UI engineers use flood of 2008 for research, future preparation

In a case of "making lemonade out of lemons," researchers at the University of Iowa College of Engineering's IIHR-Hydroscience & Engineering research unit are using data collected on the flood of 2008 to study floods in general and prepare for any future floods along the Iowa River in particular. Larry Weber, IIHR director and professor of civil and environmental engineering, noted that the experience of preparing the Stanley Hydraulics Laboratory to weather the onslaught of the Iowa River occupied much of the staff's time and energy in the days immediately preceding the flood. But after the floodwaters entered the building's basement -- flooding fire suppression and air conditioning equipment and forcing the staff to evacuate -- his focus shifted. [Full Story]