Abstract: A flood barrier for protecting a building or like structure includes a water-impermeable sheet, which can be formed of a plurality of bags. The sheet has one end fixedly connected to a non-buoyant element and a second end fixedly connected to a buoyant element and is rolled around the buoyant element. The barrier is positioned adjacent to the foundation of the structure being protected. As floodwaters encounter the barrier and rise, the rising water floats the buoyant element and the sheet of water-impermeable material rollably mounted thereon is deployed while the non-buoyant element of the structure remains in place. As floodwaters rise, the sheet is deployed from the roller and remains interposed between the waters and the structure.

Abstract: A reconfigurable barrier system (10) includes a plurality of support units (100) spaced one from the other, with each support unit (100) having at least one engagement section (110) defining an elongate channel (112). System (10) further includes at least one retention unit (200) that is substantially impervious to liquid, and is supported to extend between a pair of support units (100). Each retention unit (200) is formed with a pair of opposed engagement portions (212) which slidably engage respective ones of the support unit channels (112). Each retention unit (200) is also formed with a seal portion (220) that extends along a longitudinal edge of at least an intermediate portion (214) between the engagement portions (212). A barrier section (15) is defined by each pair of support units (100) and the at least one retention unit (200) supported thereby.

Abstract: Mobile flood wall preferably comprising of plastic, characterized by support elements (1 through 5) as plates of a fitting thickness, each in the form of an equilateral triangle with one of the three equal outer sides as the base and wall elements (11 through 19) as rectangular plates of a fitting thickness lying on and connected to the water-side outer side of the equilateral support elements and therefore sloped at an angle of 60°, which forms the wall with the land side surface, wherein the water pressure on the wall elements is diverted by the support elements into the ground, and causes the surface structures of the base of the support elements to be pressed into and anchored in the ground, for sealing the ground against water and for the stability and the nondisplaceability of the flood wall.

Abstract: A sectionalized flood control barrier (10) for mounting on top of a levee or a river bank to prevent flooding. The barrier (10) consists of a footing (20) with a series of support channels (24) that are butted end to end attached to the footing. The support shells are sealed watertight at the interface with each other and also to the footing. A series of primary channel bridge assemblies (32) and secondary channel assemblies (46) are disposed within the support channels (24) and are also butted end to end. Wind protectors (60) contiguously engage each support channel (24) and rest upon the footing for diverting the wind over the barrier. Stepped fastening risers (62) are attached to the footing on each end and over the channel assemblies, and wind protectors hold them securely in place.

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 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 system for anchoring fabric panels having an anchor housing which includes, a base, walls on the ends of the base, a chamber, and an extension attached to the first wall, wherein the extension projects over the chamber. The system includes a key disposed in the chamber of the anchor housing adjacent to a wall, wherein the key comprises a locking edge, a chock disposed in the chamber adjacent to the key, wherein the chock has a locking edge that engages the locking edge of the key, a deformable tube disposed in the chamber of the anchor housing between the first wall and the chock and beneath the extension, and wherein a space is created between the tube and the extension. A fabric panel attached to a mooring which is located in the space, and wherein the fabric panel extends from the mooring and over the extension.

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 reconfigurable barrier system (10) is provided. The system (10) includes a plurality of support units (100) spaced one from the other, with each support unit (100) having at least one engagement section (110) defining an elongate channel (112). System (10) further includes at least one retention unit (200) that is substantially impervious to liquid, and is supported to extend between a pair of support units (100). Each retention unit (200) is formed with a pair of opposed engagement portions (212) which slidably engage respective ones of the support unit channels (112). Each retention unit (200) is also formed with a seal portion (220) that extends along a longitudinal edge of at least an intermediate portion (214) between the engagement portions (212). A barrier section (15) is defined by each pair of support units (100) and the at least one retention unit (200) supported thereby.

Abstract: A zero ground disturbance dike apparatus and method for the secondary containment of harmful chemicals that are stored in primary storage vessels, wherein the dike apparatus does not require the drilling of postholes or the setting of support posts in concrete. Sections of dike walls are attached to bracing assemblies, each bracing assembly being comprised of a brace and a base plate. Braces are configured to support the assembled wall sections and to provide resistance against the outwardly force exerted by material that is released from the primary storage vessel. Base plates attached to the braces assist in resisting bending moments that may be created about the base of the dike apparatus. The brace assembly also preferably includes at least one base support channel for additional base plate stiffness and support cables to further resist the outwardly forces exerted against the dike apparatus by said released materials.

Abstract: A modular flood control panel is provided having a base and supporting “A”-frame structure. The base locks into the ground, or supporting wall of sandbags, with a series of four adjustable angle stakes per each panel. The invention folds flat when not in use, for storage and for transportation on a truck to flood water areas. The panels are joined together with the use of a five inch wide joining slat that slides down into a channel on each side of each panel.

Abstract: Barrier for in particular water comprising inclined supports against which loading pallets are inclined, over which membranes are placed for the shaping of a sealed structure that is inclined towards the water mass that is to be enclosed. The supports are connected to each other by means of laterally arranged push and pulling forces taking lateral connections provided with flanges in their ends for the enclosing or gripping of a loading pallet. The lateral connections have in their ends protrusions protruding against their inclined support and gripping into holes in the upper loading pallet supporting beam. The lateral connections are telescopic and fixable in different positions, for instance by means of holes and through pins for the adaptation to different pallets and orientations of these respectively.

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 rain collection system for collecting and storing rainwater. The rain collection system includes a collection assembly being designed for being positioned on a support surface. The collection assembly is designed for collecting rain that has fallen on the support surface. A storage assembly has a tank. The tank is in fluid communication with the collection assembly whereby rain collected by the collection assembly is stored in the tank of the storage assembly for use by the user. A filtration assembly is in fluid communication between the collection assembly to the storage assembly. The filtration assembly is designed for filtering contaminates from the rain being transferred from the collection assembly to the storage assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making an embankment in areas and forming a barrier against water with the help of supports. For this purpose, corrugated steel sheets or corrugated panels of some other material, such as plastic or aluminium (6-63), are folded across their longitudinal direction along perforations in the sheets so that sections (5, 6) of the sheet extend at an angle to one another, and the aforementioned folded formed barrier supports (16) are caused to be positioned on a supporting surface (17) so that a folded section (5, 6) of each sheet (6-63) forms a barrier support (16) that faces towards the intended damming area (21). The barrier support (16) is formed laterally by a number of mutually overlapping folded corrugated sheets (6-63). The invention also relates to an arrangement for the execution of the method.

Abstract: A device and method for stabilization of beaches and building walls, patios and similar simple structures consisting of blocks with trapezoidal or rectangular shapes which have staking or interlocking means of interconnecting blocks and where the top has an open area allowing fill by slurries of water and sand, gravel or clay and the escape of clarified water during and after filling.

Abstract: A water structure that includes at least a pair of sleeves formed from a puncture resistant flexible material that are joined to one another along common longitudinal surfaces, as by sewing, and include sleeve ends that are formed into closures to contain and maintain closed-off ends of water filled tubes that are individually contained in each sleeve, and including an arrangement, such as an outer sleeve, for maintaining said pair of sleeves in side by side relationship, resisting movement when subjected to transverse forces as by wave action in a body of water maintained by the water structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable flood barrier section (1) to be located on a ground (2) to form a barrier (3) against flooding water (4), comprising an erectable wall (5) which along one of its edges (6) is hinged to a basis. The hinge (7) enables a rotating erection (A) of the wall (5) from an essentially horizontal position to an erected position. A flexible or rigid tie (8, 9), which extends from the basis to the wall (5) on the flooded side (10) of the wall (5), prevents an erection of the wall (5) beyond the erected position. A seal (12) is in the erected position of the flood barrier section (1) located between the flood barrier section and the ground (2). The flood barrier section (1) is adapted to, prior to flooding, to expose the seal (12) to a positive sealing pressure exceeding a pressure caused by the weight of the flood barrier section (1). The invention also relates to a flood barrier (3) comprising flood barrier sections (1).

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 fluid containment system comprises a plurality of interlocking wall sections, each having a male connector at one end and a mating female connector at an opposite end for connection to the male connector of an adjacent wall section in alignment therewith having a similar configuration. A plurality of connector sections are also provided which connect the wall sections at right angles to one another for forming a perimeter about a selected area to contain spilled fluid within the selected area. A liner is provided which spans the selected area and is secured to the wall sections about the perimeter of the selected area by a suitable capping system. The connector sections permit the selected area to be divided by the wall sections into plural divided and contained zones for protecting various different fluid storage systems within the selected area against undesirable spillage and possible mixing with one another.

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: A frame structure for use as a portable dam. Each frame structure is comprised of a support beam, a base beam and at least one brace beam connected together in pivoting relationship so that the beams may be folded down together for quick assembly and disassembly. The collapsed beams are configured to lie parallel to each other in a folded arrangement to permit efficiency in stacking multiple units together for storage and transportation. The erected frame structures are connected to each other and held in a spaced relationship through the use of couplers that are adapted to slide over the ends of the beams forming the frame structures. The individual frame structures may be erected in place in the water, or a section comprising several connected frame structures may be pre-fabricated and lifted and placed as a unit in the water. A stiffener member is affixed to adjacent frame structures to hold them together in rigid relationship.

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 portable flood control revetment comprising an elongated collapsible and inflatable tube of flexible material impervious to air and water, the tube having a bottom wall and other walls defining an internal compartment, and a multiplicity of cables in the compartment, each extending from one of the walls to another of the walls to hold the tube in a selected shape when the tube is filled with air or water. The bottom wall defines at least one pocket for receiving a corresponding at least one hold-down member, and other of the walls are provided with closeable orifices for permitting flow of air and water into and out of the compartment to respectively inflate, fill, and collapse the tube.

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: The invention comprises frame members for use as a portable dam. Each frame structure is comprised of a support beam, a base beam and at least one brace beam connected together in pivoting relationship so that the beams may be folded down together for quick assembly and disassembly. The collapsed beams are configured to lie parallel to each other in a folded arrangement to permit efficiency in stacking multiple units together for storage and transportation. The erected frame structures are connected to each other and held in a spaced relationship through the use of couplers that are adapted to slide over the ends of the beams forming the frame structures. The individual frame structures may be erected in place in the water, or a section comprising several connected frame structures may be pre-fabricated and lifted and placed as a unit in the water. A stiffener member is affixed to adjacent frame structures to hold them together in rigid relationship.

Abstract: A flood fence wherein a plurality of deflectors or sections are placed end to end and into the soil in upright positions. The sections have a saw tooth bottom edge and downwardly extending uprights that engage within a soil substrate to thereby protect the soil on one side of the fence from water flow against the other side. The areas of joining between adjacent sections also include a support and secondary barriers to minimize seepage therepast as well as to assure that the sections remain engaged.

Abstract: An engaging sandbag envelope for receiving sand or another loose bulk or free-flowing medium, wherein the specific weight of the medium is higher than that of water and it does not harden during and after filling, characterised in that hook-and-loop female connecting elements are arranged on the top surface side of the sandbag envelope and hook-and-loop male sticking elements are arranged on the underneath surface side so that when the sandbag envelopes filled with a medium are stacked one upon the other and in relationship with each other the hook-and-loop male sticking elements of the one envelope engage into the hook-and-loop female connecting elements of at least one further envelope, and in that case the hook-and-loop male sticking elements and the hook-and-loop female connecting elements on the top surface side or the underneath surface side of the envelopes are arranged over the entire surface area or in portion-wise manner.

Abstract: There is provided an internal pressure regulating system in which when a flexible bag body used for a collapsible dam is excessively pressurized, gas within the bag body is discharged. The system includes a flexible bag body which can be inflated with gas, and a pipe having opposite ends, with one end connected to an exhaust opening in the bag body, and the other end introduced into the upstream region of a watercourse.

Abstract: A mobile anti-flood protection device comprising flexible tubes (1) placed on top of each other with closed ends and at least one water connection. The ends of the tubes (1) are detachably fixed to holding devices (2). The holding devices are removably secured to a base plate (3a) which is fastened to a substructure (3) to be included in the ground.

Abstract: A flood barrier unit is provided for a flood barrier system. Each unit has three pillars attached to pillar footings implanted in the surrounding ground surface. For each pillar a concrete brace member footing is provided for the support of brace members compressively positioned between the pillar tops and the brace member footings. A turnbuckle connects two portions of each brace member, and when properly manipulated, will force the brace member ends into holes in the pillar footings and brace member footings. Barrier panels with tongue-and-groove top and bottom edges form a wall when attached to the pillars using a brace plate and bolts. A water-resistant vapor barrier, with a weighted bottom portion, is draped over the top of the barrier panels for fastening between the pillars and panels using a hook-and-loop fastener and the barrier panel bolts. Alternate embodiments include differing arrangements and numbers of the brace members.

Abstract: A spillway for use in a sloped embankment which defines a top and a toe. The spillway is adapted to dissipate the kinetic energy of water flowing downwardly from the top of the embankment to the toe thereof in a primary flow direction. The spillway comprises a plurality of building blocks arranged in rows which are stacked upon each other in a shingle-like overlap such that the building blocks of each row are offset relative to the building blocks of each adjacent row and a series of steps are defined thereby. The building blocks are sized and configured such that water cascading down the steps defined thereby is caused to flow in three dimensions so as to impart velocity components to the falling water that act at generally right angles relative to the primary flow direction and generate turbulence which dissipates the kinetic energy of the water.

Abstract: A length of material, such as woven polyethylene, woven polypropylene, burlap, or other woven material, divided into a series of two or more substantially equal sized sections. Every other section is filled with sand, or other material. When the length of material is put in place, each row alternating a filled section and an unfilled section, a very secure, interlocking, substantially water-tight structure is formed which is much more effective in preventing the flow of water, mud or silt. Because each section is substantially square, the sections can be stacked in a parallel or transverse direction, to effect a wider and stronger structure which is substantially impervious to the flow of water, mud or silt.

Abstract: A damming device for forming a liquid-damming protective bank comprises at least one first board (1), in the active state laying, intended to be urged by the liquid against the surface and thereby anchoring the device, as well as at least a second board (2), in the active state up-right, intended to dam the liquid. There are liquid-draining means (5) on the bottom side of the anchoring board (1). Devices (9, 9′) act between the two boards (1, 2) with the purpose of inhibiting tilting of the damming board (2) from the active position in the direction towards the dry the side, when liquid simultaneously affects the anchoring board (1) with a vertical force and the damming board (2) with a horizontal force.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for flood control. The apparatus comprises at least one expandible compartment that may conform to surfaces against which it rests. The compartment comprises a filler material capable of taking up liquid and expandible upon liquid take-up; an outer skin, at least a part of which is liquid permeable; and means for sealing said skin to contain said filler material therein. The compartments may be dried or purged of liquid after use and retained for subsequent re-use.

Abstract: An engineered log jam for controlling stream flow characteristics is formed from multiple layers of logs. A first layer intended to be placed parallel to stream flow consists of two or more generally parallel logs. In normal use these would be anchored to the stream bottom. A second layer of logs is placed on top of the first. This also consists of a plurality of spaced apart logs crossing the first layer. The second layer logs are angled with respect to each other to control and direct water flow passing over and through the structure. A third layer of spaced apart logs crosses the second layer logs and further acts to direct water flow. Additional layers may be used as might be dictated by the use environment. The logs are permanently joined to each other at the points of crossing.

Abstract: A portable levee system includes a bag having a preselected geometric shape. The bag is continuous in that it has a length at least equal to its width, and is preferably many times as long. A top portion of the bag is open for receiving fill material. A preferred geometric shape is a trapezoid. The bag is removably mounted to a dispenser and the dispenser dispenses the bag from a rear portion of the dispenser. A preferred dispenser is towed behind a tractor or truck and the bag is filled within the dispenser and deposited onto the ground. A method of providing a portable levee is taught wherein a levee is created in a fraction of the time required to build an equivalently-sized levee utilizing current emergency levee construction systems.

Abstract: A water structure formed from a pair of flexible tubes or sleeves that each receive a volume of water and are maintained within a containment sleeve, and including a vertical tube fitted through the containing sleeve to pass between and is separated from the water filled flexible tubes or sleeves.

Abstract: A movable barrier wall system includes a housing assembly 12 that has an interior chamber 32. A barrier member 14 is made of a buoyant material having a selected density. The barrier member 14 floats vertically within the chamber 32 when a liquid is present. The barrier member 14 may be made from a closed cell foam core 34 that is clad with a fiberglass mesh material then the assembly is infused with a resin material. Alternatively, the core 34 may be made from a plurality of elongated rods 38 that are individually clad and reinforced with a shear layer. The individual barrier member modules 15 may be assembled in an end to end relationship with an elongated vertical seal member therebetween. The barrier member 14 may be selectively raised prior to and in anticipation of a flood situation of a nearby body of water by a pump and control system that may be automatically or manually controlled. At least one passive backup system is provided for filling the chamber when the pump or control system fails.

Abstract: A barrier having a fluid-fillable body made of a non-rigid sheet material, a plurality of planar support members within the body for maintaining a desired shape of the barrier and a port for introducing fluid into the barrier.

Abstract: A protective device for flooding, comprising a protective cloth provided in a housing and a float connected to the protective cloth. The housing is formed as boxes having elongated sides and open gable ends. Side edges of the protective cloth in the housing are connected to one another for providing a waterproof connection to protective cloths of adjacent housings. A protective cloth for flooding comprises at least one float provided along an edge of the protective cloth, and float elements are provided spaced apart along the surface of the protective cloth.

Abstract: Tubular structures are described which are composed of multiple layers of reinforced material. The structures include at least one terminal end portion which includes one or more wedges between adjacent layers of reinforced material. The structures may be, for example, hoses, expansion joints, or actuators (e.g., air springs). The terminal end portions can be readily clamped together to make appropriate connections, or a terminal end portion can be clamped to a desired mounting surface.

Abstract: An inflatable dike formed from sections includes an upper and lower partition. The lower partition includes a water inlet and is water-fillable via the water inlet to add weight to the dike. The upper partition attaches to partially surround to the lower partition. The upper partition includes an air inlet for inflating the upper partition with air. The upper partition inflates to add rigidity, and to laterally support the lower partition.

Abstract: A wave barrier for protecting users and their possessions at a beach location close to the water from becoming wet from waves crashing into their location. The wave barrier includes a flexible wall sheet with a plurality of spaced apart elongate poles coupled thereto. The lower ends of the poles are downwardly extended from a bottom edge of the wall sheet. The proximal edge of a ground sheet is coupled to the wall sheet along the bottom edge of the wall sheet.

Abstract: A water dam includes a number of loading pallets arranged side-by-side and inclined outward from the water supported by supports. Membranes are placed on loading pallets and extend a distance in front of the pallets under the water. The membranes may be held down in the front edge by stones, sand bags, etc. initially to hold the membrane in place. The supports are triangular and made of U-shaped sheet metal beams. The one on which the pallets rest grips over the adjoining legs of two loading pallets to hold these together. To the rear the support is extended sufficient to secure that it cannot be tilted by the water. To achieve this and achieve a good grip on the ground the inclination is preferably 45.degree., resulting in great vertical forces on the ground, a good grip on the ground.

Abstract: A protective bank damming device useful for damming and controlling the flow of a liquid, the liquid most commonly being water. The damming device barrier member is inflated with water to provide a form to the barrier member, and anchoring weight to keep the barrier secured to the substrate surface. The barrier member provides support for a skirt member extending from the top side of the barrier to a skirt distal edge abutting against the flood side substrate surface. A skirt sealing means is applied along the skirt distal edge, with the purpose of preventing leakage under the skirt and barrier member, and utilizing natural leakage inherent in this type of liquid-anchored dam, reducing the hydrostatic pressure under the skirt and barrier relative to the dammed water. This pressure differential keeps the damming device securely anchored to the surface.

Abstract: A portable barrier including an elongate hollow container providing a chamber for holding fluent material to increase its weight has a stabilizing toe projecting outwardly from one of its sidewalls with the upper surface of the toe disposed at an angle relative to the horizontal and angling downwardly on progressing away from sidewall. Hinged connectors are provide at opposite ends of the barrier for connecting to adjacent barriers, and angled endwalls accommodate angular orientation of adjacent connected barriers relative to each other. A plurality of bores permit fluid to flow pass the barrier as desired, or to be stopped by the insertion of plugs. A removable flexible cover is placed over the hinged interconnection between adjacent barriers. The cover may be of a water-proof or filtering medium as desired.

Abstract: A spillway for use in a sloped embankment which defines a top and a toe. The spillway is adapted to dissipate the kinetic energy of water flowing downwardly from the top of the embankment to the toe thereof in a primary flow direction. The spillway comprises a plurality of building blocks arranged in rows which are stacked upon each other in a shingle-like overlap such that the building blocks of each row are offset relative to the building blocks of each adjacent row and a series of steps are defined thereby. The building blocks are sized and configured such that water cascading down the steps defined thereby is caused to flow in three dimensions so as to impart velocity components to the falling water that act at generally right angles relative to the primary flow direction and generate turbulence which dissipates the kinetic energy of the water.

Abstract: The invention provides a bulkhead forming system and method for forming a bulkhead. The bulkhead forming system comprises a number of individual forming members which are coupled together end to end and opposing each other to provide a gap therebetween on which the concrete is poured. The individual forming members consists of straight side forming members, 90.degree. internal angles, 90.degree. external angles, and other angled matched pair forming members, each of the said forming member having a substantially deep continuously concave indentation extending horizontally through the forming member, resulting in a substantially sideways U-shaped cross-section. Each surface of the bulkhead forming member is provided at an angle at which the frame can be easily released from the bulkhead once cured. The resulting freestanding bulkhead provides a useful walkway or work surface. Pilings may be driven into soil and placed between the opposing frames to provide additional stability or to create a boat lift.

Abstract: A barrier forming a temporary dam that may be erected quickly alongside a river in spate to protect a flood-prone area. The barrier (11) mainly consists of extractable piles (15) fitted in holes in the ground, and removable water-tight members (20) that may be mounted between the piles once they have been drawn out of the respective holes. The water-tight members may be made of a stack of metal beams and thick bars.