Prioritizing Feasible Locations for Permeable Pavement Using MODFLOW and Multi-criteria Decision Making Methods

Abstract

This study provides a systematic three-step approach to prioritizing feasible locations for permeable pavement, taking into account environmental, economic, and social aspects. Step 1 is the identification of potential locations on the basis of spatial and economic feasibility, and on the receptiveness of the local government and residents. Step 2 involves the use of Visual MODFLOW software to simulate groundwater levels with and without permeable pavement. Step 3 is the prioritization of all feasible locations using three multi-criteria decision making methods: the weighted sum method, composite programming and TOPSIS. Weighting values were derived from iterative feedback surveys completed by 22 regional experts. This framework was applied to the Mokgamcheon watershed, central Korea, which suffers from instream flow deficit during the dry season. The results show that by considering anthropogenic factors and hydrological effectiveness, this approach effectively prioritizes feasible alternatives that can be implemented into comprehensive hydrological cycle rehabilitation plans.