1. Paul J. Flores ABS Consulting
Introduction
Paul J. Flores
ABS Consulting

2. Flood Information Tool (FIT) Community Demonstration Grant Program
Introductions
Brief overview of FIT and the Community Demonstration Grant Program

3. Brief Overview of HAZUS Flood Model
Levels of Analysis
Function of the Flood Information Tool (FIT)

4. Link HAZUS with Hydraulic Model
HAZUS Flood Model: Levels of Analysis
Community-Specific Damage Functions
Link HAZUS with Hydraulic Model
Damage
Flood Depth
Level 3
Expert Supplied Data
Level 2
User Modified Data
Modify Building Inventory
Aerial Photo
Level 1
Default Databases
Level 1
Use Default Databases
Levels of Analysis
To provide flexibility, the model estimates losses at three levels. For each level, the several hazards and the various types of input data can be selectively used as appropriate, to meet the needs of the user.
Level 1 uses HAZUS default data to facilitate rapid estimates of damage. Default databases for various national databases describe the hydrology, terrain, and building inventory.
Level 2 allows for user-modified data for building inventory, terrain types, and occupancy.
Level 3 allows for expert assignment of hydraulic model data, damage functions, and loss functions.

5. HAZUS Flood Information Tool
The intent of the FIT is to facilitate the processing of locally available flood hazard information for a Level 2 Analysis
Level 3
Input
data flood-
plain specific
Level 2
Combinations
of local and
default flood hazard,
building, and damage data
To provide flexibility, the model estimates losses at three levels. For each level, the several hazards and the various types of input data can be selectively used as appropriate, to meet the needs of the user. User effort and data is the least in Level 1, and increases with levels 2 and 3.
Level 1
Default flood hazard, inventory,
and damage information

6. Flood Information Tool (FIT) Summary Description
The FIT, when given user-supplied inputs (e.g. ground elevations, flood elevations, and floodplain boundary information), will calculate a flood depth and elevation for riverine and coastal hazards.
The FIT is a system of instructions, tutorials and GIS analysis scripts used to determine the extent, depth and elevation of flooding by pre-processing user-supplied flood hazard data.
The focus is on assisting the users to manipulate their data into the format required by the flood model for the estimation of losses.

7. Overview of FIT Community Demonstration Grant Program
Program Objectives
Program Schedule
Technical Support

8. Program Objectives
Continue the practice of involving users in the development of the HAZUS Flood Model.
Involve communities that are active in flood plain management in the beta testing of the FIT.
Apply the beta test results in improving the FIT before its general general release in April 2002.

9. FIT Demonstration Communities: Selection Criteria
The Community will have interest in identifying the flood hazard for their community as shown by their commitment to collecting improved hazard data. This interest will be greater for those communities with a severe flood hazard and significant population exposure.

10. FIT Demonstration Communities: Selection Criteria
The community must have ArcView Version and the associated Spatial Analyst extension.
Ideally, the community would have had recent flooding and have captured the depth of flooding at various known locations. This information could be used to validate the FIT results.

11. FIT Demonstration Communities Selection Criteria (Cont.)
The Community will have digital terrain information with better resolution than the 30-meter National Elevation Dataset available from the USGS. The resolution of the terrain information will determine the size of the resultant flood depth and elevation grids.

12. FIT Demonstration Communities Selection Criteria (Cont.)
The Community will have digital flood hazard information such as cross sections with elevation attributes and an associated flood boundary.
The Community will have a variety of situations (bridges, backwaters, etc) such that the FIT is reasonably tested.

13. FIT Demonstration Communities Selection Criteria (Cont.)
Note that communities with hardcopy flood information that are willing to convert this data into a digital format may also be a candidate. However, this will require additional effort as well as their ability to properly digitize the data.

14. FIT Beta Testing Process
Provide community participants with training on the use of the FIT.
Provide community participants with technical support during the beta testing process.
Establish procedures for systematically documenting the results of the beta testing process.

15. FIT Community Demonstration Program Schedule
February-02
March-02
April-02
May-02
Fit Training
Beta Documentation
Technical Support
FIT Code Modifications
FIT Modification Testing
FIT Delivery to NIBS

16. FIT Training Course Agenda

17. FIT Training Course Agenda

18. Overview of HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model Neil Blais – ABS Consulting and Ed Mifflin – Michael Baker Jr., Inc.
The HAZUS Flood Model is being developed for FEMA under contract with the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS). EQE International and project partner Michael Baker Jr. Inc. are the flood model subcontractors to NIBS.
The flood model has an oversight committee composed of floodplain management practitioners from across the nation. NIBS has also created a software oversight committee to help guide the integration of the three loss estimation tools (Earthquake, Wind, and Flood). The Flood and a preview version of the Wind model will be incorporated with the earthquake model in HAZUS03 scheduled for release near the end of 2002.

19. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model Objectives
Standardized, nationally applicable methodology.
Accommodate user requirements to the maximum extent possible.
Estimates for riverine and coastal flooding.
Incorporate user-supplied data to enhance results.
The purpose of the HAZUS flood model is to produce loss estimates on a local and regional scale. It is anticipated that loss estimates will be used primarily by local, regional, and state officials involved in developing policies and programs for hazard mitigation, disaster preparedness, emergency response, and recovery planning. The USACE has expressed interest in using the model to develop preliminary estimates for flood projects.

20. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model Model Development Approach
Identify User Requirements
Evaluate Alternative Methods
Perform “Proof-of-Concept Exercises”
Develop Software Requirements with User Input
Develop Software
Pilot Test
Release
From the beginning, the flood model has attempted to identify and incorporate key features that will enable flood model users to resolve issues and problems of importance to them. The flood model is the only HAZUS model authorized to seek user input through every phase of development.
The methodology has undergone Proof-of-Concept analysis and acceptance by the flood committee. Furthermore, the project team has tested the methodology in actual applications with select users.

21. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model User Requirements
Phoenix, AZ Flood Model User’s Workshop
Interviews with 55 potential users
Both ASFPM members and non-members
Local, state , and federal government officials
Private sector consultants
In-depth interviews with 25
Formation of Users Group (18 users) for duration of project
The approach to collecting the user requirements started with a global wish list and through increasingly detailed interviews have settled on very specific requirements.
The user group is currently reviewing the FIT prototype. They will also have the opportunity to review the Flood Model Prototype when completed.

22. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model User Requested Applications
Development and enforcement of building standards
Analyzing benefits of flood warnings
Benefit/cost analysis for selection of mitigation alternatives
Identification of areas for building acquisition / relocation
Information dissemination / public relations
Disaster declaration assistance
Prioritizing watersheds (Austin, TX)
Analyzing impacts of new mapping (Mecklenberg, NC)
Forecasting impacts of new development (Mecklenberg, NC)
A listing of key user applications highlighted during user interviews.

23. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model Methodology
4. Estimate Losses
3. Determine Damage
2. Define and Overlay
Inventory
Overview of flood methodology: From the bottom up, the basic structure of the methodology is:
1. Define Hazard, by combining the flood surface and the land surface.
2. Define and overlay the Inventory (ie, the numbers and patterns of buildings, people and other facilities).
3. Determine the Damage, by determining the depth of water at each building or facility, referring to a depth-damage curve to determine % damage,
4. Estimate losses, by multiplying the % damage by the monetary value of the building, or by referring to other curves, tables and data to determine for example the required duration of vacancy of a building, as a function of the % damage.
1. Define Hazard:
Flood Surface
Land Surface

24. Link HAZUS with Hydraulic Model
Levels of Analysis
Community-Specific Damage Functions
Link HAZUS with Hydraulic Model
Damage
Flood Depth
Level 3
Expert Supplied Data
Level 2
User Modified Data
Modify Building Inventory
Aerial Photo
Level 1
Default Databases
Level 1
Use Default Databases
Levels of Analysis
To provide flexibility, the model estimates losses at three levels. For each level, the several hazards and the various types of input data can be selectively used as appropriate, to meet the needs of the user.
Level 1 uses HAZUS default data to facilitate rapid estimates of damage. Default databases for various national databases describe the hydrology, terrain, and building inventory.
Level 2 allows for user-modified data for building inventory, terrain types, and occupancy.
Level 3 allows for expert assignment of hydraulic model data, damage functions, and loss functions.

25. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model Levels of Analysis
Input
data flood-
plain specific
Required user
effort and data
sophistication
Combinations
of local and
default flood hazard,
building, and damage data
Level 2
To provide flexibility, the model estimates losses at three levels. For each level, the several hazards and the various types of input data can be selectively used as appropriate, to meet the needs of the user. User effort and data is the least in Level 1, and increases with levels 2 and 3.
Level 1
Default flood hazard, inventory,
and damage information

26. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model
Level 3
Level 2
Level 1
Combinations
of local and
default flood hazard,
building, and damage data
Default flood hazard, inventory,
and damage information
Input
data flood-
plain specific
FIT-Hazard
A Flood Information Tool (FIT) for characterizing the flood hazard will be developed to facilitate a Level 2 Analysis
To provide flexibility, the model estimates losses at three levels. For each level, the several hazards and the various types of input data can be selectively used as appropriate, to meet the needs of the user. User effort and data is the least in Level 1, and increases with levels 2 and 3.

27. Flood Hazard Analysis Tool
FIRM or
DFIRM data
Registration,
Projection,
Translation
Depth
of Flooding
Flood Hazard Analysis Tool
Raster Process
Count of Flood
Depth Grid
Cells by Block
Loss Estimation
Loss
Estimation
by Block
Ground Elevation
Coastal
BFEs
Flood Surface Or
Digitized Stream
Cross Sections
Attributed with
Flood Elevation
Digitized
BFEs from FIRM
Census
Blocks
DEM
Contour
Data
TIN
Damage
Curves
Default
Inventory
Valuation
User
Supplied
FIT-Hazard
Flood
Model
Users who want to replace the default hazard data within the HAZUS Flood Model will need to use the FIT. The above diagram shows how the FIT will accept the users flood information and terrain data and output depth and elevation grids.
These grids will be imported into the flood model for use in the users analysis. The FIT will not import nor modify inventory data. This will require the use of the Building Information Tool (BIT) or the Inventory Collection and Analysis Tool (InCAST).

28. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model FIT Requirements
The FIT operates as an extension to ArcGIS Version 8.1.
The FIT requires the Spatial Analyst extension to ArcGIS 8.1.
Input required data (terrain elevation, flood elevation, flood boundary).
Wizards guide the user though the data manipulation.
ESRI is in the process of releasing their next generation software called ArcGIS. In developing the FIT to operate within ArcView, it became apparent that for the long term development in ArcGIS 8.1 is the appropriate action. Interviews with the users indicated that they agreed with this assessment.
The development in ArcGIS provides the added advantage of allowing both ArcView users and ArcInfo users to utilize the FIT.
NOTE: The flood model itself (along with the Earthquake and Wind) will be GIS platform independent when HAZUS03 is released. Only the FIT will have the requirement of using ArcGIS and Spatial Analyst.

29. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model Requirements
The Flood Model is an application that will call ArcGIS Version 8.1 objects for functionality.
The Flood Model requires the user to have a ArcGIS 8.1 and Spatial Analyst licenses.
The user will be required to provide the Digital Elevation Model (DEM)
The Model will guide the user on how to obtain NED data from the USGS.
ESRI is in the process of releasing their next generation software called ArcGIS. In developing the FIT to operate within ArcView, it became apparent that for the long term development in ArcGIS 8.1 is the appropriate action. Interviews with the users indicated that they agreed with this assessment.
The development in ArcGIS provides the added advantage of allowing both ArcView users and ArcInfo users to utilize the FIT.
NOTE: The flood model itself (along with the Earthquake and Wind) will be GIS platform independent when HAZUS03 is released. Only the FIT will have the requirement of using ArcGIS and Spatial Analyst.

30. HAZUS Flood Model Overview
INVENTORY
Buildings
Infrastructure
Population
Land Use
DIRECT DAMAGE
General Building Stock
Essential Facilities
High Potential Loss Facilities
Transportation Facilities
Lifelines
INDUCED DAMAGE
Fire Following Flood
Hazardous Materials Release
Debris Generation
INDIRECT LOSSES
DIRECT LOSSES
Cost of Repairs/Replacement
Income Loss
Crop Damage
Casualties
Shelter and Recovery Needs
Supply Shortages
Sales Decline
Opportunity Costs
Economic Loss
Frequency
Discharge
Depth/Elevation
Velocity
Duration
FLOOD HAZARD
This slides shows the above process in a simplified flow chart format, with a listing of some of the key parameters in the model.

31. Surfaces Used to Develop Depth Grid

32. Flood Information Tool (FIT) Ground Surface
Topographic information is user-supplied
Required format: ArcGIS grid
The FIT is designed to assist the user in converting their digital terrain information into an ESRI grid. Primarily this is done through help files that assist the user in accessing the conversion capabilities resident within ArcGIS and Spatial Analyst.
The terrain grid size directly determines the size of the cells used in developing the flood depth grid.
FIT includes tutorials for conversion of topographic data (contours, spot elevations, TINs) to grid format

33. Flood Information Tool (FIT) Floodplain Boundary
Defines the limit of analysis
Required format: ESRI polygon
Self-explanatory
Potential sources: DFIRM, FEMA Q3

34. Flood Information Tool (FIT) Riverine Centerline
Centerline represents the general direction of flow
The centerline is developed by determining which grid cells are closer to the left boundary line or right boundary line of the floodplain boundary discussed in the previous slide. Those cells that fall between the two boundaries are connected to form the centerline.

35. Flood Information Tool (FIT) Riverine Bounding Polygon
Buffer the centerline to define the extent of the flood surface
The FIT assists the user in the development of the bounding polygon. The user can easily expand and contract the polygon to meet their needs. Wizard driven, the last few screens require a minimum of user interaction, but maximizes the users capabilities to modify the parameters.

36. Flood Information Tool (FIT) Riverine BFE Lines
Lines of flood elevations are user-supplied
Upstream and downstream limits identify the elevation lines within area of interest
The user will supply the flood elevation information. Typically this will be done with cross-section lines attributed with flood elevations. Cross sections with three flood elevations attributed will allow the user to create three depth grids and interpolate to find other depths they may not have attribute information for.

37. Flood Information Tool (FIT) Riverine Flow Corridors
Flood elevation lines extended to the edge of the buffer, perpendicular to flow corridors
As the buffer is expanded by the user, the cross sections are extended perpendicular to the boundary lines. In essence, the each buffer represents a flow tube through which the elevation attributes are interpolated from cell to cell.

38. Flood Information Tool (FIT) Riverine Flood Elevation Interpolation
Elevations interpolated between flood elevation lines

39. Flood Information Tool (FIT) Riverine Flood Surface
Convert to a regularly-spaced grid of flood elevations

43. Flood Information Tool (FIT) Riverine Depth Grid & Backwater Analysis
After the completing the depth grid wizard, potential backwater areas are identified. The user can draw backwater polygons in these areas and assign a flood elevation to them. These areas are then appended to the flood depth grid.
The user can repeat the process for other return periods and (if the user creates 3 diverse return periods) interpolate for other return periods.

47. Using Grids ... X

49. Are There Any
Questions?

50. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model Riverine Hazard

51. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model Riverine Hazard Objective
Determine the relationship between depth and frequency throughout the floodplain

52. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model Hydrologic Analysis Overview
Objective: determine the discharge-frequency relationship for each reach in the study area
Gaged reaches – derive curves from the USGS Streamflow Basin Characteristics File
Ungaged reaches – apply USGS regression equations
Regulated basins – methodology under development

53. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model Analysis Extent
Buffer and reach limits define extent of analysis

54. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model Cross-Section Placement
Cross-sections evenly spaced, normal to centerline

55. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model Flood Elevation Determination
Elevation computed using Manning’s equation
Interpolate elevations between cross-sections

56. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model Flood Depth Determination
MSL
Ground
Elevation
Flood Elevation
Subtract ground surface from flood surface to determine flood depth at all locations in the study area

57. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model Baseline Inventory

58. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model Inventory Overview
Buildings
Infrastructure
Population
Land Use
Default data for general building stock and essential facilities
The flood model will contain default inventory data for buildings and essential facilities.
The modeling of flood losses requires the flood-sensitive structural categories to categorize the general building stock. These include first floor elevation and the presence of a basement.
Building data include parameters related to flood damage (e.g., first floor elevation)
Building Information Tool assists users in replacing baseline data

59. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model Baseline Inventory Review
Provided at the Census Block Level
Residential from US Census Data, Commercial / Industrial from Dun & Bradstreet
Other inventory estimated from commercial data
Consistent Occupancy Classifications with other HAZUS Models
Residential floor area includes valuation socio-economic parameters for consistency.

60. Cost of Repairs/Replacement Shelter and Recovery Needs
HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model Losses
DIRECT LOSSES
Cost of Repairs/Replacement
Income Loss
Crop Damage
Casualties
Shelter and Recovery Needs
INDIRECT LOSSES
Supply Shortages
Sales Decline
Opportunity Costs
Economic Loss
Two methods supported for estimating replacement value of structures:
Full replacement value
Depreciated replacement value
Preview Model - Valuation
Both full replacement value and depreciated replacement value estimation is supported
The need for shelter is calculated using default functions relating building damage to habitability and restoration time
Shelter need functions relate building damage to habitability and restoration time

61. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model Valuation
Valuation models based on industry standard cost data published in R. S. Means “Square Foot Costs”.
Approach for estimating full replacement value and depreciated value is consistent with existing HAZUS earthquake model.
Model selection tested in Proof-of-Concept Communities.

62. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model Direct Building Damage
Default depth-damage models assigned to each HAZUS occupancy. Source models include FIA, IWR, USACE
FIA depth-damage curves modified to include policy exclusions (basement)
Curve Library Compiled. User may use default model or select another from library.
Proof-of-Concept Testing.

63. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model Depth-Damage Function Library
FIA - CWDD, V Zone
Other Coastal - Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council, Delaware
USACE District Curves - Chicago, Galveston, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, St. Paul, and Wilmington.
USACE IWR - “national standard” residential curve (2000). Other curves under development.

64. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model FIA Policy Exclusions
Limited coverage in basements and enclosed areas below elevated Post-FIRM buildings. Items not covered:
Contents/Personal Property
Improvements such as finished walls, floors & ceilings (unpainted walls & ceilings covered in basements only)
Building equipment and fixtures not specifically covered (e.g., required utility connections, furnaces, water heaters and washer/dryers are covered)

65. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model FIA Damage Function Modification
Project team expert opinion used to estimate potential damage to excluded elements for each water depth and each building type, to adjust damage function to cover all building elements and contents.

66. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model Basement-Modified FIA Depth-Damage Curve for Structure Damage80
Original Credibility-Weighted Depth Damage 70
Revised FIA-based Depth Damage Function, Including Fin. Base Damage 60 50
Damage (% of RC) 40 30 20 10 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Water Depth (feet)

67. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model Sample Output
Crystal Reports is included in the flood model and can be used to produce a wide range of output reports.
Flooding extents and depths can be combined with inventory data to develop loss estimates at multiple levels of detail

68. HAZUS Flood Loss Estimation Model Project Schedule
Task Completion
Develop flood loss estimation methodology Spring 2002
Flood Information Tool
Software development Summer 2001
Flood Information Tool Release Spring 2002
Flood Model Software development Summer 2002
Pilot test and calibrate Fall 2002
Release HAZUS03 (with Flood Model) Early 2003