FOLLOWING IS A REPORT ON BUOYANT FOUNDATION, THAT DISCUSSES ITS WORKING PRINCIPLES AND ITS MECHANISM.

1. BOUYANT FOUNDATION
K A U S H A L M O R E
R O L L N O . 3 0 | S E M 5 | D I V A
A R C H I T E C T U R A L B U I L D I N G C O N S T R U C T I O N
 BOUYANT FOUNDATION
 WORKING PRINCIPLE OF BOUYANT FONDATION
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.
A buoyant foundation works on the principle of Buoyancy. Buoyancy
means the ability to float something on water.
 WORKING OF BOUYANT FONDATION
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.
 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 –
• 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
water.
1
BUOYANT FAOUNDATION UNDER NORMAL CONDITION
BUOYANT FAOUNDATION DURING FLOOD
EXPLODED VIEW OF AN AMPHIBIOUS DWELLING

2. BOUYANT FOUNDATION
K A U S H A L M O R E
R O L L N O . 3 0 | S E M 5 | D I V A
A R C H I T E C T U R A L B U I L D I N G C O N S T R U C T I O N
 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.
• 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.
• The size and shape of the house are restricted.
• This type of foundations cannot be applied to a multi-storeyed structure.
 COMPARISON BETWEEN STATIC AND AMPHIBIOUS HOUSE
 AMBHIBIOUS HOUSES IN JAMAICA
2
UNDER NORMAL CONDITION UNDER NORMAL CONDITION
DURING FLOOD DURING FLOOD
STATIC HOUSE AMPHIBIOUS HOUSE
Elevated on vertical metal or wooden
posts at a certain height.
Partially submerged due to flood level
greater than the height of vertical post.
Retrofitted with floatation blocks and
guide post elevated at certain height
The floatation blocks lifts the house
above the flood level and guide posts
restricts the lateral load hence moving
vertically
(A)
(B)
JAMAICAN AMPHIBIOUS HOUSE
(A) DURING NORMAL CONDITION
(B) DURING FLOOD
WORKING OF JAMAICAN AMPHIBIOUS HOUSE
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