Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

Summer 7-29-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

August 2026

Department

Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering

College Granting Degree

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Department Granting Degree

Civil, Environmental and Geomatics Engineering

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Frederick Bloetscher

Abstract

Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States, and trends show an increase in flood risk for the foreseeable future. Florida averages 45 flood disasters per year, at an annual cost of $86 million. Communities in Florida are susceptible to a variety of flood-inducing sources, including tropical cyclones, extreme rainfall, and rising sea levels, which can impact the tourism industry and the economic well-being of residents. The first objective of the thesis was to use flood modeling to replicate the extreme rainfall event that caused heavy flooding in Broward County, Florida, from April 12-13, 2023. A commercial flood modeling software was compared with a Python-based framework that includes data preparation, simulation, and output. The outputs of both models were validated using crowdsourced flood data, and an economic analysis was performed for them. The statistical analysis of the results provides insight into model performance, and comparison of simulated outputs with observed flooding showed that modeling helps identify at-risk locations within the study area. Data on flooding can be collected and analyzed using novel technologies to identify trends in a changing climate and reduce flood risk. A variety of methods, from government policies to engineered solutions tailored to the diverse needs of communities, must be employed to address flooding.

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