Conclusion

Designing buildings to be resilient in the face of flooding has been shown to require an understanding of basic principles as well as regulatory requirements. Several types of passive systems have been explored including floodproof window systems, glass flood walls, and custom solutions. The cost effectiveness of passive systems has been demonstrated as has their performance. Design professionals seeking integrated, coordinated dry floodproofing systems can therefore benefit from learning more about such passive systems for use in their own flood-resistant building projects.

Case Studies

This section will look at two case studies that illustrate the latest technology integrations for extruded aluminum and showcases the way manufacturers worked with designers to execute the projects.

PROJECT EXAMPLE #1

Project: Whitehall Mill
Location: Baltimore, Maryland

Floodproofing: Passive floodproof window system

The Building: Originally constructed in 1798 as a flour mill next to the Jones Falls River, the building has seen multiple industrial uses during its lifetime. It also sits on a site where the current Design Flood Elevation (DFE) is 6’-8” above the first floor. The building has been repurposed into a mixed-use facility with market shops, a restaurant, apartments, and offices. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Floodproofing Solution: The new use and the historic listing required that the existing windows be kept to the extent possible. However, the flood protection required that the windows be addressed. Therefore, a custom, new floodproof window system was fabricated to coordinate with the existing building and historic requirements. The new windows are 4-by-6-feet and use faux mullions to maintain the historic look. The new window trim is made from composite material to maintain durability over time and during flood events.

PROJECT EXAMPLE #2

Project: World Trade Center PAC
Location: New York City
Architects: Rex Architecture P.C. plus the firm Davis Brody Bond

Floodproofing: Passive floodproof window system with ballistic glazing & a UL Certified Frame

The Building: The Ronald O. Perelman Performing Arts Center at the World Trade Center, also called the Performing Arts Center (PAC), is a multi-space performing arts center under construction at the northeast corner of the World Trade Center complex in New York City. All of the World Trade Center site is famously known to sit in an area that is quite vulnerable to flooding as evidenced in past storm events.

The Floodproofing Solution: The potential degree of damage not only from floodwaters, but also from debris and projectiles, is a key design factor on the World Trade Center site. General building security and safety are also considerations for any window systems. The building design called for 4-by-8-foot windows which have been designed and specified as a passive floodproof window system. The laminated glazing consists of 2-5/16” glass and polycarbonate with mar-resistant polycarbonate on the secure side. The fabrication has been tested for impact per FM Global 2510 and has bullet-resistant glass certified per UL 752. The window system is able to withstand winds greater than 150 mph and has been tested to withstand up to 10 feet of water.