WO2011012908A1

WO2011012908A1 - Flood defence barrier system

Info

Publication number: WO2011012908A1
Application number: PCT/GB2010/051264
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roger Richardson
Original assignee: Roger Richardson
Priority date: 2009-07-30
Filing date: 2010-07-30
Publication date: 2011-02-03
Also published as: GB201202151D0; GB2486093A; GB2486093B; GB2472245A; GB0913277D0

Abstract

A flood defence barrier system kit-of-parts comprising: (a) a plurality of flood defence panels, (b) a plurality of supporting posts adapted at least partly to receive and support at least one flood defence panel, (c) ground-anchorable flood defence panel-receiving means, capable of at least partly receiving and supporting said flood defence panels, (d) ground-anchorable supporting post-receiving means, capable of at least partly receiving and supporting said supporting posts, and (e) flood defence panel-connecting means adapted to engage and connect together two or more said flood defence panels and optionally (f) a plurality of reinforcing supports adapted to engage a support post, or a flood defence panel, or said flood defence panel connecting means and adapted to be at least partially ground-seated.

Description

FLOOD DEFENCE BARRIER SYSTEM

This invention is concerned with a flood defence barrier system primarily for domestic dwellings. With the current fast changing climate bringing about widespread flooding of domestic homes, there is a need to solve the age old problem of preventing or minimising domestic homes from flooding. When there is a threat of flooding, which can quickly occur, the occupier needs quickly and easily to protect their home from the risk or actuality of flood. The present inventor has devised a flood barrier defence system incorporating a permanently affixed ground connection to be used in association with base and corner base profiles. This permanently affixed ground connection is a first stage of the present flood defence barrier and is intended to encircle the whole dwelling. The present invention has been devised with the home market and the "do it yourself", person in mind. All the above ground components can be of light weight material. A secondary non-permanent part of the present flood barrier may be constructed mainly from either tailor made or standard stock extruded components, for example of plastics material such as uPVC.

Once a dwelling has been surveyed and measurement taken for the ground connection and above ground components, the occupier can install the first stage of the system, namely this ground connection. This can be achieved by the occupier or their contractor excavating a trench spaced around the whole dwelling to the required dimensions. Once this is achieved the occupier would be able to erect as often or as rarely as required the second stage of the system being a non-permanent part. The present invention provides the occupier with the ability to remove parts of the flood defence barrier without compromise to the rest of the barrier. This enables the occupier to gain access to their home via front, rear or if present garage doors after erection of the second stage non-permanent part. Removed parts can be replaced to their original positions again quickly whilst flooding remains a threat. Once the whole flood defence barrier system is installed, it will give home protection from flood for example up to 1.5 m in height. Preferred embodiments of the complete system comprises a push fit system wherein no nails, screws or bolts need to be deployed. According to this invention there is provided in a first aspect a flood defence barrier system kit- of-parts comprising:

(a) a plurality of flood defence panels,

(b) a plurality of supporting posts adapted at least partly to receive and support at least one flood defence panel,

(c) ground-anchorable flood defence panel-receiving means, capable of at least partly receiving and supporting said flood defence panels,

(d) ground-anchorable supporting post-receiving means, capable of at least partly receiving and supporting said supporting posts, and

(e) flood defence panel-connecting means adapted to engage and connect together two or more said flood defence panels and optionally

(f) a plurality of reinforcing supports adapted to engage a support post, or a flood defence panel, or said flood defence panel connecting means and adapted to be at least partially ground-seated.

In a preferred embodiment the panels are vertically oriented.

In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a flood defence barrier system kit-of-parts comprising:

(a) a plurality of flood defence panels,

(c) ground-anchorable supporting post-receiving means, capable of at least partly receiving and supporting said supporting posts, and

(d) flood defence panel-connecting means adapted to engage and connect together two or more said flood defence panels, and

(e) ground-anchorable flood defence panel-receiving means, capable of at least partly receiving and supporting said flood defence panels, wherein the said panel- receiving means comprises an elongate extrusion or moulding having a channel section engageable with the lowermost edge of a plurality of said defence panels, in which the said channel section is provided with a water-resistant seal.

In another aspect of the invention, the water-resistant seal is made from an elastomeric material, for example neoprene.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of protecting a dwelling from flood or from the risk of flood which comprises erection of a kit-of-parts as defined in the first aspect around a dwelling wherein said ground anchorable flood defence panel-receiving means and ground-anchorable supporting post-receiving means have already been ground anchored, for example by embedding within previously poured concrete that has set.

In a further aspect of this invention there is provided a method of constructing a flood defence barrier system which comprises erection of a kit-of-parts as defined in the first aspect.

Further preferred and optional features of the invention are to be found amongst the sub-claims herewith.

The present flood defence barrier system works best when all components of each embodiment are working together giving maximum strength and protection. In preferred arrangements parts of a panel barrier component can be removed when flooding has ceased but a threat of flood remains. This allows the occupier access to their home via front, back or garage door. Removed parts can quickly and easily be replaced to their original erected position.

In order that the invention may be further described and explained, additional non-limiting embodiments will now be described in more detail purely by way of example before referring to the drawings subsequently.

A new and unique approach to protecting homes from flooding consists of a concrete ground connection which encircles the whole dwelling and finished with an upper surface at just below ground level. The poured concrete enters pre-installed shuttering in trenches. Before poured concrete sets, the uPVC base and corner base profiles are pushed into the poured concrete, levelled and left within the concrete to set. Figure 5 shows preferred base profiles; Figure 4 shows preferred corner base profiles. Both profiles preferably have extruded fins on their sides, the corner base profiles preferably having double sets of fins. This ensures both profiles will be rigid. Within both profiles there are fitted neoprene seals and plugs within grooves. This ground-anchored permanent affixture represents the first stage of the present flood defence barrier system and is the permanent part of flood barrier. This permanent part (after setting of the poured concrete with profiles therein) is now ready to house the uPVC panel barrier.

In this described embodiment, the non-permanent part of flood barrier includes multiple flat uPVC panels to be connected together as a wall and located in the ground anchor. There are mortice and tenon joints on opposite sides of panels to enable their interconnection. These joints run the full length of panel. Within the mortices are neoprene seals and plugs which facilitate the juxtaposition of panels and their fit with corner posts joints, all by means of a push fit system. Also this way, panels can now be push fitted into the ground-anchored base profiles.

The uPVC extruded corner posts will have mortice and tenon joints on two sides of the square posts not being opposite sides of posts (Figure 10, feature 5 refers). Again within the mortices there will be neoprene seals and plugs. This will facilitate alternative joints on panels. At the bottom of the corner post there is a register to ensure the rigidity of posts when push fitted into the ground-anchored corner base profiles (Figure 7, feature 22 refers).

The flood defence barrier proposes a uPVC "U" capping extrusion. This capping can be fitted over the tops of installed wall panels and straddling joints in those wall panels for strength. (Figure 2, feature 7 shows capping in place).

The steel support frames (e.g. as seen in Figure 3) can be a right angled triangle design with a pyramid strengthening feature at their lower end. The body of the steel support frame is made from square section hollow galvanised steel (see Figure 3, feature 8). There are galvanised plates welded at joints in the frame (e.g. Figure 3, feature 9). The integral steel support head at the top of frame (Figure 3, feature 11 ) is continuously welded to the top of the frame. The steel support frames can be lifted in position offering a steel support head (inverted U-shaped) to be placed over uPVC panel "U" capping and in turn over the wall panels themselves. Such steel support head will straddle joints in the "U" capping. The steel support frames are placed behind flood barrier and in front of the brickwork of the dwelling. Figures 1 and 3 illustrate these frames resting on the ground with their back bottom foot pressing against damp course of brickwork. This embodiment utilizes a uPVC plug with a tenon design to allow the plug to be push fitted into the ground-anchored base profile when the flood defence apparatus is not in use. These plugs offer protection to the ground-anchored base profiles from falling debris thereby protecting the neoprene seals and plugs. Also the ground-anchored corner base profiles are protected in a similar way by a uPVC plug, again with a tenon for push fitting in.

The home flood defence design allows for the difference in the terrain around a dwelling, such as steps and various levels in the ground. This is facilitated by the introduction of a pre-cast concrete block and would allow for a continuous run around dwelling of both concrete plinth and base profile. This pre-cast concrete block can be made to suit no matter how deep the droop in the dwelling. Figure 14 illustrates the pre-cast concrete block and the grooves into which the uPVC base profile would fit (feature 2).

In order that the invention in all its aspects may be illustrated, more easily explained and readily carried into effect by those skilled in the art, embodiments thereof will now be described purely by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, and in which:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a domestic detached dwelling encircled by flood defence barrier system which had been assembled from the present kit-of-parts, and with a modification for protecting a semi-detached dwelling;

Figure 2 is a partial front elevation of a plurality of assembled adjacent defence panels all of which are interconnected and one of which is engaging a corner support post;

Figure 3 is a side elevation of reinforcing, strengthening means to the dwelling-side of a panel, engaging that panel and being in ground contact;

Figure 4 is a sectional view through a ground anchored corner post supporting means; Figure 5 is a sectional view of a ground-anchored defence panel supporting means;

Figure 6 is a partial enlarged sectional view of the reinforcing, strengthening means with coupling section for the uppermost edge of defence panel, defence panels connector or non-corner post; Figure 7 is a partial enlarged elevation of a corner support post with mortice channel clearly visible;

Figure 8 is a sectional view through a flood defence panel with mortice and tenon cooperating formations;

Figure 9 is a partial enlarged sectional view of a defence panel above the uppermost edge of which a channel shaped capping is provided as the connecting means between a plurality of generally co-planar installed such defence panels;

Figure 10 is a sectional view through a corner supporting post;

Figure 11 is a sectional view through a protective cover adapted to fit the hollow portion of a ground anchored corner support post supporting means;

Figure 12 is a corresponding sectional view through a protective cover for a ground anchored defence panel supporting means; and

Figure 13 is an enlarged partial sectional view through the uppermost portion of the reinforcing strengthening means with the corresponding channel-shaped coupling part welded to said strengthening means.

Figure 14 is a pre-cast concrete block designed to allow the system to run continuously round a dwelling, allowing for differences in the level of the terrain around the dwelling.

Figure 15 is a plan view of a corner in system that has been designed to allow for differences in the level of the terrain around the dwelling.

Figure 16 is a pre-cast concrete block that has been designed to allow for differences in the level of the terrain in a vertical position.

Figure 17 illustrates the flood defence barrier system in use. KEY TO DRAWINGS AND FEATURES

FIGURE 1 - PLAN

Feature: 1 Concrete plinth

4 uPVC panels in place

18 uPVC corner posts eternal position

19 steel supports in place

20 alternative barrier design for semi-detached homes

FIGURE 2 - SIDE ELEVATION

Feature: 1 concrete plinth

4 uPVC panels

7 uPVC capping in place

14 steel support head

19 steel support

18 u PVC corner posts

FIGURE 3 -

Feature: 1 concrete plinth

8 steel support frame section

9 galvanised steel plates

10 top position steel plate

11 steel support head

17 side view uPVC panel

FIGURE 4 - uPVC CORNER BASE PROFILE

Feature: 2 fins

3 Neoprene seals, plugs

6 uPVC 5mm extrusion

FIGURE 5 - uPVC base profile

Feature: 2 fins

3 Neoprene seals, plugs

6 u PVC extrusion FIGURE 6 - STEEL SUPPORT HEAD

Feature: 8 galvanised hollow steel section

15 uPVC top plug for head

23 steel support head

FIGURE 7 - CORNER POST DETAIL SHOWING REGISTER Feature: 22 register

FIGURE 8 - END VIEW OF uPVC panel

Feature: 3 Neoprene seal, plug

4 end view of panel

5 mortice and tenon joints

6 u PVC extrusion

FIGURE 9 - CAPPING DETAIL

Feature: 6 uPVC extrusion

7 end view of capping

8 panel

FIGURE 10 - CORNER POST DETAIL

Feature: 3 Neoprene seal, plug

5 mortice and tenon joints

6 u PVC extrusion

FIGURE 1 1 - CORNER POST PLUG

Feature: 15 uPVC plug

FIGURE 12 - uPVC BASE PROFILE PLUG

Feature: 16 uPVC plug

FIGURE 13 - STEEL SUPPORT PLATE CONNECTION Feature: 12 continuous weld

13 galvanised plate

24 galvanised steel frame hollow section FIGURE 14 - PRE-CAST CONCRETE BLOCK

Feature: 1 concrete plinth

2 groove

FIGURE 15 - CORNER

Feature: 1 concrete plinth

2 groove

3 concrete plinth

4 panel

5 corner post

6 base profile

7 concrete plinth

8 below ground level

FIGURE 16 - PRE-CAST CONCRETE BLOCK

Feature: 3 concrete plinth

8 below ground level

FIGURE 17 - FLOOD DEFENCE BARRIER SYSTEM IN USE

Feature: 1 concrete plinth

4 panel

18 uPVC corner posts

19 steel support

Figures 1-17 illustrate one example of the preferred physical components and steps needed to make and install a preferred embodiment of the present flood defence barrier system. This invention provides an alternative approach to defending homes from flooding especially with the concrete ground-anchored connection system. The system illustrates a partially permanent method by which people can defend their homes from flooding easily and quickly without skilled labour. A set concrete plinth around the dwelling provides a removable connection for the superposed multiple uPVC barrier defence panels. Whilst developed principally for the home market and the "Do It Yourself" person in mind it may be productive to hire in semi-skilled labour to arrange to excavate a permanent ground channel away from but around the dwelling, and for that labour to use shuttering and formwork for pouring wet cement, and locating the ground anchored support components therein.

The illustrated embodiment features a ground-anchored support in the form of a concrete plinth to encircle a whole dwelling as shown in Figure 1 , feature 1. This concrete plinth will be just below ground level when finished and set as seen in Figure 2, feature 1. This part of the flood defence barrier can be achieved by the householder or contractor excavating a trench around the dwelling to the required depth and width and using conventional shuttering. It is then ready for the poured concrete. During the pouring of the concrete the pre-extruded concrete base and corner base uPVC profiles are pushed into the poured concrete, levelled accurately then left to set. Figure 4 illustrates preferred extruded uPVC corner base profiles having a slot into which corner support posts fit. Figure 5 illustrates uPVC base profiles with a groove providing housing for uPVC panels (or base plug when panels are not assembled). Both corner and base profiles have integral fins on sides made during their extrusion process. This ensures both ground- anchored support means remain rigid when concrete sets. There can be twin pairs of fins on corner base profiles and single pairs on the ground anchored base profiles.

Figures 4, 5, 8 and 10, feature 3, show water-resistant means in the form of Neoprene seals and plugs. The Neoprene seals and plugs in panel and corner post profiles help to resist leakage of floodwater towards the dwelling. These seals and plugs can provide water tight joints both in the ground connection when uPVC panels are push fitted into their base profiles also for when the defence panels are connected together. It will be seen as an important advantage when constructing the concrete plinth for the ground-anchored plinth to be sited about 1 m from the outside of the brick work of dwelling as seen in Figure 1 , feature 1. Feature 20 shows alternative layout for semi-detached dwelling. This will:

(a) accommodate for any underground services such as gas, water, electricity and telephone;

(b) give householder free access to walk round dwelling in order to check for any breaches in flood barrier when system in use;

(c) enable householder to erect barrier using both sides of system;

(d) householder will remain able to open any doors outwards. This 1 m spacing from dwelling can be flexible to suit all homes and circumstances during surveying. The overall concrete plinth together with the tethered uPVC corner base and base profiles can be likened to a permanently affixed component of the present flood defence barrier.

SECOND STAGE

The pre-extruded uPVC panels can now be offered to the unique ground anchored connection. Figure 1 , Feature 4 shows the defence panels in situ. Figure 2, feature 4 shows the defence panels as a wall. Figure 8, feature 4 shows an extruded end view of these panels. Figure 8, feature 5 show mortice and tenon joints for coupling adjacent panels together, which joints run the length of each defence panel. Figure 8, feature 3 shows Neoprene seals and plugs within the mortice. Also feature 6 shows another uPVC extrusion. The panels contain a tenon on one side and a mortice on opposite side. Figure 10 illustrates a uPVC corner post detail, again feature 5 showing mortice and tenon joints for coupling to the defence panels. Feature 3 again represents Neoprene seals and plugs. Feature 6 showing a 5mm extrusion. The corner post end, Figure 7, feature 22, shows a register to ensure the corner posts seat properly and remain firm in each co-operating corner base profile. Figure 1 , feature 18 shows corner post external position.

Now concrete ground connection is in position together with the tethered uPVC base and corner base profiles. The uPVC panels, Figure 2, feature 4, can be pushed into the already set ground- anchored connection plinth. This can be achieved by hand tapping lightly until the defence panels seat in the groove in their co-operating uPVC base profile and abut against the already present Neoprene seals and plugs at bottom of groove. Figures 4-5, Feature 3 illustrate these seals and plugs. The panels are push fitted one at a time into the ground anchored base profile and coupled together using the mortice and tenon joints running along the sides of the panels. The panels are conveniently push fitted together in blocks ten (10) for easy working to the next stage. The partially assembled flood barrier should now correspond generally with the arrangement depicted in Figure 2, feature 4.

Then a uPVC "U" capping can be push fitted over the upper most edge of the panels and ideally straddle joints between panels for additional strength. Figure 2, feature 7 shows such capping in situ. Figure 9, feature 7 shows an end view of this "U" capping. Figure 9, feature 4 shows a section through the panel. The steel reinforcing and strengthening supports of Figure 3 can now be brought into use, Feature 8 showing the body of such steel support frames of square section hollow galvanised steel. Feature 9 shows galvanised steel plates and welded at joints within the frame.

Figure 3 shows the steel support strengthening and reinforcing frame to be a right angled triangle with a pyramid section design at its lowermost ground contacting side. The pyramid section has a steel plate welded at joints as in Figure 3, feature 9. The integral steel support head feature 1 1 is welded to the top of the steel support frame. Figure 6 shows the steel support head. Feature 8 shows a square hollow galvanised steel structure, feature 23 being the galvanised steel support head. Figure 13, feature 12 shows a continuous weld. Feature 24 is of square section, feature 13 illustrates galvanised steel plate. Figure 3, feature 17 shows uPVC panel end view, such steel support head would be placed over feature 1 1. Again the steel support head would ideally straddle joints in "U" capping. Figure 1 , feature 19 shows steel supports in place between a stack of multiple adjacent panels. Figure 2, feature 14 shows the position of the steel support head. Figure 1 1 , feature 15 shows an end view of the plug protecting the top of the steel support. Figure 6, feature 15 shows the plug in situ. It will be noted all undertakings can be carried out by house holder or a contractor or a mixture of both. During a spell of dry weather when the flood defence barrier is not required, the uPVC panels, "U" capping, base plugs and steel supports can be flat packed and stored. Only the unique ground-anchored concrete plinth needs to remain as a permanent figure of the system. This is when the unique uPVC base plug comes into use. Figure 12, feature 16 shows an end view of the base plug. These plugs are push fitted into the base profiles. At this time both concrete plinth and base plugs are unobtrusive to e.g. foot or other passengers over ground movement. They offer protection to base profiles and their Neoprene seals and plugs protect against debris falling in. Base plugs which fit into base profiles have a tenon as per Figure 12, feature 16. The plastic plug that fits into the corner base profile similarly has a tenon as per Figure 11 , feature 15. There are no nails, screws or other similar fixtures needed throughout the barrier system. The Neoprene seals and plugs would be fitted during or after the corresponding plastics extrusion process, being an important part of the system in preventing flooding when the barrier system is assembled from the kit of parts when water has subsided but there is still a threat of flooding. Then during intermission of rain, the householder has the choice of removing uPVC panel, "U" capping and steel supports. This would facilitate entry to dwelling via front, rear, or garage doors. This would be achieved by removing appropriate steel supports, "U" capping and plastic panels, directly in front of access points without compromise to rest of system.

The remaining barrier would stay in position once access is gained for whatever reason. All removed parts can be easily and quickly replaced to their original position. Therefore when positioning steel support, plastic panels and "U" capping some thought will be needed in order to place these important parts of the barrier system so they fall either side of access points. The whole home flood defence barrier can be tailor made or standard sizes, it will be seen that both or a mixture of both will be suitable. This can be determined during a home surveying stage.

The system can be adapted to allow for differences in the terrain around a dwelling, such as steps and changes in the level of the ground. The system would allow a continuous run around the dwelling of both the concrete plinths and uPVC base profiles by the introduction of a pre-cast concrete block.

Figure 14 (feature 1 ) illustrates the block with dimensions matching those of the concrete plinth. The block can be pushed into the ground between the lower ground concrete plinth and the higher ground concrete plinth. Figure 14 (feature 2) illustrates a groove in the block into which the uPVC base profile would fit. Figures 15 and 16 show the system in use around the corner of a dwelling and where there is a change in ground level, respectively.

Figure 17 illustrates one embodiment of the system in use.

The present flood defence barrier system as a whole can be installed in new build homes or existing homes in order to prevent homes from flood. Once the first stage (concrete plinth) and all uPVC and steel components are made for a home, all initial costs once met would mean no other costs involved for the occupier. The householder would be able to use the system time and time again without the worry of further expense.

All above ground, plastic panels, steel supports can be made taller than 1 m without necessarily increasing the section strength. This could provide home protection from flooding where flooding risk is more than 1 m.

ADVANTAGES 1. Push fit system throughout once ground anchored plinths set up

2. All above ground components can be made from lightweight materials.

3. No nails, screws or other similar fastenings need to be used.

4. System can be used time and time again.

5. Can be installed and taken down quickly.

6. Whilst barrier is in use, partial sections of barrier can still be removed quickly to gain access to home via front, rear or garage door leaving rest of barrier in place. Removed section can be replaced quickly to original position for continued home protection.

7. Unique composite uPVC extruded sections and concrete ground connection encircling whole dwelling.

8. Ground connection system can be relatively unobtrusive to foot passengers or other over ground movement.

9. Whole u PVC and steel supports can be flat packed and stored when not in use.

10. Ground connection system protected by specially designed plugs.

11. Barrier system aimed at "Do It Yourself" person.

12. Contractor or occupier can fit concrete plinth.

13. Occupier able to install panel barrier.

14. Permanent unobtrusive new ground connection.

15. All above ground components can be of lightweight material giving everyone equal opportunity to use and install.

16. Overall system can be set up very quickly once ground connection is set in place.

17. Occupier able to remove parts of barrier for access to home via: a) front; b) rear; c) garage doors.

18. Barrier situated, e.g. 1 m from dwelling from outside brickwork means:

a) easy access round home checking for breaches;

b) would miss any vital services underground;

c) would give room to manoeuvre when erecting barrier.

19. 1 m spacing from home can be flexible to suit all homes.

20. Barrier can be installed in new build as well as existing homes.

21. No on-going running costs. All costs can be met in initial purchase and installation stage.

22. Low maintenance.

23. Flood barrier can be left in position for as long as needed. 24. Home flood defence barrier system can be purchased as components parts from concrete ground connection to all above components.

25. Home insurance costs should decrease, and in certain high flood risk areas, home insurance against flood damage may be available.

Claims

1. A flood defence barrier system kit-of-parts comprising:

(a) a plurality of flood defence panels,

(d) flood defence panel-connecting means adapted to engage and connect together two or more said flood defence panels in a substantially vertical orientation.

2. A kit as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein the defence panel comprises a hollow extruded or moulded section with a projecting formation along one side and an indented formation at the other side thereof.

3. A kit as claimed in Claim 2, in which the said formations are in the form of mortice and tenon joints.

4. A kit as claimed in Claim 3, in which the mortice formation includes a water-resistant seal.

5. A kit as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein two different types of supporting post are included, corner support posts and non-corner support posts.

6. A kit as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the corner support post comprises an elongate extrusion or moulding with means to receive side edges of a defence panel such that said corner support post can be located at a corner of the assembled kit in engagement with a pair of defence panels locatable at about 90° to each other.

7. A kit as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the said corner post includes mortice and tenon formations adapted to engage co-operating mortice and tenon formations on respective defence panels as defined in Claim 3.

8. A kit as claimed in any of Claims 5 to 7, wherein the said non-corner supports comprise elongate extrusions or mouldings with formations such as mortice and tenon formations adapted to engage co-operating formations, such as mortice and tenon formations, on adjacent defence panels beatable in generally co-planar arrangement.

9. A kit as claimed in any preceding Claim also comprising ground-anchorable flood

defence panel-receiving means, capable of at least partly receiving and supporting said flood defence panels.

10. A kit as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the ground-anchorable flood defence panel-receiving means comprises an elongate extrusion or moulding having a channel section engageable with the lowermost edge of a plurality of said defence panels, and projecting formations able to form a retaining key with concrete when inserted into liquid concrete with said channel section uppermost.

11. A kit as claimed in Claim 10, in which the said channel section is provided with a water- resistant seal.

12. A kit as claimed in Claim 10 or 11 , wherein the ground-anchorable supporting post- receiving means comprises an elongate extension or moulding having a hollow internal portion engageable with the lowermost end of a supporting post such as of a corner-such post as defined in Claim 5, and further provided with projecting formations able to form a retaining key with concrete when inserted into liquid concrete with an open part of said hollow internal portion uppermost.

13. A kit as claimed in Claim 12, wherein said hollow internal portion is provided with a

water-resistant seal.

14. A kit as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein the water-resistant seal comprises a plug between two chambers within the component.

15. A kit as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the plug is made from an elastomeric material.

16. A kit as claimed in any preceding Claim also comprising a plurality of reinforcing supports adapted to engage a support post, or a flood defence panel, or said flood defence panel connecting means and adapted to be at least partially ground-seated.

17. A kit of parts as claimed in any preceding Claim which further includes a sealing plug having a projecting formation able to seat within a channel section within said ground- anchorable flood defence panel receiving means in the absence of defence panels being seated therein.

18. A kit of parts as claimed in Claim 18, further including a sealing plug having a projecting formation able to seat within an internal hollow portion of said ground-anchorable supporting post receiving means in the absence of a supporting post seated therein.

19. A kit of parts as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the said defence panel- connecting means comprises an elongate extrusion or moulding comprising an internal channel section within which a plurality of defence panels uppermost edges can be seated, to effect a connection between a plurality of generally co-planar arranged, adjacent such defence panels.

20. A kit of parts as claimed in Claim 19 in which the connecting means comprises a pair of oppositely located walls either side of said channel section and which walls are arranged and spaced apart so as to provide a tight frictional fit with the said uppermost edges of said adjacent defence panels.

21. A kit of parts as claimed in any preceding Claim in which components are present and which comprise a ground-contactable formation and a defence panel-contactable formation, together with securing means which enable the reinforcing support to be connected to the uppermost edge of a defence panel, or to the defence panel-connecting means as defined in Claim 19, or to a non-corner support post as defined in Claim 5.

22. A kit as claimed in Claim 21 , wherein the reinforcing support comprises a triangulated section of which part is ground-contactable, and further comprises a channel section component at its defence panel-contacting end adapted to engage and restrain said defence panel, or said defence panel connecting means or said non-corner post.

23. A flood defence barrier system kit-of-parts comprising:

(a) a plurality of flood defence panels,

24. A kit as claimed in Claim 23, wherein the channel is provided with a base and the water- resistant seal protrudes inwardly from the base.

25. A kit as claimed in Claim 24, wherein the panel is adapted to rest on the base of the channel.

26. A kit as claimed in any of Claims 23-25, wherein the defence panel comprises a hollow extruded or moulded section with a projecting formation along one side and an indented formation at the other side thereof, in which the said formations are in the form of mortice and tenon joints.

27. A kit as claimed in Claim 26, in which the mortice formation includes a water-resistant seal.

28. A kit as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 27, wherein the ground-anchorable supporting post-receiving means comprises an elongate extension or moulding having a hollow internal portion engageable with the lowermost end of a supporting post such as of described in Claim 5, wherein said hollow internal portion is provided with a water- resistant seal.

29. A kit as claimed in Claim 27 wherein the water-resistant seal is positioned within the hollow internal portion.

30. A kit as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 29 wherein the water-resistant seal comprises a plug between two chambers within the component.

31. A kit as claimed in Claim 30 wherein the plug is made from an elastomeric material.

32. A method of protecting a dwelling from flood or from the risk of flood which comprises erection of a kit-of-parts as defined in any preceding Claim around a dwelling, wherein said ground anchorable flood defence panel-receiving means and ground-anchorable supporting post-receiving means have already been ground anchored, for example by embedding within previously poured concrete that has set.

33. A method of constructing a flood defence barrier system which comprises erection of a kit-of-parts as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 31.

34. A flood defence barrier system comprising:

(a) a plurality of flood defence panels,

(e) flood defence panel-connecting means adapted to engage and connect together two or more said flood defence panels,

and

(f) a plurality of reinforcing supports adapted to engage a support post, or flood defence panel, or said flood defence panel connecting means and adapted to be at least partially ground-seated.