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Introduction to Flooding. by Environment Agency, Halcrow and Universities of Cardiff, Heriot Watt and Cambridge. General Background to Flooding. Background. Up to 5m people in U.K. are at risk from river and coastal flooding Annual average damage estimated at £0.7 bn
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Introduction to Flooding by Environment Agency, Halcrow and Universities of Cardiff, Heriot Watt and Cambridge
Background • Up to 5m people in U.K. are at risk from river and coastal flooding • Annual average damage estimated at £0.7 bn • Recent floods have been more frequent • Damage extent exacerbated by: • Extensive building on flood plains • Alterations to riverine channels • Changes in recorded rainfall patterns • Changes in land management use • Climate change expected to increase flooding
Background • River flooding essentially a natural process that helps shape landscape • Flooding generally caused by high rainfall and inability of land to drain water effectively - aggravated further when ground saturated • Flooding frequently leads to serious water pollution and epidemiological problems • Flood damage extent often exacerbated by: • Inadequate flood warning systems • Use of crude hydroinformatics tools • Inadequately trained model users
Floodguards International • State-of-art flood guards designed to protect homes and properties from flooding • Accessories designed to complement guards e.g. brick sealant and one-way toilet valves • Based on principle of arch dam design with pressure force used to enhance seal • Simple glass reinforced plastic (GRP) guards: • Permanent and unobtrusive narrow frame fixed around doors and air vents • Removable curved lightweight guards readily clipped in place before flooding
Arch Dam Principle Mountain Mountain Arch Dam Water Pressure • Water pressure transmitted to dam • Forces then transmitted to mountain
Flood Guard Principle House Wall Door House Wall Flood Guards Water Pressure • Water pressure transmitted to flood guard • Force then used to increase seal efficiency
Without guards Protection of Patio Doors With guards
Model of Seepage through Brickwork Aim:- Predict protection times and seepage for extended flooding • Research Centre’s model HEMAT used to predict seepage rates through brickwork and under wall foundations • Finite volume method solves flow equations • Irregular triangular mesh used to fit domain
Summary of Floodguards Benefits • Based on state-of-the-art technology • Relatively inexpensive and lightweight • Frame can be fitted easily and concealed • Prevents flooding of properties through doors, windows, air vents etc • Prevents silt and sewage contamination
Who Are They? • Have over 10,000 staff - mainly scientists, engineers, planners - responsible for environmental protection • Have an annual operating budget of over £0.5 billion • Work in following areas: • Air Quality – regulate release of pollutants • Conservation – important role, especially along rivers • Fish – monitor and study fish habits and ecology • Flood – warn public about flood risk and build defences etc • Land Quality – seek to prevent land from becoming polluted • Navigation – responsible for rivers, estuaries and harbours • Recreation – managing use of inland and coastal waters • Waste – regulate waste management through licencing • Water Quality – ensure quality of surface and ground water • Water Resources – monitor and issue abstraction licences