Hazard- Pluvial Flooding
Boston Logan Aeropuerto International: Fluvial Flooding Resilient Design
Integrated design measures for resilience against fluvial flooding
Keywords
Boston Logan International Airport, situated in East Boston, Massachusetts, is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving as a vital hub for both domestic and international flights. In 2024, the airport set a record by serving 43 million passengers, surpassing its previous record of 42.5 million set in 2019. Given its coastal location, the airport faces significant challenges related to climate change, particularly the risk of flooding.
To address these concerns, Massport, the authority responsible for the airport, has implemented a comprehensive flooding resilience plan. This plan is designed to ensure the airport’s infrastructure can withstand and recover from disruptive events, such as extreme weather and rising sea levels.
The flooding resilience plan incorporates several key elements to ensure robust protection against flood events. Dry loodproofing techniques are employed to make buildings watertight, preventing water from entering. This involves sealing walls, installing flood barriers, and applying waterproof coatings. In contrast, wet floodproofing allows water to enter buildings but ensures that the structure and critical systems are safeguarded. This can be achieved by using water-resistant materials and elevating electrical systems above anticipated flood levels. Additionally, temporary flood barriers are deployable solutions that can be quickly set up to protect critical infrastructure and vulnerable areas in anticipation of a flood event.
Another crucial aspect of the plan is the establishment of Design Flood Elevations (DFE), which are specific flood elevation levels for both new and existing facilities based on updated flood risk models. These levels guide the design and construction of flood-resistant infrastructure. The plan also includes regular assessments and updates of floodproofing measures based on the latest scientific data and modelling, ensuring the strategies remain effective against evolving climate risks. Furthermore, training and preparedness initiatives ensure that staff and stakeholders are equipped to implement floodproofing measures effectively, including drills and exercises to test the deployment of temporary barriers and other emergency responses.
Through these efforts, Boston Logan International Airport aims to maintain its role as an essential economic engine for the region while protecting the quality of life for neighbouring communities. The resilience plan not only prepares the airport for current climate challenges but also ensures it can adapt to future conditions, emerging even stronger from disruptive events.
