Problem / Solution

Problem

Solution

Fire destroys infrastructure, causing casualties and economic losses. Inhaling smoke can cause severe cardiovascular issues, such as heart failure.

By mimicking Giant Sequoia trees, we create fire-resistant infrastructure that prevents burning and protects buildings and people from fire damage.

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Properties Mimicked:

• Giant Sequoia trees survive wildfires because of their ability to hold water.
• Their bark absorbs and moves water inward when it rains via deep groves.
• Even when fire burns the surface, the inner layers stay protected because of its moisture-retaining properties.

Biomimicry in Action

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Sequoia Bark Layers:

• Outer bark
• Living Pholem / Cambium → Moves water and nutrients
• Sapwood → Stores water inside, preventing fire from reaching the core
• Heartwood → Dry but protected because of Sapwood layer

Biomimicry in Action

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Implementation in Our Design:

• Bark-textured outer layer → Helps absorb and distribute water
• Gel layer inside → Mimics the inner moisture-rich layer (Sapwood) that holds and stores water.
• Sprinkler system → Keeps the outer layer wet, allowing water to soak into the gel layer (like rain for Giant Sequoia trees)

(wood)

(water-based)

(wood)

Biomimicry in Action

Gel Layer

(water-based)

Diagram

Exterior Layer

(wood)

Interior Layer

(wood)

Bark texture

(porous holes)

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Process

(skip during presentation)

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Conceptual Precedent

Technical Precedents

Exterior Sketch I

Exterior Sketch II

Interior Sketch



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Initial Prototype

Incorporating Mid-Review Feedback: Enhancing Biomimicry

Explain Biomimicry in Detail (Teachers):

• Feedback: Explain more about how the project mimics Giant Sequoia trees. Show diagrams of Giant Sequoia’s layers and how water moves through the tree.
• Incorporation: We further explained Sequoia bark’s structure, moisture-retaining layers, and how the tree distributes and stores water. We included diagrams comparing Sequoia bark layers to our design (outer bark texture and inner gel layer).

Gel Layer Expansion (Mr. Banister):

• Feedback: Apply the gel layer to the roof, as it usually catches on fire first.
• Incorporation: We added the gel layer to the roof by expanding our interconnected outer bark texture design.

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Incorporating Mid-Review Feedback: Project

Water Coverage & Mister System (ChatGPT*):

• Feedback: Replace the sprinkler with multi-directional spray systems.
• Incorporation: We upgraded to two pumps and misters, ensuring water coverage for all angles.

Automation System (Mr. Danziger):

• Feedback: Integrate a system for automatic water deployment.
• Incorporation: We implemented an automatic water deployment system that sprays water every 10 seconds for 3.5 seconds.

Controlled Burn Test (ChatGPT* & Mr. Danziger):

• Feedback: Perform a controlled burn test to validate the real-world performance of the design.
• Incorporation: We conducted a controlled burn test, which provided data on how the structure withstands fire.

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*we implemented all of ChatGPT suggestions from Mid-Review

Exterior Sketch III

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Problems: leaks, water strength

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Automatic Water Deployment System

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Controlled Burn Test

"Normal House"

Our Project

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Controlled Burn Test: Results

"Normal House"

Our Project

Our Project: Inner Layer

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Final Exterior Sketch

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Final Interior (Electronic) Sketch

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Video

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"In Use" Image

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Detailed Image (Labeled): Exterior

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Porous Holes

House

Gel Layer

(Inside the House)

"Mister"

"Mister"

Tube

Water Reservoir

Pump

Wiring

Electronics

Detailed Image (Labeled): Interior (Electronic)

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Pump

9V Battery

Tubes

Arduino

5V Relay

Breadboard

Push Button

Power Source

Overall Images

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Defy The Flames