A mathematical model for estimating potential urban flood damages was developed. Model parameters and variables were determined and verified by statistical analyses. HEC-1 and HEC-2 programs were used to simulate the hydrologic responses and hydraulic characteristics of flooding sources for a test watershed under five propositions, each varied with the degree of urbanization. The economic analysis involved computations of economic criteria and a "trade-off" strategy for selection of the most "promising" plan for future land use. Cost benefit analysis was then applied to evaluate several feasible flood control alternatives for the selected plan.

A new approach for estimating, analyzing, and evaluating urban floods and flood damages was formulated through integrated modeling and simulation.

This study indicates that land use control plays a significant role in urban flood management. The scheme of this technique can be applied to other watersheds with modification of basin parameters to form a general guide in evaluating land use proposals and flood alleviation projects.