1

 BOUYANT FOUNDATION

A buoyant foundation is a type of amphibious foundation in which an

existing structure is retrofitted to allow it to float as high as
necessary during floods while remaining on the ground in normal
conditions.

 WORKING PRINCIPLE OF BOUYANT FONDATION

BUOYANT FAOUNDATION UNDER NORMAL CONDITION
A buoyant foundation works on the principle of Buoyancy. Buoyancy
means the ability to float something on water.

 NEED FOR BOUYANT FONDATION

For people living in areas facing frequent flood conditions this type of
foundation is adapted. The foundation elevates the house during the
floods, thus people can safely stay at home during the flood.

 WORKING OF BOUYANT FONDATION BUOYANT FAOUNDATION DURING FLOOD

Buoyant Foundation consists of three elements:

1. Buoyancy blocks that are installed under the house that will help
float the building,
2. Vertical guideposts that prevent the building from wondering
during a flood beyond the vertical movement, and
3. A structural sub-frame that ties the blocks and guideposts
together.

Working –
• The base of the house has the steel frame.
• Floatation blocks are attached to the steel frame underneath the
house.
• Four vertical guidance posts are installed near to the corners of
the house.
• When flooding occurs, the floatation blocks lifts the house and the
vertical posts allows the vertical movement of the house, while
resisting the horizontal movement caused due to wind and flowing EXPLODED VIEW OF AN AMPHIBIOUS DWELLING
water.

K A U S H A L M O R E

BOUYANT FOUNDATION ROLL NO. 3 0 | S E M 5 | D I V A

ARCHITECTURAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION

 2

 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF BOUYANT FONDATION

Advantages –

• House remain on the ground under normal conditions but rises during flood.
• It is cost effective method .
• The neighborhood retains its original character.
• Minimizes carbon footprint. (A)
• Utilizes municipal pipes and electrical connections.

Disadvantages –

• It is subjected to external load caused due to heavy winds, rain and ice.
• The structure must be loaded symmetrically to maintain even levelling.
(B)
• The size and shape of the house are restricted.
JAMAICAN AMPHIBIOUS HOUSE
• This type of foundations cannot be applied to a multi-storeyed structure. (A) DURING NORMAL CONDITION
(B) DURING FLOOD
 COMPARISON BETWEEN STATIC AND AMPHIBIOUS HOUSE
STATIC HOUSE AMPHIBIOUS HOUSE

UNDER NORMAL CONDITION DURING FLOOD UNDER NORMAL CONDITION DURING FLOOD

Elevated on vertical metal or wooden Partially submerged due to flood level Retrofitted with floatation blocks and The floatation blocks lifts the house

posts at a certain height. greater than the height of vertical post. guide post elevated at certain height above the flood level and guide posts
restricts the lateral load hence moving
vertically
 AMBHIBIOUS HOUSES IN JAMAICA
Numerous areas of Jamaica are subjected to severe repetitive flooding. There are
two communities that are significantly impacted by seasonal flooding. Flooding in these
areas causes significant damage to house and create life risk situations. Despite
repetitive flood damage, Jamaicans continue to live in these flood-prone communities.
Thus, these communities require a flood mitigation strategy that is both affordable and
simple to implement.
Amphibious retrofit is a cost-sensitive way to keep inhabitants and their
possessions safe from flooding. Utilizing cost-effective, locally available materials and
local construction practices was a primary consideration in developing the buoyant
foundation retrofit designs for the selected houses.
The assembly of house consists of several elements-

• Buoyancy blocks composed of Expansion Polystyrene (EPS) attached below

the floor of the structure
• Plywood structural frame that reinforces the structure and supports the
buoyancy blocks
• There are vertical timber guidance posts to prevent lateral movement of the
house due to wind and flow of water WORKING OF JAMAICAN AMPHIBIOUS HOUSE

K A U S H A L M O R E

BOUYANT FOUNDATION ROLL NO. 3 0 | S E M 5 | D I V A

ARCHITECTURAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION