Case Study: Securing Carnegie Mellon University with Garrison's Serpent® Inflatable Flood Barrier
INTRODUCTION:
Carnegie Mellon University, a revered institution located in Pittsburgh, PA, has confronted notable challenges with floodwaters infiltrating its parking garages and other campus buildings. With increasing storm intensities, resulting in heavier rainfall and concurrent runoff, the university has faced significant stormwater damages, amounting to millions. To tackle this recurring issue, the institution deployed Garrison's Serpent Inflatable Flood Tube Barrier –
a state-of-the-art solution for holding back floodwaters.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Carnegie Mellon University, founded in 1900, has a beautiful campus with buildings located on a hillside in Pittsburgh, the university's location and changing landscape and construction over more than 120 years, has resulted in certain areas being vulnerable to heavy rainfall from hurricanes and other storms. It has grappled with recurrent stormwater damages, specifically flooding within their parking garages. This has not just led to infrastructure damages but also operational challenges.
Garrison's Serpent Inflatable Flood Tube Barrier
Garrison's Serpent Inflatable Flood Tube Water Barrier, which was chosen as a solution to the University’s garage flooding boasts innovative design and functionality:
Rapid & Simple Deployment:
A key feature is its ability to be quickly inflated using an air pump, ensuring timely protection during sudden flood events.
Ease of Setup & Storage:
After usage, it can be deflated using the air pump, rolled up, and stored compactly with ease for future use.
Durable Material & Reusable:
Fabricated with robust composite PVC mesh fabric, the barrier resists tears and cuts, ensuring longevity.
Size & Protection Height:
Available in 15ft and 30ft sections. The Serpent barrier protects against water levels up to 40” in height.
Section Connector Sheet:
Seam together sections using an included seaming sheet, allowing for customizable deployment lengths.
THE CHALLENGE:
The facility department at Carnegie Mellon faced a daunting challenge:
A regular flood of water streaming down their parking garage ramp.
This inundation was not just an inconvenience but was causing infrastructural damage and inconvenience to users of the facility.
There was an acute need for an efficient, reliable, and deployable flood barrier solution.
Understanding the gravity of the problem and its financial implications, Carnegie Mellon's facilities team chose the Garrison's Serpent flood barrier.
SOLUTION:
Strategically placed at the entrance of the garage, the Serpent barrier stopped floodwaters from trickling down into the multi-level underground facility.
Given its inflatable nature, deployment is swift, ensuring timely protection.
RESULTS:
Carnegie Mellon University - Pittsburgh, PA | Parking Garage Flood Protection
Post-implementation, Carnegie Mellon witnessed a stark reduction in flood-related interruptions. The parking garage remained safeguarded against flooding, preserving the infrastructure and ensuring unhindered operations.
The skirting feature and the strap anchor loops further enhanced the defense protecting, providing stability and preventing seepage of water under the barrier.
Feedback from the facilities department and stakeholders, including the ordering of an additional Serpent barrier underscores the success of the Serpent in mitigation flooding, validating its efficacy and efficiency.
Be Protected Against a Flood Disaster
Rapidly Deployable Inflatable Flood Tube System
For more information on the Serpent® Inflatable Flood Barriers, feel free to contact us directly!