Self-Closing Quayside Flood Barrier

The barrier provides effective protection against exceptionally high water levels and can be inserted into the tops of dikes and quaysides. It consists of a basin with a floating subterranean wall.

While the water level is normal, the wall is virtually invisible, as it is covered by a kind of lid. However, when the water level rises to a few centimetres below the top of the dike or quayside, the basin fills up with water through a filling pipe and the dam wall floats up into position. Once the basin has filled up completely, the seal closes it off and prevents the ingress of water.

Even if the level of the water rises higher still, it will be prevented by the SCW from flooding the surrounding area. When the water level has returned to normal, the basin is drained off through a discharge pipe or by means of a pump. The dam wall then slips back down into the basin and the lid closes it off to keep out debris.

The SCW can be installed in virtually any dike, quayside or river bank and around houses or other buildings. The great advantage of the system is that dikes and quaysides do not need to be raised to accommodate it. The system is simple to construct and can be installed more quickly than a permanent barrier or a dike. An extra advantage is that it is environmentally friendly.

MJ Information No: 17019