This page contains answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the Farnsworth House Flood Mitigation Project.
We know that it is feasible to create a hydraulic solution that has a single point failure system or in other words, has redundancies that prevent the lifting system from failing. The hydraulics solution requires more engineering studies to resolve these details, especially at the connection between the lower and upper decks as they will likely be uncoupled. These studies are currently underway.
The current of the Fox River in this location does not move quickly, but moving debris is a significant concern. Debris containment on the outside of the pit walls is being studied. Additionally, the trusses will have to be braced in the other direction.
Hydraulic systems work in the cold without negative consequences. If we were to consider a water hydraulics system, it would require antifreeze.
Many different systems were evaluated. A barrier dam solution needs vertical elements (visual disturbance) or they could be hydraulically lifted, but it is difficult to create a water-tight seal. Also, the pressure of holding back water above three feet becomes difficult. Even if barriers are erected around the house, once the water rises above 4-5 feet, the pressure would push the water below the barrier system and the water would rise on inside the barrier. Cofferdam systems would work below grade but