An Libri GmbH Flood Control Engineering-An Introduction to Evaluating Flood Risk for Professional Engineers

A levee or floodwall reduces flood risk by separating the channel from the floodplain and reducing the frequency with which the flood hazard inundates the floodplain. Flood risk is reduced but not eliminated because there is always a probability that water can access the floodplain as a result of breach failure at stages below the crest or from overtopping. The procedures in this discussion demonstrate how to assess flood risk in areas defended by levees or floodwalls. The procedures apply equally to levees or floodwalls, though typically only one measure at a time is referred to at a time.