Risk-based assessment of climate change impact on storm drainage system

Abstract

Climate change impacts on engineering infrastructures are increasing. The infrastructures are expected to withstand more frequent and severe weather events, more climate variability, and changes in climate norms (average conditions). It is anticipated that many civil infrastructure systems such as storm drainage, will fail to meet the expected environmental pressures. Therefore, it is important to identify current and future risks; to develop strategies for adapting such risks; and to implement an effective maintenance plan. In the study, the climate change impacts on storm drainage were investigated, particularly in Southport, Queensland, Australia. The historical rainfall data for 120 years were analysed to identify the changes in the trends, patterns and frequencies of rainfall. The peak flow in a flooding event was identified. The investigation provides essential information for the vulnerability to risk failure of the existing storm drainage system, such as at a critical pipe failure point. Finally, the research applied a risk-based vulnerability assessment by risk analysis and management quantification tools to quantify the impact that rainfall may induce through storm drainage failure. © 2010 WIT Press.