Amphibious Elevating Stand Incorporated with Recycled Floating System: A Flood Mitigation Model

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Due to its geographical location, the Philippines experiences at least 20 typhoons annually. These typhoons bring heavy rains and strong winds that cause floods. Its vulnerability to floods has increased with urbanization thus, contributing great damage to assets. Several innovations on properties have been made to lessen the effects of it. However, those became inaccessible because of its affordability. In light of this, recyclable materials can be used in making new flood mitigation strategy. This can also help in minimizing and utilizing wastes.

METHODS

The amphibious stand is composed of two layers: (1) the stand and (2) the hollow compartment for the floating device. For the first layer, the plywood was cut into 49x32cm with a rectangular hole in the middle measuring 25.5x19cm. For the foundation, two pieces of 42x25cm plywood with 32x5cm space formed on its lower middle. Two extra 28x10cm plywoods were created to make it more durable. The second layer was another 49x32cm plywood and a 25x18x42cm plywood rectangular box compartment. The second layer was then inserted into space in the first layer. For the floating device, used plastic bottles were cleaned, sealed and put together in the compartment in pairs. Two 5x4cm plywoods were made and attached to serve as a lock for the second layer once it reaches its elevation limit.

RESULTS

The amphibious stand was subjected to water and weights to test its maximum elevation. There were three set-ups with varying water level and volume. All set-ups were exposed to seven different weights, each having three trials. In set-up A, the device was submerged to 10in and 0.5 cbm of water. The average height of elevation added in 1 to 7 kilograms was 6, 5.4, 5, 4.3, 3.3, 2.5, and 2 in, respectively. In set-up B with 20 in and 1 cbm of water, the data gathered were 7, 6.6, 6, 5.6, 5, 4.6, and 4 in. The last set-up, which used 30in and 1.5 cbm of water, 10, 9.6, 9, 8.6, 8, 7.6, and 7in of elevations were recorded. Pearson Correlation Analysis was used to relate the weight and height of elevation. The r-value in set-up A was -0.9937 while set-ups B and C both had -0.9988.

DISCUSSIONS

In all set-ups, the results showed that the height of elevation increases as the water level and volume increases. Moreover, the r-value computed in the Pearson Correlation Analysis showed a strong negative relationship between the weight and height of elevation indicating an inverse relationship. With these findings, the concept of the Amphibious Elevation Stand was proven feasible.