Design of Hydraulic structures to control tidal flooding for new urban ares in south of Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

Urbanization is an inevitable process of any country in the world, including Vietnam which has strong impact on water level at Sai Gon – Dong Nai basins. This was proven by tidal water level at Phu An Station during 15 years continuously increased (Assoc.Prof. Quynh N.P, Propose solution to diverse flood when Dau Tieng Lake discharge or breakdown, p.15). Developing sub-urban area is also a common trend while the goal of revitalizing is the new modern residential areas. Phu My Hung is likely a bright spot on these planning. However, spontaneous urbanization, lack of scientific planning and low lying land will cause and leave many negative consequences in long term. Therefore, urbanization strategy should be calmly considered and given enough space to keep the natural balance. In addition, settlement is also happened every single year becomes huge challenges for urban planning and control structures, particularly in urban area which were often affected by high tides. Based on the map of settlement area which updated in 2016-Ministry of Natural Resources & Environment, Ho Chi Minh city have settled around 10 centimeters during past 10 years and a total area is approximate 239 km2. Ho Chi Minh city located on weak land, due to the process of underground water extraction and urbanization, soil settlement were sinking from 10 to 30 millimeters every year. Settlement process will make Urban flooding problem to be more serious, not only in urban areas of Vietnam in general and HCM City in particular, but also this is the "problem" of many urban areas in the world, especially urban areas of developing countries where is occurring urbanization process but lack of management and planning solutions and adaptive infrastructure projects. Urban flooding has caused significant impacts to people's daily life: impact on economic development, environmental pollution and so on. Therefore, in order to propose a sustainable solution for the south of Ho Chi Minh city, it is necessary to develop appropriately and systematic criteria and models, including assessment of flood. The construction of a controlling urban area in where often got flooded in the past in Ho Chi Minh City needs investments in infrastructure accurately and effectively. For these reasons, this study is implemented to propose and select solution to minimize environmental impacts and maximize obstruction toward through lessons in around the world.