Flooding and storm surges pose serious threats to the utilities systems at MIT. Power loss could disrupt important research, cut off heating in buildings, and stop the Institution from functioning properly. Currently, all high voltage lines run underground, connecting buildings and are waterproofed.[2] The vulnerability to flooding and water damage comes in connecting these high voltage lines to buildings, which are not internally waterproof. In analyzing how to respond to this threat, the solutions are unique to each building. First, we need to assess which buildings are at risk of being flooded. (See flood map below).
Image Source: Preliminary Campus Flood Mapping: Precipitation and Storm Surge Risks[3]
Then we need to assess the vulnerabilities of each building individually. This begins by testing each building’s foundation and deciding whether it’s watertight.[2] This testing of the foundation is done by a structural engineer who assesses how much force the exterior wall can handle as well as looking at any cracks in the foundation.[1] If the building is watertight, a feasible solution is to create an external barrier to prevent water from entering above ground level. This could involve a retractable wall that surrounds the building and is able to be raised before an expected flood. The height, strength, and material of each wall would be individual to each building based on the flood risk for that building.[1] If the building is not watertight, assess how the building’s foundation could be made watertight. Otherwise, look individually at the utilities room, usually located in the basements of buildings, and look into making that specific area watertight.[2] If it is not possible or feasible to prevent water damage to utilities, assess the importance of the building (the function, research occurring, etc.) and consider disconnecting the building from the main electricity and utilities loop to prevent damage to the entire loop.[2] Then, plan for recovery of the building after the storm surge/ flood. MIT is currently conducting an assessment of the buildings and foundations and expect to have this information and solutions implemented by 2030.[2]
An overview of the assessment process can be seen below.
Graphic Source: Building Assessment Overview by Geneva Casalegno
By Geneva Casalegno
References
- FEMA. (n.d.). Dry Floodproofing Measures. Retrieved November 23, 2017, from https://www.fema.gov/media-library-data/06dabddadc3887f91906172d863749ab/P-936_sec3_508.pdf
- Packard, Director of Utilities at MIT, K. (2017, November 15). MIT Utilities Systems Overview [Personal interview].
- Goldberg, B., & Strzepek, K., Dr. (2017). Preliminary Campus Flood Mapping: Precipitation and Storm Surge Risks [Abstract]. MIT Office of Sustainability,1-6. Retrieved November 27, 2017, from https://www.dropbox.com/s/miuagiyhxqkuaw8/1701031_campus%20flood%20vulnerability%20preliminary_mapping.pdf?dl=0.