Coastal Flood Risk Reduction

The Netherlands and the U.S. Upper Texas Coast

1st Edition - April 27, 2022

Editors: Samuel Brody, Yoonjeong Lee, Baukje Kothuis

Paperback ISBN:

9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 8 5 2 5 1 - 7

eBook ISBN:

9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 8 5 2 5 2 - 4

Coastal Flood Risk Reduction: The Netherlands and the U.S. Upper Texas Coast represents the culmination of a 5-year international research and education partnership funded by the… Read more

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Coastal Flood Risk Reduction: The Netherlands and the U.S. Upper Texas Coast represents the culmination of a 5-year international research and education partnership funded by the US National Science Foundation (NSF) and more than 10 years of collaboration between Dutch and U.S. flood experts on the basic issue of how to protect society from growing flood risks. Multiple case studies integrating the fields of engineering, hydrology, landscape architecture, economics, and planning address the underlying characteristics of physical flood risks and their prediction; human communities and the associated built environment; physical, social, and built-environment variables; and mitigation techniques.

In recognition of the lack of systematic research and the growing societal need to better understand flood impacts, this edited book provides an in-depth, comparative evaluation of flood problems and solutions in two key places: the Netherlands and the U.S. Upper Texas Coast. Both regions are extremely flood-prone and have experienced continual adverse impacts throughout their histories. For researchers in flood management, geographers, hydrologists, environmental studies, and social science as well as policymakers and decision-makers in flood management authorities and related industries, this book provides an essential resource.

Cover image
Title page
Table of Contents
Copyright
Contributors
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Coastal Flood Risk Reduction Program
Abstract
Chapter 2: Mixing tulips with tacos: Flood prevention practices and policies—A comparison of north Texas coastal communities and the Netherlands
Abstract
Introduction
Dutch and American approaches to flood risk reduction
History and evolution of Dutch and US flood policy
Brief review of present flood defenses on the Dutch central coast and the upper Texas coast
Using Dutch principles to protect the Galveston Bay region
Proposed Texas plan
Future collaboration between Dutch and Texas researchers
References
Further reading
Section I: Predicting the floods: Environmental/physical underpinnings
Chapter 3: Storm surge modeling in the Gulf of Mexico and Houston-Galveston regions
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Likelihood of extreme water levels
Storm surge generation in the northwestern Gulf
State of engineering practice—Modeling hurricane storm surge
Different applications of storm surge models
Relevance of JSU (2018) research to flood risk
Comparison with the Netherlands situation
Conclusions
References
Chapter 4: Modeling the movement of water and sediment in coastal environments
Abstract
Introduction
Combining coastal hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and morphodynamics
Utilizing sediment (transport) to mitigate flooding
Conclusions
References
Chapter 5: Urban flood modeling: Perspectives, challenges, and opportunities
Abstract
Introduction
Pluvial flooding as a critical area of research
Modeling flood hazards in urban areas
Modeling the risks associated with urban flooding
Key research priorities
Summary
References
Chapter 6: Using machine learning to predict flood hazards based on historic damage
Abstract
The need for alternative flood hazard models and visualizations
Establishing a machine learning workflow for flood hazard estimation
A potential application for the Netherlands
Summary and conclusions
References
Chapter 7: Compound flooding
Abstract
Introduction
Modeling coastal flood hazards using numerical and statistical approaches
Managing coastal flood hazards
Conclusions
References
Section II: Paying the price: Socioeconomic and political underpinnings of flood risk
Chapter 8: Cost-benefit analysis of a proposed coastal infrastructure for reducing storm surge-induced impact in the Upper Texas Coast
Abstract
Introduction
Modeling approach
Dutch approach to coastal infrastructure BCA and lessons for the United States
References
Chapter 9: The role of insurance in facilitating economic recovery from floods
Abstract
Introduction
The US NFIP as the basis for household economic recovery
Record of historical loss through the NFIP
Beyond the NFIP: Emergence of private insurance markets
Flood risk reduction in the Netherlands: A counter approach
Conclusions
References
Chapter 10: Behavioral insights into the causes of underinsurance against flood risks: Experimental evidence from the Netherlands
Abstract
Introduction
Insufficient demand for flood insurance
Results
Policy recommendations
References
Chapter 11: Assessing economic risk, safety standards, and decision-making
Abstract
Introduction
Risk approaches
Economic optimization
Safety standards
Examples
Comparison and discussion
Concluding remarks
References
Section III: Place-based design and the built environment
Chapter 12: Infrastructure impacts and vulnerability to coastal flood events
Abstract
Introduction
International case studies of coastal flood impacts on infrastructure
Envisioning the future of coastal infrastructure design and management
Conclusions
References
Chapter 13: Understanding the impacts of the built environment on flood loss
Abstract
Putting more people in harm’s way
Spread of impervious surfaces
Built environment as obstacles
Inadequate and aging infrastructure
Looking to the Dutch for solutions
Summary and conclusions
References
Chapter 14: Plan evaluation for flood-resilient communities: The plan integration for resilience scorecard
Abstract
Transatlantic application
Feijenoord, Rotterdam
Nijmegen
De Staart neighborhood, Dordrecht
Conclusions
References
Further reading
Chapter 15: Dreaming about Houston and Rotterdam beyond oil and ship channels
Abstract
Introduction
Building the dream of the modern industrial urban landscape
Cracks and fractures in the dream
Creating new perspectives: The ship channel as a leverage
Conclusions
References
Chapter 16: A new nature-based approach for floodproofing the Metropolitan Region Amsterdam
Abstract
Introduction
Conclusions
Reflection of applicability in the Houston context
References
Chapter 17: Green infrastructure-based design in Texas coastal communities
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
The shift toward green infrastructure for flood mitigation in coastal Texas
LID and GI as flood mitigation tools
Planning and design promoting GI
Application project of GI in a community design along the Texas coast
Moving forward
References
Chapter 18: Integrated urban flood design in the United States and the Netherlands
Abstract
Introduction
Spatial design approach
The spatial design potentials of the risk approach
Case study: Vlissingen (Flushing)
Case study: Galveston
Discussion
Conclusions
References
Section IV: Resilient solutions for flood risk reduction— Convergence of knowledge
Chapter 19: Flood risk reduction for Galveston Bay: Preliminary design of a coastal barrier system
Abstract
Introduction
Setting the scene: Risk-based evaluation of strategies
Preliminary design of a coastal spine system
Closing discussion
References
Chapter 20: Design, maintain and operate movable storm surge barriers for flood risk reduction
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Movable storm surge barriers
Specific characteristics and their implications
How reasoned design could enable more efficient MMO: Three cases
Conclusions
References
Chapter 21: Designing and implementing coastal dunes for flood risk reduction
Abstract
Introduction
Natural dunes
Dunes and storm impacts
Engineered dunes
Implementation of engineered dunes in Texas and the Netherlands
Conclusions
References
Chapter 22: A proactive approach for the acquisition of flood-prone properties in advance of flood events
Abstract
Property acquisition for flood resiliency in the United States
Contextual differences between buyouts in the United States and the Netherlands
A model for prioritizing ecological gains for property acquisition in the United States
Discussions and conclusions
References
Chapter 23: Wetlands as an ecological function for flood reduction
Abstract
Introduction
Early comparative research
Simulation-based research
Observational research
Recent advances in identifying the type and shape of wetlands in reducing flood loss
Comparing the Dutch experience
Conclusions
References
Further reading
Chapter 24: Designing and building flood proof houses
Abstract
Introduction
Flood proof housing types
Conclusions
Reflection
References
Chapter 25: Risk communication tools: Bridging the gap between knowledge and action for flood risk reduction
Abstract
The role of risk perception
Tools that enhance communication of risk
Examples of data-driven web communication tools
Conclusion: Challenges and opportunities
References
Section V: Immersive place-based learning through convergence approach
Chapter 26: How to design a successful international integrative research and education program
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Background theories and concepts of the program design
Program design incorporating convergence
Lessons learned
Conclusions
References
Chapter 27: Measuring the educational effects of problem- and place-based research education programs: The student survey
Abstract
Introduction
Transformative and authentic learning and education
Methods
Results
Discussion
Conclusions
Appendix: Scoring Rubric for NSF PIRE CFRRP Student Survey
References
Chapter 28: A specific transdisciplinary co-design workshop model to teach a multiple perspective problem approach for integrated nature-based design
Abstract
Acknowledgment
Introduction
Theoretical background
Method
Results
Learning outcomes
Concluding remarks
References
Chapter 29: Flood risk assessment of storage tanks in the Port of Rotterdam
Abstract
Introduction
AST inventory analysis
Storm surge hazard data
Vulnerability analysis
Dutch flood risk management philosophy
Impact of PIRE program
Summary
References
Chapter 30: Experiences on place-based learning and research outcomes from the perspective of a student
Abstract
Background
Introduction
Program methodology
Case study research and results
NSF PIRE and beyond
References
Chapter 31: Conclusions
Abstract
Index

Samuel Brody

Dr. Brody is a Director, Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas, and Professor, Department of Marine and Coastal Environmental Science, Texas A&M University, Galveston Campus, Galveston, Texas, USA. He is an adjunct professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rice University. He was also the Lead Technical Expert for the Governor’s Commission to Rebuild Texas in response to Hurricane Harvey. Dr. Brody’s research focuses on coastal environmental planning, spatial analysis, flood mitigation, climate change policy, and natural hazards mitigation. He has published numerous scientific articles on flood risk and mitigation, and the book, Rising Waters: The causes and consequences of flooding in the United States. He is the PI of the NSF PIRE Coastal Flood Risk Reduction Program.

Affiliations and expertise

Director, Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas, and Professor, Department of Marine and Coastal Environmental Science, Texas A&M University, Galveston Campus, Galveston, Texas, USA

Yoonjeong Lee

Associate Research Scientist, Institute for a Disaster Resilient Texas, and Lecturer, Department of Marine and Coastal Environmental Science, Texas A&M University, Galveston Campus, Galveston, Texas, USA. She is the Education Program Director of the NSF PIRE Coastal Flood Risk Reduction Program. She holds a PhD in Urban and Regional Sciences from Texas A&M University. Her research focuses on urban flooding, flood risk reduction and mitigation strategies, urban resiliency, and transformative and authentic learning in education. She teaches graduate courses in sustainable coastal management and resiliency, international flood risk mitigation strategies, environmental planning and urban resiliency.

Affiliations and expertise

Baukje Kothuis

Dr. Kothuis is a Research Associate, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Hydraulic Structures and Flood Risk, TU Delft, Delft, The Netherlands and Chief Representative, Netherlands Business Support Office, Houston, Texas, USA. Her research focuses on multi-functional flood defenses, transdisciplinary knowledge integration, and stakeholder inclusive design of structures and strategies for flood resilience. She manages multidisciplinary research projects on delta design and is coordinator for the Houston Galveston Bay case for TU Delft. She is editor of the publications ‘Delft Delta Design – Houston Galveston Bay Region, Texas, USA’; ‘Sustainable and Integrated Design of Multifunctional Flood Defenses’; and ‘Delta Interventions’.

Affiliations and expertise

Research Associate, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Hydraulic Structures and Flood Risk, TU Delft, Delft, The Netherlands and Chief Representative, Netherlands Business Support Office, Houston, Texas, USA