An investigation of a flood barrier to reduce property damage via fabrication and 3d modelling

Malaysia’s southwest monsoon season from May to September results in increased rainfall and recurring urban floods. This study proposes and fabricates a conceptual flood barrier for domestic use aimed at reducing property damage by temporarily blocking still water at building entry points. After evaluating existing flood protection solution, a conceptual design was proposed incorporating a solid panel supported by L-brackets and sealed with a rubber gasket. A scaled prototype, measuring 10 cm in height and 30 cm in width, was developed using polypropylene panels, 3Dprinted PLA L-brackets, and rubber gaskets for sealing. Experimental tests showed the barrier effectively withstood still water up to 10 cm with minimal leakage. Suggested improvements include modularity, full collapsibility, and integration of a pump for residual water management. The results highlight the feasibility of a low-cost, rapidly deployable barrier suitable for residential flood protection.