The heavy rains that lashed the UAE and some other parts of the GCC region on April 16 of this year, causing flooding and immense disruption to daily lives, set me thinking. I found it beneficial to conduct an in-depth review and to analyse the experiences that countries have faced during similar climatic challenges – such as torrential rains and snowstorms.

Such countries have developed innovative and effective solutions through repeated trials for permanent coexistence with extreme-weather conditions. Here, I will showcase the solutions they have arrived at, which were developed based on their previous experiences. I believe the solutions can be applied and utilised in the UAE to effectively mitigate the threat and severity of damage.

The nature of the heavy rainfall on April 16 was unprecedented, as was the widespread flooding, which significantly impacted daily life and infrastructure. The event clearly demonstrated the urgent need to reassess and develop design and construction strategies in the region to face the increasing climate-related challenges

Adapting to climate shifts

To enhance the resilience of buildings against heavy rainfall, new strategies must be adopted, including improving water drainage systems, using water-resistant building materials and developing flexible designs. For example, similar drainage systems can be applied as those used in Copenhagen’s Cloudburst Management Plan, which improved drainage systems to accommodate large amounts of water. Implementing dual drainage systems that ensure the drainage of surface and groundwater, along with underground storage tanks for excess water, can also be beneficial.

Setting new standards

My team and I at ECCE offer a wide range of civil, structural, fire safety, mechanical, electrical and plumbing services. With these integrated services, we can make a significant impact on the fields of construction and design by developing innovative design solutions and integrating sustainability technology. For instance, advanced ventilation systems, used in The Edge project in Amsterdam, can keep buildings dry even in humid conditions. We recommend using mechanical ventilation systems with heat recovery to improve energy efficiency and reduce humidity.

Enhancing building resistance to rain

As ECCE, we offer several measures to improve the resistance of buildings to heavy rainfall, including designing sloped roofs or roofs equipped with effective water drainage systems to reinforce foundations and strengthen structures. Advanced waterproofing techniques, such as polymer and polyurethane membranes, used in One World Trade Center, in New York City, provide long-lasting protection against water infiltration. We also recommend reinforcing concrete structures with chemical additives to increase their resistance to water and moisture.

Comprehensive infrastructure solutions

To solve water stagnation issues, we provide integrated solutions, including designing efficient water drainage systems and installing powerful water pumps. We draw inspiration from systems used in Rotterdam’s Water Squares, where excess water is diverted to underground tanks for storage and gradual release. We can also commend the use of centrifugal pumps to ensure rapid water removal from affected areas, avoiding water stagnation.

Rethinking car parking design

Regarding parking design, underground parking should be reconsidered due to flood risks. We can design elevated or platform-level parking facilities, as seen in Berlin’s Sony Center, to ensure vehicle safety and prevent water accumulation. We use water-resistant technologies in walls and floors, such as crystalline waterproofing, which reacts with water to form a waterproof barrier.

Backup power mechanisms

To avoid power outages, we recommend installing powerful generators, as practised in Chicago’s Willis Tower, and using solar energy systems as a sustainable alternative, as implemented in the Apple Park project in San Francisco. Diesel or Natural Gas generators can serve as backup power sources, with lithium battery systems to store solar energy for use, when needed.

Rain-resistant solutions for critical buildings

Finally, we at ECCE provide comprehensive solutions to ensure service continuity in critical buildings, such as healthcare facilities, airports and data centres. We endorse using advanced water drainage system designs like those adopted in Heathrow Airport Terminal 5, in London, and water-resistant building materials and insulation technologies, such as epoxy coatings and polymer cement. We recommend installing advanced backup power systems similar to those in Google data centres in Dublin to ensure continuous operations without probable interruption. Through these advanced measures and solutions, ECCE reaffirms its commitment to developing infrastructure capable of facing future climate challenges and ensuring the wellbeing and comfort of the region’s public.