Optimizing the cost-effectiveness of low impact development (LID) practices using an analytical probabilistic approach

ABSTRACT

To select optimal LID in urban areas, an optimization assessment framework considering hydrological processes and cost-effectiveness is proposed. To provide the desired runoff reduction efficiencies, hydrological processes of LID were analyzed using a probabilistic analysis of rainfall event characteristics. Meanwhile, life-cycle costs were estimated to determine benefits and costs of implementing different LID units. Finally, various solutions having maximum runoff reductions but different costs were selected using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II). The results show that the bioretention cell, which had maximum runoff reduction capacity, was identified as a priority measure for implementation. However, given the potential for large implementation areas, resulting in marked runoff reduction benefits, permeable pavements are a more reasonable measure for the study area. Using the NSGA-II to identify optimal cost-effective LID options is convenient for decision makers, tasked with selecting solutions based on their available budgets and runoff reduction objectives in urban environments.

KEYWORDS:

• LID
• probabilistic analysis
• life cycle cost
• NSGA-II
• cost-effective

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This research was financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant [51739011, 51741903], Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou, China under Grant [201707020020] and Guangdong Province water conservancy science and technology innovation project [2016-22].