This standard provides guidelines for the planning, design, and construction of new buildings to resist damage from floods. It covers site selection, determination of flood levels, design for hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads, and specifies materials and construction techniques for enhanced flood resilience.
Provides guidelines for the design and construction of buildings to resist flood effects.
Quick Reference Values
Minimum freeboard above Design Flood Level (DFL)300 mm
Required net area of flood openings (vents)1 sq inch per 1 sq foot of enclosed area below DFL
Minimum finished floor levelDFL + 300 mm
Key Formulas
Hydrostatic Force (Standing Water): Force increases linearly with water depth.
Hydrodynamic Force (Flowing Water): Force is proportional to the square of water velocity.
Buoyancy Force (Uplift): Uplift force is equal to the weight of water displaced by the submerged portion of the building.
Practical Notes
Crucial to establish the correct Design Flood Level (DFL) from local authorities or hydrological studies before starting design.
Pay close attention to providing adequate flood vents in foundations and enclosed spaces below the DFL to equalize hydrostatic pressure and prevent wall/foundation failure.
Ensure all electrical and mechanical equipment is elevated above the DFL or is designed to be submersible.