Verify that the barrier system has quality certificates from a reputable third party. Flood operation activities and safety should always require certified products with rigorous testing and evaluation procedures as the standard.
Protect communities, infrastructure, and properties from flooding with Geodesign Barriers. Our self-anchoring flood barriers are made from durable steel, providing a strong and reliable defense against rising waters. With the ability to handle uneven surfaces and rough terrain, these barriers can withstand dam heights of up to 2.45 meters.
Geodesign Flood Barriers offers a comprehensive range of products engineered to address the diverse challenges posed by flooding. Our three distinct product series – Heavy Duty, Industrial, and Elemental – are optimized to perform optimally in varying flood conditions.
Our flood barriers boast a robust steel structure and incorporate lightweight components with a sophisticated design. This enables fast deployment in any desired line or formation, ensuring efficient and effective protection against floodwaters.
| Maximum Dam height | 41 - 61 cm |
| Set up time 100 m / 5 men | 30 minutes |
| Footprint barrier | 42 - 70 cm |
| Section Width (ctc) | 91.4 - 100 cm |
| Barrier support Weight | 1 - 4 kg |
| Maximum Dam height | 61 - 121 cm |
| Set up time 100 m / 5 men | 35 - 70 minutes |
| Footprint barrier | 57 - 146 cm |
| Section Width (ctc) | 80 - 100 cm |
| Barrier support Weight | 9 - 15 kg |
When it comes to purchasing a flood barrier, there are many factors to consider. While each flooding event is unique, taking a comprehensive approach to understanding your specific situation can increase your chances of finding the right solution. With our 25 years of experience, we want to assist you in making an informed decision. To aid you in this process, we have compiled a list of crucial criteria to consider:
Ensure that any flood barrier system you consider is certified by a trusted third party for reliability. A failing flood barrier can have catastrophic consequences, causing significant damage and endangering people and property.
Verify that the barrier system has quality certificates from a reputable third party. Flood operation activities and safety should always require certified products with rigorous testing and evaluation procedures as the standard.
When researching flood protection systems, it's crucial to look for real-world references that demonstrate the system's performance in contact with actual floodwater.
It's important to choose a system that has been proven effective in repeated flooding situations. Make sure to check for visible proof of the flood barrier withstanding floodwater, as products and systems displayed in controlled environments or on dry land may not be sufficient evidence of their capacity to withstand real flood situations.
When it comes to flood systems that require filling materials such as sand, water, gravel, or air, it's important to consider all logistics involved to ensure full operational function.
This includes factors such as accessibility and handling of the filling material, which may require heavy machinery, manpower, pumps, and sufficient pumping capacity to supply the required amount of material in a timely manner to the designated flood area. Calculating these logistics and associated costs is crucial when comparing different flood solutions. In addition, it's important to note that materials like sand and water can become contaminated after a flood, and proper handling and disposal procedures must be followed to ensure responsible post-flood management.
It's important to consider the impact on your site if the flood barrier system needs to be anchored. This may involve additional costs or disruptions to the ground surface.
Additionally, it's essential to factor in the expenses of reinstating the ground surface after a flooding event. These considerations can help you evaluate the total cost and feasibility of a flood barrier system for your site.
It's crucial to assess whether a flood barrier system can withstand the challenges posed by tough terrain and real-world conditions. Uneven surfaces, steps, slopes, urban street furniture, overtopping, and floating debris are just a few of the obstacles that the system may encounter.
By taking these factors into consideration, you can ensure that the flood barrier you choose will perform effectively in the face of adversity.
When buying flood barriers, consider the price in relation to the expected lifespan, and the impact of usage, sunlight, water, and temperature. The cost of deploying, installing, and maintaining the barrier, including filling materials, spare parts, repairs, training, deployment equipment...
...and personnel, should also be factored into the total cost of flood protection. This helps you make a cost-effective investment in flood protection.
When it comes to flood barriers, a well-designed setup is essential for a smooth and easy set-up and take-down process. A quick installation time is critical to ensure that the flood protection is in place before flooding occurs, and it can also help to conserve resources.
However, it's important to note that some systems may look straightforward but can be cumbersome in practice due to various connections and small parts that need to be assembled into a coherent barrier. Therefore, it's crucial to select a flood barrier system that has been carefully thought out and designed to ensure a hassle-free setup process.
When floods occur, flood defenses may become exposed to contaminated water. This can pose a challenge for flood barriers that rely on materials like sand or water, as they may become contaminated as well.
Additionally, some plastic-based systems cannot be effectively cleaned if they come into contact with contaminated water and may need to be replaced entirely. To ensure that you are well equipped to handle such situations, it is crucial to choose a flood barrier that can effectively manage and mitigate the impact of contaminated water.
There are certain costs associated with maintaining and handling flood barrier systems to ensure that they are ready for the next flood. Activities such as system inspections, removal, and clean-up can pose significant challenges if the design of the system does not facilitate easy access and maintenance.
For example, clogged fabrics that cannot be reused or sealed tubes that are difficult to dry out from contaminated water can make post-maintenance time-consuming and costly. Additionally, it's important to consider repair, replacement, and proper disposal of damaged parts.
To make an informed decision, it's recommended that you ask the supplier for more details or preferably references from other users of the system. By doing so, you can ensure that the system you choose is reliable and cost-effective in the long run.
"Amazingly simple product that was easy to assemble and bring down and saved our CBD (Central Business District) from flooding."
- Ken Diehm, Chief Executive Officer, Fraser Coast Regional Council, Australia
"We decided to stay at home as we have full confidence in the barrier. It stood, rock solid on the new purpose built road surface.”
- Bob Herrick, Local resident, Ironbridge UK
When it comes to flood barriers, the market offers a wide range of options. Regardless of the type you choose, however, all flood barriers share the ability to hold back water in various ways and to varying degrees without being dislodged by the pressure exerted by the water.
These methods can generally be classified into four distinct concepts, each with its own strengths and limitations. By understanding these concepts, you can make an informed decision when selecting a flood barrier.
The concept behind these types of flood barriers is to use a filling material such as sand, water, gravel, or stones to provide weight and create a flood defence system that stays in place. To install this type of barrier, trucks need transport the filling material to the site, where it is placed within the barrier's structure. If water is used as the filling material, it's important to have access to a water source prior to a flood event.
VS.
These types of flood barrier systems are designed to create an anchoring force that is stronger than the pushing force of floodwaters. As a result, no additional filling material, such as sand or water, is required to secure the barrier in place.
In order to withstand the pushing forces of floodwaters, some flood barrier systems require additional anchoring beyond their own construction. This is typically accomplished by fastening the barrier to the ground using various methods.
VS.
The design and/or weight of the system are such that it has sufficient anchoring power to remain stable and in place without the need for additional anchoring.
Don't delay – contact our experts today for a tailored consultation.
There are many types of flood barriers available on the market, each with its own unique form and operational characteristics. By considering the four different concepts presented - filling material vs. no filling material and freestanding vs. anchored - we can explore the various flood barriers available on the market in more detail. Below is a brief description of some of the flood barrier types.
Filling material & freestanding
Gabions are cellular barriers that can be connected together to form a flood barrier line. They are typically constructed with permeable materials like geo-fabric and reinforced with frames made of wire mesh and pins. To provide stability against floodwaters, gabions are filled with materials such as sand, water, or gravel stones. These systems are considered gravity dams because they rely on the weight and shape of the filling material for stability.
Filling material & freestanding / anchored
These flood barriers consist of large, prefabricated tubes made of reinforced PVC plastic. The tubes are connected to each other to form a flood barrier line. Because they rely on the weight and shape of the filling material, these systems are considered gravity dams and can provide stability against floodwaters.
Installing the system requires machinery such as trucks and water pumps to fill the tubes with sand, water, or another suitable material. Water-filled tubes are generally suitable for long lengths of protection close to a water source.
One advantage of these systems is that they require relatively small storage space.
However, they must be deployed close to a water source, which can limit their use in some areas.
These systems are highly susceptible to vandalism or damage by sharp objects.
Additionally, any tears or punctures can rapidly lead to failure of the whole system, which can compromise its effectiveness.
Finally, the tubes require relatively flat surfaces for deployment, which may not be feasible in all locations.
No filling & Anchored
These flood barriers are made up of rigid, self-supporting elements that interlock to form a continuous wall. The elements are typically prefabricated and jointed, with an L-shaped structure that utilizes the weight of the floodwater to create an anchoring force. However, additional anchoring may be required to prevent movement, which could involve ground investigation and/or pre-installation. This anchoring can make these systems less versatile compared to freestanding systems. The front edge of the system is designed with a sealing list to prevent seepage.
One advantage of these systems is their relatively small footprint on the ground.
However, the need for ground anchoring can make the preparation of the flood protection process similar to demountable systems.
These systems are not suitable for use on uneven ground.
Finally, the longer deployment time needed for anchoring in the ground may be a disadvantage in some situations.
No filling & Freestanding
These flood barriers consist of rigid self-supporting elements that are connected to form a continuous flood barrier wall, similar to anchored vertical walls. The L-shaped structure uses the weight of floodwater over the front edge of the system to provide stability and create a seal towards the ground.
However, it's important to note that:
These barriers may not be suitable for natural surfaces like grassland or arable land, as seepage under these systems can be significant, especially in uneven terrain due to their rigidity.
These barriers are best suited for diverting water flows rather than withholding water due to the high seepage underneath the system.
While they are quick and easy to deploy, it is essential to consider their limitations.
They may not work for higher flood levels, and they are not suitable for uneven ground.
Despite being cheap and easy to deploy, the high leakage underneath the rigid elements must be taken into account when selecting the right flood protection system.
No filling & Freestanding
Frame barriers are a modular flood barrier system consisting of rigid frames covered with impermeable materials. They are freestanding and use the weight of the water for stability, making them self-anchoring. This engineered construction allows them to withstand floodwater and do well in uneven terrain. Assembling them is easy and follows a logical step-by-step procedure, and no parts are heavier than two persons can carry.
Key features of frame barriers:
Modular barrier made of rigid frames and impermeable materials.
Freestanding and self-anchoring, using water weight for stability.
Engineered construction that withstands floodwater and works well in uneven terrain.
Easy assembly with logical, step-by-step procedure.
Lightweight parts that are easy to carry.
No filling & Anchored
These barriers are designed to protect against floodwater and are composed of free-standing sections made of flexible and impermeable plastic. The system is anchored to the ground for stability, and the floodwater itself is used as filling material. Stability is achieved through the weight of the water acting on a long skirt located in front of the system. During critical moments, manual labor is required to ensure that the floodwater enters the system correctly.
Uses floodwater as filling material
Requires manual labor during critical moments
Comes in fixed lengths
Risk of collapsing if floodwater overtops
construction
Not very flexible
No filling & Freestanding
These flood barriers consist of water-filled containers that are cellular in structure and can be linked together to form a line of defense against floodwater. They are often made of impermeable materials such as polyester, polyethylene, and plastic, and achieve stability through their shape and weight of the filling material. However, they are prone to sliding when overtopped. These gravity dams require machinery such as trucks and water pumps for installation, and the mobilization and deployment process is affected accordingly. Minor leaks can usually be repaired in service. The system has a rigid bottom and is not suitable for uneven terrains.
Made of impermeable materials such as polyester, polyethylene, and plastic.
Achieves stability through the shape and weight of the filling material.
Prone to sliding when overtopped.
Requires machinery for installation.
Not suitable for uneven terrains and has a rigid bottom.
Don't delay – contact our experts today for a tailored consultation.