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ABSTRACT Taiwan is situated in semi-tropical region. It has a wet climate. The average annual rainfall is 2,500mm and is concentrated between May and October of each year, especially from July to September. Taiwan is frequently invaded by typhoon, which causes flooding. Although, whether a global warming will change the whole hydrological cycle is yet undefined in academia, it is an undeniable fact that in recent years rainfall has been abnormal and flooding in urban area has become more severe. In addition to looking into facilities for controlling tidal effect and for drainage, investigation has also been made on suitability and reliability of gates as anti-flooding facility, either connecting as a series or being isolated as a single building. The first part of the study is to investigate: problems that will be encountered by applying gate as water barrier in a building; and answers to six major issues which are effect of the gate on building safety, development of standard by using buildings as water barriers, selection of gate type, analysis of gate loading, manner for which loading is transmitted by gate and assurance of water tightness. These issues are thoroughly investigated by theoretical analyses and based on which to evaluate the feasibility. The second part of the study is to develop an auxiliary device for gate to ensure water tightness, to overcome defects, which may occur on rotating, and vertical gates. This study utilizes algebraic account to substantiate the effectiveness of the device for water stoppage. The result of the study indicates that it is feasible and anticipated results can be achieved by using gate as water barrier for buildings. The new device indeed will enhance water tightness of the gate without affecting safety of the building. However, during planning, because the boundary condition in each case is different, it must be considered individually according to its condition in order to accomplish safe and effective hazard mitigation during flooding.
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