Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, first handles, second handles and zippers. The housing may be (i) made of a flexible material and (ii) have compartments. The first handles may be (i) attached to an end of the housing and (ii) configured to hang the housing in an upright orientation. The second handles may be attached to another end of the housing. The housing is generally configured to bend such that the first handles are aligned with the second handles to facilitate carrying of the housing. The zippers may be configured to provide an opening into a corresponding compartment suitable to pass recyclable beverage containers. Each compartment may have (i) a zipper proximate a top end of the compartment to insert the recyclable beverage containers and (ii) another zipper proximate a bottom end of the compartment to remove the recyclable beverage containers.

Abstract: A flood protection system and a method of using such a system. The system includes at least one elongated flexible tube arranged for being filled with and containing a fluid, wherein the at least one flexible tube comprises a number of positioning elements.

Abstract: A portable, water-filled barrier system includes a plurality of water-fillable modules, each module being internally divided into cells that emulate a section of a sandbag dike or wall. Automatic valves can seal openings between the filled cells, so that a punctured cell will not cause cells below and behind to deflate. A manifold can be used to simultaneously fill a plurality of modules. The barrier system further includes at least one anchoring support base having an underlying portion that extends under at least one of the modules. A vertical portion of the support base extends upward behind and abuts at least one of the modules, and an anchoring portion includes openings that enable attachment of the anchoring support base to the underlying ground by stakes and/or spikes. A flexible sheet can be installed beneath and in front of the assembled barrier to further inhibit horizontal displacement of the modules.

Abstract: A super drainage system and a method for flood control comprise an open channel, a reinforced concrete conduit (RCC) inside the open channel. The RCC has a bottom slab supported on a riverbed, a bank-side wall for retaining bank soils, and a top slab elevated above a predetermined level. The RCC supports a road below the top of river banks for traffic traveling along the river banks during normal weather conditions. The traffic is either on the top slab or on the bottom slab. During extreme weather conditions, traffic is evacuated from the super drainage system and the entire space is available for water conveyance.

Abstract: A support has an expandable enclosure for use in an excavation. The enclosure is expandable, on introduction of a fluid to the enclosure, from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration. The enclosure is configured such that when the enclosure is in the expanded configuration, and is located in the excavation, pressure exerted by the fluid on an internal surface of the enclosure is sufficient to provide support for at least one wall of the excavation.

Abstract: A flood barrier unit having a base and at least one side wall is provided. The walls of the unit are tapered such that it is capable of being stacked vertically with other such units when not in use. The unit preferably includes at least one connection slot on each wall, wherein each connection slot is adapted to sealingly accept a connection piece. A plurality of such units may be connected together to form a watertight flood barrier, where adjacent units are adapted to be connected together in a watertight manner using one connection piece. Additional connection pieces suitable for sealingly engaging a vertical structure such as the wall of a building are also provided.

Abstract: A modular wave-break includes a wall, a tapered base attached to the wall, and an anchor attached to the base. The wall includes a set of dissipating holes integrally formed in the wall and a set of passage holes integrally formed in the wall. A set of eyebolts are connected to the wall. Reinforcing structural rods are embedded in the wall, the tapered base, and the anchor to provide strength. Mounting holes in the tapered base enable the modular wave-break to be secured to a water bottom surface. Multiple modular wave-breaks may be interconnected to form a single wave-break.

Abstract: A portable, water-filled barrier is internally divided into cells and emulates a sandbag dike or wall without requiring sand or intensive labor to install. A rigid ladder spans the barrier to provide structural support and enable traversing of the barrier. The ladder can be attachable to the barrier. The light, flexible barrier material can include nanofiber. Automatic valves can seal openings between the filled cells, so that a punctured cell will not cause cells below and behind to deflate. Cells can project below the base into a stabilizing trench. Cells can include internal or external rods or plates that support the barrier structure. Some embodiments can be initially filled with air, positioned, and then filled with water while the air escapes through a pressure valve. Other embodiments are filled from above, and inflate and deflate without allowing air into the barrier. Barrier end structures can enable interlocking of adjacent units.

Abstract: A portable, water-filled barrier emulates a sandbag dike or wall without requiring sand or intensive labor to install. The barrier is made of a light, flexible material that can include nanofiber. Some embodiments are formed from a plurality of interlocked water-filled cells, with a forward-facing water barrier sheet. Other embodiments are unitary shells that are internally divided into cells, with internal openings that permit water to flow between cells. Automatic valves can seal the filled cells, so that a punctured cell will not cause cells below and behind to deflate. A row or rows of cells can project below the base into a stabilizing trench. Cells can include internal or external rods or plates that support the horizontal structure. Embodiments can be initially filled with air, positioned, and then filled with water while the air escapes through a pressure valve. Barrier end structures can enable interlocking of adjacent units.

Abstract: A fluid fillable structure has a reservoir body comprising a top surface and at least one fluid fill port at a first end. There is a first connector on the top surface of the reservoir body adjacent to the first end and a second connector spaced from the first end, the first end of the reservoir body being folded back onto the reservoir body and secured by releaseably securing the first connector to the second connector such that the at least one fluid fill port remains open.

Abstract: A weighted bag includes a filler material contained by a sealed bag configured to be substantially impermeable to fluids. The sealed bag may include a generally tubular bag body made from a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated polymer-based textile where the tubular bag body is formed by hot air welding and the bag is sealed using sealing tape applied and bonded at each end of the tubular bag body. The weighted bag may be recovered after use and recycled for reuse in a subsequent installation. The filler material may include a slag, a slag-based material and/or low iron fines which may be residual material from the steel or iron producing industries.

Abstract: A bulkhead system and a method of implementing such a bulkhead system in relation to a dam are disclosed herein. In one example embodiment, such a method includes providing a plurality of bulkhead sections assembled together as a bulkhead assembly, and coupling first and second side assemblies to first and second ends of the bulkhead assembly. Further, the method includes causing a first of the bulkhead sections to receive a respective amount of ballast within an internal cavity therewithin, receiving water pressure at an upstream surface of the bulkhead assembly such that the bulkhead system is forced against the dam and substantially sealed in relation thereto, and operating to counteract the water pressure and thereby prevent or limit the flow of water past the dam, where the operating is performed at least in part by one or more brace members of the side assemblies.

Abstract: A fluid fillable structure has a reservoir body comprising a top surface and at least one fluid fill port at a first end. There is a first connector on the top surface of the reservoir body adjacent to the first end and a second connector spaced from the first end, the first end of the reservoir body being folded back onto the reservoir body and secured by releasably securing the first connector to the second connector such that the at least one fluid fill port remains open.

Abstract: A dual pumping system for use on a movable flood control barrier structure to allow the structure to be swung into the opening of a waterway and sunk to prevent flooding during storms and then floated and swung out of the waterway after the storm is disclosed. A buoyant generally rectangular barge may be employed as the movable flood control barrier. A centrifugal pumping system pumps water into compartments within the barrier structure so it sinks to the bottom of the waterway while the same pumping system pumps water back to the waterway to float the structure. A hydraulic pumping system operates hydraulic winches to move the structure into and out of the channel using cables. The two pumping systems are capable of operating both the water pumping system and hydraulic winch system simultaneously or independently with a single engine.

Abstract: A flood protection bag system includes a troughlike structure having longitudinally-extending sidewalls and a bottom wall connected therebetween, along with one or more internal walls, the internal walls serving to divide the troughlike structure into a plurality of bag chambers. The longitudinally-extending sidewalls are continuous and seamless between the ends of the troughlike structure, and the bag system can be made of a plastic such as polypropylene. In one embodiment, the bag system may be implemented in conjunction with other such bag system(s). Also, in one embodiment, a frame structure is employed to support the bag chamber(s) during filling thereof with sand or other filling material, in a manner whereby tension is applied to each of the corners of the given bag chamber being filled. Further, in one embodiment, the bag chambers are covered by way of a bag top that is openable or removable relative to the bag system.

Abstract: A flood wall system and method of constructing same, including providing a first main panel section; attaching sleeves to each side of a main panel prior to configuring the final chamber; providing two sleeves of fabric at the upper opening of each chamber for supporting the chambers while the chambers are being filled with materials such as sane; providing a series of chambers sewn together to define a continuous cellular wall; the final chamber having a horizontal height two feet longer (0.61 meters) than the vertical height further having a front toe portion one foot (0.30 meters) min height; filling each chamber with a quantity of material, such as sand; on each end of a completed chain of chambers, further comprising a set of loops or ties so that a chain of chambers is capable of being tied to other chains of chambers to define the continuous flood wall system.

Abstract: A flood barrier comprises hollow self-filling units (10, 12, 14, 16) placed end-to-end and connected at their ends by downwardly tapered bilobal (46) keys inserted into sockets (26, 28) at the ends of the units, wherein the keys incorporate concrete or other ballast for negative buoyancy.

Abstract: A water-retaining element (2) for forming a temporary water-retaining structure (1) includes a bottom (6), a plurality of side walls (8, 10), and connections (20). The plurality of side walls are immovably connected to the bottom and extend upwards from the bottom to form a water-fillable container (12). The connections connect the water-retaining element in a water-retaining manner to least one adjacent water-retaining element. The water-fillable container (12) is open at the top to receive a second water-retaining element (2) during transport and/or storage.

Abstract: A bag for retaining structures, includes a plurality of cells aligned side-by-side in a continuous manner and configured to be filled with a filling material. Each cell of the bag includes a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a back wall, and a front wall, the front wall being longer than the back wall. Furthermore, the first and second side walls each include a) a first corner located where the back wall connects with the bottom wall, said first corner being substantially 90 degrees; and b) a second corner located where a respective top edge of each side wall connects with the rear wall, said second corner being substantially 90 degrees.

Abstract: A fluid fillable structure has a reservoir body comprising a top surface and at least one fluid fill port at a first end. There is a first connector on the top surface of the reservoir body adjacent to the first end and a second connector spaced from the first end, the first end of the reservoir body being folded back onto the reservoir body and secured by releaseably securing the first connector to the second connector such that the at least one fluid fill port remains open.

Abstract: A modular flood wall assembly having a relatively flat base member having a plurality of ribs extending therefrom. The assembly further comprises a plurality of interconnectable blocks, with each block having a top surface with at least one hollow protuberance, at least one side wall, a hollow interior, and a bottom surface having at least one hollow cavity. The cavities on the bottom surface of the blocks are matable with the ribs on the base member. The protuberances on the top surface of the blocks are matable with the receptacles on the bottom surface of a corresponding block.

Abstract: Protective flood barrier system on the base of mobile protective flood barriers is offered. Each of these barriers comprises two or more filled elongate sleeves, a web, connecting theirs web and forming means. Envelops of said sleeves and said web are made from flexible impermeable material. These barriers are convenient for protection of separate houses, the extensive areas, as walls of a water basin. They allow reducing wind-induced waves and can be used for repair of earthen dams. The high-efficiency means accelerating installation of barriers are provided.

Abstract: A bag for retaining structures, includes a plurality of cells aligned side-by-side in a continuous manner and configured to be filled with a filling material. Each cell of the bag includes a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a back wall, and a front wall, the front wall being longer than the back wall. Furthermore, the first and second side walls each include a) a first corner located where the back wall connects with the bottom wall, said first corner being substantially 90 degrees; and b) a second corner located where a respective top edge of each side wall connects with the rear wall, said second corner being substantially 90 degrees.

Abstract: A water bather device includes: a water storage portion provided under a passage and a water barrier portion. In a first state, the water barrier wall is suspended and supported by the lid portion such that a space is formed by a lower end portion of the water barrier wall, a bottom surface of the water storage tank, and a side wall of the water storage tank. In a second state, the water barrier wall projects with respect to the passage through the opening. A first discharge port is connected is formed at a portion of the side wall of the water storage tank, the portion constituting the space, and a bottom surface of the water storage tank is inclined so as to become lower toward the first discharge port in a transverse direction of the passage.

Abstract: A levee and barrier module for fluid control and containment is provided including an outer module shell and a module-to-module connection system to attach adjacent outer shells. The outer module shell is formed by opposing side walls and two opposing end walls and is configured to enclose or support filler material. The outer module shell defines a top aperture and a bottom aperture. The bottom aperture allows filler material communication with the earth below the module. The top aperture allows filler material to be added to the module, as well as visual observation of, and maintenance of, the amount of contained filler material. A presented application is directed to protecting pipelines and to allowing pipeline integration or association with levees.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a polymeric cellular confinement system which can be filled with soil, concrete, aggregate, earth materials, and the like. More specifically, the present disclosure concerns a cellular confinement system characterized by improved durability against damage generated by UV light, humidity, and aggressive soils, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A water ballasted wave attenuator is provided. The water ballasted wave attenuator includes (a) a hollow shell formed of reinforced concrete; (b) a flotation medium in the upper region of the shell (a); (c) a water ballast chamber disposed in the lower region of the interior of the shell; (d) at least one water vent connecting the water ballast chamber with the exterior of the shell; and (e) at least one air vent connecting the water ballast chamber with the exterior of the shell, the at least one air vent including an outlet located higher than the at least one water vent.

Abstract: A needle-beam cofferdam, needles and associated method for dry isolation of a water passage of a dam, the method comprising providing a support beam which spans between piers of the water passage, providing at least one hollow metal needle having a major axis, and positioning the hollow needle with the major axis substantially vertically oriented, the hollow needle engaging with a sill of the dam and engaging with the support beam. A plurality of vertically positioned needles may thereby isolate the water passage. The method also includes positioning of hollow needles with the major axis in a substantially horizontal orientation.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a polymeric cellular confinement system which can be filled with soil, concrete, aggregate, earth materials, and the like. More specifically, the present disclosure concerns a cellular confinement system characterized by improved durability against damage generated by UV light, humidity, and aggressive soils, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A containment barrier is provided in a plurality of compartments, such as linearly arranged, with a supply of super absorbent polymer in each of the compartments. In a wetted configuration, the barrier can prevent the flow of fluid into a drainage, or even past a garage door. Compartments may be defined in an inner bag contained within an outer covering.

Abstract: Protective flood barrier system on the base of mobile protective flood barriers is offered. Each of these barriers comprises two or more filled elongate sleeves, a web, connecting theirs web and forming means. Envelops of said sleeves and said web are made from flexible impermeable material. These barriers are convenient for protection of separate houses, the extensive areas, as walls of a water basin. They allow reducing wind-induced waves and can be used for repair of earthen dams. The high-efficiency means accelerating installation of barriers are provided.

Abstract: A portable, inflatable flood wall is characterized by a sheet of synthetic plastic material which is folded back on itself to define a chamber between bottom, rear and front portions of the sheet and within which at least one inflatable bladder is secured. When the bladder is inflated, the rear portion of the sheet is erected to a vertical position which prevents water from passing beyond the sheet. The front portion preferably contains a plurality of openings to allow water to enter the chamber. The weight of the water on the bottom portion of the sheet serves to hold the wall in place. A plurality of such walls may be connected in end-to-end relation to construct a wall of a desired length.

Abstract: A levee apparatus is constructed of base panels connected end to end and supported by an underlying support such as the earth's surface. Side panels interlock with the base panels and with each other to form a generally triangular transverse cross section and a hollow interior that can be filled with a selected fill material. Interlocking projections on the side panels interlock with apertures of the base and with notches or recesses of other side panels.

Abstract: A levee and barrier module for fluid control and containment is provided including an outer module shell and a module-to-module connection system to attach adjacent outer shells. The outer module shell, being in the general shape of a prism or prism with curvilinear section, is formed by opposing side walls and two opposing end walls, and is configured to enclose or support filler material. The two opposing end walls are configured with end apertures. The outer module shell defines a top aperture and a bottom aperture. When modules are placed end to end in a levee structure the end apertures allow filler material communication horizontally between adjacent modules. The bottom aperture allows filler material communication with the earth below the module. The top aperture allows filler material to be added to the module, as well as visual observation of, and maintenance of, the amount of contained filler material.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a polymeric cellular confinement system which can be filled with soil, concrete, aggregate, earth materials, and the like. More specifically, the present disclosure concerns a cellular confinement system characterized by improved durability against damage generated by UV light, humidity, and aggressive soils, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A fluent material confinement system configured to receive a granular fluent material to form a temporary barrier structure is disclosed, wherein the fluent material confinement system includes a plurality strips, the plurality of strips including a plurality of lengthwise strips and a plurality of widthwise strips coupled with each other to define a plurality of open cells, wherein the plurality of lengthwise strips includes at least one wider lengthwise strip configured to extend into cells of a next-lowest fluent material confinement system when the fluent material confinement system is stacked on the next-lowest fluent material confinement system, and a stacking error indicator associated with the wider lengthwise strip, wherein the stacking error indicator is configured to be effective in low visibility conditions to indicate to a user a location of an error in stacking of the fluent material confinement system on the next-lowest fluent material confinement system.

Abstract: The disclosure shows an apparatus and a method for containing a spill of petroleum product. The inventive apparatus and method each include the assembly pliable building blocks of a generally rectangular shape that surrounds an internal void. The blocks form a wall by stacking successive horizontal rows of building blocks such that the respective internal voids vertically align, thereby forming adjacent columnar voids within the wall. The columnar voids are then filled with an adsorbent material that will cling to the petroleum product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid barrier assembly (1) comprising at least two barriers (2,3) each comprising a substantially rigid container and a front wall (5) against which liquid is intended to be incident. Adjacent barriers (2,3) are linked by a connector (12) which comprises a first relatively rigid portion (13) and a second relatively deformable portion (15). The portions (13, 15) are received in respective recesses defined in neighbouring side walls of adjacent barriers (2,3). The second portion (15) is deformed upon juxtaposition of adjacent barriers (2,3) in a predetermined manner so as to form an effective water-tight seal between the barriers (2,3).

Abstract: A geotextile container and system for constructing a water barrier or dam is disclosed. A system for maintaining fill material solids in position to form a barrier comprises an elongated sheet of geotextile material capable of coiling upon itself to form a helical structure. Further, a means for seaming the first elongated sheet into a tubular container and filling the container with solids is presented. Fill material solids may be held in position by a tubular shaped container that forms a barrier or dam. An inner liner also may be employed in the tubular container. Cradle tubes may be deployed on either side to hold the container in position, such as when the container is struck by high energy waves.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the structure of a floatable caisson member and to a segmental floatable bulkhead assembly, formed by assembling a plurality of the floatable caisson members. The present invention also includes a method of fabrication of the floatable caisson member. A segmental floatable bulkhead assembly, formed by assembling a plurality of the floatable caisson members, is employed for dewatering a water passage of a dam.

Abstract: A device is provided for preventing shoreline erosion and for rebuilding the sand beach along the shoreline of a large body of water. A series of the devices are placed in side-by-side relation essentially parallel to the shoreline. The device includes a hollow plastic structure fillable with a heavy material, such as cement. The structure has a trapezoidal configuration to lower the center of gravity of the device and includes inclining front and rear walls converging toward each other to the top wall. The hollow plastic structure includes a plurality of tubular members extending from the front wall to the rear wall. The front and rear walls have access apertures opening to the tubular members. The tubular members gradually taper from a predetermined diameter at the access apertures in the front wall to half of the predetermined diameter at the access apertures in the rear wall to reduce the velocity of the flow of water to the large body of water.

Abstract: A barrier for reducing erosion along shorelines includes a barrier body formed as a unitary, molded plastic structure. In one embodiment, the barrier body has at least one elongate passage extending through it, between oppositely disposed first and second sides, and an interior reservoir. A port formed into the barrier body communicates with the interior reservoir to facilitate filling the reservoir with material to thereby add weight to the barrier. The barrier further includes at least one anchor formed into a side of the barrier body and associated with the passage to control shrinkage of the barrier body as it is being molded. In another embodiment, a method of making the barrier body includes placing plastic material in a mold, manipulating the mold to distribute the plastic material within the mold and thereby form the barrier body as a unitary piece, and reducing the shrinkage of the molded barrier body with the anchor.

Abstract: A portable flood water barrier system is disclosed having one or more portable, attachable, flexible modules. Each module comprises an elongated tubular member sealed at either end by rigid, flanged end caps. Each module is provided with one or more openings to permit the introduction of water, sand or similar material into the tubular member interior cavity. Each module is also provided with one or more sealable openings to permit any water, sand or similar material to be removed from the tubular member interior cavity. The material provides weight the module to hold it in position against the force of the moving floodwaters. With the tubular member interior cavity partially filled with the material the portion of the tubular member in contact with the ground substantially conform in shape to the ground contours to minimize any water seepage under the tubular member.

Abstract: A collapsible fluent material confinement system configured to receive a granular fluent material to form a temporary barrier structure. The fluent material confinement system includes a plurality of strips coupled to on another to form an array of collapsible cells, wherein the array of collapsible cell is configured to be movable between a collapsed configuration and an open configuration. The fluent material confinement system also includes a deployment indicator disposed on a selected strip, wherein the deployment indicator is configured to be effective in low visibility conditions to indicate user how to move the grid from the collapsed configuration to the open configuration.

Abstract: A pouch (18), made of a water absorbent polymer that expands and becomes a gel in consistency upon absorbing water and that is biodegradable, is placed in each bag (10) of lesser volume. An opening (12) in each bag (10) is unsealed to drain the bags (10) of the biodegradable gel, as by squeezing the bag (10) to force the gel from the bag (10). The collapsed bags (10) can be re-stored for future use and the gel biodegraded as by disposition the conventional sewage system.

Abstract: The ballast system comprises a flexible elongated member provided with a number of pockets or pouches adapted to hold a ballast material therein. The elongated member can comprise a net structure. Each pocket or pouch can be selectively opened and closed, for instance via co-operating Velcro™ strips. Typically, the pockets or pouches extend transversally of the elongated member. The elongated member is adapted to be rolled up in a storage position and to be carried in this storage position. The ballast system may comprise at least one attachment member for connecting the ballast system with at least one other similar ballast system.

Abstract: A flood control system including a substantially rigid exterior shell and a flexible bladder having one or more valves for introducing and removing a desired amount of fluid, the shell including opposite first and second rigid sides hingedly connected to one another to permit the shell to be positioned in a desired orientation exterior to and substantially overlying the flexible bladder.

Abstract: Durable flat panels are connectable at their edges and are of appropriate shape and dimension to be quickly and simply assembled and secured into a closed hollow prismatic module configuration. A dense fill material is loaded onto the bottom panel prior to closure providing mass for strength and stability against impacts. The flat panels may be hingeably interconnected and foldable to optionally form a compact stackable configuration for storage and transport. A multiplicity of such modules may be positioned and connected to form a continuous massive wall for such uses as reducing damaging wave action, preventing beach erosion, directing water in flood areas, and providing highway barriers for guidance and safety.

Abstract: A barrier device includes a first containment chamber and a second containment chamber. The first containment chamber is secured to the second containment chamber by a connector. A barrier wall includes a first barrier device having a first containment chamber, a second containment chamber, and a connector. A containment chamber of a second barrier device is positioned between the first containment chamber and the second containment chamber and is positioned in overlying relationship to the connector. A barrier wall is built by positioning a first barrier device, having a first containment chamber, a second containment chamber, and a connector on a support surface. A containment chamber of a second barrier device is positioned between the first containment chamber and the second containment chamber of the first barrier device and overlying the connector.

Abstract: An artificial reef comprises at least one bag which is generally configured to define at least a portion of a reef and which is at least partially fillable with air. An anchor is attached to the bag for maintaining the bag at a desired location substantially underwater. A plurality of such bags may be attached to one another and configured so as to define a reef which enhances the suitability of waves for surfing or which mitigates beach erosion.