Design and development of a self-activating flood control drainage gate (Baharang): Climate resilient solution
Paper Details
Design and development of a self-activating flood control drainage gate (Baharang): Climate resilient solution
Abstract
The study introduces a self-activating flood control drainage gate (Baharang) designed to improve flood management in low-lying and flood-prone areas. The objective of the device is to protect flood-prone areas from rising water levels. Traditional drains are often inadequate during a flooding scenario, particularly in preventing backflow from swelling rivers. The mechanism of the device utilizes a mechanically engineered torsion spring and a vessel counterweight system to provide automated closing of the gate during rising floodwater and reopening once the water level subsides. A quick-release level is provided for manual operation and maintenance. The gate is power-independent, cost-effective, and easily retrofittable to current culvert designs. The solution that is low-maintenance, self-dependent, eco-friendly, and people-oriented attributes of a sustainable community also secured the strengthening of local disaster resilience that goes in line with the medium-term goals of climate adaptation and infrastructure modernization. Moreover, it advances several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). This innovation proves how eco-engineering can provide practical, community-oriented solutions to environmental problems, fostering sustainability and climate resilience.
Acxess Spring. 2024. Heavy duty springs. https://www.acxesspring.com/heavy-duty-springs.html
ADB. 2023. Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project – Phase 1: Report and Recommendation of the President. Manila, Philippines: Asian Development Bank.
Caltrans. 2015. Passive Flood Barrier: Survey of Practice. California Department of Transportation. https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/research-innovation-system-information/documents/preliminary-investigations/pi-0230-a11y.pdf
CNN Philippines. 2020. Typhoon Ulysses leaves Cagayan under water as floodwaters rise. CNN Philippines.
CNN Report. 2020. Agriculture, infrastructure damage due to Ulysses reaches ₱10B. November 19.
Cross N. 2008. Engineering Design Methods: Strategies for Product Design. 4th ed. John Wiley & Sons.
CTI Engineering International Co., Ltd. 2004. Report on the Study of the Flood Control Project Implementation System for Principal Rivers in the Philippines under the Project for the Enhancement of Capabilities in Flood Control and Sabo Engineering of the Department of Public Works and Highways. Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). 2017. Climate-Responsive Integrated Master Plan for the Cagayan River Basin: Volume 1–Executive Summary. Quezon City, Philippines: Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
FloodBreak. 2025. Passive flood barrier systems—How it works. https://floodbreak.com/about/passive-flood-barrier-systems/
Garrison Flood Control. 2024. Oyster™ self-rising mechanical flood gate. https://www.garrisonflood.com/automatic-flood-gates
Hydro Gate. 2024. Flap gates. https://www.hydrogate.com/products/gates/flap-gates/
JR Smith Manufacturing Co. 2024. Flood-Gate Automatic Backwater Valve 7140. https://www.jrsmith.com/uploads/fileLibrary/JR_Flood_Gate_Brochure_SPM0216_1305.pdf
Mercado NA. 2020. By the numbers: The impact of Typhoon Ulysses in Cagayan Valley. Inquirer.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1361318/by-the-numbers-the-impact-of-typhoon-ulysses-in-cagayan-valley
Orange Flood Control, LLC. 2025. Automatic flood gates: Self-closing, flip-up, pop-up barriers.
Paringit EC, Lagmay AMF, Racoma BA, et al. 2015. Phil-LiDAR 1 Program: Nationwide Detailed Resource Assessment Using LiDAR—Flood Hazard Mapping of the Philippines. Training Center for Applied Geodesy and Photogrammetry (TCAGP), University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines.
Presray Corporation. 2024. Self-closing flood barrier (HYFLO SCFB). https://www.presray.com/flood-protection/self-closing-flood-barrier-hyflo-scfb
ScienceDirect Topics. 2019. Floodgate. In: Lock Gates and Other Closures in Hydraulic Projects. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/floodgate
The Spring Store. 2024. Torsion springs explained: Essential guide for innovators and manufacturers. https://www.thespringstore.com/torsion-springs.html
T-T Pumps. 2024. Anti-flood valve (Floaway). https://www.ttpumps.com/anti-flood-valve-floaway
Ulrich KT, Eppinger SD. 2016. Product Design and Development. 6th ed. McGraw-Hill Education.
United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA). 2020. Philippines: Super Typhoon Vamco (Ulysses) Situation Reports. New York, NY: United Nations.
Whipps, Inc. 2025. Flap gates: Reliable backflow prevention. https://whipps.com/flap-gates-reliable-backflow-prevention/
Policarpio L. Mabborang Jr., 2026. Design and development of a self-activating flood control drainage gate (Baharang): Climate resilient solution. Int. J. Biosci., 28(6), 208-215.
Copyright © 2026 by the Authors. This article is an open access article and distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) license.