GB2566954A

GB2566954A - Barrier

Info

Publication number: GB2566954A
Application number: GB1715662.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Malcolm Snape William
Original assignee: William M Snape Manufacturing Services (uk) Ltd; William M Snape Manufacturing Services Uk Ltd
Current assignee: William M Snape Manufacturing Services (uk) Ltd; William M Snape Manufacturing Services Uk Ltd
Priority date: 2017-09-27
Filing date: 2017-09-27
Publication date: 2019-04-03
Also published as: GB201715662D0

Abstract

A barrier 1 and method of deploying a barrier and forming a dam is provided. The dam is formed by the barrier under water pressure and is maintained in position by water pressure. The barrier comprises a retainer 150 connected to a first portion 110 of a waterproof membrane 100 that is configured to hold ballast 300. The barrier has a second portion 120 and third portion 130. The ballast may be comprised by the barrier and may be a chain. The retainer may be a sleeve or tube within which the chain is placed. In addition, a tension member 200 may be provided for restricting movement of a fourth portion 140 away from the first portion. The tension member may be an elongate member such as rope. Advantageously, the barrier is quick and effective to deploy and easy to clean. Furthermore, the barrier may be more compact than a conventional barrier and/or may be more reliable.

Description

Barrier

FIELD [01] The present application relates to barriers, preferably barriers that can be deployed rapidly in an emergency such as flood control barriers.

BACKGROUND [02] There is a need to deploy flood barriers in a quick and effective manner, particularly in response to natural disasters, such as flash flooding. Conventional rapid deployment barriers typically use flexible sheet material that is folded for storage and unfolded for use.

[03] Such conventional rapid deployment flood barriers require ballast to keep parts of the barrier firmly in position. If the base of the barrier lifts away from a ground surface (forming a water basin) water may not be retained by the barrier. In order to secure a barrier, material from the surrounding environment, such as rocks or submergible debris, is sometimes used. Although this option is sustainable because such natural resources can be later returned to the environment and the transport of ballast from off-site storage is not required, this approach does have several disadvantages. For example, the irregularity and sometimes sparsity of locally available natural material means that optimal securement of the barrier is not achieved. This can lead to poor detainment of flood water because leaks between the ground surface and the underside of the barrier are created. When urban environments are flooded, the use of natural resources is not an option. To overcome this issue, sandbags are often used. However, the deployment of sandbags is time consuming because the sandbags are not laid concurrently with the barrier but after the barrier has been set to rest. Since the loss of time can lead to flood water damage downstream, the process of using sandbags is typically accelerated by using more people, and therefore more resources, to secure the barrier. This is not ideal in a situation where few people are available to help.

[04] As flood water typically comprises effluent (i.e. sewage comprising human/animal waste), the barrier must be cleaned before storage. However, conventional rapid deployment flood barriers are difficult to clean due to the overlapping of surfaces when not in use. The conventional barrier may need to be constantly manipulated to access all surfaces and remove any foreign matter.

[05] It is desirable to provide a barrier that is quick and effective to deploy. Preferably, the improved barrier offers more convenience. The improved barrier may be more compact than a conventional barrier and/or more reliable. Overall, the aim of the embodiments of the disclosure is to overcome at least some of the aforementioned drawbacks associated with conventional rapid deployment flood barriers.

SUMMARY [06] According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[07] A barrier is provided. The barrier is suitable for retaining water, such as effluent (i.e. sewage), when the barrier is arranged in the form of a dam. The barrier comprises a waterproof membrane so that the barrier is flexible. That is, the membrane is impermeable to water. The membrane structure allows the barrier to be easy to manipulate when deployed and compact when not in use. The waterproof membrane may be a sheet material that is easily manipulated by water pressure. The barrier is configured to form a dam by water pressure. The waterproof membrane comprises a first to third portion. When arranged as a dam, the first portion defines a base of the dam. That is, the first portion is a ground contacting part and is configured to follow the conformations of a water basin. When arranged as a dam, the second portion defines a toe of the dam. That is, the second portion is an apex for extending the waterproof membrane away from a ground surface. The second portion is configured to be downstream of the first portion. A leading edge of the first portion (i.e. the most upstream portion when the barrier is arranged as a dam) is a heel of the dam. When arranged as a dam, the third portion defines a wall of the dam. That is, the third portion is an opposable portion to the first portion and spans the height of the dam. The third portion is configured to be upstream of the second portion. When arranged as a dam, the fourth portion defines a crest of the dam. That is, the fourth portion is a trailing edge and arranged upstream of the third portion. The fourth portion is arranged to follow the fluctuations of the water surface when the barrier is arranged as a dam. The barrier comprises a tension member suitable for restricting movement of the fourth portion away from the first portion. That is, the tension member defines a maximum opening of the barrier for receiving water. The barrier comprises a retainer connected to the first portion for holding ballast. The retainer ensures movement of the first portion relative to said ballast is restricted. This allows the barrier to maintain a firm position on a water basin when the barrier is being deployed. Advantageously, the barrier is convenient and is easy to deploy.

[08] The barrier may define a longitudinal direction. When the barrier arranged as a dam, the longitudinal direction corresponds to the width of the dam. The longitudinal direction is the direction in which the second portion and fourth portions are arranged. The retainer may be arranged in the longitudinal direction. The retainer may extend along an entire distance of a length of the first portion. Alternatively, the retainer may extend along a part of the length.

[09] The retainer may comprise a sleeve. That is, the sleeve is an enclosure for holding ballast. The sleeve defines a passageway for threading ballast and engaging ballast with the first portion. The sleeve may comprise a first opening arranged for receiving ballast and inserting ballast along a length of the retainer. The sleeve may comprise a second opening.

The second opening may be arranged at an opposite end of the sleeve to the first opening. Advantageously, ballast can be inserted through either opening.

[10] The retainer may comprise a plurality of sleeves or tubes spaced apart from each other. That is, the plurality of sleeves is arranged at intervals. The plurality of sleeves may be spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the barrier. The plurality of sleeves may be coaxially arranged. That is, the plurality of sleeves is aligned along an axis. The plurality of sleeves advantageously allow ballast to be easily manoeuvred (e.g. inserted, removed, re-positioned) about first portion. The spacing between each sleeve allows ballast to be easily visually inspected and physically accessed. Furthermore, the spacing allows the same ballast to be moved relative to each of the plurality of sleeves. The plurality of sleeves may be spaced apart along a width of the barrier (corresponding to a transverse direction) and/or along a length of the barrier (corresponding to a longitudinal direction).

[11] The retainer may be integral to the waterproof membrane. That is, the retainer may be formed from the waterproof membrane. When the retainer is provided as a sleeve, the sleeve may be a loop formed in the waterproof membrane.

[12] The retainer may be arranged at a leading edge of the first portion (i.e. the heel of the dam). The barrier may comprise a plurality of retainers. For example, a first retainer may be provided at the leading edge and at least one other retainer may be provided downstream of the first retainer. Preferably, the barrier comprises two retainers and may comprise three retainers. Each of the plurality of retainers may comprise a group of sleeves. Each retainer forming the plurality of retainers may be aligned along a longitudinal direction of the barrier. The advantage of a plurality of retainers is that, when ballast is held by each retainer, the barrier can be held firmly in place before water pressure opens up the barrier to form the dam. The plurality of retainers may be spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction of the barrier. This improves the overall effect of ballast since the distribution of ballast across the barrier is high.

[13] The tension member may be flexible. Preferably, the tension member is elastically deformable. Preferably, the tension member is an elongate member, such as rope. The tension member may be submergible in water when the barrier is arranged as a dam. That is, the tension member is deployed on a water contacting side of the barrier. The tension member may be adjustable in length to affect the size of a maximum opening of the barrier for receiving water. This is convenient because the same barrier can be adapted for different operating conditions.

[14] The tension member may be connected to the first portion in a region located between adjacent retainers. Alternatively, the tension member may be connected to the first portion downstream of a second retainer that is spaced apart from a first retainer in a transverse direction of the barrier. The tension member may be connected to the third portion of the barrier away from the fourth portion. Alternatively, the barrier may comprise a tab extending from the waterproof membrane, wherein the tab comprises an eyelet for receiving an elongate tension member. The fourth portion may comprise a first tab having a first eyelet. The first portion may comprise a second tab having a second eyelet. Therefore, an elongate tension member may extend between the first and second eyelets. The eyelet is a receiving portion.

[15] The barrier may comprise a plurality of tension members spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the barrier. The or each tension member may extend between the first and third portions. The number of tension members may equal the number of sleeves for each retainer.

[16] The barrier may comprise ballast. The ballast may be elongate. The elongate ballast may be a chain. The chain may be made from metal. That is, the ballast may comprise a plurality of interlocking members. Advantageously, the ballast may follow the conformations of the surface on which the ballast is placed. The ballast may be longer than a length of a retainer. Each retainer may comprise a coupler for coupling the retainer with each ballast.

[17] A method of deploying a barrier and forming a dam is provided. The barrier comprises a waterproof membrane, a tension member and a retainer connected to a first portion of the waterproof membrane forming a base of the dam. The method may be carried out using the barrier as previously described. The method comprises the step of holding ballast by the retainer. That is, movement of ballast, such as that previously described, is restricted by the retainer. The method comprises placing the barrier on a ground surface forming a water basin. The water basin may therefore be the surface on which flood water resides. The ground surface may be a surface raised from ground level. The method involves flowing water over the retainer, the ballast and the first portion and toward a second portion of the waterproof membrane forming a toe of the dam. The method comprises opening the barrier by water force pushing on a third portion of the waterproof membrane forming a wall of the dam and moving the third portion away from the first portion forming a base of the dam, positioning a fourth portion of the waterproof membrane forming a crest of the dam on a water surface and restricting movement of the fourth portion away from the first portion by the tension member. Advantageously, the method is convenient.

[18] The step of holding ballast by the retainer may comprise threading a chain through the retainer, wherein the chain is used as ballast.

[19] The barrier may comprise a plurality of retainers and the step of threading the chain may comprise threading the chain through each retainer.

[20] The barrier may comprise a plurality of retainers and a plurality of chains and the step of holding the ballast may comprise threading each chain through a corresponding retainer.

[21] The or each retainer may comprise a plurality of sleeves spaced apart from each other and the step of holding the ballast may comprise threading the or each chain through a corresponding plurality of sleeves.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [22] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

[23] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a barrier;

[24] Figure 2 shows the barrier shown in Figure 1 in a partially open position;

[25] Figure 3 shows a schematic plan view of an alternative embodiment of a barrier;

[26] Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of the alternative embodiment of Figure 3 when the barrier is configured to operate as a dam; and [27] Figure 5 shows a flow diagram of a method of deploying a barrier to form a dam.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [28] A barrier 1 is shown in Figure 1. The barrier comprises a waterproof membrane 100 which is a sheet material for retaining water when the barrier is arranged in the form of a dam 10, as shown in Figure 4. The waterproof membrane comprises a first portion 110, a second portion 120, a third portion 130 and a fourth portion 140 (see Figure 4). The first portion 110 is arranged to define a base of the dam. The second portion 120 is arranged to define a tow of the dam. The third portion 130 is arranged to define a wall of the dam. The fourth portion 140 is arranged to define a crest of the dam. Each of the first-to-fourth portions are regions of the waterproof membrane. Advantageously, the same waterproof membrane is used which helps to reduce the risk of leaks.

[29] In Figure 1, the barrier 1 is shown in a deployment position. Here, an outer surface of the barrier is configured to face away from the ground supporting the barrier. The barrier is laid out along its length. The barrier comprises tension members 200 which extend in a transverse direction W. As shown in Figure 1, the barrier extends in a longitudinal direction L since this is the greatest dimension of the barrier. The barrier comprises a retainer 150 that also extends in the longitudinal direction and is connected to the first portion 110. The retainer is configured to hold ballast 300 in order to bias the barrier towards the ground and prevent water from bypassing the barrier.

[30] The barrier shown in Figure 1 comprises two retainers 150 each for holding separate ballast 300. The ballast may be interconnected. However, it is preferred that each retainer is configured to independently receive ballast. Each retainer is provided as a sleeve that encloses the ballast. As shown in Figure 2, a first retainer 150A is provided at a leading edge 112 of the first portion 110. The first retainer is formed by folding the waterproof membrane 100 over itself and attaching a folded end to an overlapping part of the waterproof membrane. In contrast, a second retainer 150B provided inward from the leading edge of the first portion may be formed from a separate waterproof membrane that is connected to the first portion.

[31] As shown in Figure 1, each retainer 150 defines a tube in which the ballast 300 is positioned. The tube (or sleeve) comprises open ends in order to allow the ballast to be inserted and removed from the retainer. The retainer may further comprise a fastening member (not shown) to prevent movement of the retainer in the longitudinal direction L.

[32] The tension member 200 is arranged to restrict movement of the fourth portion 140 away from the first portion 110. The barrier 1 as shown in Figure 1 comprises a plurality of tension members. The tension members are preferably elongate and may be provided in rope form. The tension members shown in Figure 1 are coupled to eyelets 162 (see Figure 2) provided in the waterproof membrane 100. The tension members are shown to be spaced apart from each other along a longitudinal direction of the barrier.

[33] Figure 2 shows the barrier 1 in a partially open position. Here, the fourth portion 140, defining a crest of the dam 10, is moved away from the first portion 110, defining a base of the dam. The spacing between the fourth and first portions is limited by the tension members 200. As shown in Figure 2, a tab 160 comprises the eyelet 162 to which each tension member is connected. Each tension member may be elastically deformable in order to absorb shock from incoming waves when the barrier is provided as a dam. When deployed as a dam, the third portion 130 defines a fold in the waterproof membrane 100, the position of which is determined by the height of the water level and the length of the tension members. The barrier as shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises ballast 300 in the form of a chain. Advantageously, the chain follows the conformations of a ground surface on which the waterproof membrane is placed. This is advantageous in urban environments so that the chain can follow the shape of a kerb that is used to limit an edge of a pavement when meeting a road surface. Advantageously, sandbags are not needed to keep the leading edge 112 firmly on the ground.

[34] In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of spaced retainers is shown in Figure 3. Three groups of spaced retainers are shown. The first group 150A is shown at a leading edge 112 of the waterproof membrane 100. The second group 150B of retainers is located downstream of the first group of retainers and is positioned in between a third group 150C of retainers. A first gap G3 between the first and second group of retainers and a second gap G4 between the second group and third group of retainers is shown. These gaps may be equal or may be different from each other. Each of the groups of retainers comprises a plurality of sleeves or tubes. For example, a first tube or sleeve 151 is spaced apart from a second tube or sleeve 152. Advantageously, the gap between the tubes or sleeves allows the ballast 300 to be moved along each group of retainers. A first gap G1 and a second gap G2 is shown. The magnitude of the first and second gaps may be the same or one of the gaps may be different to the other.

Furthermore, visual inspection of the ballast is possible. The spacing between the tubes or sleeves also allows ballast to be quickly inserted and extracted from the barrier 1.

[35] Figure 4 shows the barrier 1 when arranged in the form of a dam 10. The hatched area illustrates the presence of water and the arrows show the pressure of the water on the waterproof membrane 100. When in use, ballast 300 allows the first portion 110, defining the base of the dam, to remain in contact with a ground surface, whereby the second portion 120 defines a toe of the dam and third and fourth portions define a wall and crest of the dam, respectively. The location of the tow is determined by the tension member 200 which helps to restrict movement of the fourth portion away from the first portion. Advantageously, the barrier is easy to deploy and compact when not in use.

[36] Figure 5 shows a process flow diagram of a method of deploying a barrier to form a dam S100. Firstly, ballast 300 is held by the retainer 150 in step S110. The ballast may be inserted in situ or may be inserted before the barrier 1 is placed on a ground surface forming a water basin. Next, the barrier is placed on a ground surface forming a water basin in step S120. This allows water to flow over the retainer, the ballast and the first portion 110 and toward a second portion 120 of the waterproof membrane forming a toe of the dam in step S130. As the water flows the barrier is opened in step S140 by water force pushing on a third portion 130 of the waterproof membrane forming a wall of the dam and moving the third portion away from the first portion forming the base of the dam. In doing so, a fourth portion 140 is positioned in step S150 on a water surface, whereby the fourth portion is a portion of the waterproof membrane 100 forming a crest of the dam.

[37] Finally, movement of the fourth portion 140 is restricted in step S160 away from the first portion 110 by the tension member 200. The tension members therefore act between the first and fourth portions to retain water and to prevent the barrier 1 from unfolding. The method may further comprise threading chain in step S112 through the retainer 150 wherein the chain is used as ballast 300. A plurality of retainers 150A, 150B may be used and the step of threading the chain may comprise threading the chain through each retainer. A single chain may be used to be threaded through each retainer. Alternatively, each retainer may have a corresponding chain which is not connected to each other. Each retainer may comprise a plurality of sleeves which is spaced apart from each other and the step of holding the ballast S110 may comprise threading the or each chain through a corresponding plurality of sleeves. Advantageously, the method is convenient and the barrier is quick to deploy.

Claims

1. A barrier (1) for retaining water when arranged in the form of a dam (10), the barrier comprising:

a waterproof membrane (100) comprising:

a first portion (110) for defining a base of the dam;

a second portion (120) for defining a toe of the dam;

a third portion (130) for defining a wall of the dam; and a fourth portion (140) for defining a crest of the dam;

a tension member (200) for restricting movement of the fourth portion away from the first portion; and a retainer (150) connected to the first portion for holding ballast (300).

2. The barrier (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second portion (120) and fourth portion (140) are arranged in a longitudinal direction (L) of the barrier and the retainer (150) is arranged in the longitudinal direction.

3. The barrier (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the retainer (150) comprises a sleeve for receiving said ballast (300).

4. The barrier (1) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the retainer (150) comprises a plurality of sleeves (151, 152) spaced apart from each other.

5. The barrier (1) according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of sleeves (151, 152) are spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction (L) of the barrier.

6. The barrier (1) according to claim 5, wherein plurality of sleeves (151, 152) are coaxially arranged.

7. The barrier (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the retainer (150) is integral to the waterproof membrane (100).

8. The barrier (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the retainer (150) is arranged at a leading edge (112) of the first portion (110) for defining a heel of the dam.

9. The barrier (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the barrier comprises a plurality of retainers (150).

10. The barrier (1) according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of retainers (150) are spaced apart from each other in a transverse direction (W) of the barrier.

11. The barrier (1) according to claim 10, wherein the tension member (200) is connected to the first portion (110) in a region located between adjacent retainers (150).

12. The barrier (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the barrier comprises elongate ballast (300).

13. The barrier (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate ballast (300) is a chain.

14. The barrier (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the tension member (200) is elongate.

15. The barrier (1) according to claim 14, wherein the barrier comprises a tab (160) extending from the waterproof membrane (100), wherein the tab comprises an eyelet (162) for receiving the elongate tension member (200).

16. A method (S100) of deploying a barrier (1) and forming a dam (10), wherein the barrier comprises a waterproof membrane (100), a tension member (200) and a retainer (150) connected to a first portion (110) of the waterproof membrane forming a base of the dam, the method comprising the steps of:

holding (S110) ballast (300) by the retainer;

placing (S120) the barrier on a ground surface forming a water basin;

flowing water (S130) over the retainer, the ballast and the first portion and toward a second portion (120) of the waterproof membrane forming a toe of the dam;

opening (S140) the barrier by water force pushing on a third portion (130) of the waterproof membrane forming a wall of the dam and moving the third portion away from the first portion forming a base of the dam;

positioning (S150) a fourth portion (140) of the waterproof membrane forming a crest of the dam on a water surface; and restricting movement (S160) of the fourth portion away from the first portion by the tension member.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of holding (S110) ballast by the retainer comprises:

threading (S112) a chain through the retainer, wherein the chain is used as ballast (300).

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the barrier (1) comprises a plurality of retainers (150) and the step of threading (S112) the chain comprises:

threading the chain through each retainer.

19. The method of any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the barrier (1) comprises a plurality of retainers (150) and a plurality of chains and the step of holding (S110) the ballast (300) comprises:

threading each chain through a corresponding retainer.

20. The method of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the or each retainer (150) comprises a plurality of sleeves (151, 152) spaced apart from each other and the step of holding (S110) the ballast (300) comprises:

threading the or each chain through a corresponding plurality of sleeves.