LAN developed the TCEC Silver award-winning study for a community in west Houston with well-documented flooding issues. InfoWorks SD was utilized to collectively analyze the existing drainage systems and to identify and prioritize recommended improvement projects. The 4,000-acre study area included three open channels totaling more than five miles and more than 55 miles of storm sewer.

The 2D modeling approach allowed LAN to simulate actual flooding conditions by defining the extent of the overland sheetflow and conveyance issues. This was paramount to the ultimate goal of developing effective solutions from both a function and cost perspective. Problem areas were documented and the primary issues or deficiencies were identified. Regional challenges included perched channels with contributing storm sewers much lower than the receiving channel top of bank, inadequate overland flow conveyance, undersized storm sewers, and low slab elevations.

A custom GIS model was developed to quickly assess the benefits of a potential improvement alternative. Benefits were characterized by items such as number of structures removed from flooding and number of critical intersections/thoroughfares made passable for emergency vehicles. This tool was used to efficiently review variations of different improvement alternatives, making it possible to optimize the individual solutions. LAN worked closely with all stakeholders, including the City of Houston, to review improvement options for conceptual approval before beginning the full alternatives analysis.