Comprehensive benefits evaluation of low impact development using scenario analysis and fuzzy decision approach

Area of Science:

• Environmental Engineering
• Urban Planning
• Decision Science

Background:

• Evaluating Low Impact Development (LID) benefits using traditional multi-criteria decision-making methods is challenged by uncertainties in hybrid data sources.
• This can lead to inaccurate results and affect the ranking of different LID strategies.
• A robust framework is needed to holistically assess LID benefits at the community level.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and present a multi-indicator fuzzy comprehensive benefit evaluation approach for selecting effective LID measures.
• To provide a robust and holistic framework for evaluating LID benefits at the community level, addressing uncertainties in decision-making.
• To identify practical LID implementation priorities for local decision-makers.

Main Methods:

• Integrated quantitative (environmental, economic) and qualitative (social) indicators.
• Employed Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) and ArcGIS for scenario-based analysis.
• Utilized hesitant fuzzy language sets and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) for decision-making under uncertainty.
• Incorporated hesitant fuzzy weighted average algorithm and multi-return period scenarios (5, 10, 20, 50, 100 years) for enhanced robustness.

Main Results:

• Evaluated 26 LID configurations in Chenglong Road Subdistrict under various rainfall scenarios.
• Identified that LID measures, especially sunken green spaces and permeable paving, significantly reduce runoff and peak flow.
• Demonstrated improved flood mitigation capabilities of selected LID strategies across multiple return periods.
• Results indicate practical implementation priorities for local decision-makers.

Conclusions:

• The proposed hesitant fuzzy comprehensive evaluation approach provides a robust framework for selecting LID measures.
• The integration of SWMM, ArcGIS, and fuzzy decision-making methods effectively handles uncertainties in benefit evaluation.
• Selected LID configurations, particularly green spaces and permeable paving, are effective for urban flood mitigation and runoff management.
• The study offers valuable insights for sustainable urban water management and policy development.