Classification of a flood protection infrastructure based on its vulnerability to various loads

The intensity and frequency of flood events is increasing due to climate change impact and accompanying precipitation extremes. However, the impact of a given flood event depends critically on the resilience of the flood defence system, primarily a network of earth embankments and riverbanks. The paper presents the efforts conducted within the ongoing project oVERFLOw, where advanced methodology for vulnerability assessment of critical infrastructure is designed to identify the weakest link in flood protection network. The methodology utilizes the results of advanced asset condition assessment procedures, while sets of relevant loads cover wide range of possible actions for ultimate limit state. As the main output of vulnerability assessment activities, fragility curves are developed. Based on the vulnerability assessment results, the classification and development of inventory of critical infrastructure follows. The validation of methodology is demonstrated on the network of riverbanks and embankments protecting the city of Karlovac from the influence of Kupa river.