Abstract: Systems and methods of determining a tension of an anchor embedded in a dam are described. A dynamic impulse response of the dam is empirically obtained in such that a portion of the empirical dynamic impulse response is dominated by a dynamic behavior of the anchor. Furthermore, a set of modeled impulse responses that map to a set of tension values for the anchor are obtained. Next, a closest matching modeled impulse response from the set of modeled impulse responses that is a closest match to the portion of the empirical dynamic impulse response that is dominated by the dynamic behavior of the anchor is determined. Finally, a tension value from the set of tension values is selected, which is the closest match to the portion of the dynamic impulse response dominated by the dynamic behavior of the anchor. As such, the tension value of the anchor can be determined.

Abstract: The present invention is a rapidly deployable flood defense system and method that has at least one barrier cover, each comprising a plurality of laterally-extending crossbeam housing tubes stacked generally vertically and housing an inflatable crossbeam disposed within the tube, an end retaining tab at each end of the tube, and a plurality of rear support retaining tabs spaced along the lateral length of the crossbeam housing tube; and a front apron and a rear apron. The system also has a plurality of support tubes and a plurality of additional support tubes positioned along the lateral length of the crossbeam housing tube. Each support tube held in the generally vertical direction by a base post and each and additional support tube positioned along the lateral length of the crossbeam housing tube having an additional base post positioned rearwardly.

Abstract: This invention relates to an inflatable dam assembly. In particular, this invention relates to a combined inflation, sealing and anchoring arrangement for a self-supporting dam for protecting buildings and property from rising flood water. An inflatable dam assembly comprises an inflatable membrane; means for inflating said membrane; an anchoring element operably engaged with the inflatable membrane; and a duct for housing the anchoring element and at least a part of said membrane, the duct comprising retaining means configured to retain the anchoring element within the duct, wherein, in use, the anchoring element is moveable relative to the duct in a first direction towards the retaining means and in a second direction away from the retaining means.

Abstract: A liquid containment barrier is formed by corrugated panels connected end to end and supported by upstanding brackets at spaced positions around the peripheral wall and a liner attached to the wall. Each panel has the top edge as a raw edge with a plurality of elongate extruded plastics spring channel members engaged over the top edge. A plurality of additional clamp collars are arranged to surround a part cylindrical portion of the channel members to bridge between panels and to form a local clamping force on the channel member. Each bracket has an inner vertical edge engaging the panels and a rod member hooked to the brace at the lower end and engaging over the channel members at the upper end. The bracket also includes an upwardly extending flange parallel to the inner edge to form a channel for the bottom edge of the panel.

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 flood barrier protection system has a first barrier support member having a channel therein. A second barrier member spaced from the first support member having a channel therein. A barrier member disposed within both channels is sealingly engageable with one surface of each the support member. The barrier member has a rigid front wall and a rigid rear wall spaced across a gap form each other to form a hollow body open at at least one end. An upper engaging portion and a lower engaging portion each extend from the hollow body in opposite directions.

Abstract: A modular dike or barrier assembly includes straight and curved members that may be interconnected to form a barrier or dike wall surrounding a primary container. The members are hollow and include opposed side walls having integrally formed reinforcing ribs. The side walls extend at an acute angle relative to the base of the barrier to contain and redirect a surge flow directed toward the dike or barrier assembly. The interior surfaces of the side walls are closely spaced at locations spaced from the ribs and tend to abut for added wall reinforcement upon application of wall deflecting loads.

Abstract: Among all natural disasters, flood is the most frequent and devastating. It can be caused by variety of natural and man-made reasons at any time. Therefore, there is a need for permanent protection of commercial and residential buildings, and infrastructures, against flood. Typical permanent flood protection constructions, e.g., levees, embankments and concrete dams, cannot be used for this purpose because they are expensive and inconvenient for protection of a specific building. Once installed, they permanently block access to the area being protected. The claimed invention is aimed at solving this problem. It offers a reliable flood protection system that is 1) concealed, i.e., appears only when water is present and invisible otherwise, 2) adaptive, i.e., adjusts its height to match the approaching water level, 3) autonomous, i.e., does not require any human actions to enable the protection, and 4) can operate without any power source, such as electricity.

Abstract: A flood defense or water-retaining device 8 comprises a hollow body of an elastomeric material having formations 30, 34 at opposite ends for sealing engagement with complementary formations on adjoining flood defense devices and having complementary formations 22, 24 on upper and lower sides for sealing engagement with complementary formations on lower and upper sides respectively of any similar devices disposed respectively above and below the first-mentioned device. The device 8 has at least one filling opening 40 through which water can be passed into the interior of the device to fill the same.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reconfigurable obstacle system for a river channel in a river park. Each obstacle assembly includes a plurality of obstacles. Obstacles may include a hollow structural box, a strut channel frame and a plurality of connectors that cooperate to divert water when installed in a river channel. A plurality of connectors pass through the hollow structural box when holding the obstacle in position. The obstacle assemblies can be reconfigured as desired, e.g. increase amplitude of a wave, speed up water flow, change depth, etc.

Abstract: Retaining wall device, comprising at least one first retaining wall member (5) and a support (3, 4) for it, wherein the first retaining wall member and the support have first and second longitudinal edges, respectively, extending in longitudinal direction of the retaining wall, which longitudinal edges have been formed for connection to each other by a tilting or rotary motion about one or several axes that are parallel to the longitudinal edges, wherein the longitudinal edge that is opposite the first longitudinal edge (8) of the first retaining wall member is designed corresponding to the second longitudinal edge, wherein the first and second longitudinal edges can be provided with stop surfaces for limiting the tilting motion to mutual abutment of the first and second longitudinal edges in a retaining position of the first retaining wall member.

Abstract: A flood defence or water-retaining device (8) comprises a hollow body of an elastomeric material having formations (30), (34) at opposite ends for sealing engagement with complementary formations on adjoining flood defence devices and having complementary formations (22), (24) on upper and lower sides for sealing engagement with complementary formations on lower and upper sides respectively of any similar devices disposed respectively above and below the first-mentioned device. The device (8) has at least one filling opening (40) through which water can be passed into the interior of the device to fill the same.

Abstract: A trussed embankment dam and wall structure includes a cantilever structure group and a rod member group, and each cantilever structure of the cantilever structure group includes an anchor supporting pillar and a multidirectional connecting board. The lower portion of the anchor supporting pillar is built at a stratum or foundation to support the cantilever structure, and the upper portion of the anchor supporting pillar installs a multidirectional connecting board to a trussed joint structure. After a force is exerted to a rod member of the invention, the force is acted onto the joints of the cantilever structure and transmitted by other rod members. Therefore, each cantilever structure maximizes the supporting effect and provides a dispersive supporting type structure. Unlike the centralized supporting type truss structure, the invention uses the hollow portion of the structure and the malleability of components to create landscapes, fill soil and plant vegetation.

Abstract: In order to provide a durable loading dock shelter with an effective seal, the dock shelter is provided with a face panel that is relatively lightweight and firm, yet moveable for sealing against vehicles of various size and position. The face panel can be used as a side curtain or a head curtain. To provide the face panel with durability while minimizing its weight, the face panel is thermoformed of twin sheets of plastic to provide a durable outer shell with a hollow interior. In some embodiments, the face panel is moveable by virtue of an integral living hinge that connects the face panel to a generally stationary support panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid barrier assembly for the prevention of flow of liquid from one area to an adjacent area. The assembly comprises a plurality of barriers each having a substantially rigid container defining and enclosed chamber and a front concave wall against which, in use, liquid is intended to be incident. The front wall of at least one of the barriers has a plurality of apertures that allow the passage of liquid into and out of the chamber. Adjacent barriers are corrected to one another in a side by side relationship by an elongate dog-bone connector. Each connector has a plurality of resiliently deformable sealing members which ensure that a liquid-tight seal is retained between the barriers. Angular displacement of one barrier relative to its neighbour about the connector is permitted so that a non-linear liquid barrier assembly can be constructed.

Abstract: A rapid emergency dam is disclosed. During adverse weather conditions heavy rain can lead to rivers breaking their banks and lakes overflowing causing flooding to the surrounding countryside. Coastline defenses can also be breached by increased sea swell and large waves. A fluid barrier section (1) of the present invention comprises an elongate rectangular fluid barrier sheet 2, an apron 4 extending from the lowermost edge 6 of the fluid barrier (2), an elongate rectangular front panel (7) and support means in the form of a plurality of support ribs (8). The fluid barrier sheet (2) is of a flexible fluid impermeable material such as plastics, rubber, waterproof canvas, nylons or any other suitable natural or man made material. A preferred material for the barrier sheet (2) is a fluid impermeable tear resistant flexible foil. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the lowermost edge (6) of the fluid barrier is bonded to one edge of the apron (4).

Abstract: A horizontally pivoted structurally rigid buoyant flood gate, in a housing for the gate arranged in front of an opening to a construction, is pivotally floated out of the housing by rising water entering a portal to the housing, and rotates buoyantly upward toward the opening, rising between two side walls longitudinal to the opening and separated from each other by little more than the side-to-side distance of the gate, allowing little water through any gap separating the gate from the side walls, which preferably is sealed by a compression seal, the hydrostatic pressure of water dammed behind the rising gate urging completed closure of the gate through at least the upper half of the closing arc, pressing the gate sealingly against the jambs.

Abstract: A structure for detecting an inflated state of a dam formed by a flexible membrane disposed in a conduit, with the detection unaffected by pressure resulting from fluid flow through the conduit when the flexible membrane is not completely inflated. The structure includes a metal plate mountable at a center of the flexible membrane and covered by a covering sheet and a metal detector for detecting the metal member only when the flexible membrane has been inflated to a desired state.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved water control gates and related inflatable actuators, and associated sealing, manufacture and operation apparatus and methods. Advancements in technologies related to air fitting design, inflated bladder stress relief, inflatable bladder strength enhancement, water gate related slide friction mitigation, abutment and other impounded water seals, gate panel fabrication, traffic accommodating water impoundment structures, and water gate panel system operation efficiency, as well as nappe aeration, hinges, and bladder manufacture technology are some of the advancements disclosed herein.

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 flood protection device, system and method. The flood protection device consists of an elongated liquid-tight container, which may be filled through a nozzle thereon. The container is secured to the ground where needed by at least one stake, which stake is coupled to at least one eyelet located on the container. The container is preferably formed of polyvinyl chloride. The container may be filled, and emptied, on-site.

Abstract: In order to provide a loading dock shelter with an effective seal, the shelter is provided with a side curtain that is semi-rigid. The relative stiffness of the curtain allows it to be supported along a vertical edge, while a distal vertical edge of the curtain can be cantilevered for sealing against the side of a truck. The curtain has sufficient flexibility and resilience to at least partially seal against the truck without having to rely on compressible foam. In some cases, the semi-rigid curtain is attached to a side frame by way of a sliding connection that allows for differences in thermal expansion between the curtain and the frame. A relatively pliable corner seal helps seal a gap between the side curtain and an adjacent head curtain.

Abstract: A flood control barrier for separating water in a wet area from an area to be maintained substantially dry comprises a flexible exterior membrane made of liquid impervious material and including elongated upper and lower membrane sections joined at a closed longitudinal downstream end of the exterior membrane opposed to an open longitudinal upstream end thereof. The upper and lower membrane sections are connected by internal partition walls and are displaceable between expanded and collapsed positions, wherein in the collapsed position, the upper membrane section overlies the lower membrane section, whereas in the expanded position, the upper membrane section is spaced from the lower membrane section at the open end of the exterior membrane such that water may flow through the open end and be received between the upper and lower membrane sections such as to be trapped therein, i.e. by the closed downstream end thereof which prevents the water from flowing past the barrier.

Abstract: A modular dike is used to divide a body of water into two distinct parts. The modular dike uses a plurality of floatable modules. Each module is floated into the body of water and sunk at predetermined locations in the body of water. The modules are aligned in a row within the body of water so that the row of modules forms a dike which effectively segregates the body of water into two distinct parts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to portable flexible fillable barriers that are used to restrain the flow of fluids and to serve as reservoirs, containers (for solids as well) and embankments. The portable flexible fillable barrier is collapsible upon itself into a smaller size, facilitating storage and transportation, and is self-opening from the collapsed state. The portable flexible fillable barrier has a flexible fillable wall comprising an upper portion, a lower portion, a top end, a bottom end, several sides, a number of openings and a supporting frame that has inner structural cells with cell openings and an enclosing flexible membrane. Numerous portable flexible fillable barriers may share a fluid path formed by holes in shared side walls or formed by tubes leading from one portable flexible fillable barrier to another.

Abstract: A mobile demountable flood barrier consists of individual stackable sections, the two longitudinal ends of which engage for securing purposes in a U-section arranged perpendicularly to the sections. The individual sections engage together by means of horizontal S-shape toothed projections on their upper side and lower side and thus transmit to their adjacent sections a part of the load caused by the pressure of the water which can act upon them.

Abstract: A chair height adjusting mechanism including an externally threaded upper support supporting a chair seat, a tubular lower support into and out of which the upper support is movable. An internally threaded rotatable member rotatable up and down along the upper support. An upper gearing surface on the underside of the rotatable member. A fixed member around the upper support and through which the upper support is slidable. A tightening part for clamping the fixed member on the upper support. The fixed member having a lower gearing surface meshable with the gearing surface on the rotatable member so when they are in mesh, the rotatable member is held stationary. Support legs on the lower support and also connected with the tightening part.

Abstract: A levee gate and the process for the production thereof. The levee gate of the invention includes a rectangular sheet of thermoplastic material with a rectangular sleeve located on one edge of the thermoplastic material, the rectangular sleeve being a portion of the rectangular sheet fused to the rectangular sheet. The process for the production of the levee gate includes extruding a cylindrical tube of thermoplastic material, inflating the cylindrical tube as it is extruded to provide an inflated length of tube, flattening the inflated length of tube without fusing the opposed walls of the tube to each other, and continuously fusing a portion of the opposed walls together to form a seam.

Abstract: Dams which basically consist of foundation plinths, secured as necessary, which plinths carry mobile and/or partially mobile dam elements, which can be inclined using lifting or lowering devices. The system also includes a control cabin.