Testing innovative technologies to manage flood risk

Abstract

The move towards multi-faceted approaches to flood risk management is cemented in the European Union (EU) floods directive (directive 2007/60/EC). Across Europe, resources are diverted towards softer interventions such as using the planning system to control developments in flood risk areas, and citizens are encouraged to live with floods. Damage mitigation nevertheless remains important and a market has therefore been developing for technologies that help to manage flood risk at the receptor scale, such as door and window guards and perimeter barriers. However, little empirical research has been undertaken to analyse how such technologies might fit with holistic flood risk management strategies. This paper reports on a multi-disciplinary research project which investigated, developed and tested innovative technologies to protect buildings and urban infrastructure from floods. The paper discusses testing parameters, the limitations of technologies and the barriers that impede their uptake.