A graph-based approach for structural resilience assessment in the urban drainage network

Abstract

This study addresses the significant challenge of conduit blockage in urban drainage networks (UDNs), commonly caused by sediment transfer during runoff. Such blockages can lead to flooding, even during low-intensity rainfall, thereby disrupting urban traffic and infrastructure. To tackle this issue, a novel approach proposed a topology-based approach that converts the urban drainage network into a graph- based model, enabling the identification of critical pipes for strategic interventions. By implementing modified graph theory metrics, flood volume, and total runoff were calculated for single pipe failure scenarios, facilitating the assessment of urban drainage network resilience. The methodology is validated through one real-case study, analysing return periods of one and two years and varying durations of 10, 30, and 60 minutes. Results demonstrate that the graph-based method exhibits a high degree of consistency with the established stormwater management model (SWMM), highlighting its potential as an effective tool for improving urban drainage resilience and mitigating conduit failure risks.