Passive Flood Gates Protect MRT Station In Singapore
The Singapore LTA, or Land Transport Authority, is in charge of overseeing and developing innovative methods to improve Singapore’s transportation infrastructure. Singapore is a city of over 5 million inhabitants despite being only square 700km. With that level of population density it is critical that the LTA ensures efficient public transport and ease of movement for citizens and visitors alike.
The LTA, or Land Transport Authority, is in charge of overseeing and developing innovative methods to improve Singapore’s transportation infrastructure. Singapore is a city of over 5 million inhabitants despite being only square 700km. With that level of population density it is critical that the LTA ensures efficient public transport and ease of movement for citizens and visitors alike.
FloodBreak was selected to provide 2 passive flood gates to protect against seasonal flash floods.
The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT )heavy rail travels underground and so the entryways are highly susceptible to flash floods. Singapore experiences seasonal flash floods which often leads to pauses in business, commerce, and an overall disturbance to daily life.
Because FloodBreak passive flood barriers lay hidden underground until activated, the gates are able to provide permanent protection, 24/7, without impeding the thousands of daily visitors to the station.
The Orchard Underpass MRT is close the center of downtown, making it one of the more popular stations on the island.
Project Details:
Customer: Land Transportation Authority
Location: Singapore
Products: 2 Pedestrian flood gates
Flood Barrier Treatments: Marble
Installation Dates: 2013
While traditional flood protection methods impede human foot traffic, FloodBreak passive automatic gates do not. Moreover, FloodBreak flood barriers eliminate the risk caused by human intervention. They will deploy regardless of whether personnel are nearby to deploy active measures.
Another advantage of FloodBreak gates is our ability to architecturally integrate our flood gates to fit the surrounding architectural environment. Not only did the LTA prioritize unobstructed foot traffic but also the ability to provide flood protection with as little perceptible disturbance to as possible.
Singapore is unique in the city’s emphasis on presentation, famous for its parks, gardens, and nature sights all over the island. The LTA, in conjunction with the Singaporean government, places heavy emphasis on preserving this aesthetic.
As such, our pedestrian gates were treated with marble tile to mimic the original MRT floor plan, making them nearly invisible to pedestrians who pass over them.
Pedestrians walking over treated flood barrier – hidden in plain sight.
