Artikel

Enhancing Urban Resilience to Drought through Mathematical Optimization of Blue-Green Infrastructure

A Case Study in Amsterdam

Urban areas are increasingly challenged by extreme weather events due to climate change. The Netherlands, for instance, faced significant droughts and severe rainfall in the summers of 2021 and 2022. Historically, the country has prioritized flood prevention, with little focus on drought-resilient systems. This case study aims to address this gap by enhancing urban resilience to drought through the mathematical optimization of blue-green infrastructure.

DALL·E 2024-07-01 11.22.36 - A scene depicting the mathematical optimization of blue-green infrastructure in an urban setting to enhance drought resilience. Show the Bajeskwartier.webp


Methodology

The framework integrates local soil and vegetation characteristics with future climate scenarios from the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI). It considers key physical processes like soil moisture balance and evapotranspiration, along with factors such as leaf area, rooting depth, and soil water retention capacity.

Case Study: Bajeskwartier in Amsterdam Venserpolder

The model is validated through a case study in Bajeskwartier, evaluating unpaved surfaces versus paved surfaces and green spaces. Results show the efficacy of the model in determining minimum irrigation requirements and necessary water storage capacity to prevent plant stress.

Findings

  • The model reveals that Bajeskwartier has adequate water storage capacity to meet demands during a 1-in-30-year drought scenario projected for 2085.
  • Optimal irrigation scheduling and water storage operations are identified, including storage capacity per zone.

Applications

  • Urban planners and policymakers can use the model to enhance urban drought resilience.
  • The model is useful for planning urban water storage and studying optimal scheduling and operation of water resources.
  • In cases where crawl spaces cannot be used due to stormwater management, nature-based ponds could be an alternative.

Afbeelding credits

Header afbeelding: RGER_20170105_Nachtelijk-Amsterdam-lo-res-HD_0024.jpg

Icon afbeelding: water