Brisbane, in Queensland Australia has a history of flooding, with notable events in 1893, 1974, 2011, and 2022. The February 2022 flood event was particularly serious, the result of a low-pressure system over Queensland’s southern coast, combining with moisture from the Coral Sea.This atmospheric instability led to phenomenal rainfall, dumping an average of 795mm across the Brisbane City Council area, causing the Brisbane river to peak at 3.85m Australian Height Datum (AHD). At the same time, flooding in creeks, especially on Brisbane’s north side, surpassed all previously recorded heights, and following two years of frequent rain, the saturated ground increased run-off and overland flow, which, when combined with the creek flooding, meant areas left dry in 2011 flooded in 2022.
The Body Corporate at Admiralty Towers Two contacted Flood Control International to request its expertise and assistance to prevent further flooding in Basements 1 & 2 of the development.
Admiralty Towers Two Body Corporate required a flood protection solution tailored to the specific needs of Basements 1 and 2.
The challenge involved preventing flooding up to 4.98m and 18m depth of flood water in specific areas of each basement. The unique features of each space, including a stairway in Basement 1 and the depth of flooding in Basement 2, necessitated careful selection of flood defence products.
Upon conducting a site survey and area assessment, Flood Control International proposed a comprehensive solution, budgeted at AUD $500,000. For Basement 1, specialised steel sliding flood doors and aluminium lift hinge floodgates were chosen. In Basement 2, four- sided sealing aluminium lift hinge floodgates and a heavy-duty steel flood door (for up to 18m water head) were deemed the ideal defence mechanisms.
The selection criteria for each product considered the unique characteristics of the location, operational requirements, and building specifications.The sliding floodgates in Basement 1 were chosen for their ability to work parallel to the wall without requiring a swing area, crucial due to the presence of a stairway. In Basement 2, the combination of four-sided sealing aluminium lift hinge floodgates and a heavy-duty steel flood door, operable by a single operator, proved optimal.
Following the installation, Flood Control International received extremely positive feedback, with the client commenting: “Shane and his team have completed the installation of the doors. Over the last 7 days, they have worked flat out, 14 hours a day without complaint. They have conducted themselves very professionally and courteously, always cheerful, and helpful. Shane dealt with my persistent and endless questions with decorum and a respectful patience. I am very impressed with their standard of work and congratulate them, you, and Flood Control International team for the delivered service.”
The praise also extended to include the quality of the floodgates, their operational simplicity and speed of deployment.
