Predictive Decision Making: A Forward-Thinking Approach
Scott C. Blossom, PE, CFM, LEED AP
Blossom Consulting
Williamsburg, VA
As water resources engineering continues to integrate with natural systems design and community development, the critical role of hydrologic and hydraulic modelling in predictive analysis continues to add value in the realm of floodplain management and dam safety. When merged with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), aerial imagery and climatological data, cutting edge modeling and software platforms facilitate advancements water resources and risk management. Through highlighting a variety of hydrologic and hydraulic (H & H) modelling projects, Scott C. Blossom P.E., CFM, LEED AP will explore the benefits of H & H modelling and its role in managing water resources in a variety of settings.
Hydrologic and hydraulic analysis for resilient design adds value not only through deliverable but also through process. Through the process of analyzing a system and deciding upon design storms and “scenarios” a design team is forced to gain an understanding of the climatic, topographic, and geographic position of a system and consciously partake in predictive decision making.
The fields of stream and wetland restoration have complemented the conventional world of floodplain analysis, dam safety and risk management with a forward-thinking approach involving a more detailed consideration of evolution and natural tendency.
The presentation will compare and contrast various types of modelling as they relate to design objectives, beneficial functions of floodplains and budgetary constraints. In addition, the presentation will explore the evolution of ‘urban design storms and scenarios’ that are a standard component of today’s water resource engineering profession, evaluating the similarities and differences between design storms for dam safety, floodplain management and stormwater design.
About Scott C. Blossom, PE, CFM, LEED AP
Scott C. Blossom P.E. specializes in water resource engineering stemming from his long-term commitment to sustainability and resiliency. As a certified floodplain manager (CFM) and LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP), Scott has focused on high performance stormwater management and floodplain restoration. He has Rosgen training in Natural Stream Channel Design and has prepared retrofit & restoration plans as engineer of record for numerous projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Caribbean, leading projects from concept to construction.