GB2452726A

GB2452726A - Flood defence system

Info

Publication number: GB2452726A
Application number: GB0717751A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Jeffery Walch
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-09-12
Filing date: 2007-09-12
Publication date: 2009-03-18
Also published as: GB0717751D0

Abstract

A flood defence system 10 for a building 14 comprises an elongate channel member 20 adapted to be fastened to the exterior of the building 14 and a waterproof barrier including waterproof fabric 12 for wrapping around the building. An elongate flexible member 18 may be attached to the waterproof fabric in a waterproof connection and is adapted to be received and retained in the channel member 20 to form a substantially waterproof joint. The channel member 20 and waterproof barrier can be fitted around an entire building. A valve (36, Figs 3 and 4) may be provided to prevent backflow through the drains into the building.

Description

Flood defence system The present invention relates to a flood defence system and more particularly to a flood defence system for buildings.

Long term flood defence for property is usually achieved by building retaining walls or levies along the banks of rivers, which are likely to flood. However, in recent times, many properties, both commercial and domestic, have been built on flood plains and are at risk of flooding from rising river levels. In some towns, temporary flood barriers can be erected at times of flooding. When there is prolonged heavy raijifall, there is sometimes not sufficient warning time for these barriers to be assembled before a river breaches its banks and flooding of property occurs.

Furthermore, localised flooding has also become a problem, in circumstances where the ground becomes saturated and the drains do not have sufficient capacity to take away rainwater.

Systems of flood protection have already been proposed, for example, as in US 4693042, in which skirts of plastic film are permanently secured to a building. The skirts are triangular in shape and are joined to similar adjacent skirts to form a waterproof barrier around the building. The skirts are attached to the building at corners, at foundation level and at first floor level.

Such a system has the disadvantage that the skirts are permanently secured to the building in metal boxes, which may detract from the appearance of the property. The skirts have an unnecessary number of joints, which may fail in use, and the skirts substantially cover a whole property, thus denying access to and from the property.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a flood defence system, in which the above mentioned problems are reduced or substantially obviated.

According to the first aspect of the present invention there is provided a flood defence system for a building comprising an elongate channel member adapted to be fastened to the exterior of the building and a waterproof barrier including waterproof fabric for wrapping around the building, the waterproof fabric being adapted to be received and retained in the channel member to form a substantially waterproofjoint.

Preferably an elongate flexible member is attached to the waterproof fabric in a waterproof connection, the elongate flexible member being adapted to be received and retained in the channel member.

Preferably the elongate flexible member is attached along a first edge of the waterproof fabric.

Preferably a plurality of eyelets are sewn into the waterproof fabric adjacent a second edge of the fabric, opposite the first edge. Alternatively, loops of material may be stitched to the waterproof fabric.

Preferably supporting means arc provided for supporting the waterproof barrier against the building.

The supporting means may be elastic cords.

This provides the advantage that as the water pressure builds up against the fabric, the fabric can move to some degree, without risk of tearing, due to the elasticity in the fastening.

Preferably fastening means is provided on third and fourth edges of the waterproof fabric for fastening the third and fourth edges together.

The fastening means are preferably waterproof zip fasteners, although any suitable waterproof fastening device may be utilised.

A plurality of waterproof barriers may be provided, capable of being fastened together. This is advantageous because buildings of varying size can be protected.

Preferably the elongate channel has a substantially C-shaped cross-section.

Ideally, the elongate channel is formed from a substantially circular tubular member with an axial slit.

Preferably the elongate channel is mounted to a plate, for mounting to a building.

Apertures may be provided through the plate for receiving fixings.

Preferably the elongate channel is provided in sections, including 90 degree internal and external corner sections.

The sections may be of any length, and may be suitably cut to extend the full length of the sides of a building.

Preferably the elongate channel has at least one open end portion, into which the elongate flexible member of the waterproof barrier can be inserted.

Preferably a valve is provided for sealing a drain. l'he valve may comprise a spring actuated seal for mounting within a man hole, the spring actuated seal being triggered by the movement of a float.

The valve is intended for sealing a property drain, so that in the event of flooding, back flow into the property through the drain is prevented. The valve may be used independently of the elongate channel and waterproof barrier, if desired.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit for protecting a property against flooding comprising an elongate channel member adapted to be fastened to the exterior of the building and a waterproof barrier including at least one sheet of waterproof fabric for wrapping around the building and an elongate flexible member attached to the sheet of waterproof fabric in a waterproof connection, the elongate flexible member being adapted to be received and retained in the channel member to form a substantially waterproof joint.

For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a portion of waterproof fabric engaged in a channel member, and wrapped around part of a building; Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a section of elongate channel member attached to a building; Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view through a man-hole and drain, including a sealing device for preventing backflow into a building; and Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of the sealing device of Figure 3.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and IA, a flood defence system for a building is indicated generally at 10. The flood defence system 10 includes a waterproof barrier including one or more waterproof fabric sheets 12 for wrapping around a building 14 and an elongate flexible member 16 (see Figure 1 A) attached to each waterproof fabric sheet 12 in a waterproof connection 18. A channel member 20, shown in more detail in Figure 2, is permanently fastened to the exterior of the building 14, at or below damp course level, and the waterproof fabric sheets 12 can be retained in the channel member 20 with a waterproof connection as described further below.

Each waterproof fabric sheet is rectangular, typically up to Sm in length and between 1.5 and 2m wide, although each sheet may be of any desired suitable shape and size.

Two edges of the sheet 12, disposed vertically, as viewed in Figure 1, are provided with waterproof zip fasteners 22, enabling the ends of adjacent sheets to be joined together in a waterproof manner. Eyelets 24 one of which is shown, are stitched into the edge of each fabric sheet, which are tied back to the building 14 using elastic cord 26. The elongate flexible member 16 is of circular cross-section, and is made from plastics. It is stitched into a hem of the waterproof fabric sheet 12 and is sealed, for example, using a waterproof resin or other suitable waterproofing material.

The waterproof fabric 12 may be made from any suitable natural or synthetic fabric, which is either coated or laminated with a permanent waterproofing material.

Typically the fabric may be nylon, polyester or canvas and may be coated with rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), silicone elastomer, polyurethane, or any other suitable coating. Ideally the fabric 12 is a rubberised.

Referring now to Figure 2, the elongate channel 20 has a substantially C-shaped cross-section, and is made from a circular tubular member, having an axial slit 28.

The edges of the slit 28 are rounded at 30, so as not to tear the waterproof fabric. The elongate channel 20 is mounted to a back plate 32 in a continuous water-tight cotmection, for example, a continuous weld. Apertures 34, several of which are indicated by way of example, are provided through the back plate 32 and enable the back plate to be attached to the building 14 with fastenings, such as screw fixings. A sealant, such as silicone sealant, is applied to the rear of the back plate before fastening, to seal the back plate to building. The system is most suitable for a property having a solid concrete floor, with a damp proof membrane. The elongate channel is attached at or below the level of the damp course.

Although not shown, the elongate member is formed with internal and external corner sections, enabling the elongate chaimel to be fitted around an entire building. One or more openings may be provided in the elongate channel 20 with sealing means for allowing the waterproof fabnc hem containing the elongate flexible member 16, to be slid into the elongate channel 20. The elongate flexible member 18 is sized to be received and retained in channel member to form a substantially waterproof joint, in use.

In some buildings, there are large window, doors (eg French doors) porches and conservatories, all of which may be made primarily from glass. These features may not be able to withstand the pressure of flood water above, for example 300mm and therefore temporary reinforcement may be required. This is particularly so if the flood water is moving, in a situation where a river with a current has burst its banks.

Temporary reinforcing boards or frames (not shown) can be provided to protect these features. The frames are ideally collapsible and are made from metal or UPVC, and may be designed specifically to protect a particular weak part of a building. The folding design may be a concertina design or other folding design. The collapsible design may comprise a tubular structure with push-fit connections. The frames are also provided with rounded edges and corners to prevent puncturing of the waterproof fabric.

When there is flood risk, the waterproof fabric sheets 12 are fitted to the elongate channel 20 by passing the edge of the sheets containing the elongate flexible members 1 6 into the channel. The fabric extends through the axial slit 28. The ends of the sheets are fastened together using the zip fasteners 22. Then the elastic cords, which are attached to the building 14 are tied to the eyelets 26 to hold the sheets 12 in position against the building 14. Thus the building is provided with a waterproof skirt. Any weak areas in the building are protected by inserting appropriate frames behind the skirt. The frames ideally rest against the structure of the building and may he retained in position by fixings, if necessary.

In order to prevent water flowing into the property 14 through the drains, a sealing valve 36 as shown in Figures 3 and 4 is also provided. The valve 36 is automatic, and is fitted inside a man-hole 38. The valve 36 includes a circular or ball shaped seal 40, which is mounted on a rotating arm 42. The arm 42 is spring loaded by a spring 52 to bias the seal 40 towards a drain opening, leading to the property, indicated at 44. A float 46, also mounted on a pivotable arm 48, acts as a trigger. When water fills the man-hole 38 to a level indicated at 50, the float is lifled and the arm 48 triggers release of the seal. The action of the spring biases the seal 40 into position, and seals the drain, thus preventing flood water from flowing into the property 14 through the drains. The pressure of water building up in the man-hole and above it acts against the rear of the seal, thus increasing its effectiveness.

When the flood has subsided, the valve 36 can be reset by hand, or remotely using a clamping device. Also, the waterproof fabric sheets 12 can be removed from the elongate channel 20, dried and stored. Any frames are also removed, collapsed, and stored.

The invention is advantageous because the flood defence can be erected quickly and easily. The permanent fitting of the channel 20 is virtually un-noticeable around the base of the building 14, and the waterproof sheets 12 do not require large amounts of storage space. Furthermore, the valve 36 is permanently fitted and only need be re-set after flooding has subsided.

Claims

1. A flood defence system for a building comprising an elongate channel member adapted to be fastened to the exterior of the building and a waterproof basrier including waterproof fabric for wrapping around the building, the waterproof fabric being adapted to be received and retained in the channel member to form a substantially waterproofjojnt.

2. A flood defence system as claimed in claim I, in which an elongate flexible member is attached to the waterproof' fabric in a waterproof connection, the elongate flexible member being adapted to be received and retained in the channel member

3. A flood defence system as claimed in claim 2, in which the elongate flexible member is attached along a first edge of the waterproof fabric.

4. A flood defence system as claimed in claim 3, in which a plurality of eyelets are sewn into the waterproof fabric adjacent a second edge of the fabric, opposite the first edge.

5. A flood defence system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which supporting means are provided for supporting the waterproof barrier against the building.

6. A flood defence system as claimed in claim 5, in which the supporting means are elastic cords.

7. A flood defence system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which fastening means is provided on third and fourth edges of the waterproof fabric for fastening the third and fourth edges together.

8. A flood defence system as claimed in claim 7, in which the fastening means are waterproof zip fasteners.

9. A flood defence system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a plurality of waterproof barriers are provided, capable of being fastened together.

10. A flood defence system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the elongate channel has a substantially C-shaped cross-section.

11. A flood defence system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the elongate channel is formed from a substantially circuiar tubular member with an axial slit.

12. A flood defence system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the elongate channel is mounted to a plate, for mounting to a building.

13. A flood defence system as claimed in claim 12, in which apertures are provided through the plate for receiving fixings.

14. A flood defence system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the elongate channel is provided in sections, including 90 degree internal and external corner sections.

15. A flood defence system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the elongate channel has at least one open end portion, into which the elongate flexible member of the waterproof barrier can be inserted.

16. A flood defence system as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a vaJvc is provided for sealing a drain.

17. A flood defence system as claimed in claim 15, in which the valve comprises a spring actuated seal for mounting within a man hole, the spring actuated seal being triggered by the movement of a float.

18. A kit for protecting a property against flooding comprising an elongate channel member adapted to be fastened to the exterior of the building and a waterproof barrier including at least one sheet of waterproof fabric for wrapping around the building and an elongate flexible member attached to the sheet of waterproof fabric in a waterproof connection, the elongate flexible member being adapted to be received and retained in the channel member to form a substantially waterproof joint.

19. A flood defence system substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.