Research Projects

Assam has been experiencing severe flood events for decades, and with global warming, the region is expected to experience more recurrent floods in the near future. Permanently statically Elevated structures (PsEs) are a common method to mitigate flood-induced losses, but they have limitations such as vulnerability to wind-induced damages and unexpected rises in flood levels. An efficient alternative is the Amphibious Housing system (AHs), which floats during floods with a buoyant system guided by a vertical guiding system. several AHs structures have been built using buoyant systems like RCC tanks, expanded polystyrene, or styrofoam (EPs), hollow steel boxes, bamboo casing filled with empty plastic bottles, and modular bases. However, these structures are still in development and are expensive. Additionally, the use of bamboo, timber, and steel in buoyant systems is not recommended for durability. The proposed study aims to develop a new type of AHs structure using Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP), which offers numerous advantages over traditional materials such as high strength and corrosion resistance. The work will be completed in three phases: developing the amphibious housing system, evaluating the strength, durability, fire behavior, and seismic behavior of the AHs structure, and developing methods for constructing low-cost housing units. The new AHs system will be sustainable, lightweight, durable, economical, energy-efficient, and easily installable. Houses constructed using this method will be lightweight and suitable for various geotechnical conditions.