Algorithmic thinking and agile delivery in linear infrastructure

This paper presents a technical case study of the Middle Level System River Management Scheme (MLSRMS), a nationally significant flood risk infrastructure programme in the UK. The project involved the assessment and design of flood defence interventions across 178 km of watercourses within a constrained budget and timeline. To meet these challenges, the authors adopted a computational design framework and agile delivery model, leveraging parametric modelling, geospatial data integration and visual programming. These methods enabled the automation of embankment analysis, early cost forecasting and scalable stakeholder engagement. The approach accelerated the concept design phase by over three months, delivering actionable insights to the client ahead of schedule. This paper documents the engineering logic, digital workflows and agile practices that underpinned the MLSRMS, offering a replicable model for data-driven linear infrastructure delivery. The findings demonstrate how computational methodologies can enhance design assurance, reduce programme risk and support strategic decision making in flood resilience planning.