the new Campus Recreation and Wellness Center.
In 2013, parts of the flood mitigation plan were tested.
In what initially appeared to be another impending flood
event, the university deployed the elements of the Flood
Emergency Response Plan (FERP) that Ayres Associates had
developed. For example, the invisible flood wall system that
protects the Art Building West was erected in anticipation of
the floodwaters, along with miles of HESCO barriers along
the river. Fortunately, the systems were not needed because
the floodwaters never reached the predicted levels.
“It was a good trial run of the university’s readiness to
face to the next flood,” Faucett said.
Mayflower Hall, the largest residence hall on campus,
needs protection from a triple threat of the river to the
west; a parking lot to the east that funnels water toward the
building; and river water that enters the basement through
the stormwater floor drain when the river rises above the
stormwater pipes. “When the river backs up, this building is
sitting in a bathtub,” Pletcher said.
Ayres Associates, as a subconsultant, provided guidance
on designing a storm drain system, groundwater wells, and a
pumping system. The result was 15 wells, pump stations at
three corners of the building, plus a bypass pipe and conduit
to catch water coming down the ravine behind the building
and direct it around the building.
For the Iowa Advanced Technology Lab also on the river
and facing challenges similar to Art Building West, Ayres
Associates’ team designed another flood protection pumping
system, 11 groundwater wells, and two pump stations. The
pumping system handles groundwater rising from below
and floodwater flowing at the surface. The groundwater
wells pump water that is in the soil between bedrock and
the ground surface, Pletcher explained. The pump stations
take surface water and roof drain flows and pump them off
site. The design eliminates gravity storm drain pipes that
could back up into the building, and all flows leave the site
through a pressure pipe with a check valve that prevents
backflow.
Designs for the Iowa Memorial Union included
enhancing the second-floor outdoor patio area to look out
over the river and serve as a flood wall. Two pump stations
and 11 groundwater wells designed by Ayres Associates also
protect the building.
All the new pumping systems will return water to the
Iowa River, where it will continue downstream.
The university’s recovery continues as design and
bidding is completed on the remaining projects and
construction begins. Working to meet government agency
requirements while preserving university architecture has
added unexpected twists to the process, requiring flexibility
for all involved parties, Pletcher said. FEMA rules and
deadlines must be followed to ensure the university receives
that funding, often requiring quick action. Reports are made
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