"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Category: Urban Systems
Stormwater Risers
11/02/26
“How can we connect catch basins to sewer systems using a vertical pipe?”
Catch basins hold rainwater, and sewer systems carry water away. These can connect to vertical pipes called Stormwater Risers. Stormwater risers safely separate detention systems from sewer systems while giving maintenance professionals access to visually inspect sewer pipes from above.
Why Philadelphia May Need to Install Desalination Units in Its Water Supply
11/01/26
“Why may Philadelphia need to install desalination units in its water supply?”
The Delaware River is suffering from major saltwater intrusion from sea-level rise and over-extraction. Philadelphia relies on the Delaware River for most of its drinking water. The freshwater-saltwater interface may soon reach Philadelphia’s drinking water supply. Installing desalination units is one adaptation strategy. This is Why Philadelphia May Need to Install Desalination Units in Its Water Supply.
Marine Transgression
10/22/26
“How can the sea advance over land?”
It’s easy to assume coastlines are permanently static. However, the sea can advance over land either through sea level rise, land subsidence, or both. This process is known as Marine Transgression. Jakarta, the largest city in Indonesia, is a prime example of this.
Garage Flood Vents
10/20/26
“How can we place flood vents in garages?”
Flood vents protect building foundations during storms by channelling stormwater through a designated path. People can install flood vents in their garages to create Garage Flood Vents. Garage flood vents are typically installed low on exterior walls to let rising water in and receding water out.
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Breakaway Walls
10/18/26
“Why do some buildings have walls that break away during floods to protect structural integrity?”
People usually build walls to keep floodwaters from entering an area. However, the water can cause the wall to collapse if too much piles up. This is especially dangerous for buildings people live, work, and play in. But what if we had a wall that breaks away when a certain load is met, letting water pass through without harming the rest of the structure instead of destroying its supports? Well, this is the idea behind Breakaway Walls. Breakaway walls are like an above-ground version of flood vents. Breakaway walls are often implemented in buildings inhabiting the 100-year flood zone or higher.
Why Submerged Wood May Not Rot
10/15/26
“How can submerged wood not rot?”
It’s easy to think submerged wood will rot quickly. But in many such cases, the underwater environment lacks the oxygen amount necessary to power the fungi and aerobic bacteria that would rot it, leading to wood preservation. This is Why Submerged Wood May Not Rot. Cities built on reclaimed land like Amsterdam literally rest on this principle.
Sunny Day Flooding
10/14/26
“Why do some coastal communities flood without storms?”
When people discuss tidal flooding, it’s easy to think it only happens during severe storms. However, high tides on bright, sunny days can lead to flooding as well. These Sunny Day Flooding events will become more common as sea levels rise from climate change.
Chronic Inundation
10/12/26
“How can we categorize sites that flood at least every other week?”
Neighborhoods by coastal waters can flood due to coastal tides. In the U.S., locales where 10 percent of their usable, non-wetland area floods at least 26 times a year (roughly every other week, corresponding to high tides) are labelled as suffering from Chronic Inundation. More cities will likely suffer from chronic inundation in the future as a consequence of climate change, from small towns to massive cities like Manhattan.
Freeboard Elevation
10/11/26
“How can we add an extra factor of safety to create minimum building flood elevations?”
Base flood elevation is the local 100-year flood elevation. Many municipalities specify a Freeboard Elevation, or extra factor of safety minimum floor elevation, above the base flood elevation to make the design flood elevation. 1 – 3 feet is a common freeboard elevation.
