UIDS: A Matlab-based urban flood model considering rainfall-induced and surcharge-induced inundations

Abstract

The Urban Inundation-Drainage Simulator (UIDS) is a new coupled model for simulating urban flooding dynamics, developed as an open-source, MATLAB-based platform. It integrates a rainfall-runoff model with a two-dimensional overland flow model (OFM) and a one-dimensional sewer flow model (SFM). Unlike conventional models limited to either rainfall-induced or sewer surcharge-induced flooding, UIDS captures bidirectional surface-underground interactions to simulate both processes simultaneously. The OFM employs an explicit time-stepping scheme and robust wet-dry front treatment, while a weir equation describes roof-to-ground flow exchange for numerical stability. Timing synchronization facilitates continuous OFM-SFM coupling. Benchmarking and case studies of Gangnam flood events demonstrate UIDS's ability to accurately simulate urban flooding, particularly subcritical flows. The open-source nature of UIDS allows user flexibility in accessing and modifying the MATLAB code. Ultimately, UIDS is expected to serve as an accessible and adaptable tool for urban flood modeling and risk assessment.