47.5 MB - The Whole Building Design Guide

whether an existing building can be dry floodproofed. The followingelements must be examined:m The strength of the structural systemm Whether non-load bearing walls can resist anticipated loads; secondarywalls can be constructed immediately adjacent to existingwalls, with a waterproof membrane, to provide adequate strengthm The effects of buoyancy on the walls and floors of below-gradeareasm Effective means to install watertight doors and windows, ormountable panelsm Protection where utilities enter the buildingm Methods to address seepage, especially where long-durationflooding is anticipatedm Whether there is sufficient time for human interventionmeasures, given the availability of official warnings ofpredicted flood conditionsApplication of waterproofing products or membranes directly toexterior walls may minimize infiltration of water, although thereare concerns with durability and limitations on use (this measureis most effective for shallow, short-duration flooding). Retrofitmeasures that require human intervention are considered emergencymeasures and are discussed in Section 2.4.9.2.4.6 UTILITY INSTALLATIONSSome aspects of an existing flood-prone critical facility’s utility systemsmay be modified to reduce damage. The effectiveness ofsuch measures depends not only on the nature of the flooding,but the type of utility and the degree of exposure. Table 2-3 in Section2.5 lists some questions that will help facility planners and designersto examine risk reduction measures.2-84 MAKING CRITICAL FACILITIES SAFE FROM Flooding