Quantifying the Benefits of Nature-Based Solutions Through Numerical Modeling

Project Information

This project uses numerical models and life cycle risk assessment to quantify the hydrodynamic and cost benefits of nature-based solutions (NBS) such as reefs, wetlands, and islands. Through scenario testing under extreme storm conditions, the research team will develop guidance to help engineers and planners design more effective, resilient, and cost-efficient NBS projects. Comparisons with traditional infrastructure will further support decision-making in coastal flood risk management.

View of sunset over ocean inlet with green grasses and dock.

Problem

Although NBS are increasingly used in coastal management, there is no standardized methodology to quantify their benefits—particularly in terms of flood protection and cost. This gap makes it difficult for engineers and planners to optimize designs or justify their use compared to traditional infrastructure.

This research addresses Civil Works Statement of Need 2024 – Development of Standardized Methods to Calculate and Compare Benefits for Feasibility-Level Planning. The project directly supports the USACE Civil Works Strategic Focus Areas of Infrastructure and Water Modeling and aligns with broader USACE R&D priorities including infrastructure modernization and community resilience.

Solution

Research Approach

Develop a matrix of NBS design scenarios for reefs, wetlands, and islands across various coastal settings
Use USACE-approved numerical models to simulate storm surge and wave responses with and without NBS
Analyze results to determine the hydrodynamic benefits of each feature
Apply life cycle risk assessment to quantify the cost benefits of flood damage avoided
Compare the costs of NBS with equivalent traditional infrastructure
Produce guidance for NBS design optimization and cost-benefit tradeoffs

Expected Outcomes

Quantitative relationships between NBS designs and flood reduction performance
Cost-benefit comparisons of NBS vs. traditional infrastructure
Generalized design guidelines and decision-support tools for NBS planning
A replicable framework for future NBS benefits analysis
Technical reports and webinars to support technology transfer and community engagement

Impact

This project will enable USACE planners and engineers to design NBS with greater confidence in their performance and economic value. By establishing a standardized modeling approach, the research will help optimize project outcomes and reduce long-term costs. It also strengthens the case for broader implementation of NBS in Civil Works by offering defensible, quantifiable benefits, supporting innovation, resilience, and cost efficiency across the enterprise.

Partnerships & Collaboration

This research is led by ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory with strong collaboration from the Environmental Laboratory. Input and feedback will be integrated throughout from USACE Districts (e.g., Mobile (SAM) and San Francisco (SPN)), academic partners in the Network for Engineering With Nature (e.g., University of Georgia and University of Florida), and subject matter experts in numerical modeling, risk assessment, and coastal ecology.

Products

Point of Contact

Margaret Owensby

Research Hydraulic Engineer

All Research

All Research Projects

Engineering With Nature® is the intentional alignment of natural and engineering processes to efficiently and effectively deliver economic, ecological, and social benefits through collaboration.