GB2397086A - Buoyant flood protection barrier - Google Patents

Abstract

The flood protection system includes a flotation body <B>3</B> securely affixed to a flexible, waterproof barrier <B>4</B> and guide rollers <B>6</B> running in guide rails (<B>12</B>, Figure 5) affixed to the property to be protected <B>1</B>. The other end of the flexible waterproof barrier is affixed in a secure and waterproof manner to the bottom of the container <B>5</B> for the flexible waterproof barrier when at rest (Figure 1). The barrier container 5 is sunk into the ground <B>2</B> immediately adjacent to the boundary of the property to be protected.

Description

FLOOD PROTECTION SYSTEM

The invention relates to a method of preventing floodwater or other unwanted liquids inundating-a property or group of properties. Existing flood defence measures are either permanent (dykes, levees) or temporary (sandbags, boarding, shattering).

This invention remains in place at the property in a low profile manner (Figure 1) but responds immediately and automatically (Figure 2) to any encroaching floodwaters at any time of the day or night, whether the property is occupied at that time or not.

The invention requires no power, as it utilizes the lifting power of the floodwaters themselves. Larger constructions such as riverbank defences could incorporate a power assisted system somewhat akin to that employed in modern steering and braking automotive systems.

The disadvantages of other flood protection systems are that they cannot be constructed quickly (such as dykes and levees) or require the presence of extensive manpower at the various points of inundation risk (such as sandbags).

Also, the latter are not totally watertight.

An object ofthis invention is to allow a waterproofbarrier (referred to as the "flood-skirt") to be raised in front of the property or area to be protected from inundation at the same time and to the same level at any one time as that of the encroaching floodwaters - all without the need for human intervention.

Preferably, the invention will be constructed from high tensile strength and corrosion resistant materials in order to prolong the life of what is designed to be an integral part of a property situated near natural waterways. It will necessarily have to contend with permanent outdoor existence, and the heat/cold and wet/dry conditions that entails through the seasons.

FIGURE 1 shows a side view of the flood-skirt in the resting position, within it's sunken mounting.

FIGURE 2 shows a side view ofthe flood-skirt in the active position, having responded to rising floodwater levels FIGURE 3 shows the detail, in cross section, of part of the flood-skirt 2e FIGURE 4 is a plan of how awkwardly shaped properties, or any desired area, can be protected by this system, by erecting free-standing posts upon which the system's guide rails/runners can be fixed.

FIGURE 5 shows the rollers and guide rails/runners used either directly onto walls, or on freestanding posts (see FIGURE 4) As shown in Figures 1 & 2, the invention comprises a transversely flexible, waterproof barrier ("flood-skirt") 4 extending below a highly buoyant flotation body 3 and the bottom of the flood-skirt housing compartment 5.

The whole system would be set close to the walls of the property 1 (or the free standing posts being used in their place - see Figure 4) and the flood-skirt housing compartment 5 set into the ground 2 so that just the rim of the latter was standing proud of the ground surface (Figures 1 and 2). This will prevent unwanted frequent flooding of the skirting compartment by regular precipitation.

When a very high water level is experienced, with a substantial amount of flood-skirt extended between the flotation system 3 and the skirt housing anchor point 5, the water pressure may force the skirt panels inward, against the wall of the property 1 such that the subsequent adhesive force will prevent the float from rising any further andlor tearing the skirt apart.

To avoid this, low friction glide strips 9 would be affixed to the wall (or extra free-standing posts as in Figure 4) using traditional fixing methods 10.

The hinges 11 of the flood skirt would stand proud of the flood-skirt panels' surface 4 and act as the (low surface area) friction points to increase ease of travel ofthe system in time with the flood levels.

The flood-skirt itself comprises rigid panels; hinged (11) as shown, with the whole being covered, on the outer surface, by a flexible, waterproof skin 8.

The main guide rails/runners 12 require careful alignment and regular maintenance to ensure free, unrestricted running of the guide rollers along their tracks. Those set upon free-standing posts will need particular attention, especially if the post holes have shifted after previous use.

Larger scale sections of such flood-skirting can be set up along particularly vulnerable stretches of natural waterways (streams, brooks, rivers). These would be cost effective, due to the lack of manpower needed to erect them during high risk periods/flood alerts.

1. A flood protection system comprising a flotation body with a waterproof, flexible barrier attached to it 2. A flood protection system as claimed in Claim I where the bottom edge ofthe flexible, waterproofbarrier is securely affixed, in a fully waterproof manner, to the lower part of the system at the boundary of the property to be protected A flood protection system as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 where the flotation body is guided by rollers and guide rails during its up and down with flood-water levels 4. A flood protection system as claimed in Claim 3 where the guide rails are affixed directly onto the property to be protected or onto freestanding posts securely mounted in the ground.

5. A flood protection system as claimed in any preceding claim including friction reducing strips to be affixed onto any part of the property being protected, against which the flexible waterproof barrier may be forced, during its operation, by flood-water pressure 6. A flood protection system as claimed in any preceding claim which is made from metal or durable plastics materials or from a combination of these materials 7. A flood protection system substantially as herein described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings

Claims (5)

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows: CLAIMS

1. A flood protection system comprising a solid flotation body with a waterproof, flexible barrier attached to the lower surface of the flotation body in a waterproof manner, with the bottom edge of the flexible waterproof barrier securely affixed in a similarly waterproof fashion to the ground at the boundary of the property to be protected and including friction reducing strips of material to be affixed onto any part of the property being protected, against which the flexible barrier may be forced during its upwards and downwards travel whilst in operation, due to flood water pressure.

2. A flood protection system as claimed in Claim 1 where the friction reducing strips are affixed to the posts, pillars or other supporting structures being used around the property to be protected (where this is a greater area than the building within) instead of being affixed directly onto the said building itself.

3. A flood protection system as claimed in Claims 1 or 2 whereby the flotation body is guided in its rising and falling in a completely vertical manner by use of rollers on brackets affixed to the flotation body and running within guide rails directly affixed to the building itself, or the posts, pillars or other supporting structures described in Claims 1 and 2 above.

4. A flood protection system as claimed in any preceding claim which is made from metal or durable plastics or composite materials or from a combination of two or more of these materials

5. A flood protection system substantially as herein described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings