Conceptual classification model for sustainable flood retention basins

Scholz, M; Sadowski, AJ

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to recommend a rapid conceptual classification model for Sustainable Flood Retention Basins (SFRB) used to control
runoff in a temperate climate. An SFRB is an aesthetically pleasing retention basin predominantly used for flood protection adhering to sustainable
drainage and best management practices. The classification model was developed on the basis of a database of 141 SFRB using the River
Rhine catchment in Baden (part of Baden-Wu¨rttemberg, Germany) as a case study. It is based on an agglomerative cluster analysis and is intended
to be used by engineers and scientists to adequately classify the following different types of SFRB: Hydraulic Flood Retention Basin,
Traditional Flood Retention Basin, Sustainable Flood Retention Wetland, Aesthetic Flood Retention Wetland, Integrated Flood Retention Wetland
and Natural Flood Retention Wetland. The selection of classification variables was supported by a principal component analysis. The identification
of SFRB in the data set was based on a Ward cluster analysis of 34 weighted classification variables. Scoring tables were defined to
enable the assignment of the six SFRB definitions to retention basins in the data set. The efficiency of these tables was based on a scoring system
which gave the conceptual model for the example case study sites an overall efficiency of approximately 60% (as opposed to 17% by chance).
This conceptual classification model should be utilized to improve communication by providing definitions for SFRB types. The classification
definitions are likely to be applicable for other regions with both temperate oceanic and temperate continental climates.

Citation

Scholz, M., & Sadowski, A. (2009). Conceptual classification model for sustainable flood retention basins. Journal of Environmental Management, 90(1), 624-633. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2007.12.018

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2009
• Deposit Date: Dec 22, 2011
• Journal: Journal of Environmental Management
• Print ISSN: 0301-4797
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 90
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 624-633
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2007.12.018
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2007.12.018