Removable House Wrap Flood Barrier for Slab Foundations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flood barrier systems are either expensive and permanent, or they fail to economically leverage the structural support of a building and are not reusable, making them impractical for quick deployment during flooding events.
Innovation Solution
A removable and reusable dry floodproofing solution that integrates with the structural support of a building, using a house wrap system with customizable components like poly-wrap sheeting, zipper technology, and debris barriers to protect against flooding by sealing potential leak points and reinforcing exterior walls and doors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flood barrier systems are used, then flood protection is achieved, but the systems are expensive and require permanent structures that surround the home
Solution Approach 1:
The flood protection system is divided into separate, modular components including removable barriers, waterproofing materials, and structural reinforcements that can be independently installed and removed without requiring permanent surrounding structures
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static permanent barriers to dynamic removable components that can be deployed and removed as needed, allowing the property to be protected during floods while maintaining normal access and appearance during non-flood periods
2Ease of operation
If removable flood barriers are used, then deployment flexibility is improved, but they fail to leverage the structural support of the home and are not reusable
Solution Approach 1:
The flood protection system merges with the home's structural support elements such as walls, floors, and doors, integrating waterproofing materials and reinforcement components into the existing structure to enable reuse across multiple flood events
Solution Approach 2:
Structural reinforcements and waterproofing materials are pre-installed during normal conditions, so that when flood events occur, the property already has enhanced protection in place without requiring last-minute structural modifications
3Reliability
If permanent flood barrier structures are used, then flood protection is achieved, but they are unsightly and require expensive infrastructure projects
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring city-wide infrastructure projects or permanent surrounding structures, the system applies localized protection at specific vulnerable areas of the property such as basements, doors, and windows, leaving the overall appearance of the property unchanged
Data Source
AI summary
A comprehensive dry flood proofing solution to mitigate inland flooding risk for existing or new homes and small buildings. This family of integrated systems of the present disclosure each leverage the building's structure to offer practical and affordable flood protection for those buildings constructed with slab-on-grade foundations. This family of solutions includes pluggable weep holes, entry door/garage door/window protectors, wall appurtenances and penetration protection, house wrap and debris barrier system for wall protection and sewage anti-backflow protection. The components of the solution are reusable, easy to deploy, and do not detract from the building's permanent appearance. Furthermore, the solution allows for ingress/egress during flood events and can protect the building from standing water incursion up to 24″ above slab elevation. The pre-flood design and preparation, the deployment immediately preceding flooding event and the subsequent removal after flooding event has passed is provided by both contractors and homeowners.