H2M architects + engineers’ Post

Ever wondered how some cities stay dry even during heavy rains and floods? It’s all thanks to some amazing geotechnical and civil engineering techniques! First off, geotechnical engineers play a crucial role in understanding the soil and groundwater conditions. They perform detailed hydrological studies to predict how water will move through an area during a flood. This data helps in designing effective flood management systems. One of the key strategies is building levees and flood barriers. Levees are embankments constructed along rivers to hold back floodwaters. These structures are often reinforced with materials like clay and rocks to ensure durability. Flood barriers can be raised or lowered depending on water levels, providing flexible protection against floods. Drainage systems are another critical component. Advanced urban drainage systems are designed to quickly channel excess water away from streets and buildings. This includes everything from underground tunnels to permeable pavements that allow water to seep through and reduce surface runoff. Let's look at some real-world examples in the U.S. The city of New Orleans has invested heavily in flood protection systems following Hurricane Katrina. The Greater New Orleans Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System (HSDRRS) includes levees, floodwalls, and pumps designed to protect the city from storm surges and heavy rains. Another impressive example is the Miami-Dade County's flood management plan. The county employs a combination of seawalls, pumps, and advanced drainage systems to manage flood risks from both heavy rains and rising sea levels. These efforts are crucial in safeguarding the city against the increasing threat of coastal flooding. Incorporating these techniques into urban planning is vital for creating resilient cities that can withstand the challenges posed by climate change. Ready to dive into the fascinating world of flood-proof engineering? Let's build safer, smarter cities together! #GeotechnicalEngineering #FloodManagement #UrbanPlanning #CivilEngineering #SmartCities

When it comes to coastal developments, not all are created equal when facing the wrath of a hurricane. So, what makes some of them stand out in terms of resilience? One key factor is the advanced geotechnical and civil engineering practices employed during their construction. Techniques such as elevated building designs, storm surge barriers, and erosion control measures play a critical role in protecting these areas. Take, for example, the innovative measures used in Miami, Florida. Engineers have implemented elevated building designs, ensuring structures are built above the expected surge levels. Additionally, robust storm surge barriers have been constructed to protect vital infrastructure from the rising waters. Erosion control measures, like reinforced dunes and seawalls, further safeguard the coastline from severe storm impacts. These strategies not only protect the infrastructure but also ensure the safety and well-being of the communities living in these areas. By integrating these advanced techniques, Miami sets a standard for hurricane-resistant coastal development. So next time you think about hurricane-prone areas, remember it's the smart engineering behind the scenes that makes all the difference. #GeotechnicalEngineering #CivilEngineering #HurricanePreparedness #ResilientInfrastructure #MiamiEngineering

Floods cause billions in damage across the U.S. every year, impacting everything from agriculture to infrastructure. With Florida's unique risk profile, due to its low elevation and tropical storms, ensuring our structures can withstand flood loads is critical. Here’s What We Focus On: Flood Data Accuracy: Defining flood zones, base flood elevation, and ground elevation. Elevation Requirements: Structures must meet specific elevation standards to minimize flood impact. Special Features: Flood vents, breakaway walls, and concrete slabs built for resilience. Stay ahead of flood risks with robust designs that protect lives and investments. Learn more about how we tackle these engineering challenges at Florida Engineering! #FloodProtection #StructuralDesign #FloridaEngineering #BuildingSafety https://lnkd.in/d6q4jNG4

🌊💡 Enhancing Urban Flood Modeling with FLO-2D PRO 🌐💻 The integration of FLO-2D PRO with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 🏢 Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) Version 5.0.022 represents a significant milestone 🎉 in advancing urban flood modeling capabilities. By combining the strengths 🤝 of both models, this integrated system offers a comprehensive approach 🌟 to simulating stormwater runoff 🌧️ and flood dynamics in urban environments 🏙️. Evolution of Storm Drain Engine: The FLO-2D storm drain engine has undergone substantial development since its integration with SWMM in 2013. This component simulates the interaction between surface water flow 💦 and storm drain systems 🌪️ as a unified flow continuum, representing a significant advancement in storm drain detail, accuracy, and computational efficiency 📈. Coupled Model System: In the coupled model system, FLO-2D serves as the host for the closed conduit storm drain system, with both models running simultaneously. FLO-2D handles hydrologic and hydraulic flood routing 🌊, while the closed conduit component computes storm drain hydraulics. This seamless integration 🤝 enables comprehensive analysis of surface water and storm drain interactions 🔄. Data Sharing and Exchange: The integration process involves seamless data sharing between FLO-2D and the storm drain system, ensuring compatibility and consistency of information 🔄. Data exchange occurs on a computational timestep controlled by the FLO-2D engine, with storm drain inlet discharge and return flow to the surface water system determined by water surface elevation (WSE) and storm drain pressure ⚖️. Inlet-Controlled Discharge: FLO-2D calculates storm drain inflow discharge based on predicted grid element headwater depth and inlet geometry type. This inlet-controlled discharge is then routed through storm drain conduits, allowing for accurate representation of stormwater flow within the drainage network 🌐. Advancing Urban Flood Management: The integrated FLO-2D PRO and SWMM model system offers a powerful tool 🔧 for urban flood management and risk assessment. By accurately simulating stormwater runoff and drainage dynamics, stakeholders can make informed decisions to mitigate flood risks, enhance infrastructure resilience, and improve urban planning strategies 🏗️🛠️🌱. #FLO2DPRO #UrbanFloodModeling #StormwaterManagement #FloodRiskAssessment

We have three options for designing roads that cross floodways: by #bridge, #culverts or floodway crossings. Floodway crossings consist of a length of pavement on a level grade, designed to be overtopped by frequent rainfall events (or high annual exceedance probability (AEP) events for those in the know 😉). The following elements are considered when we design a floodway crossing: 🚰 Hydraulic design (discharge capacity & velocity) 🚙 Pavement design 🪨 Upstream & downstream embankment protection 🚸 Road signage Another design consideration is learning from floodway failures. Our Director, James Gleeson has first hand experience from the flood damage caused to the John Muntz Causeway following an extreme rainfall event in 2017... "The original rock protection at the abutments and approach embankments had been completely washed away, severely damaging the road embankment and relieving slab. The embankment protection was replaced with rock armour, a solution more suited to wharf structures, in an effort to combat the frequent, high intensity storm events". As the affects of #climatechange increase frequency and intensity of rainfall events, we see floodway crossings playing a vital role in our road network, especially post disaster recovery, as a value for money solution. For more information on floodway crossings check out Austroads Guide to Road Design Part 5B. #infrastructure #drainage #flood #roads #engineering #outcomesthinking #valueformoney 

By coupling SWMM's urban drainage simulation capabilities with FLO-2D's advanced flood modeling features, users can achieve a more comprehensive understanding of flood dynamics within urban environments. This integration enables the simulation of both localized stormwater runoff and larger-scale flooding events, providing insights into how urban drainage systems interact with natural watercourses and floodplains.

"Smart and sturdy: The L-shaped barrier that turns floodwater into a defense." An L-shaped flood prevention barrier is a structural defense used to protect against rising water levels. The "L" shape is designed to provide stability by using the water's own pressure to hold the barrier in place. The vertical part of the "L" blocks the water, while the horizontal base extends into the flood zone, using the water’s weight to anchor the barrier. This design is effective in both temporary and permanent flood defenses, often used along rivers, coasts, and urban areas to prevent water from breaching vulnerable zones. The simplicity and effectiveness make it a popular flood mitigation solution. video rights : Respective owners DM for removal/ credits #floodbarriers #engineering #construction #civilengineering #civilconstruction #engenharia #engenhariacivil

Did you know that there is a significant difference between NON-Engineered & Engineered Flood Vents? Engineered Flood Openings are ICC-ES Certified using the coefficient of discharge method (page 34-37 FEMA TB-1). To be compliant in a SFHA, using a 1200 sq ft structure, you would need 29 Non-Engineered Vents compared to only 6 Engineered openings! It's essential to keep in mind that debris is a fact of flood! Devices with screens WILL plug, prohibiting the equalization of pressure on the foundation walls. Engineered openings maintain an unobstructed opening to allow debris and water flow through the structure, preventing foundation failure. Want to learn more? Let's do a Lunch & Learn! Check out the link below for more information. #floodsafety #floodprevention #engineering #structuresafety #dbia #architects #pdh #lunchandlearn #fema #nfip #floodinsurance #flooding #ceus #generalcontractor #icc #buildingcode #codeenforcement #floodplainmanager #nfip #asce #aia https://lnkd.in/e6xgeY8d

🌪️ Are you gathering the right data to fortify your properties against windstorms? Our latest blog post breaks down the essential architectural features and data needed for robust windstorm resistance. Stay ahead of the storm and ensure your properties are well-prepared! Read more: https://buff.ly/3y1mwSW #WindstormMitigation #PropertyResilience #DataCollection #ArchitecturalFeatures #Centurisk #PrepareForTheStorm 🏠💨

Exploring a Flood Control Infrastructure Project Here’s a glimpse into a fascinating flood control project captured from a drone. The footage shows 5-meter-long steel sheet piles being installed almost entirely into the ground using an excavator and a vibratory hammer along the riverbank and the base of the levee. This setup is likely designed to counteract the piping effect and extend the seepage path of water, thereby slowing down its filtration rate. Role of Steel Sheet Piles in Flood Control Projects: - Preventing Piping: Steel sheet piles create a barrier that prevents soil particles from being carried away by water flow, effectively stopping the piping effect which can lead to levee failure. - Seepage Control: By driving sheet piles deep into the ground, the seepage path is extended, reducing the speed at which water can filter through the soil. This helps in maintaining the structural integrity of levees and embankments. - Structural Support: These piles provide additional structural support to levees, making them more resistant to the forces exerted by floodwaters. - Durability: Steel sheet piles are highly durable and can withstand harsh environmental conditions, ensuring long-term protection for flood-prone areas. Comment: Although I do not have the specific details of this project, from my perspective, it could have been optimized by using vinyl sheet piles instead of steel. This substitution could have achieved both financial and ecological benefits. 📽: zinOdA ESPORT (YT) 🌎 Do you like it? Follow me and Hit 🔔 Ring on my profile for more content about #civilengineering #geotechnicalengineering #ecology #construction #vinylsheetpiles #geosynthetics