Performance analysis of structural and non-structural flood control measures in an urban watershed

ABSTRACT

The present study shows an analysis of the performance of some structural and nonstructural flood control measures by means of hydrologic and hydraulic simulations. The basin of the Gregório River, in São Carlos (SP), Brazil, was scanned and scenarios that incorporate the management measures were created, both with the aid of the GIS software ArcGIS and high-resolution satellite images. Hydraulic and hydrologic modeling were performed by HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS software using return periods of 25, 50 and 100 years for the design storm. The results (flood hydrographs and flooding areas for each return period) allowed analyzing the measures by comparing the different scenarios and the best results corresponded to the association of structural and nonstructural measures. However, even by implementing the best scenario, the problem of flooding would not be satisfactorily solved, revealing the need to consider other measures to minimize flood damage, such as runoff source control measures, flood insurance and early warning systems.

Keywords:
floods; management measures; hydraulic-hydrological modeling; HEC-HMS; HEC-RAS.