Urban flood adaptation and optimization for net-zero: Case study of Dongjak-gu, Seoul

Abstract

Study regionSangdo-dong, Dongjak-gu, which is classified as inland water disaster risk zone within Seoul, Republic of Korea. Study focusThis study evaluated the amount of flooding that could occur in the carbon-neutral era, and optimized low-impact development (LID) technology for an urban flood adaptation. The optimal scenario of LID technologies was proposed for the Sangdo-dong area at the urban level, and the amount of runoff and flood reduction was evaluated. New hydrological insightsThe LID controls provided by the storm water management model were used to analyze the flood damage that may occur under RCP 2.6 scenario. The evaluation simulated eight combinations of three optimized techniques: green roofs, permeable pavements, and vegetative swales to construct evidence-based data for the use by decision makers. In Scenario 8, which was evaluated as the most efficient, both peak and total flooding could be reduced by 55–60% respectively. This study not only evaluate the runoff but also the flooding value reflecting the interactions among LID-pipe networks. The LID installation area and runoff damage scale are inversely proportional. In contrast, as total flooding considers the capacity of the sewage network, a non uniform graph can be seen compared to the runoff. Results of this study can be used as guidance for LID evidence-based design and construction as well as strategies for decision maker.