DK2315880T3

DK2315880T3 - Self-closing of swimming locking and method for protecting a hinterland using the same.

Info

Publication number: DK2315880T3
Application number: DK09746799.7T
Authority: DK
Inventors: Van Den Johann Heinrich Reindert Noort
Original assignee: Den Noort Innovations Bv Van
Priority date: 2008-05-13
Filing date: 2009-04-02
Publication date: 2016-03-21
Also published as: MX2010012365A; MX341123B; ES2565220T3; JP2011521126A; CN102099530B; US20110110722A1; EP2315880B1; NL1035546C2; CN102099530A; JP5702276B2; AU2009247029A1; PL2315880T3; EP2315880A1; WO2009139622A1

Description

DESCRIPTION

[0001] The invention reiates tc a seif dosing flood barrier and a method for protecting a hinteriand against floods by means of such a seif dosing flood barrier.

[0002] Seif dosing flood barriers are known in which a dam vraii is forced upwards out of a chamber whenever the chamber fiiis up with water. Such a flood barrier may be instaiied in for exampie a dike at a river side. The flood barrier automaticaiiy rises in the event of a flood, thereby protecting the hinteriand. As compared to conventionai flood barriers, moveabie flood barriers, aiso referred to as moveabie dams, offer the advantage that they constitute a dam oniy then when it is reaiiy necessary, in a normai situation, the dam is underground and invisibie for the environment.

[0003] A moveabie dam may comprise a verticai retaining waii which at its iowest side provided with a buoyant body housed in the chamber. The buoyant body forces the retaining vraii out of the chamber through an opening at the top of the chamber. The buoyant body may aiso function as a biocking eiement in order to iimit the upward movement of the retaining waii. in that case the buoyant body wiii be thicker than the upper opening of the chamber and is thereby prohibited to ieave the chamber.

[0004] Pubiication EP 1950352 A2 discioses a flood barrier having a rectanguiar support biock at one side of the chamber mounted to one of the chamber waiis. A buoyant body comprises a siightiy inciined, neariy verticai, side surface which wiii resuit in the dam vraii moving to the hinteriand side of the flood barrier in case of flooding. The buoyant body further comprises an extension at the bottom which abuts to the bottom of the rectanguiar support biock in case of flooding. Due to the specific structure of the flood barrier, the retaining waii and the buoyant body wiii act as a iever wherein the water pressing against the water side of the retaining waii wiii try to tiit the fioatabie part. Due to this tiiting, the maximum pressure between the floatabie part and the chamber occurs near the top of the chamber at the hinteriand side, and between the support biock and the buoyant body at the water side. At both sides a contact surface is very smaii. As a resuit, the flood barrier wiii be unstabie in case of variable water pressure at the top of the retaining vraii due to vraves. Furthermore, the contact surfaces are subject to wear due to high and variabie pressures.

[0005] GB-A-2.369.387 discioses a movabie flood barrier according to the preambie of claim 1. The known movable flood barrier comprises a buoyant barrier member which is raised by aiiowing it to float on the flooding liquid. The barrier member is located in a floatation chamber which is fliied by the rising flood iiquid when the liquid reached a predetermined danger level. This barrier is a symmetricaiiy constructed barrier in which the ciosure between the buoyant barrier member and the chamber is determined by the upward force of the flooding iiquid on the buoyant barrier member. The construction therefore requires a relatively large Buoyant member providing upv\ard force with a large building depth below the surface as the floatation force has to be provided by a floating volume below the surface when the buoyant barrier member is in de raised, protecting position.

[0006] JP2000345537 discloses a barrier that raises upon flooding water based upon a fixation by means of a side guiding rail 22. The upper fixation is only achieved by a point pressure on the sliding member 12 to stop an opposing stop 23 and having opposing point seals leaving a vulnerable construction that also provides substantially no resistance against forces imposed by the flooding water.

[0007] It is a goal of the present invention to provide a flood barrier v\lnich is more stable and more endurable than the barrier of the state of the art.

[0008] This goal is achieved by a self closing flood barrier according to claim 1.

[0009] In case water enters the chamber, the dam wall member will rise so that eventually the inclined surface of the blocking element is forced against the inclined, surface of the support block. This wll result in a sideward movement until the dam v\all member abuts against the hinterland side wall of the chamber. In the closed state, the dam wall member has two contact surfaces, which results in reduced pressures as compared to the barrier of the state of the art. This will result in less wear and more stability of the total barrier.

[0010] By using only one support block, the dam wall member will be forced against the hinterland side wall resulting in an improved sealing of the dam wall member. Also the usage of only one support block is cheaper than having two support blocks. Furthermore, the usage of one support block will be favourable when having to maintain or repair the flood barrier.

[0011] The dam wall member comprises a substantially flat surface facing said hinterland side wall for abutment against said hinterland side wall. The flat surface is favourable because it makes the closed barrier more stable.

[0012] In an embodiment, the flood barrier comprises a sealing member arranged on said substantially flat surface near a lower outer end of said dam wall member to avoid said water from flowing between said dam wall member and said hinterland side wall. Such a sealing member will improve sealing of the flood barrier and thereby preventing water from the water side flowing to the hinterland side through the flood barrier in case of a flood. Besides, a reduced water pressure at the hinterland side of the vrall member is realised and no tilting of the dam wall member occurs which would otherwise move away the dam wall member from the chamber wall at its lower portion. Preferably the sealing member comprises rubber or the like.

[0013] In a specific embodiment, the inclined surface of said support block and said inclined surface of said blocking element make, at least in use, an angle with the vertical, said angle having a value between 30°-60°, and preferably equal to about 45°.

[0014] Preferably the support block is removably arranged on said water side wall.

[0015] The support block may comprise a bottom which is connectable to said water side wall of said chamber by way of connecting means.

[0016] The support block may further comprise a lockable entrance which provides access to the connecting means. In this way a maintenance team can have access to the connecting means in a very simple and effective way. The entrance can be opened after which one can disconnect the connecting means and can remove the support block.

[0017] Preferably the inclined surface of blocking element transfers to a less or non-inclined surface which is, at least in said closed state, distant from said water side wall of said chamber. In this way clamping of the dam wall member is minimized.

[0018] Preferably the blocking element, the forcing element and said retaining wall are one integrated part. This results in easy manufacturing and assembly.

[0019] The chamber of the self closing flood barrier may be arranged to be installed under the ground or partly under the ground, depending on the purpose.

[0020] In an embodiment the chamber is substantially arranged under the ground and connected through a water inlet/outlet with a service pit.

[0021] Preferably the flood barrier comprises a lid for closing an opening of said chamber, winerein said lid is fixed to an upper outer end off said dam wall member. This lid may also function as an additional extension of the flood barrier in case of a flood because it will prevent waves from creeping over the outer top edge of the dam wall member. The lid will function as a breakwater.

[0022] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for protecting a hinterland against floods by means of a self closing flood barrier as described above, the method comprising: • providing the flood barrier described above; • bringing the flood barrier in a working state; • letting in of water in the chamber for forcing up the dam wall member.

[0023] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, vwth reference to the accompanying drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which: • Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a flood barrier according to the invention in a resting state; • Figure 2 shows the embodiment of Figure 1 in a closed state. • Figure 3 schematically shows a cross section the chamber according to an embodiment; • Figure 4 shows an embodiment in which the flood barrier comprises two ground load plates mounted on top of the side wall.

[0024] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a flood barrier according to the invention as applied in a dike 1. Figure 1 shows the flood barrier in a resting state in which nearby water such as a river 10 has a normal water level.

[0025] In the embodiment of Figure 1 the flood barrier comprises a chamber 3 having a water side wall 20 and a hinterland side wall 21. The chamber 3 also comprises a bottom 22 which connects the two sidewalls 20, 21 respectively. The walls 20, 21 may be constructed out of sheet steel or any other suitable construction known to the skilled person, such as concrete. In the chamber 3 a retaining wall 4 is present which is supported at its lowest side by a buoyant body 5. Preferably, the retaining wall 4 comprises polyester. This material reinforcement may be filled with foam as a sandwich construction and is very strong and also very light. In this embodiment, the flood barrier also comprises a lid 6 fixed to the top of the retaining wall 4. The retaining wall 4 together with the buoyant body 5 is also referred to as dam wall member. Please note that the buoyant body 5 consists of two, preferably integrated, parts 5a, 5b and actually functions as both a forcing element for causing an upward movement of the dam wall member, and as a blocking element for limiting the upward movement.

[0026] Furthermore, the flood barrier comprises a support block 7 removably connected to the water side wall 20 by means of a connecting means 15. In a very simple embodiment the connecting means comprise bolts 15. In this embodiment the support block 7 comprises an entrance 14 which is closed by way of a cover 23. In an embodiment, the position at which the support block 7 is mounted to the side wall 20 is adjustable. In this way, the opening of the chamber 3 can be adjusted to a desired dimension.

[0027] In this embodiment, the flood barrier further comprises a service pit 9 which is connected to the chamber 3 by way of a water inlet/outlet 24. The water inlet 24 is connected to a vertical pipe 12 in the service pit. The water inlet/outlet 24 comprises a valve 13 that is opened in a case the chamber 3 is emptied. In that situation the water inlet/outlet functions as a water outlet 24. The service pit 9 is connected through a channel 11 to the water side of the dike 1 as shown in figure 1. The flood barrier is practically invisible under normal water level conditions. On top, the lid 6 locks in the entrenchment space under normal conditions.

[0028] Figure 2 shows the self closing flood barrier of Figure 1 in a flood situation wherein a flood is present resulting in a high water level of the river 10. Only after the water level of river 10 rises above the entrance level of pipe 12, the pipe and the water inlet 24 fill with water resulting in a water stream towards the chamber 3. The water in chamber 3 will force the retaining wall 4 to move up because the retaining wall 4 together with the buoyant body 5 are floatable on water. The dam wall member will move upwards until the buoyant body 5 is forced at its upper side against the angled wall 17 of the support block 7. This will not only limit the upward movement of the dam wall 4 but will also force the dam wall 4 against the hinterland side wall 21 of chamber 3. As soon as the chamber 3 is totally filled, a closing seal 8 will lock the barrier waterproof. Now the water can rise further without flooding the protected area, i.e. the hinterland.

[0029] By using the service pit 9, the flood barrier functions completely automatically without the need for controlled water inlet. Please note that the service pit 9 also acts as a kind of water filter. Dirt and mud coming from the river side will deposit at the bottom of the service pit and will not reach the chamber 3.

[0030] Preferably, the sealing member 8 is arranged on or at the flat side of the dam wall member, and preferable at the lower end of the dam wall member. In Figure 2, it can be seen that the sealing member 8 seals off the space between the dam wall member and the hinterland side wall 21. In this way, the pressure between the hinterland side wall 21 and the dam wall member 4,5 is far less than the pressure between the water side wall 20 and the dam wall member 4,5. This pressure difference will result in a force that prevents a lever mechanism as mentioned in EP 1950352 A2.

[0031] Once the water level subsides to a normal level, the chamber 3 is drained through outlet 24 with one way check valves 13 or by means of a pump (not shown). Once the water has left the chamber 3, the dam wall member returns to its resting position within the chamber. The lid 6 on top of the dam wall 4 then closes to prevent the inflow of waste or debris. In Figure 1 is showi that the dam wall member does not rest on a floor of the chamber 3. This results in a space in which mud and the like may deposit. Such deposition will effectively raise the floor of the chamber 3 but this raising will not affect the resting position of the dam vrall member. As a result, the lid will always close the opening of the chamber 3, even when dirt is present at the bottom of the chamber 3. Furthermore, due to the weight of the dam wall member, the lid will be presses downwards and will thus be closed due to the gravity forces.

[0032] Preferably, the lid 6 is arranged to support traffic and may be part of a road surface, or a pavement. Typical values for the height of the retaining wall 4 are 50 cm, 100 cm, 150 cm, 200 cm or 250 cm. However higher flood barriers are possible.

[0033] Preferably the flood barrier comprises one or more seals 26,27, see Figure 2, for preventing dirt or waste like waif wood, from flowing into the chamber at the upper entrance when the water level is falling.

[0034] Figure 3 schematically shows a cross section the chamber according to an embodiment. The support block 7 is mounted at the inner side of the chamber wall 20. The inclined surface 17 of the support block 7 has an angle a with the vertical, which is preferably between 30-60°, and more preferably about 45°. Preferably the same angle a is used for the inclination of the surface 16 on the buoyant body 5. These angles will result in a smooth up and down movement of the dam wall member, without the risk of the dam wall member getting stuck between the walls. This risk is even further restricted by the fact that the buoyant body 5 has a surface 19 that is distant from the inner side of the wall 20 in the closed state.

[0035] Figure 4 shows an embodiment in which the flood barrier comprises two ground load plates 41,42 mounted on top of the side wall 20,21. These plates will reduce the pressure at the outside of the chamber walls so that the risk of the deformation of the chamber is decreased. Particular in situations wherein heavy traffic passes across the flood barrier, the plates 41,42 will be advantageous.

[0036] While specific embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be appreciated that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as described. For example, the invention may also be used to provide a door for a garage or for closing/protecting any other entrance of a building. It may even be conceivable to provide water basins the walls of which are formed by the flood barrier described above.

[0037] The descriptions above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Thus, it wll be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention as described without departing from the scope of the claims set out below.

REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be e>«:luded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description • EP1950352,^2 r0S041 fOOSOl • .JP2000345537B [0006]

Claims

A self-closing flood barrier for protecting a hinterland from flooding, which includes: A chamber (3) having a water side wall (20) and a hinterland side wall (21); A single support block (7) with an inclined surface (17); A water inlet (24) for inflow of water; An embankment wall element (4, 5a, 5b, 16, 18) arranged movably in an upward and downward direction in the chamber (3), which embankment element comprises: o A retaining wall (4) to prevent the water from flowing into the hinterland: o a drive element (4, 5a, 5b) for causing an upward movement of the dam element; o a locking element (5b) for providing a blockage for limiting the upward movement of the dam element, which barrier element (56) comprises an inclined surface (16) acting against the inclined surface of the respective support block (17) in the closed state of the flood barrier, wherein the individual support block (7) is connected to the water side wall; and the dam wall element further comprises a substantially flat surface (18) facing the hinterland sidewall (21) and allowing support of the substantially flat surface (18) of the dam wall element to the hinterland sidewall (21), characterized in that the hinterland sidewall (21) comprises a substantially vertical planar surface over its height from the bottom of the chamber (3) to its upper level, which upper level is at the same height as the upper level of the individual support block (7), supported by the substantially wall of the dam wall element. a flat surface (18) against the hinterland sidewall (21) caused by the inclined surface (16) of the blocking element (5b) forced by the water in the chamber towards the sloping surface (17) of the support block (7), resulting in lateral movement of the dam wall member until its substantially flat surface (18) abuts the substantially vertical flat surface of the rear wall side (21) of the chamber (3).

The self-closing flood element of claim 2, wherein the flood barrier comprises a sealing element (8) located on the substantially flat surface (18) near a lower, outer end of the dam wall element to prevent water from flowing between the dam wall element and the hinterland side wall. (21).

The self-closing flood barrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inclined surface of the support block and the inclined surface of the blocking element at least during use form an angle with a vertical which has a size in the range 30 ° to 60 ° and preferably equal to about 45 °.

A self-closing flood barrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support block is arranged as removable on the water side wall.

The self-closing flood barrier of claim 4, wherein the support block comprises a bottom which can be connected to the water side wall of the chamber by means of connecting means.

The self-closing flood barrier of claim 5, wherein the support block comprises a lockable entrance providing access to the connecting means.

A self-closing flood barrier according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the inclined surface (16) of the locking element (5b) passes into a smaller or non-sloping surface (19) which is at least in the closed state a distance to the water side wall of the chamber. (20).

A self-closing flood barrier according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the blocking element (5b), the driving element (5a) and the retaining wall (4) form an integral part.

A self-closing flood barrier according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber is adapted to be installed underground or partially underground.

The self-closing flood barrier of claim 9, wherein the chamber is substantially located underground and connected to a service pit via a water inlet / outlet.

A self-closing flood barrier according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the flood barrier comprises a cover for closing an opening in the chamber, whereby the lid is attached to an upper, outer end of the dam wall element.

A method of protecting a hinterland from flooding by means of a self-closing flood barrier according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising: Providing the flood barrier; establishing a working condition for the flood barrier; supply of water to the chamber to force an upward movement of the dam wall element.