Breakaway wall

Defined by the National Flood Insurance Program as “A wall that is not part of the structural support of the building.” It is intended to collapse under specific lateral loading forces, without damaging the elevated portion of the building or supporting foundation system. Breakaway walls are used in V1-30, VE, and V zones to enclose parking, building access, and storage areas below buildings. Breakaway walls are required for any enclosures constructed below the Base Flood Elevation beneath elevated buildings in Coastal High Hazard Areas (also referred to as Zone V), and recommended in areas where flood waters flow at high velocities or contain ice or other debris.