In a landscape increasingly marked by urbanization and climate challenges, the recent study on flood control of the Cileuwibangke River in Bogor City, West Java, emerges as a critical examination of how development impacts hydrology and urban planning. Led by Doddi Yudianto from Universitas Katolik Parahyangan, the research underscores the urgent need for effective drainage systems in areas undergoing rapid residential and commercial transformation.
Bogor City is no stranger to heavy rainfall, with the region’s hydrological patterns exacerbated by a burgeoning population and economic growth. As extensive development continues to reshape land use, the potential for flooding increases, making this study particularly timely. “Effective area planning that incorporates adequate drainage systems is imperative to mitigate flooding,” Yudianto noted, emphasizing the necessity of proactive measures in urban design.
The study utilized an extensive dataset from both the Gadog Rainfall Station and NASA’s GPM satellite, analyzing rainfall from 2001 to 2020. The findings revealed alarming trends: several rain events surpassed the 2, 5, and 10-year return periods, leading to a staggering 35-36% increase in peak flood discharge and a 22-28% rise in runoff volume due to land use changes. This data is crucial for construction professionals and urban planners, as it highlights the urgent need for infrastructure that can withstand these hydrological shifts.
One of the more surprising outcomes of the research was the limited effectiveness of river normalization efforts in reducing flood levels. The presence of three broad-dimension culverts was identified as a significant factor contributing to this issue. “Our findings indicate that simply normalizing the river section is not enough; we need to consider the broader hydrological context,” Yudianto explained. The study advocates for strengthening the river’s bottom and banks to address hydraulic jumps, with recommendations for upstream protection using rock material over a 35-meter stretch.
As Bogor City looks toward future development, the implications of this research extend beyond immediate flood control measures. For the construction sector, it signals a shift in how projects should be designed and implemented. With the increasing unpredictability of rainfall and its impact on urban infrastructure, developers must prioritize resilient design strategies that account for potential flooding scenarios.
The insights gathered from this research, published in ‘Jurnal Teknik Hidraulik’ (Journal of Hydraulic Engineering), not only enhance our understanding of urban flood dynamics but also serve as a call to action for stakeholders in the construction industry. By integrating these findings into future projects, the sector can contribute to creating safer, more sustainable urban environments that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change and urbanization.