4.3.4 Flood Barrier - Free Standing
These barriers are made of free standing, heavy-duty sections, which are self-supporting. The
barrier material is flexible and impermeable. Their stability is dependent on the weight of
water acting on a long skirt on the upstream side of the defence resisting the imposed loading
on the barrier. The length of the skirt is designed to ensure adequate stability. There is a
potential for seepage at low water levels. To minimise this, weighting with sandbags or
similar material is advised at the upstream end of the skirts.The materials of the barriers are susceptible to tear or puncture, but should be repairable
during service conditions. They are easily cleaned and re-usable. Deployment requires only
use of operatives and is quick and easy.
Advantages:
! Quick and easy to install
! No equipment or machinery required for installation
! Small storage space required
! Easily transportable in cars and small pick up trucks
! Low bearing pressure on bedding surface
! Low mobilisation, demobilisation and clean-up requirements
! Easily cleaned and re-usable.
Disadvantages:
! Susceptible to leakage at low water levels
! Skirt could be subject to twisting of flapping under heavy winds and current
! Susceptible to vandalism and accidental tear or puncture.