Publication Details

Effectiveness of Mobile Flood Wall Barrier Through Hydraulics Physical Model Testing

Globally, flood barriers have been developed as a flood defense system for structures or buildings to minimize water intrusion trough doors or openings during flood. These flood wall barriers can be designed as permanent or mobile applications depend on the criteria or space needed. Humid Tropics Centre (HTC) and National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (NAHRIM) have invented three types of Mobile Flood Wall Barriers (MFWB) namely NADI 1 (adjustable to door size for individual residence), NADI 2 (fixed to gate for government premises) and NADI 3 (fixed to door size for individual residence). A hydraulic physical model testing was conducted to determine the water tightness and the effectiveness of the MFWBs. The assessment is done to check on the water losses under hydrostatic pressure against MFWBs. It was found that NADI 3 is the most efficient type compared to others even though it is non-adjustable to door size. The results also depicted that MFWB meets its purpose in blocking and preventing the floods water entering the premises up to 1 meter depth of water. These local inventions are viable and can be utilized in urban areas to reduce the flash flood impact and maximized the evacuation time for the flood victims.