Kinetic Umbrellas for Storm Surge Defense along Convex Shorelines

Abstract

Coastal populations are increasingly vulnerable to floods, storm surges, and other natural hazards due to climate change. In response to a need for adaptable coastal management solutions, four-sided hyperbolic paraboloid (hypar) roof structures, also known as kinetic umbrellas, have been introduced as an innovative alternative to traditional coastal defense structures. These umbrellas serve as deployable storm surge barriers during extreme weather and provide co-benefits, such as waterfront access, during neutral climates. The studies on kinetic umbrellas so far have been based only on straight shorelines. This thesis aims to investigate the implementation of kinetic umbrellas along convex shorelines, identify a modular geometric solution, and evaluate its theoretical feasibility using finite element analysis.

A geometric solution, consisting of singly symmetric trapezoidal umbrellas of alternating heights, was identified through iterative design. The geometry was defined mathematically in terms of the radius of curvature of the convex shoreline. The structural behavior under self-weight and hydrostatic loading was evaluated for designs of an established critical radius of curvature to validate the theoretical feasibility of the solution. A comparative study of designs for a small radius, large radius, and straight shoreline was conducted to provide design recommendations for a given convex shoreline. Designs for straight shorelines were shown to experience significantly less critical structural demands than the designs for both radii of curvature. The trade-offs between each design were discussed along with their recommended use cases. The findings from this study establish a comprehensive foundation for further studies on the implementation of kinetic umbrellas along curved shorelines.