Comprehensive analysis of riverine flood impact on bridge and transportation network: Iowa case study

Abstract

Floods have a catastrophic impact on human life in terms of economic loss, infrastructure damage and loss of life. Understanding vulnerable transportation segments is critical to addressing potential disruptions that may be caused by a flood event. This study employs a systematic framework to analyze flood impacts by evaluating bridge inundation, waterway crossings and traffic disruptions across Iowa under 50-, 100- and 500-year flood scenarios. The southeast part of Iowa, which has been designated as a critical area because of the significant bridge inundation during these flood events, is given particular attention. Marion, a moderately populated county in the southeast of Des Moines, stands out as a critical region due to its significant bridge inventory inundation in 100- and 500-year flood cases. Our study also explores the conditions and construction years of bridges, their correlation with inundation risk and their impact on flood-related vulnerability. Additionally, we assess the effects of waterway bridge evaluations for different flood magnitudes on evacuation plans and analyze the vulnerability of the transportation network through the effects of closed bridges on traffic. These insights underscore the intricate interplay between floods and transportation, shedding light on bridge vulnerability, waterway evaluation and traffic disruption.