Evaluating and mapping the hazard and risk of vehicle instability within a flood prone area

Abstract

River overflows can significantly affect vehicles that are circulating or parked in flood-prone areas. Vehicle dragging has not only an economic impact but also the potential loss of human lives. Due to this, proper flood management requires the identification of risk and safe areas for vehicles during these types of events. Loss of stability of a vehicle can be generated by the hydrodynamic mechanisms of floating, sliding and/or toppling. The case study was Rambla del Poyo, which can flood parts of the metropolitan area of Valencia (Spain). To establish the hazard, we used maximum velocity and depth inundation maps for the return periods of 50, 100 and 500 years and different types of vehicles. For the estimation of the final risk, it was needed the car density in the area and the histogram of the types of vehicles. Using the selected stability model, it was possible to map the hazard for each type of vehicle individually and the risk for all vehicles that circulate or are parked in the case study. Especially interesting for evacuation plans was the mapping of the safe areas. Also it was found that vehicles would lose their stability mostly by flotation.