Analysis of the Role of Sponge City Components in Enhancing Urban Resilience to Flood Hazards (Case Study: Zanjan City)
Hossein Tahmasebi Moghaddam
1
(
)
Majid Hazraty
2
(
PhD Candidate in Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Humanities, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran.
)
Keywords: Resilience, Sponge City, Hazards, Flood, Zanjan.,
Abstract :
Rapid urban development and the increase in impervious surfaces in Zanjan City, as in many other urban areas, have reduced resilience to flood hazards and placed significant strain on traditional drainage systems. Given the increasing trend of extreme weather events and their disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities, purely engineering-based approaches are no longer sufficient to address the challenges posed by climate change. In this context, the principles of sponge cities—offering multifunctional environmental, ecological, social, and economic benefits—are considered effective tools for enhancing urban resilience against floods and other climate-related hazards.This article employs an analytical-exploratory method to examine the role of sponge city components in enhancing urban resilience to flood hazards in Zanjan City. Data collection was carried out through field surveys and library research. The statistical population was selected using a fuzzy Delphi analysis involving 30 urban planning experts from academic institutions. Data analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and path analysis in SmartPLS software.The results indicate that the highest factor loadings among sponge city indicators are: rainwater infiltration into the ground (0.911), rainwater filtration (0.962), reduction of peak river flow (0.922), and preservation of natural hydrological processes (0.936). Regarding urban resilience, the highest factor loadings correspond to population at risk (0.979), ratio of large to small businesses (0.919), shelter capacity (0.979), and urban environmental health (0.974). Moreover, based on the structural equation model, green spaces, restoration of natural waterways, and permeable pavements have the most significant and positive impacts on urban resilience. Additionally, social and institutional-infrastructural resilience dimensions exhibit the highest levels of influence
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