Raised light wells and basement entrances-image

Raised light wells and basement entrances

  • Description
  • Fields of action
  • Synergies
  • Good practice examples
  • References

Relevant building openings are protected against the entry of water by constructing steps or flights of stairs with raised platforms and/or raised light wells. The edge of light wells at buildings should be placed 15 to 30 cm above the ground level dependent on the situation of the premises and risk. For basement entrances, additional roofing is recommended.

Fields of action Buildings
Synergies may exist between heavy rain risk management measures and other development goals like environmental protection, health care, and economic performance. Harnessing them requires involvement of different actors, enforcement of exchange between you and them and holistic thinking.

Check out the RAINMAN good practice examples:

no good practice example available

READ MORE:

  • Hamburg Wasser (Ed.) (2012): Wie schütze ich mein Haus vor Starkregenfolgen?: ein Leitfaden für Hauseigentümer, Bauherren und Planer [How do I protect my house from the effects of heavy rain?: a guide for homeowners, builders and planners], URL: http://www.hamburg.de/contentblob/3540740/data/leitfaden-starkregen.pdf (20.03.2020): Aufkantung von Lichtschächten, Aufkantung von Kellereingängen
  • Amt der Oberösterreichischen Landesregierung (2015): Hangwassermanagement Maßnahmenkatalog [management of pluvial floods catalogue of measures] (unpublished brochure, online version accessible at URL: https://www.land-oberoesterreich.gv.at/222593.htm): Sicherung von Gebäudeöffnungen
PICTURES:

Yvonne Spira, Umweltbundesamt