Architectural

UHPC - Allowing for the Development of Float Homes in Ontario

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Abstract

Based on the growing concern of increased water levels due to climate change, an interest in developing float homes has arisen. Examining case studies shown in British Columbia, where float home developments are common, it can be noted that float homes can be a successful investment. In British Columbia, the standard base construction is made of Styrofoam encased with reinforced concrete. This assures that the homes will not sink due to the deterioration of the reinforcement in the concrete. The European standard is to have open hull areas with which the home is built upon. It is critical to design an open hull base to improve the usage of space within the home. By incorporating an open hull there is additional storage space, room for mechanical equipment, and improved ballast in the structure. This paper aims to document the development of an Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) prototype for the float foundations. Working in partnership with FDN Engineering, the objective of Facca Incorporated is to design and develop a foundation based on European examples. Facca Incorporated currently owns marina property that they intend to make into a float home community. The objective is to construct a prototype in 2019 and subject it to the ice conditions in Ontario, Canada. This paper will examine the history of float home construction and how UHPC can alleviate many of the problems the float homes are subject to.

Keywords: Ontario, Flooding, Alternative Housing, Climate Change, Float Homes

How to Cite:

Marshall, L., (2019) “UHPC - Allowing for the Development of Float Homes in Ontario”, International Interactive Symposium on Ultra-High Performance Concrete 2(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.21838/uhpc.9673