact aspects. Depending on the individual circumstances these individual aspects or where necessary a combination of them need to be considered when evaluating a problem and planning changes to a system. Out of a variety of criteria that have an influence and should be considered when approaching a problem, the following two points are of mayor importance.

Changes to a part of a system will always have effects on other, not necessarily only downstream parts of a system. A holistic approach is therefore essential to come to an overall beneficial solution, including different stakeholder requirements, conflicting needs, multiple user aspects and cause-consequence criteria. Tackling the problems of a specific location, the overall system needs to be considered as after respective changes to a system, negative impacts at secondary locations may outweigh the positive effects at the immediate location of interest.

Next to the need for a holistic approach, the application of engineering judgement in assessing, evaluating, planning and implementing of flood management efforts is of highest importance. As every system is unique, solutions can mostly not be transferred directly from other example sites but need to be adapted carefully depending on the local and overall circumstances. The adaptation strategies described in this guide should therefore be considered with care and the persons in charge need to carefully judge the conditions, needs and desired results for their respective location and circumstances.

Considering these two main points, the described results of the RIMAX projects and derivations of them can be applied for a variety of problems, settings and circumstances. As stated, a holistic and sustainable approach should always be preferred to avoid negative secondary effects. Further information to these projects can be found on the website www.rimax-hochwasser.de, all projects can be considered individually or in combination.

Another important aspect that should be considered when planning and implementing changes to a river or flood management system is that the changed system should be monitored in order to be able to optimize changes where possible and mitigate unwanted side effects. Changes and/or additional measures may be necessary or beneficial in this monitoring stage to improve the overall project results. The monitoring should include wider aspects that could be affected by the changes both locally and remotely. Future monitoring may be beneficial to track long term effects and learn for following projects.

WORKING EXAMPLE

Example Catchment Description

To show the potential of the RIMAX approach in a holistic way, considering sustainable options for catchment wide implications, a schematic example is shown in this section that highlights the different elements that need to be considered. A medium scale river catchment in a semi-arid region has been chosen for this example, with the involved elements shown in Figure 10.

Figure 10. Schematic catchment overview in

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