AU2016203906A1

AU2016203906A1 - Water barrier

Info

Publication number: AU2016203906A1
Application number: AU2016203906A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Hyun Wook Cho; Connor Crawford; Jack Gurr; Narisson Irlen
Original assignee: Flooding Solutions Advisory Group
Current assignee: Flooding Solutions Advisory Group
Priority date: 2016-06-10
Filing date: 2016-06-10
Publication date: 2018-01-04

Abstract

Abstract The invention discloses a structural component for use in a portable water barrier system, wherein the structural component is adapted to interlock with another structural component to be used as required as a base plate or as a side plate in the water barrier system, such that operatively a structural support for a water barrier may be constructed using only multiple identical structural components. A portable water barrier system including a plurality of identical structural components and a method of making a portable water barrier system including a plurality of identical structural components including a plurality of identical structural components is also disclosed. --- --------------------- --- --------------------- --- --------------------- --- --------------------- --- --------------------- --- --------------------- --- --------------------- --- --------------------- --- --------------------- --- --------------------- --- --------------------- --- --------------------- a Ell q \R, i sm ISO "XX Im 'm z x m W, , ms 'EK"NO 110 WE ffiffil ME s Smi alm -\\va .%\VOK R s Im a N w m gg W I\Ra I p§ sm ma. xmm I mN ON: W. W, Ell id E n im 0 NA ,

Description

WATER BARRIER

Technical Field

The present invention relates to water barrier systems. In particular, the present technology is suitable for portable flood barrier systems. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this field of use.

Background of the Invention

The following discussion of the prior art is provided to place the invention in an appropriate technical context and enable the advantages of it to be more fully understood. It will be appreciated, however, that any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should not be considered as an express or implied admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field.

Non-structural, portable flood barrier systems, otherwise known as temporary levees, are typically used in low-lying, flood-prone areas for initial protection against rapidly rising water levels in a flood event. In such an emergency flood event, a flood barrier system is required that can be easily and quickly deployed to flood-prone areas, with straightforward usability and maintenance for the communities. In particular, such systems need to be easy to assemble once deployed to a flood-threatened area, not least because of the significantly high anxiety levels of the assemblers in such situations.

Portable flood barrier systems are known and often used in both flood defence and coffer damming in civil engineering work. However, these existing systems are typically expensive, contain a significant number of components, and are complicated to assemble. Pieces of the system are easily lost during assembly and disassembly, and lengthy training is required before it is possible to competently assemble the flood barrier system. Further, such a complicated system is not well assembled by trained or untrained operators in a high-tension situation such as a pending flood.

Geodesign Barriers are portable temporary barriers that have been designed for flood defence and coffer damming up to a dam height of 2.4 metres. An example of this system is illustrated in prior art figure 1. A galvanised steel A-frame is used to support either pallets, boards or aluminium sheets, which are then covered with a waterproof plastic membrane. However, a large number of components are used in such barriers, with some of the components being small and not readily visible, particularly the clip components. The assembly process of such barriers is therefore a complex, intricate process and requires in-depth training of at least a full day. INERO™ flood barriers use metal plates (predominantly aluminium) that interlock using a patented connector. The support legs are fitted with a pre-mounted nut that fits into a keyhole slot in the barrier wall and must be tightened manually. 16mm bolts are used in assembly of the legs onto the panels, and this can be challenging for some operators given the weight of the panels. The system utilizes a nut-and-bolt fastening system to attach the legs, and this requires tools to assemble. A designed polyethylene film is fitted over the barrier framework, and attached with clips on the top edge, and anchored at the bottom with sand or gravel. The size and weight of the panels in the INERO™ flood barrier system can make assembly of the barrier difficult, particularly when trying to hold the leg assembly and panel at the same time and use 16mm bolts (with associated tooling) to connect the legs.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a flood barrier system which is relatively simple to transport and assemble.

Summary of the Invention

In a first broad form, the present invention provides a structural component that can be used in multiple configurations in the assembly of a water barrier system such that the water barrier system can be assembled from multiple units of a single component. This enables a simple, cost effective water barrier system in suitable implementations.

According to one aspect, the present invention provides a structural component for use in a portable water barrier system, wherein the structural component is adapted to interlock with another structural component to be used as required as a base plate or as a side plate in the water barrier system, such that operatively a structural support for a water barrier may be constructed using only multiple identical structural components.

In preferred implementations multiple structural components interlock mechanically by virtue of their shape and construction such that no separate connectors are used to join the structural components. Once the structural support is assembled, a waterproof membrane is applied and secured to the structural support.

Implementations of the present invention allow for a simple, lightweight water barrier component to be provided. The simplicity and ready manufacturability of the water barrier component, according to suitable implementations of the present invention, allow for easy and cost effective manufacture, and simple assembly and operation.

In one embodiment, the structural component includes a plate portion having at least one protruding portion protruding at an angle from the plate portion wherein the protruding portion is adapted to interlock with an opening in the plate portion of another structural component. In a preferred embodiment, multiple protruding portions are adapted to interlock with multiple openings in the plate portion of one or more structural components.

In one form, protruding portions can include an opening for a locking means to pass through such that protruding portions from multiple structural components can be secured after being interlocked together.

In a preferred embodiment, the plate portion includes a front and back face surrounded by first, second third and fourth sides, wherein at least one protruding portion protruding from the first and third sides is designed to fit through a corresponding opening in the front and back faces of another structural component so as to interlock the structural components together, wherein any of the corresponding openings in the front and back faces of one structural component are adapted to receive a protruding portion protruding from the first and third sides of another structural component.

The front and back face of one preferred embodiment of structural component includes a plurality of openings spanning the length of the faces in adjacent rows, and each protruding portion protruding from the first and third sides is designed to fit through a corresponding opening in the front and back faces of another structural component so as to connect the structural components together.

In an alternative embodiment, the front and back face are solid and each protruding portion protruding from the first and third sides is designed to fit through a corresponding opening in the front and back faces of another structural component so as to connect the structural components together.

In another form, the second and fourth sides surrounding the plate portion have a panel protruding at an angle from each side wherein the panel has a plurality of tabs extending from it wherein the panels are designed to be folded at an angle such that said tabs provide a gripping means for hard or soft surfaces or can be manipulated into a suitable position as required.

The structural component is preferably formed from stainless steel or aluminium, preferably formed from aluminium and has a thickness in the range of 3mm to 5mm.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides a portable water barrier system including a plurality of structural components interlocked to form the water barrier system wherein one structural component is adapted to interlock with another structural component to be used as required as a base plate or as a side plate in the water barrier system, such that operatively a structural support for a water barrier may be constructed using only multiple identical structural components. A preferred portable water barrier system is formed from an interlocked plurality of structural components according to the first aspect.

In one embodiment, the height of the system is within the range of 150cm to 200cm and can be adjusted by adding or removing components from the top of the system.

In a preferred form, the tabs and protruding portions on the water barrier components are angled such that the structural components are stackable and can disassemble into a flat pack configuration.

According to a third aspect, the invention provides a method of forming a portable water barrier system including the steps of: interlocking a structural component to at least one other structural component to form the base of the water barrier system wherein the base of the water barrier system is constructed using only multiple identical structural components; interlocking the structural components forming the base of the water barrier system to a plurality of structural components forming the side panels of the water barrier system such that the water barrier system is constructed using only multiple identical structural components; securing adjacent structural components together using a locking means; covering at least a portion of the water barrier system in a plastic membrane to effect a water seal.

In a preferred form of the portable water barrier system, the structural components include a plate portion having a first, second, third and fourth side; the first and third sides have two adjacent protruding portions protruding at an angle from each side, the protruding portions including an opening for a locking means to pass through; and further including a front and back face surrounded by the first, second third and fourth sides, the front and back face having a plurality of openings spanning the length of the faces in adjacent rows, wherein each protruding portion protruding from the first and third sides is designed to fit through a corresponding opening in the front and back faces of another structural component so as to interlock the structural components together, wherein any of the corresponding openings in the front and back faces of one structural component is adapted to receive a protruding portion protruding from the first and third sides of another structural component, or the front and back face having a solid front and back face surrounded by the first, second third and fourth sides, wherein each protruding portion protruding from the first and third sides is designed to fit through a corresponding opening in the front and back faces of another structural component so as to connect the structural components together.

In one form, the second and fourth sides have a panel protruding at an angle from each side wherein the panel has a plurality of tabs extending from it wherein the panel is designed to be folded at an angle such that said tabs provide a gripping means for hard or soft surfaces or can be manipulated into a suitable position as required.

The height of the water barrier system is preferably within the range of 150cm to 200cm and can be adjusted by adding or removing components from the top of the system. In preferred embodiments, the tabs and protruding portions on the structural components are angled such that the structural components are stackable and can disassemble into a flat pack configuration.

Implementations of the present invention allow for a simple, relatively inexpensive water barrier system to be provided. The simplicity and ready assembly of a single water barrier component design, according to suitable implementations of the present invention, allows for easy and cost effective manufacture, and simple assembly and operation.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Illustrative implementations of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 shows an example of a prior art water barrier;

Figure 2 shows an outline view of a structural component according to one implementation of the present invention;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a structural component having solid front and back faces according to one aspect of the present invention;

Figure 4 shows a top view of the base of a water barrier system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 shows a side view of the base and sides of a water barrier system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 shows a side view of a locking mechanism according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 shows a side view of an assembled water barrier system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 shows a front view of an assembled water barrier system according to the present invention incorporating structural components having solid front and back faces;

Figure 9 shows a front view of an assembled water barrier system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention covered by a plastic membrane to effect a water seal.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to specific implementations. However, it will be appreciated that these are intended as illustrative of the application of the present invention, and not limitative of the scope.

In particular, the present invention will be described primarily in the context of a portable water barrier system used in flood mitigation. However, the present invention is applicable wherever the containment of a flow of water is desired. The invention should not be considered as limited to any particular field of use, and can be used to contain or mitigate a flow of water in a variety of other situations, such as damming or environmental emergencies.

An example of an existing water barrier system is depicted in prior art FIG. 1. The GeoDesign EUR125 steel barrier is shown, and the relative complexity of the assembly, using numerous clips and fasteners, is apparent.

The concept of the present invention is the use of a structural component for a water barrier such that the water barrier is constructed using only multiple identical structural components. That is, a single component can be used as either a base plate or a side plate in the water barrier system and can be adjusted to account for height and uneven terrain. Identical structural components will significantly reduce the manufacturing cost of the system components and provide for a water barrier system that can be assembled more easily and with fewer problems than the existing prior art systems. The present invention was designed such that no tooling would be required for assembly of the water barrier system, the structural components would be light to handle and straightforward to assemble and could be readily adjusted for height and uneven terrain.

One implementation of the structural component of the present invention is shown in Figure 2. The structural component 1 includes a plate 2 having four sides 3, 4, 5, and 6. The first and third sides 3 and 5 have two adjacent protrusions 7 and 8 protruding from each side 3 and 5. The protrusions 7 and 8 each include an opening 9 for a locking means to pass through. The second and fourth sides 4 and 6 have a panel 10 protruding from each side 4 and 6 and the panel 10 has a plurality of tabs 11 extending from it.

The structural component 1 further includes a front and back face 12 and 13 surrounded by the first, second third and fourth sides, 3, 4, 5, and 6. The front and back faces 12 and 13 may have a plurality of openings 14 spanning the length of the faces 12 and 13 in adjacent rows. Each protrusion 7 and 8 protruding from the first and third sides 3 and 5 is designed to fit through any corresponding opening 14 in the front and back faces 12 and 13 of another structural component so as to interlock the structural components together. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 3, the structural component 1 may have a solid front and back face 15 and 16 surrounded by the first, second third and fourth sides, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Each protrusion 7 and 8 protruding from the first and third sides 3 and 5 on these solid faces 15 and 16 is also designed to fit through any corresponding opening 14 in the front and back faces 12 and 13 of structural component so as to interlock the structural components together.

The opening 9 in the protruding portions 7 and 8 is typically designed to incorporate some kind of locking means for securing structural components together. This locking means may be a cable looped through the end of the two carabiners which can then be crimped to secure the connection of the structural components.

In use, protrusions 7 and 8 protrude at an angle from the faces 12 and 13 to intersect with an appropriate opening 14 in the faces 12 and 13 of another structural component. This intersection allows for the interlocking of the structural components in the construction of the water barrier system. Further, panel 10 protrudes at an angle from the second and fourth sides 4 and 6. These panels 10 are designed to be folded at an angle such that tabs 11 provide a gripping means for hard or soft surfaces or can be manipulated into a suitable position as required when constructing the water barrier system. The simplicity of this design was surprisingly found to enable multiple identical structural components to function as either a base plate or as a side plate when assembling a water barrier system.

Structural component 1 may be made from any suitable material. Metals such as stainless steel or aluminium are generally used for strength and relative ease of manufacture. Aluminium is the preferred material, given its light weight, ease of handling and stability in the field. The structural components are generally manufactured with a thickness in the range of 3mm to 5mm.

When assembling a water barrier system using structural components of the present invention, the base 17 of the water barrier system is formed first. In a preferred embodiment, shown in Figure 4, the required number of structural components 18 are placed in the appropriate configuration on the ground. The protrusions 7 and 8 from some structural components 18 are angled to intersect with the openings 14 on the faces 12 and 13 of other structural components 18 so as to interlock the structural components together. If the protrusions 7 and 8 on a structural component 18 are not used to intersect with the opening 14 of another structural component 18, they may be folded at an appropriate angle to connect with the surface on which the water barrier system is located. The panels 10 are folded to protrude at an appropriate angle from the second and fourth sides 4 and 6 on a structural component 18. Depending on where the structural component is being used within the water barrier system, tabs 11 provide a gripping means for hard or soft surfaces or can be manipulated into a suitable position as required when constructing the water barrier system. The surprising advantage of this simple method is that multiple identical structural components 18 are used to form the base 17 of the water barrier system.

As shown in Figure 5, structural components 19 are of substantially identical design to the structural components 18 used in the base 17 of the water barrier system and are used to create the sides 20 of the water barrier system. Protrusions 7 and 8 at one end 21 of the side structural components 20 are intersected with the opening 22 at one end 23 of a structural component in the base 17 of the water barrier system. The side structural components 19 are secured together at the opposite end 24 using a locking means 25 as shown in Figure 6, wherein two carabiners 26 and 27 are placed through the opening 9 in two adjacent protrusions 7 and 8 and looped together via a cable 28. The cable 28 is generally made from marine grade stainless steel.

As shown in Figure 7, structural components 29 being substantially identical to those used on the base 17 and the sides 20 of the water barrier system are also used to form the front and back faces 30 and 31 of the water barrier system. Protrusions 7 and 8 at both ends 32 and 33 of structural components 29 are intersected with openings 14 along the faces 12 and 13 of structural components 19 which are forming the sides 20 of the water barrier system. Structural components 29 are also secured at each end using the locking means 25 as shown in Figure 6.

As shown in Figure 8, a structural component 34 of substantially similar design to structural components 29 may also be used to form the front and back faces 35 and 36 of the water barrier system. Structural components 34 have solid faces 15 and 16 without openings 14 for use in a water barrier system where a more solid barrier is required. Each protrusion 7 and 8 protruding from the first and third sides 3 and 5 on these solid faces 15 and 16 is also designed to fit through any corresponding opening 14 in the front and back faces 12 and 13 of side structural components 20. This interlocks the structural components together and form the front and back faces 35 and 36 of the water barrier system.

As shown in Figure 9, at least a portion of the assembled water barrier system 37 may be covered in a plastic membrane 38 to effect a water seal, to further assist in mitigating water flow through the water barrier system.

As described above, the surprising dual advantages in the water barrier system of the present invention are that the water barrier system can be created from a multiple identical structural components and the water barrier system is easily assembled with no tooling required. As can be appreciated, this is of particular advantage in a highly tense situation of rising flood waters.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the technology. In some instances, the terminology and symbols may imply specific details that are not required to practice the technology. For example, although the terms "first" and "second" may be used, unless otherwise specified, they are not intended to indicate any order but may be utilised to distinguish between distinct elements. Furthermore, although process steps in the methodologies may be described or illustrated in an order, such an ordering is not required. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such ordering may be modified and/or aspects thereof may be conducted concurrently or even synchronously.

All references, websites and documents referenced in the specification are hereby incorporated by reference into this disclosure.

It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the technology.

FIGURE REFERENCE LIST 1 - Structural component 2 - plate 3 - first side of plate 4 - second side of plate 5 - third side of plate 6 - fourth side of plate 7 - protrusion from first and third side of plate 8 - adjacent protrusion from first and third side of plate 9 - opening in protrusions 7 and 8 10 - panel protruding from second and fourth sides 11 - tabs 12 - front face of plate 13 - back face of plate 14 - openings on front and back face of plate 15 - solid front face of plate 16 - solid back face of plate 17 - base of water barrier system 18 - structural component on base of water barrier system 19 - structural component on side of water barrier system 20 - side of water barrier system 21 - one end of structural component on side of water barrier system 22 - opening on face of structural component on base of water barrier system 23 - one end of structural component on base of water barrier system 24 - opposite end of structural component on side of water barrier system 25 - Locking means 26 - Carabiner 27 - Carabiner 28 - cable 29 - structural component on face of water barrier system 30 - front face of water barrier system 31 - back face of water barrier system 32 - end of structural component on front face of water barrier system 33 - end of structural component on front face of water barrier system 34 - structural component on front and back face of water barrier system 35 - front face of water barrier system Fig. 8 36 - back face of water barrier system Fig. 8 37 - assembled water barrier system Fig. 9 38 - plastic membrane

Claims

Claims

1. A structural component for use in a portable water barrier system, wherein the structural component is adapted to interlock with another structural component to be used as required as a base plate or as a side plate in the water barrier system, such that operatively a structural support for a water barrier may be constructed using only multiple identical structural components.
2. A structural component according to claim 1 wherein multiple structural components interlock mechanically by virtue of their shape and construction such that no separate connectors are used to join the structural components.
3. A structural component according to claim 1 or claim 2 including a plate portion having at least one protruding portion protruding at an angle from the plate portion wherein the protruding portion is adapted to interlock with an opening in the plate portion of another structural component.
4. A structural component according to claim 3 wherein multiple protruding portions are adapted to interlock with multiple openings in the plate portion of one or more structural components.
5. A structural component according to claim 4 wherein the protruding portions including an opening for a locking means to pass through such that protruding portions from multiple structural components can be secured after being interlocked together.
6. A structural component according to any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the plate portion includes a front and back face surrounded by first, second third and fourth sides, wherein at least one protruding portion protruding from the first and third sides is designed to fit through a corresponding opening in the front and back faces of another structural component so as to interlock the structural components together, wherein any of the corresponding openings in the front and back faces of one structural component is adapted to receive a protruding portion protruding from the first and third sides of another structural component.
7. A structural component according to any one of claims 3 to 6 wherein the front and back face include a plurality of openings spanning the length of the faces in adjacent rows, and wherein each protruding portion protruding from the first and third sides is designed to fit through a corresponding opening in the front and back faces of another structural component so as to connect the structural components together.
8. A structural component according to any one of claims 3 to 6 wherein the front and back face are solid and wherein each protruding portion protruding from the first and third sides is designed to fit through a corresponding opening in the front and back faces of another structural component so as to connect the structural components together.
9. A structural component according to any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein the second and fourth sides surrounding the plate portion have a panel protruding at an angle from each side wherein the panel has a plurality of tabs extending from it wherein the panels are designed to be folded at an angle such that said tabs provide a gripping means for hard or soft surfaces or can be manipulated into a suitable position as required.
10. A structural component according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the component is formed from stainless steel or aluminium, preferably formed from aluminium and has a thickness in the range of 3mm to 5mm.
11. A portable water barrier system including a plurality of structural components interlocked to form said water barrier system wherein one structural component is adapted to interlock with another structural component to be used as required as a base plate or as a side plate in the water barrier system, such that operatively a structural support for a water barrier may be constructed using only multiple identical structural components.
12. A portable water barrier system formed from an interlocked plurality of structural components according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
13. A portable water barrier system according to claim 11 or claim 12 wherein the height of the system is within the range of 150cm to 200cm and can be adjusted by adding or removing components from the top of the system.
14. A portable water barrier system according to any one of claims 11 to 13 wherein the tabs and protruding portions on the structural components are angled such that the structural components are stackable and can disassemble into a flat pack configuration.
15. A method of forming a portable water barrier system including the steps of: a. interlocking a structural component to at least one other structural component to form the base of the water barrier system wherein the base of the water barrier system is constructed using only multiple identical structural components; b. interlocking the structural components forming the base of the water barrier system to a plurality of structural components forming the side panels of the water barrier system such that the water barrier system is constructed using only multiple identical structural components; c. securing adjacent structural components together using a locking means; d. covering at least a portion of the water barrier system in a plastic membrane to effect a water seal.
16. A method of forming a portable water barrier system according to claim 15 wherein the structural components include a plate portion having a first, second, third and fourth side; the first and third sides have two adjacent protruding portions protruding at an angle from each side, the protruding portions including an opening for a locking means to pass through; and further including a front and back face surrounded by the first, second third and fourth sides, the front and back face having a plurality of openings spanning the length of the faces in adjacent rows, wherein each protruding portion protruding from the first and third sides is designed to fit through a corresponding opening in the front and back faces of another structural component so as to interlock the structural components together, wherein any of the corresponding openings in the front and back faces of one structural component is adapted to receive a protruding portion protruding from the first and third sides of another structural component, or the front and back face having a solid front and back face surrounded by the first, second third and fourth sides, wherein each protruding portion protruding from the first and third sides is designed to fit through a corresponding opening in the front and back faces of another structural component so as to connect the structural components together.
17. A method of forming a portable water barrier system according to claim 16 wherein the second and fourth sides have a panel protruding at an angle from each side wherein the panel has a plurality of tabs extending from it wherein the panel is designed to be folded at an angle such that said tabs provide a gripping means for hard or soft surfaces or can be manipulated into a suitable position as required.
18. A method of forming a portable water barrier system according to any one of claims 16 to 17 wherein the height of the water barrier system is within the range of 150cm to 200cm and can be adjusted by adding or removing components from the top of the system.
19. A method of forming a portable water barrier system according to any one of claims 16 to 18 wherein the tabs and protruding portions on the structural components are angled such that the structural components are stackable and can disassemble into a flat pack configuration.