Opportunity
In the search for a sustainable, cost-effective flood protection solution, a key aspect of the multilateral investigation was the critical interaction between river levels in the Ouseburn and the operation of the drainage systems within the estate.
Solution
Using InfoWorks CS we built a hydraulic model to analyse the causes of foul and surface water flooding. Our model was verified using flow monitors and rain gauges, and through extensive manhole, topographical, CCTV and sonar survey work. We merged our model with the Environment Agency’s river model and a number of foul and surface water options to reduce the risk of flooding within the area were eliminated due to being unviable or unfavourable. The combined model was updated into ICM and the preferred option was enhanced using the 1D and 2D aspects of the software.
Outcome
Our model was a key part of a collaborative study which identified that diverting the Ouseburn to create space for surface water storage would also enable an embankment to be constructed. This innovative and unconventional solution created a natural sustainable asset that reduced project and whole-life costs and met all requirements for better protection against surface water, sewer and fluvial flood risk.