Process of Architectural Engineering Firms for Designing Buildings in Flood-Prone Areas

1. How Architectural Engineering Firms Prepare for Building Design in Flood- Prone Area? Flooding has long been a significant problem for many properties. Floods are caused by a variety of factors, including typhoons, other extreme weather events, rising ocean levels, severe floods, king tides, and the continued expansion of floodplains. Flooding is happening with increased frequency and size. Some homes that have never been in danger of flooding and others that have flooded intermittently in the past can see more flooding or higher levels of water blockage than usual. Urban areas are becoming more vulnerable to flooding as a result of climate change. According to a recent study, global ocean levels are predicted to rise by two to seven feet over the course of the century. As a result, by 2100, an estimated 190 million people may reside in areas below the predicted high-tide line. Worldwide coastal areas should prepare for much tougher future than currently anticipated. Urban neighborhoods are being built differently due to the risk of floods, and architectural design firms are adapting their designs to this new reality. Where flooding is common, sustainable materials and innovative techniques of architectural engineering services have become increasingly important. Architectural engineering firms are taking a number of preventative steps that could help to fend off the effects of climate change and protect both people and buildings. Before creating any building structure, architecture design firms may want to consider the following steps: 1. Identify the location: First, the designers must determine whether the structure will be constructed in a flood plain. It is simple to find flood maps online and through the US Federal Emergency Management Agency. After a thorough investigation of the area, the customer or the architect can decide whether to shift the project or proceed at the original location while taking some safety precautions. 2. Construct above Flood Levels: In order to reduce the damage in the event of a flood, architectural engineers should first build the design above the flood level. Online using FEMA's Estimated Base Flood Elevation Viewer, you can learn the elevations of the flood levels in a given region. Designers can determine how high to lift the structure and the best method to use by using this data. Building the structure on stilts or sections is a common lifting technique. Another option would be to raise the foundation a little bit. Architects

2. should assess the local environment and flood history, as well as recommend online sources, for more detailed information on what to do. 3. Use materials that are flood resistant: Materials are considered flood-resistant if they can withstand rising waters for at least 72 hours without suffering serious damage. Both hydrostatic (standing water) and hydrodynamic (streaming water) floods can cause damage to foundation walls, collapse of buildings, floating petrol tanks, scouring, and other problems. Damage that requires more than merely cosmetic restoration work, like painting, is considered significant or extensive. Flood-resistant materials, such as concrete, coated block, closed-cell and foam insulations, steel equipment, pressure-treated and marine-grade plywood, ceramic tile, water- safe glue, polyester epoxy paint, etc., should be strong and resistant to excessive moisture in order to prevent these damages. 4. Use waterproof veneer or apply coatings: There are two distinct types of flood proofing: wet and dry. While wet flood proofing allows increasing waters to enter the house, dry flood proofing prevents them from entering. In dry flood proofing, which prevents water from entering inside, coatings, sealants, and waterproof veneers are employed. A layer of brick through a waterproof membrane serves as a waterproof veneer, shielding exterior walls from water penetration. The interior walls should be insulated with washable closed-cell foam for sections below flood levels, according to the architects. In essence, coatings and sealants can be used on the foundation, walls, windows, and entryways to prevent rising water from entering the house through gaps, as these openings are porous. 5. Elevator or Waterproof HVAC Equipment: The best way to protect service equipment from damage is to position it above flood levels. HVAC systems, plumbing fixtures, duct systems, switchboards, metres, and other service panels are examples of this equipment. Even a period of submersion in floodwater causes damage to these components, necessitating replacement. An electrical short circuit may occur, using electrical equipment. Although it is desirable if these components are elevated above flood levels, they may also be constructed with waterproof enclosures, protective coatings, or other features to guard against flooding-related damage. Municipal codes should be checked with by engineering design firms. To know more about architect drafting services, discuss your project with proficient architectural engineers.