Towards Identifying Barriers to Floodwall Infrastructure Development: A Systematic Review

The growing impacts of climate change have brought into question the effectiveness of traditional floodwall designs, which were developed under assumptions of historical climate patterns. This study addresses the urgent need for climate-adaptive floodwall designs (CAFD) in response to the increasing challenges posed by climate change. The research problem focuses on identifying key barriers that hinder the design and implementation of both traditional and climate-adaptive floodwalls, with the goal of informing more resilient and adaptable infrastructure solutions. Through a literature review and thematic analysis, the research identifies and categorises key barriers in the design and implementation of floodwalls, focusing on historical projects prior to the widespread recognition of climate change. The analysis reveals that floodwall projects were historically hindered by environmental, economic, technological, and institutional challenges. While these barriers were sometimes mitigated through advancements in technology, resource management, and community involvement, they persist in more complex forms within the context of climate change. The study further explores emerging barriers specific to CAFD, such as uncertainties in climate projections, the need for adaptive technologies, and socio-political obstacles. These insights are then integrated into a comprehensive framework to guide future floodwall projects, ensuring they are resilient and adaptable to the impacts of climate change.