Securing Ohio State University from Olentangy River flooding

Located in Columbus, Ohio, The Ohio State University (OSU) faces chronic flood threats from the adjacent Olentangy River. By deploying AquaFence mobile flood barriers, OSU has dramatically improved its resilience—protecting classrooms, labs, and dormitories from rising waters and ensuring educational continuity.

Customer Background & Challenge

Ohio State University is one of the nation’s largest universities, with a sprawling main campus bordered by roughly 5,000 feet of the Olentangy River. This riverfront setting exposes numerous facilities to flooding during heavy Midwest rainstorms. In recent years, increasingly intense storms have caused the Olentangy’s waters to swell, threatening classrooms, research labs, dormitories, and even athletic centers on campus. University officials understood that a major flood could disrupt classes, destroy valuable research, and endanger student housing. OSU knew it had to act to secure its future against climate-driven storms and rising river levels.

However, a traditional permanent floodwall or earthen levee along the entire river was not a practical option for an active campus. Constructing miles of permanent barriers would be extremely costly, disrupt campus grounds, and mar the university’s park-like environment. OSU needed a solution that could provide robust flood protection when needed yet remain unobtrusive during normal times. In other words, the university sought a way to “pop up” floodwalls during extreme weather and remove them afterward. This called for a flexible, rapidly deployable defense instead of a fixed structure.

Solution – AquaFence Deployment

AquaFence answered OSU’s challenge with a modular, deployable flood barrier system custom-designed for the campus. The solution consists of over 5,000 linear feet of AquaFence FloodWall panels (Model V1200, 4 feet high) installed in segments along OSU’s riverbank. These freestanding panels connect to form a continuous water-tight wall that runs the length of the most vulnerable campus areas. In addition, OSU acquired several taller AquaFence barrier sections for particularly low-lying or exposed buildings (such as certain research facilities) to reinforce those spots beyond the 4-foot height. This tailored approach ensured that each at-risk location, from riverfront walkways to building entrances, has the appropriate level of protection.

Critically, AquaFence’s system is fast to deploy and recover. The lightweight floodwall panels are stored nearby and can be assembled in a matter of hours by a small team when a flood threat emerges. The interlocking aluminum panels use the approaching floodwater’s own weight for stability, eliminating any need for heavy equipment or sandbag fill during setup. Once in place, the AquaFence acts as a sturdy temporary wall holding back the river. After the high water passes, the barriers are disassembled and packed away just as quickly, ready to be used again. The entire system is reusable for decades, making it a sustainable long-term investment in campus safety rather than a one-time expendable defense.

OSU facilities personnel train to deploy AquaFence barriers along an at-risk campus building. The modular panels are staged in advance and can be quickly assembled without heavy equipment. AquaFence’s design allows the university to erect flood defenses only when needed, preserving everyday campus access and aesthetics.

Equally important for OSU, the AquaFence solution preserves the beauty and openness of campus when not in use. Unlike a permanent concrete floodwall, the mobile barriers are only in place during emergencies and leave no trace afterward. This campus-friendly design was a key selling point for the university. Most days, students and faculty don’t even see the flood barriers – they remain stored out of sight – and the scenic riverbanks and historic architecture remain unobstructed. Yet when a major rainstorm is forecast, OSU can rapidly activate a robust floodwall system that rivals a fixed levee in protection, then restore the campus to normal once the waters recede. The AquaFence deployment gave OSU a unique combination of strong defense and visual harmony with the campus environment.

Implementation & Operation

Deploying a large-scale flood barrier across a busy campus required careful planning and coordination. AquaFence engineers worked closely with OSU’s Facilities Management to integrate the mobile floodwalls into the university’s emergency preparedness plan. The barrier segments were staged by zone across campus so that each section of riverfront and each critical building had a designated set of panels ready for use. OSU’s facilities teams received hands-on training in installation and dismantling of the AquaFence system, with AquaFence specialists on site during initial drills to ensure the university staff were comfortable with the process. Regular practice exercises were conducted so that when real flood alerts occurred, crews could mobilize quickly and confidently.

When heavy rainfall or river flood warnings arise, OSU’s facilities department activates its flood response protocol. Crew teams fan out to their zones and deploy the AquaFence panels along the riverbank and around key buildings within hours. Thanks to advance staging and the system’s quick-connect design, the university can go from normal operations to having a complete floodwall in place in a single afternoon. Deployment is sequenced to minimize interference with campus life; for example, panels can be positioned along lawn edges and walking paths in advance, without blocking building doorways until absolutely necessary. Campus notifications and signage are used to keep students safe and away from assembly areas during the brief installation period.

During a flood emergency, once all panels are erected and locked in place, OSU essentially gains a temporary levee system shielding the campus. The AquaFence barriers withstand the force of the rising Olentangy River, diverting water away from vulnerable buildings and areas. University emergency managers can monitor conditions knowing the floodwalls are in position. Importantly, OSU’s plan also covers the takedown and storage of the system: as soon as floodwaters begin to recede, crews start unlocking and removing the panels in the reverse order. Each panel is cleaned and inspected, then neatly stored for future use. By the next day, the campus returns to its normal appearance with sidewalks, roads, and building entrances clear of any trace of the flood barriers. This operational cycle – deploy when needed, remove afterward – allows OSU to remain protected without permanently altering campus infrastructure.

Results & Impact

Since implementing AquaFence, Ohio State University has significantly bolstered its flood resilience. The campus has already endured multiple intense storm events and unusually high river levels in the years following installation, and in each case the AquaFence system successfully prevented floodwaters from breaching into academic buildings or residence halls. University officials reported that critical infrastructure and facilities remained dry during these events, avoiding costly damage, class cancellations, and research interruptions. For example, during a severe flash flood in recent memory, OSU was able to deploy its mobile floodwalls in time to shield low-lying parking and classroom areas that otherwise would have been inundated. Thanks to AquaFence, the university continued operating through the storm with minimal disruption – a stark contrast to past floods that had forced emergency evacuations on campus.

AquaFence FloodWall panels in action at OSU, holding back rising water from the Olentangy River and keeping a campus building dry. These deployable barriers act as a temporary floodwall protecting facilities during heavy storms. After floodwaters recede, the panels are removed and stored, leaving no permanent trace on the campus landscape.

Beyond the peace of mind that comes with proven flood protection, OSU’s investment in AquaFence has delivered tangible financial and strategic benefits. By averting flood damage, the university has avoided the massive recovery costs that would follow a major inundation. Protecting critical assets – from laboratory equipment to archival records – has saved OSU from losses that insurance might not fully cover and prevented disruptions to academic progress. In fact, the ability to respond quickly with AquaFence has turned potential flooding crises into manageable events, allowing campus operations to continue safely rather than grinding to a halt.

Over the long term, OSU is also realizing cost savings by using a reusable barrier system. While a permanent floodwall or repeated sandbag operations would require significant expenditures, the AquaFence solution pays for itself over multiple deployments. Each AquaFence panel is engineered for durability (certified for 60+ deployments) and will serve the university for many years of storm seasons. This means OSU can count on reliable flood protection year after year without having to constantly rebuild defenses. In sum, AquaFence has helped OSU maintain continuity of operations and greatly reduced the long-term flood risk and potential costs to the institution, all while safeguarding the campus community.

Regulatory & Compliance Benefits

An additional advantage of AquaFence’s flood barrier system is its strong alignment with regulatory standards and insurance requirements. AquaFence’s FloodWall is one of the few deployable barriers to achieve ANSI/FM 2510 certification at the highest (platinum) level. In fact, in 2013 the AquaFence V1200 system passed a year-long testing program by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and FM Global, earning the top certification from FM Approvals for flood mitigation products. This independent certification means the barrier’s performance has been rigorously vetted under realistic flood conditions, which gives OSU and its insurers confidence that the system will perform as designed. Using an FM Approved solution also helped the university meet any applicable building code and risk management criteria for flood measures.

The AquaFence system is fully compatible with FEMA and National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) guidelines for floodproofing. FEMA’s rules allow certain non-residential structures (like campus facilities) to be dry floodproofed in lieu of being elevated, as long as the flood protection system meets stringent design and certification standards. AquaFence FloodWall is recognized as a FEMA-compliant barrier that can be used as part of an NFIP-approved flood protection plan.

This meant OSU’s flood defense project could integrate seamlessly into the university’s emergency action plans and insurance strategy without running afoul of regulations. Moreover, the design of the AquaFence solution adheres to ASCE 24, the gold-standard engineering code for flood-resistant construction. ASCE 24 and related building codes require that flood barriers have sufficient height (including freeboard above expected flood levels) and structural integrity for the hazard level – criteria that AquaFence’s engineered system meets.

By deploying a certified barrier, OSU ensured its flood mitigation measures would satisfy not only campus safety goals but also the expectations of code officials and accreditation bodies. In short, AquaFence gave OSU a resilience upgrade that checked all the boxes: effective protection, documented compliance, and even potential insurance benefits from reduced flood risk.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Ohio State University’s experience showcases the power of mobile flood protection to safeguard critical infrastructure and keep education on track in the face of climate-related risks. With AquaFence’s deployable flood barriers, OSU achieved a level of flood defense previously thought possible only with permanent levees or walls – but without the downsides of permanent construction. The university protected its students, faculty, and facilities from the Olentangy River’s worst floods while preserving the open-campus atmosphere that defines Ohio State. In doing so, OSU not only avoided flood disasters but also demonstrated leadership in campus resilience and continuity of operations.

This success is now serving as a model for other institutions. Colleges and school districts in flood-prone areas are looking to mobile floodwalls as a way to keep campuses safe without building unsightly permanent walls. AquaFence’s solution allows universities to be proactive and agile against flooding – to deploy a measured defense when a storm is coming, and to pack it away when skies clear. For university executives, emergency planners, and facility risk officers, OSU’s case study is a compelling proof of concept: investing in innovative, deployable barriers can pay dividends in safety, savings, and peace of mind.

Every campus and community is unique, but the need for flood resilience is universal. AquaFence invites other universities and organizations to explore deployable flood protection solutions that can be tailored to their specific risks and operational needs. Our team stands ready to assist in assessing vulnerabilities, planning custom barrier deployments, and training staff – just as we did with OSU. By choosing a flexible, certified flood barrier system, institutions can protect their people and property while maintaining the continuity of their mission.

Don’t wait for the next flood to test your defenses; as OSU’s story shows, with the right preparations in place, even the worst floods can be held at bay. Reach out to AquaFence to learn how mobile flood barriers can fortify your campus and ensure that learning and innovation never have to pause, no matter what the weather brings.

Flood Protection Consultation

Book Now