Feasibility of Kinetic Umbrellas as Deployable Flood Barriers during Landfalling Hurricanes

The legacy of structural artist Félix Candela is defined by his integration thin hyperbolic paraboloid (hypar) shells within architecture across the Americas. One such form inverted umbrella, arising from merger four straight-edged hypar quadrants. strength and elegance embodied this geometry facilitated recent conceptualization kinetic umbrellas as an adaptable alternative to conventional floodwalls against surge-induced coastal inundation. Although conceptual feasibility structures under hydrostatic inundation has been ascertained, their performance combined surge wave loading remains unknown. This paper used a three-dimensional (3D) numerical scheme integrating smoothed particle hydrodynamics with finite-element modeling for analysis hydrodynamic regime. technique was validated via dam-break testing involving 3D-printed specimens, through empirical pressure formations at full scale. behavior subject impact imparted Hurricane Sandy (2012) Monmouth Beach, New Jersey, evaluated different geometries angles attack. Results showed introduction significantly enhances that 100-mm-thick umbrella successfully can resist forces accompanying 2.7 m landfalling hurricanes. Ultimately, illustrates creative yet practical engineering solution mitigating effects climate change in communities.