Hydrostatic Forces

NFIP Policy Index

Definition/Description
Guidance
Related Keywords

Definition/Description

Standing water or slowly moving water can induce horizontal hydrostatic forces against a structure, especially when floodwater levels on different sides of a wall are not equal. Also flooding can cause vertical hydrostatic forces, or flotation.

Hydrostatic forces are one of the main causes of flood damage.

Guidance

IS-9 Managing Floodplain Development Through The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
- Page 1-27
Technical Bulletin 1, Openings in Foundation Walls for Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas (FIA-TB-1)
Technical Bulletin 11, Crawlspace Construction for Buildings Located in Special Flood Hazard Areas (FIA-TB-11)

Related Keywords

Openings
Crawlspace

Last Modified: Wednesday, 14-Feb-2007 20:03:46 EST