WO2020204704A1

WO2020204704A1 - Dam

Info

Publication number: WO2020204704A1
Application number: PCT/NL2020/050204
Authority: WO
Inventors: Petrus Johannes VAN DEN HADELKAMP
Original assignee: Mwd B.V.
Priority date: 2019-04-02
Filing date: 2020-03-26
Publication date: 2020-10-08
Also published as: NL2022850B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a flood defence dam structure and a method for providing a flood defence dam. The flood defence dam structure according to the invention comprises: - at least two liquid chambers from a flexible material having an inlet configured for filling the chamber with liquid, the at least two liquid chambers further having an upper surface, a lower ground surface, a first end, a second end and two side walls, wherein the at least two liquid chambers extend substantially parallel to each other from the first to the second end, and wherein at least one of the first and second ends is provided at an end-angle, and wherein at least one of the sidewalls is provided at a side-angle.

Description

DAM

The present invention relates to a flood defence dam structure that can be used to assemble an entire flood defence dam. Such structure can be filled with water or other liquid, and can be used in case of an expected flood, for example caused by heavy rain falls or increase of sea (or river) water level.

In practice, sand bags are used to protect a house or dyke in case of an expected flood.

Such sand bags are relatively expensive and require a large amount of labour for filling and positioning the sand bags. Also known are box carriers that can be positioned such that a dam is provided. In addition to the relatively high costs associated with these barriers, also storage room is required.

NL 2011435 discloses a flood defence dam structure from a flexible material having an inlet configured for filling a chamber with a liquid such as water. Such individual dam structure comprises different parts or elements that require assembly. Individual dam structures need to be positioned carefully to provide an effective flood defence dam. This requires careful operation under difficult circumstances when a flood is expected or when there are heavy rain falls, for example.

The objective for the present invention is to provide a flood defence dam structure that obviates or at least reduces one or more of the above stated problems and particularly provides a dam structure that is easier to use when assembling a flood defence dam and provides an effective dam.

This is achieved with a flood defence dam structure for providing a flood defence dam, wherein the flood defence dam structure comprises:

at least two liquid chambers from a flexible material having an inlet configured for filling the chamber with liquid, the at least two liquid chambers further having an upper surface, a lower ground surface, a first end, a second end and two side walls, wherein the at least two liquid chambers extend between the first end and the second end of the flood defence dam structure and wherein the at least two liquid chambers extend substantially parallel to each other along a longitudinal axis from the first to the second end, and

wherein at least one of the first and second ends is provided at an end-angle relative to a vertical plane such that the upper surface of the flood defence dam structure has a length that is larger as compared to a length of the lower surface of the flood defence dam structure, and wherein at least one of the sidewalls is provided at a side-angle relative to a vertical plane such that the lower ground surface of the flood defence dam structure has a width that is larger as compared to the width of the upper surface of the flood defence dam structure.

By providing the chamber from a flexible material, the required storage room or storage space can be kept to a minimum when the flood defence dam structure is not required. This reduces the storage costs of the dam structure according to the present invention. By providing an inlet that is configured for filling the chamber with a liquid, such as water, the chamber of the flexible material of the dam structure can be easily filled with a liquid to reach its desired shape and mass.

The dam comprises at least two, and preferably two, chambers.

By providing at least one of the first and second ends at an end-angle to a vertical plane the watertight engagement of two adjacent ends is significantly improved. The length of the upper surface of the flood defence dam structure is larger as compared to the length of the lower ground surface of the flood defence dam structure. This assures an effective engagement of two adjacent ends of two adjacent dam structures. Experiments have shown that the watertight connection when providing this design is significantly improved, thereby improving the overall protection achieved with the flood defence dam structure.

By providing at least one of the sidewalls at a side-angle relative to a vertical plane such that the lower ground surface of the flood defence dam structure has a width that is larger as compared to the width of the upper surface of the flood defence dam structure, the flood defence dam structure is able to better withstand lateral forces from the water. When the water level of the water to be hold back by the flood defence dam structure is for example halfway the height of the flood defence dam structure, the water exerts a substantial lateral force on the sidewall of the flood defence dam structure adjacent to the water. This lateral force can place the flood defence dam structure at risk of rolling over, thereby letting water through. By having the width of the lower ground surface larger than the width of the lower ground surface, the flood defence dam structure has a bigger ground surface as support and therefore is more stable, which prevents the flood defence dam structure from rolling over.

In an embodiment according to the invention the ratio of the upper surface area divided by the lower surface area is in the range of 0.7 to 1, preferably in the range of 0.8 to 0.9, and most preferably is about 0.85.

By providing a ratio in the range of 0.7 to 1, preferably in the range of 0.8 to 0.9, and most preferably is about 0.85 an advantageous combination of both a watertight engagement of two adjacent ends and a stable flood defence dam structure is obtained. Experiments have shown that the abovementioned ratios provide a sufficiently watertight engagement of two adjacent ends and a sufficiently stable flood defence dam structure. By having a ratio which is lower than 1, the centre of gravity for the flood defence dam structure is lower than half the height of the flood defence dam structure. This has the advantage that the flood defence dam structure gives more stability, because the chance of rolling over is lower when the centre of gravity is lower. Next to this, the surface are of the lower ground floor is bigger, thereby also providing extra stability.

In a further embodiment according to the invention a longitudinal centre-line of the flood defence dam structure makes a directional-angle.

A longitudinal centre-point is defined by the intersection of the diagonals of a cross section of the flood defence dam structure. The longitudinal centre-line is defined by all the longitudinal centre -points.

By providing the flood defence dam structure with a directional-angle of the longitudinal centre-line, the flood defence dam structure acquires extra stability. Due to the directional-angle b perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, gives extra support for when the flood defence dam structure suffers a lateral force from the water. Alternatively or additionally, the flood defence dam structure can, because of the directional-angle, be put in a corner or a turn. This is advantageous when the area which has to be protected from the water does not have a circumference with straight lines.

In a further embodiment according to the invention the flood defence dam structure comprises at least one connecting element provided at or close to at least one of the first and second ends wherein the connecting element comprises a ring structure for connecting the flood defence dam structure with an adjacent flood defence dam structure.

By providing at least one connecting element one flood defence dam structure can be connected with an adjacent flood defence dam structure. Via for example a rope, a cord, a cable or another fastening element, the connecting elements can be fastened. The advantage of the connection of the flood defence dam structures is that it gives an improved watertight connection between adjacent flood defence dam structures. Alternatively or additionally, multiple flood defence dam structures can be connected to form one long flood defence dam.

In a further embodiment according to the invention the ring structure comprises a metal ring.

By providing a metal ring as a connecting element one ensures that the fastening element has a stable connection with the connecting element.

In a further embodiment according to the invention the end-angle is in the range of 1 ° to 15°, preferably in the range of 1.5° to 10°, and the end-angle is most preferably about 5°.

Experiments have shown that abovementioned angles significantly contribute to the performance of the dam and the dam structures. In a further embodiment according to the invention the directional-angle is substantially perpendicular.

By providing the directional-angle substantially perpendicular provides the best support to the flood defence dam structure when it suffers lateral forces from the water. Therefore, having a substantially perpendicular angle provides a stable flood defence dam structure.

In a further embodiment according to the invention the liquid chambers are spaced apart from each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, and wherein the liquid chambers are both connected to a bottom wall.

Having two or more liquid chambers that are spaced apart from each other while sharing a common bottom wall has several advantages. First of all, manufacturing the dam structure having two or more, and preferably two, chambers that are connected via a common bottom wall is more cost-effective and efficient than manufacturing a dam structure having a single chamber.

Furthermore, providing two or more, and preferably two, separate chambers that are connected via a bottom wall provides additional stability and strength compared to a dam structure having a single chamber or a dam structure having an internal separation wall. Even if one of the chambers is damaged and leaking, the other chamber remains operational to provide time for switching or repairing the dam structure.

In a further embodiment according to the invention the distance between oppositely positioned side walls of adjacent liquid chambers is in the range of 10 mm to 40 mm, and preferably in the range of 15 mm to 30 mm, and most preferably about 20 mm.

Providing a specific distance between the opposite walls of two adjacent liquid chambers has several advantages. Preferably the distance is adapted to the (other) dimensions of the dam structure and/or to the specific user demands of the dam structure. A larger distance between the two chambers reduces the amount of material that is required for manufacturing the dam structure, whereas an increasing distance may also lead to a dam structure that is insufficiently strong and resilient for the required function. Therefore, the distance should preferably be adapted to the other dimension of the dam structure, such as the length, height and width as well as the intended use.

By providing the ratio of the upper surface area divided by the lower surface area of about 0.85, experiments showed that a distance between opposite walls of 20 mm has the best reduction of material while still maintaining sufficient stability.

In a further embodiment according to the invention the flood defence dam structure comprises a partition wall defining at least two sub-chambers in at least one of the liquid chambers.

By providing a partition wall the effect of the dam structure is improved. Preferably, the partition wall extends in a substantially lengthwise direction of the flood defence dam structure, more preferably in a substantially vertical plane. This improves the stability and strength of the flood defence dam structure. Optionally, in one of the preferred embodiments of the invention the partition wall is provided between two sub-structures that are U-shaped. Preferably, open sides of the U-shaped sub-structures or sub-chambers are directed towards each other and the partition wall separates the two sub-structures. The components of such dam structure are preferably sealed against each other, for example involving a hot-bonding process or other suitable process.

In a further embodiment according to the invention the inlet comprises a non-return valve.

By providing a non-return valve filling the chamber of the dam structure is made easier and it is prevented that a liquid leaves the chamber in an uncontrolled manner. This improves the filling process when installing the dam structure according to the present invention.

Preferably, the non-return valve can be manipulated to enable removing the liquid from the chamber. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, a separate outlet can be provided

In a further embodiment according to the invention the flexible material comprises Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM).

Experiments showed that this material is effective, relatively easy to repair, not very sensitive for UV, and requires minimal maintenance. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, other materials can be used, such as PVC or TPE for example. Also, inserts or filaments of another material such as polyester can be included in the EPDM material or alternative material to improve the tensile strength. This further improves the overall performance of the dam structure.

The present invention also relates to a flood defence dam comprising a number of flood defence dam structures as described herein.

The flood defence dam provides the same advantages and effects as described for the flood defence dam structure. Especially the connecting elements achieve a watertight connection of two ends of two adjacent dam structures engaging each other.

The present invention further relates to a method for providing a flood defence dam, the method comprising the steps of:

providing at least two flood defence dam structures according to one or more of the embodiments described above;

filling the liquid chambers with a liquid; and

connecting two adjacent flood defence dam structures with the connecting element.

The method according to the invention provides the same advantages and effects as flood defence dam structure as described above.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment flood defence dam structure according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the flood defence dam structure;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the flood defence dam structure with a directional-angle; and

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the flood defence dam structure with a directional-angle.

Flood defence dam structure 2 (figures 1 A-B) comprises first chamber 4 and second chamber 6 that are oriented towards each other and are separated by partition wall 8. Dam structure 2 comprises upper surface or top surface 10. Defence structure 2 comprises side walls 12, lower ground surface 20, first end 16, second end 18, and inlet 22. Inlet valve 22 is provided with a non return valve or check valve. In the illustrated embodiment of dam structure 2 side edges 16 and 18 are provided at end-angle a to the vertical (figurelB). Furthermore, side walls 12 are also provided at side-angle b to the vertical. Sub-chambers 4, 6 extend between ends 16 and 18. Flood defence dam structure 2 further comprises connecting elements 14 and connecting flap 24. The connecting elements 14 in these embodiments are metal rings. The ratio of top surface area 10 divided by lower ground surface 20 is about 0.85.

Alternative flood defence dam structure 102 (figures 2 A-B) comprises first sub-chamber 104, second sub-chamber 106, partition wall 108, top surface 110, side surfaces 112, lower ground surface 120, first end 116, second end 118, inlet 122, connecting flap 124 and connecting elements 114. In this alternative embodiment partition wall 108 leaves a distance between oppositely positioned side walls of adjacent liquid chambers. In this embodiment the distance is about 20 mm. In the alternative embodiment 102 side edges 116 and 118 are also provided at end-angle a to the vertical and side walls 112 are provided at side-angle b to the vertical a and b both make an angle of about 5° in this embodiment. Further shown in figure 2 A is the centre-line 40.

Alternative flood defence dam structure 202 (figure 3) comprises first sub-chamber 204, second sub-chamber 206, partition wall 208, top surface 210, side walls 212, lower ground surface 220, first end 216, second end 218, inlet 222, connecting flap 224 and connecting elements 214. Flood defence dam structure 202 further comprises directional-angle 226, wherein directional- angle 226 makes an angle with a longitudinal direction. Directional-angle 226 is substantially perpendicular. Figure 3 further shows diagonals 42 from the corners of a cross-section of the flood defence dam structure. Through the intersection of diagonals 42 goes centre-line 40, wherein centre-line 40 makes, in this embodiment, directional angle g of 90°.

Alternative flood defence dam structure 302 (figure 4) comprises first sub-chamber 304, second sub-chamber 306, partition wall 308, top surface 310, side surfaces 312, lower ground surface 320, first end 316, second end 318, inlet 322, connecting flap 324 and connecting elements 314. Also flood defence dam structure 302 comprises directional-angle 326, wherein directional- angle 326 makes an angle with a longitudinal direction. In this alternative embodiment partition wall 308 leaves a distance between oppositely positioned side walls of adjacent liquid chambers. In this embodiment the distance is about 20 mm.

In use, flood defence dam structure 2 is brought from a storage position into a use position. Lower ground surface 20 is positioned at the desired position on the surface or floor. Chambers 4 and 6 are filled with liquid. After placing side walls 16, 18 to each other, adjacent flood defence dam structures 2 can be connected via connecting elements 14. The steps of filling chambers 4 and 6 could be performed after connecting adjacent flood defence dam structures 2. Alternatively or additionally, individual dam structures 2 are connected with connecting flaps 24. Because ends 16, 18 make an end-angle with a vertical plane, the ends 16, 18 of adjacent flood defence dam structures 2 engage each other, thereby providing a seal.

In the illustrated embodiments, dam structures 2, 102, 202, 302, and 402 are designed considering the specific desires of the user. Preferably, EPDM is used as material and partition wall 8 is sealed by hot-bonding to substructures 4, 6.

The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred

embodiments thereof. The rights sought are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged.

Claims

1. Flood defence dam structure for providing a flood defence dam, wherein the flood defence dam structure comprises:

at least two liquid chambers from a flexible material having an inlet configured for filling the chamber with liquid, the at least two liquid chambers further having an upper surface, a lower ground surface, a first end, a second end and two side walls, wherein the at least two liquid chambers extend between the first end and the second end of the flood defence dam structure and wherein the at least two liquid chambers extend substantially parallel to each other from the first to the second end, and wherein at least one of the first and second ends is provided at an end-angle relative to a vertical plane such that the upper surface of the flood defence dam structure has a length that is larger as compared to a length of the lower ground surface of the flood defence dam structure, and

wherein at least one of the sidewalls is provided at a side-angle relative to a vertical plane such that the lower ground surface of the flood defence dam structure has a width that is larger as compared to the width of the upper surface of the flood defence dam structure.

2. Flood defence dam structure according to claim 1 , wherein the ratio of the upper surface area divided by the lower ground surface area is in the range of 0.7 to 1 , preferably in the range of 0.8 to 0.9, and most preferably is about 0.85.

3. Flood defence dam structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a longitudinal centre-line of the flood defence dam structure makes a directional-angle.

4. Flood defence dam structure according to claim 1, 2 or 3, further comprising at least one connecting element provided at or close to at least one of the first and second ends wherein the connecting element comprises a ring structure for connecting the flood defence dam structure with an adjacent flood defence dam structure.

5. Flood defence dam structure according to claim 4, wherein the ring structure comprises a metal ring.

6. Flood defence dam structure according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the end- angle is in the range of 1° to 15°, preferably in the range of 1.5° to 10°, and the end-angle is most preferably about 5°.

7. Flood defence dam structure according to any of the foregoing claims, wherein the

directional-angle is substantially perpendicular.

8. Flood defence dam structure according to claim any of the foregoing claims, wherein the at least two liquid chambers are spaced apart in a direction substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, and wherein the liquid chambers are both connected to a bottom wall.

9. Flood defence dam structure according to claim 8, wherein a distance between oppositely positioned side walls of adjacent liquid chambers is in the range of 10 mm to 40 mm, and preferably in the range of 15 mm to 30 mm, and most preferably about 20 mm.

10. Flood defence dam structure according to one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the flood defence dam structure comprises a partition wall defining at least two sub-chambers in at least one of the liquid chambers.

11. Flood defence dam structure according to claim 10, wherein the partition wall extends in a substantially lengthwise direction of the flood defence dam structure.

12. Flood defence dam structure according to one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the inlet comprises a non-return valve.

13. Flood defence dam structure according to one or more of the foregoing claims, wherein the flexible material comprises Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM).

14. Flood defence dam comprising a number of connected flood defence dam structures

according to one or more of the foregoing claims.

15. Method for providing a flood defence dam, comprising the steps of:

providing at least two flood defence dam structures according to any of the foregoing claims;

filling the liquid chambers with a liquid; and