Pre-investment analysis is an important stage in the preparation of any investment. It allows the investor to assess the opportunities, risks and costs associated with a given site before design work begins. The investor knows what to expect. This minimises the risk of a decision to purchase the site and allows for optimal investment planning.
In the face of climate change, the assessment of water conditions is becoming an increasingly important part of pre-investment analysis. The main concerns are flood risk and the possibility of rainwater drainage. Extreme rainfall is becoming more and more common. Therefore, investors need precise information about water behaviour on the site of the future investment.
Pre-investment analysis – the foundation for a successful investment
Pre-investment analysis involves a comprehensive assessment of the potential of a site for a specific project. It is much more than just an economic assessment. An important goal is to identify all possible technical, environmental and legal risks.
Investors who skip this analysis risk additional costs and delays in later stages of the investment. A typical mistake is not taking into account the risk of flooding or the inability to effectively drain the site. Such problems later necessitate costly design changes or even abandonment of part of the investment.
A pre-investment analysis that includes hydraulic and hydrodynamic analyses is an investment in the safety and rationality of the entire project. By commissioning such analyses, investors can avoid costly surprises and plan their activities more effectively.
The role of hydraulic and hydrodynamic analyses
Hydraulic analyses assess how water behaves in a given area. They indicate where it flows and where it accumulates during heavy rainfall. With such data at your disposal, you can precisely identify areas particularly at risk of flooding. This is basic information necessary for the proper layout of infrastructure and effective drainage of the area.
Hydrodynamic analyses are more detailed studies. They show how water flows over time, taking into account natural obstacles, changes in terrain and planned structures. These computer simulations make it possible to predict the behaviour of water during extreme rainfall. They help prevent the risk of flooding and limit its negative impact on the environment.
Omitting hydraulic and hydrodynamic analyses in the pre-investment process can lead to serious consequences, such as design errors, increased risk of failure and financial losses, and problems with obtaining permits. The lack of these analyses results in suboptimal functioning of facilities, the need for costly repairs or reconstruction, and an increased risk to human safety and the environment, especially in the context of increasingly frequent extreme rainfall.
For which investments are such analyses necessary?
Hydraulic and hydrodynamic analyses are particularly important for investments that may affect water management. This applies primarily to:
- Photovoltaic farms – especially those located in areas prone to flooding or requiring drainage.
- Roads and railways – where infrastructure crosses floodplains, rivers, streams or drainage ditches.
- Bridge structures and culverts – to ensure proper surface water flow during heavy rainfall.
- Retention projects – e.g. water reservoirs, flood polders, drainage channels.
- Logistics and industrial parks – in densely built-up areas where rainwater drainage control is necessary.
- Residential and commercial developments – especially in areas with limited retention or high groundwater levels.
- Flood protection infrastructure
For this type of investment, the performance of analyses is often a prerequisite for obtaining administrative permits.
What does the investor gain from analyses at the pre-investment stage?
Hydraulic and hydrodynamic analyses provide the investor with knowledge that minimises the financial risk of the project. Properly performed analyses allow the investor to avoid locating the investment in areas that are particularly sensitive to hydrological conditions. They also reduce the costs of subsequent adaptation work and modifications to projects already underway.
Conducting analyses speeds up the process of obtaining the necessary administrative decisions. Precise technical data is an important argument in discussions with the authorities issuing permits. It is an effective way to avoid lengthy procedures or the complete halt of an investment.
How do we carry out pre-investment analyses at HydroBIM?
At HydroBIM, we carry out pre-investment analyses using advanced computer models.
We use, among others, HEC-RAS and HEC-HMS software, which are used to simulate processes occurring in a catchment area. This allows us to analyse a variety of hydraulic and hydrological issues, such as flood analysis, flow calculations, water retention system parameters and assessment of the effects of changes in the catchment area.
We use the SCALGO Live platform to identify water accumulation sites. This tool allows us to quickly and accurately determine the risks associated with rainwater throughout the entire investment area.
Optionally, all collected data can be integrated into a BIM digital model.
At HydroBIM, we have extensive experience in hydraulic and hydrodynamic analyses for the largest infrastructure and flood protection projects in Poland. Our services are currently being used by international design offices working on the CPK project.
HydroBIM customers receive specific recommendations that can be directly applied to the design of their projects.
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