FXV1 (Flood Fix Version 1) a Community Innovation for Floods

By: Omar Gonzalez, Smarony Martin, Rhonny Caceres, & Frida-mel Fernandez

(USACE, 2012)

Table Of Contents

• Press Release
• Summary
• Introduction
• Research and Proposals
• Prototype- FXV1
• Cost of Materials
• Cause and Effect 
• Additional Media
• Conclusion 

Press Release

INTRODUCING FXV1: Cutting-Edge Anti-Flooding for NYC Subway System

Group 5 is proud to introduce and put forth FXV1 (flood fix version 1)! FXV1 is a new invention designed to protect the NYC subway systems to protect against the impacts of extreme weather events like floods and hurricanes. FXV1 offers unparalleled protection to ensure the safety and reliability of subway operations. With the help of hard-working engineers, plumbers, and electrical engineers, we can set up flood detectors, renew pipes, and set up FXV1 so no more flooding will occur in any NYC subway station. I know all the residents will be happy that they will no longer have to worry about any delays because of heavy rainfall. 

As a critical lifeline for 3.2 million commuters each and every day, the New York City subway system faces the challenge of flooding, particularly during times of heavy rainfall and storm surges. FXV1 is a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to reduce the risks of flooding and ensure the reliability and safety of subway operations for the 3.2 million daily commuters. We just need some help with the funding.

Omar Gonzalez, FX’s (Flood Fix) CEO, sent out a message recently on X, formally known as Twitter, saying “Thank you for the thousands of new followers. Before starting this project, we didn’t know if we could reach numbers this high but looking at just how much we’ve grown, that dream seems to be at a closer grasp. With the help of the citizens of THE Big Apple, we hope to have better, more resilient, more reliable, and most of all, a safer commute for everyone taking the subway. Thank you to everyone who’s helped us get this far.”

ABOUT FX (Flood Fix): FX is the leading provider of innovative solutions for urban infrastructure challenges. With a focus on technological innovation and sustainability, we specialize in developing cutting-edge solutions to enhance the efficiency and resilience of transportation networks, utilities, and public infrastructure. Our mission is to create safer, smarter, and more resilient cities for future generations.  

Contact us for more info:

[email protected]

1(800) FX – 1234

                                                   Summary 

Our program is to help the issue that is still occurring to this day which is the flooding that happens in the subway stations. The name of our project is “FXV1”, this prototype will help drain the water from the surrounding area, taking the water to a huge tank. This also helps prevent water from entering the train station minimizing the damage to the rails and water pipes. Our budget for just one station can range from $548,000 to $1,096,000. This job can take about 4-6 months. This project will require many hardware engineers and civil engineers to complete this job. Doing this project can save money for fixing the pipes of the train and saving money from fixing the rails of the train. 

Introduction

One of the most egregious design flaws of New York’s current subway system is how prone it is to flooding. From a drizzle to a hurricane, the subway has always had issues with water, resulting in costly repairs more often than not. For example, after the Sept. 2023 tropical storm, MTA reported, “NCYT pumped an additional 4 million gallons of water out of the subway system…” costing the city $100 million in damages (Climate Resilience Roadmap, MTA, 2024). 

 Not only does this affect the community in the short term, but the constant flooding can have adverse effects in the long term. Continuous exposure to water can corrode pipes and damage electrical systems, while the consistent humidity encourages mold and bacteria growth, thus making people more prone to sickness.

Research and Proposals

The subway already has both an automated pump system and places for excess water to collect underneath the tracks, but the subway still floods horribly. This mainly occurs due to two reasons:

• The sumps (places where water stays under tracks) don’t drain until a certain water level is reached.
• The current water pumps are very slow, and more water is entering than exiting by the time they are activated.

With these factors in mind, we decided to focus on making a prototype similar to existing water detection systems. Flood sensors can be used in conjunction with existing drainage systems, allowing for a more efficient water removal process.

Prototype V1 – Above-ground sensors + drain

• Rain gauges or other flood detection systems near station entrances monitor the amount of rain in the area
• If a flood is occurring in the area, grates open to allow floodwater to drain from the street before it enters the station
• Data from the sensor would be sent to the automated drainage system and activated it early, rather than letting the water collect first

Figure 1

A diagram of the prototype

Our prototype aims to help prevent floods, minimize structural damage to the subway and its surrounding areas, and reduce the health and safety risks caused by flood water. These sensors will prevent water from entering the station, rather than remove any flood water already inside.

Cost and materials

Outlined below are the costs and materials needed to implement our proposal:

Above-Ground Sensors and Drainage System:

• Motion detection sensors: $25,000 to $50,000
• Mounting brackets or poles: $2,500 to $5,000
• Drainage grates or covers: $2,500 to $5,000
• Catch basins or sumps: $2,500 to $5,000

Total Cost for Above-Ground Sensors and Drainage System: $32,500 to $65,000

Installation Hardware and Accessories:

• Mounting hardware: $500 to $1,000
• Cable management accessories: $500 to $1,000
• Protective enclosures or housings: $1,000 to $2,000
• Safety equipment: $500 to $1,000
• Signage and marking materials: Cost depends on quantity and type

Control and Monitoring Systems:

• Control units or controllers: $500 to $5,000
• Networking equipment: $100 to $1,000
• Power distribution units: $500 to $5,000
• Computing hardware: $500 to $5,000
• Software: $500 to $5,000

Miscellaneous:

• Fasteners and hardware: $500 to $1,000
• Consumables: $500 to $1,000
• Transportation and logistics: Cost depends on distance and volume

Total Estimated Cost for Materials and Parts:

• Low End: $38,600 to $76,000
• High End: $79,600 to $154,000

Estimated Duration: 2 to 4 months

Project Manager: $40,000 to $80,000

Engineers/Technicians: $48,000 to $96,000

Electricians: $80,000 to $160,000

Plumbers: $80,000 to $160,000

Construction Workers/Laborers: $200,000 to $400,000

Other Personnel: $100,000 to $200,000

Total Estimated Labor Cost: $548,000 to $1,096,000

Total Estimated Labor Cost For All Stations: 258,656,000 to 517,312,000

Figures 2-4

Examples of structural damage within the stations caused by water

(Caceres, R. 2024)

(Caceres, R. 2024)

Note: These images represent how rusty the pipes are and how easy it is for flooding in the station to happen. We can also see wires that have mold and can cause even more danger whenever flooding happens.

Cause and Effect

Impact of Flooding-

• Service Disruptions: Flooded tunnels often lead to service disruptions, causing delays and inconvenience for commuters. Out of the 472 stations, 283 are underground and are at risk to floods because of the century-old pipes in the tunnels. (New York City Subway stations 2024)
• Damage to Equipment: Water damage to subway infrastructure, including electrical systems and tracks, can lead to costly repairs and prolonged service interruptions. (Curry, Building Flood Resilience Into the NYC Subway)
• Safety Concerns: Flooded subway stations and tunnels pose safety risks, including the potential for electrocution and slip-and-fall accidents to passengers and staff.

Efforts to Address Flooding-

• The MTA employs pumping systems to remove water from flooded subway tunnels.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: The MTA has initiated projects to upgrade subway infrastructure, including improving drainage systems and sealing entrances to prevent water ingress.
• Climate Resilience Measures: In response to the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, the MTA is exploring long-term solutions to enhance the subway system’s resilience to flooding.
• Flood Watch – NYC has developed the Flood Hazard Mapper, an interactive map for citizens to keep track of which areas are the most flood-prone.

Inspiration: 

While conducting research and looking for inspiration we came across this system that the MTA already uses. The Flex-Gate system utilizes Kevlar sheets and a restraining web to seal off subway entrances effectively. It can withstand high tension and is easily deployable with a crank mechanism. Once in place, it transforms the entrance into a waterproof seal, capable of withstanding significant water pressure, as demonstrated in tests where it endured 16 feet of water.

Regarding pipe issues in the NYC subway system:

Age and Material-

• Many of the pipes within the subway system are decades old, with some dating back to the early 20th century.
• These pipes are often made of materials like cast iron or steel, which can corrode and deteriorate over time.

Leaks and Breaks-

• Aging pipes are prone to leaks and breaks, leading to water damage and service disruptions.
• Water leaks can also contribute to corrosion of surrounding infrastructure, exacerbating maintenance challenges.

Maintenance Challenges-

• The scale and complexity of the subway system present challenges for timely detection and repair of pipe issues.
• Limited funding and resources may hinder comprehensive maintenance efforts, leading to deferred maintenance and a backlog of repairs.

Additional Media

Figure 5

People stranded in the subway due to floods

Figure 6

Entrance to Broadway Station blocked due to floodwater

Figure 7

Flood water pouring over train in Jefferson Street Station

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Conclusion

      Ultimately, this job can be quite expensive, particularly for one station. It could take between five to six years for each station, possibly more since there are 472 stations. This will be considered as a long-term project. However, this can lead to a better experience for everyone who takes to the MTA. Delays can be reduced by a great percentage, providing smoother traffic in the subway. Moreover, it can also reduce the cost of fixing the tracks, saving more money to improve the pipeline system and our system making it more effective and accurate.

References 

USACE. (n.d.). Home. North Atlantic Division. https://www.nad.usace.army.mil/Media/Images/igphoto/2001702084/ 

Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, April 30). New York City Subway stations. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City_Subway_stations#:~:text=Station%20platforms%20and%20configurations,-NYCS%20station%20configurations&text=Out%20of%20the%20system’s%20472,and%2013%20are%20on%20embankments. 

Curry, C. (n.d.). Building Flood Resilience Into the NYC subway. Building Flood Resilience into the NYC Subway | NYU Wagner. https://wagner.nyu.edu/rudincenter/2022/09/building-flood-resilience-nyc-subway 

Bhasin, K. (n.d.). Deep Underground, “Pump Train” teams are working to clear NYC’s subways. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/hurricane-sandy-mta-subways-flood-2012-11 

NYC Planning. (n.d.). NYC Flood Hazard Mapper. https://www.nyc.gov/site/planning/data-maps/flood-hazard-mapper.page FXV1 (Flood Fix Version 1) a Community Innovation for Floods

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