Abstract: A configurable modular dam gate hoist system is disclosed. The dam gate hoist system includes a first hoist support frame, second hoist support frame, first side segment with a first adjustable hoist drum, second side segment with a second adjustable hoist drum, a hoist drive assembly, and optionally a middle segment. The middle segment, when utilized, is constructed of pre-made components with set lengths in the factory, with the length of the middle segment being varied by using components with different set lengths. Both the first and second side segments include an adjustment slot or keyway that receives adjustment bolts (preferably including standard square keys) of the first and second adjustable hoist drum to allow the position of the drums to be adjusted and secured in the desired location on the tube to correspond with the desired fleet angle of the gate chain, cable, or wire rope.

Abstract: Provided is a flood barrier for use with HAZMAT materials. The barrier includes a first wall and a second wall joined together at a first end, tape for securing the barrier to a surface to prevent leaks, multiple flexible ribs attached between the first wall and second walls, one or more holes for filling, and a rod that separates an open end of the first and second wall to form a chamber with an open end. Several insulating floats are evenly spaced between the ribs on a bottom surface of the first wall to prevent overflow. A gap filler, such as uncured silicone and tape is used in the transition from a terminal rib to an exposed corner of the barrier. The barrier can withstand high heat for a sustained period of time, is leak-proof, and includes an improved method of sealing corners.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling and measuring flow. The arrangement includes a fluid control barrier and a flow-measuring apparatus upstream of the fluid control barrier. The fluid control barrier includes a pair of plates for opening and closing a pipe, and the plates are movable towards a center line of the pipe to open the pipe and produce a symmetrical flow profile for the flow-measuring apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments of an inflatable dam sized to be secured to a foundation structure with an anchor line. The inflatable dam includes a main bladder and an overlapping layer. The main bladder is moveable between deflated and inflated states such that, in the inflated state, the main bladder extends with a tubular configuration. The overlapping layer is sized and configured to extend over a portion of the main bladder and, in the inflated state, concentrically aligned with the portion of the main bladder. The overlapping layer is sized to extend with an overlapping length and to extend laterally between a first end portion and a second end portion along the overlapping length, the first end portion being coupled to the fin structure and the second end portion being configured to be coupled to the anchor line and the foundation structure.

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 disclosed herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expansion-sealed flood control gate, comprising a water board, a frame structure, two symmetrical constraint tracks, at least one encased expandable sealing tube, and a plurality of adapters. A U-shaped slot is formed between the two symmetrical constraint tracks for plugging in the water board. Each constraint track has a U-shaped expanding compression chamber connecting from one end to the other end to accommodate the tube inside. The adapters are connected with the open ends of the tube and fixed on the constraint tracks at the connected ends. Accordingly, there can be effectively repelled floods that the tube with the characteristics of active filling and uniform packing stress have the higher geometric tolerance, even if the slits between the water board, the constraint tracks and ground emerge the unexpected geometrical change, the encased expandable sealing tubes are ballooned to mend the slits.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus that is designed to hold back flood waters via a series of interconnected long flexible tubular units. Each unit is connected to each other via a sleeve and has a weighted flap portion for additional anchoring. Each unit has its own fill tube and drain plug and is designed to retain water or other liquid to provide an impervious water barrier when in deployment.

Abstract: A flexible water gate is described that is suitable for retaining water in a port, canal or river estuary. The gate is both economical to build and maintain and comprises a gate controller that allows a flexible member to be controllably moved between a closed and open position, as required. A flexible flood control barrier that comprises one or more of the aforementioned flexible water gates is also described. These gates are deployed side to side and provide an economical way of providing flood protection to an area susceptible to flood tides. When not in use the flexible membranes of the flexible water gates can be stored on the riverbed so permitting unrestricted access for marine vessels.

Abstract: A portable flood-barrier-system can include a portable block of substantial mass; and a deflatable bladder, a first portion of which is disposed on a substrate; the block being disposed at least partly on the first portion of the bladder so as to releasably compress the first portion between the block and the substrate and so releasably hold the first portion therebetween due to friction.

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 areation, hinges, and bladder manufacture technology are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A water structure formed from at least a pair of sleeves from a puncture resistant flexible material joined along common longitudinal surfaces, as by sewing, and include sleeve ends that are formed into closed to maintain closed-off ends of water filled tubes, and including an arrangement, such as an outer sleeve, for maintaining the pair of sleeves in side by side relationship and/or may includes at least one ground sheet for anchoring the water structure.

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: 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 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 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 fitting structural body, fittings included in the structural body, and a flexible sheet inflatable gate installed inside a culvert using the structural body are disclosed. In the fitting structural body, a first fitting element and a second fitting element are respectively made into one body at corner portions of the structural body. At each corner portion, no gap between each set of fittings, and no acute parts contacting an upper sheet of the gate exist.

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 set of elements for erecting a transportable dam, the set comprising at least a first inflatable flexible element which, in an inflated state, forms a tube, and a filler element, which is mountable to one end of the inflatable element, whereby, when mounted to the inflatable element, the filler element defines a first end of the tube. The filler element has at least one filler plug opening for filling air and/or liquid into the inflatable element. A coupling arrangement is provided for defining a second end of the tube. The invention further relates to a method of erecting a transportable dam.

Abstract: A water structure formed from at least one flexible tube or sleeve, that functions as a water containment vessel when at least partially filled with water and closed at its ends, and includes a rope positioned therein. The rope is for connection, on one end, to a second flexible tube or sleeve and is for use in pulling the second flexible tube or sleeve through the first tube or sleeve. The second tube is then to receive a volume of water therein, that expands the second tube against the first tube inner surface to function as a water structure.

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 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 flexible membrane dam is provided which can be installed easily and in which a concentration of stress at a time the dam is made to stand is less than in conventional structures. Mounting hardware for the dam is also provided. When a fluid such as air is supplied to an interior of a flexible membrane, the flexible membrane inflates and stands, and tension acts on the flexible membrane . At inclined surface portions, a vicinity of an outer peripheral edge of the flexible membrane is, in a convex and concave shape, nipped and fixed between an upper pressing hardware and a lower pressing hardware . At the upper pressing hardware, a ratio (AE1/AE1′)×100 of a length AE1 from a point E1 of a concave portion to a point A, to a length AE1′ from a point E1′ of a convex portion to the point A, is 85 or more. Namely, the length AE1′ is close to the length AE1.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a rubber weir main body, which manufactures a rubber weir main body intended to rise by the flow-in of a fluid and to fall by the discharge of the fluid by integrally bonding at least two main body segments divided in the circumferential direction to each other, including the steps of: forming a material removed portion with stepped portions at edges of the rubber weir main body segments previously manufactured; abutting the rubber weir main body segments on each other at the edges; laminating unvulcanized rubber sheets containing reinforcing canvasses and an unvulcanized rubber sheet on the material removed portion formed between both the rubber weir main body segments contacted with each other; and integrally vulcanizing and bonding them. With this method, a large sized rubber weir main body excellent in quality can be easily manufactured at a job site.

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 flexible film, of which a flexible film weir is composed, has a two-dimensional configuration when expanded, and the total length of the periphery of the flexible film is set longer than the mounting length of mounting faces (a river bed and faces of slopes). Weights are attached on the flexible film at appropriate intervals. Portions left redundant when the flexible film is mounted on the mounting faces are folded and fixed at toes of the slopes in such a way that they are overlapped. The two-dimensional configuration of the flexible film simplifies the structure. Further, as the weights prevents the weir from floating up, there is no need for forming irregularities on the river bed, thereby simplifying the construction.

Abstract: A system and method for rapid construction of temporary watertight barriers and walls by unskilled labor which comprise stacked tiers of fluid-filled water bag assemblies. Each water bag assembly comprises a rigid outer frame and a rugged, flexible waterproof bag. The outer frame is separable into a top panel having downwardly extending pivotally-attached connection rods and a bottom panel having upwardly extending pivotally-attached connection tubes. When opposed connection rods and tubes are joined and fixed together with quickly applied fasteners, a waterproof bag placed therebetween becomes sandwiched between the top and bottom panels. Two hose connections on each waterproof bag surface provide conveniently accessed fluid introduction and air vent openings for use in draining and filling them. A standard garden hose or water pump may be used to drain or fill the waterproof bags.

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: A flexible membrane inflating structural body is fixed to a structure such as a bed and slope sides of a waterway by using a mounting metal fitting comprising a first metal fitting and a second metal fitting. The flexible membrane inflating structural body is erected by supplying a fluid to an interior of a flexible membrane, and is deflated by discharging the fluid within the flexible membrane. The first metal fitting is disposed at a side of the structure at which the flexible membrane inflating structural body is provided and contacts one surface of the flexible membrane. The second metal fitting contacts another surface of the flexible membrane and, together with the first metal fitting, sandwiches a portion of the flexible membrane in a vicinity of an outer peripheral edge of the flexible membrane. The first and second metal fittings, which form the mounting metal fitting, each include at least one convex portion which bends the flexible membrane while the flexible membrane is in a held state.

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 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 rubber sheet is formed in a bag shape, and a seam portion of the bag-shaped rubber sheet is fixed to a summit portion of an overflow dam. When the bag-shaped rubber sheet is expanded, a rubber dam is raised, thereby damming up water and adjusting the amount of running water. Next, when the bag-shaped rubber sheet which has been expanded is contracted and collapsed, the rubber sheet is supported by pipes, which extend substantially horizontally from the summit portion of the overflow dam toward the downstream side at a predetermined distance from each other. For this reason, the rubber sheet hangs down with its own weight and with the weight of water running downstream so as to droop down between the pipes. As a result, a rubber dam that does not bulge at the downstream side is obtained.

Abstract: A flood barrier having water fillable elongate tube portions and cylindrical water fillable junction portions. Water fill inlets, water drain outlets, air relief valves, and anchors are formed on the elongate tube portions and cylindrical junction portions. Ends of the elongate tube portions are held in watertight contact with the cylindrical junction portions with straps threaded through the anchors. Saddle portions prevent the elongate portion from rolling. The saddle portion has two loops with tubes placed in the loops, and the elongate tube portion is placed on the saddle portion with tubes straddling the elongate tube portion.

Abstract: A multiple bladder flood control system, for preventing flood waters from reaching a protected area from a flooding area, comprising a bladder assembly. A trough is dug between the protected area and the flooding area, having a trough bottom, a trough first side, and a trough second side which are all preferably surfaced with concrete. The trough first side faces the protected area, and the trough second side faces the flooding area. The bladder assembly is anchored to the trough bottom with an anchor plate. The bladder assembly comprises at least a lowermost bladder and at least one upper bladder. The bladders are attached with a common connecting surface which faces the flooding area. The bladder assembly is normally deflated, is stored fully within the trough, and the trough is covered with a cover plate. When flood waters are advancing, the cover plate is removed and the bladder assembly is inflated.

Abstract: A flood barrier wall consisting of a flexible tubular flood chamber, skirts and an air-filled flotation collar. In its unexpanded and deflated mode the device is relegated to a substantially flattened condition which can be folded, rolled up or placed on a spindle for ease of transport and rapid deployment at a flood site. Deployment consists of placing the barrier on the anticipated flood site, weighting and fastening the skirts to the ground and inflating the collar. As rising flood water enters the flood chamber it expands said chamber, resulting in an effective flood barrier.

Abstract: An environmental control dike system constructed of a plurality of bolted steel sections supported by steel posts set in concrete below average frost depths, the interior area of the steel wall having a synthetic liner cover with mating geotextile pad, joined to the flanged top of the steel wall by a plurality of V-shaped steel clamps sized to securely form the synthetic liner and geotextile pad, compressed gently but firmly, into a 180 degree fold around the flanged top of the steel wall, the V-shaped steel clamp being held securely in place by a plurality of self drilling screws into the top flange of the steel wall.

Abstract: A fluid-fillable barrier includes a tubular, impermeable membrane and at least one tension member. The membrane has a first attachment area and a second attachment area. The tension member secures between, and extends from, the first attachment area to the second attachment area. When in tension, the tension member may pivot with respect to the membrane, and has a taut length which is less than one-half of the perimeter of a cross section of the membrane, the length and perimeter being measured at a common cross-section taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the membrane.

Abstract: A liquid-damming protective bank comprises a member abutting against a surface upon which a vertical force acts with the purpose of pressing and anchoring the same against the surface. The bank member has a first long side edge turned towards a flood side and an opposite long side edge turned towards a dry side of the protective bank. Between the surface (2) and the bank member (1) there is applied a device (12) extending axially along the bank, e.g. a mat, the purpose of which is to drain away flood liquid possibly leaking in under the member from the flood side so as to keep the area on the bottom side of the member elongating from the long side edge of the draining device (12) being closest to the flood side to the dry side, at or close to atmospheric pressure in order to obtain a maximum pressure difference in relation to the hydraulic pressure keeping the protective bank sealing against the surface.

Abstract: A one-piece plastic back brace for a ditch dam is shaped like the V of the ditch. It has a groove on the top back edge that engages a span pipe which is placed across the ditch. An apron is mounted to the span pipe before the back brace is engaged. The apron folds back over the back brace to form a dam.

Abstract: Several gate panels are pivotably mounted on top of a dam spillway which are raised against the force of water by inflatable bladders. The bladders are integrally vulcanized envelopes. A unique method of inflatable bladder reinforcement is disclosed. Improvements in connecting the gate panels to the air bladder, to the restraining straps, to each other, and to the dam spillway are disclosed. Improvements in gate panel construction are disclosed.

Abstract: An inflatable rubber bladder is described which has one or more edge portions which are wedge-shaped. The wedges can be metal or rubber, for example, which are bonded on opposite surfaces to adjacent reinforced layers at the edge of the bladder. The edges can be secured in a recess in a support surface or in a clamp.

Abstract: A temporary flood control barrier system comprising elongated flexible, inflatable, tubular ballast members secured to each other and adapted to be disposed on the earth's surface for anchoring a generally sheetlike vertically extendable barrier wall or an inflatable tubular barrier member disposed above and connected to the ballast members. The ballast members are at least partially fillable with a dense ballast liquid, such as water, and may be inflated with pressure air to add rigidity and increase the height of the flood control barrier system. The sheetlike barrier wall is held erect by spaced apart support poles and sets of flexible retaining lines also attachable to the barrier wall at spaced apart points. An elongated skirt or liner is attached to one side of one of the ballast members and is deployable on the floodwater side of the barrier system to minimize saturation and erosion of the earth's surface adjacent to the ballast members.

Abstract: A ditch check for controlling erosion or sediment run-off in a ditch or swale is configured as a generally planar panel. The panel has suitable water-conducting passages to permit and is given holes to insert anchor stakes to anchor the panel to the ground. The panel is preferably made substantially of a polymer or resinous moldable material. The panel is given such formed side edges that adjacent panels can overlap or enmesh one another where they meet to close a gap therebetween. It is optional that the panel be stackable with other like panels, for greater convenience during non-use periods, as while being transported and/or during storage. Given the foregoing, the panel is meant to replace straw bales as ditch checks because the panel is very much lighter, is non-absorbent and inexpensive, and is indefinitely reusable.

Abstract: A crest gate has movable panels controlled in position by inflatable bladders. Air pressure to the bladders or from the bladders is provided to a control system that automatically regulates panel position. Air is bubbled out of a line that is normally below the water level behind the dam and crest gate panels. An actuator assembly is coupled to a valve for selectively venting the bladders. An elastomeric tire is used to create a positioning effect on the valve such that the control system maintains a precise water level. The gate configuration is improved to resist higher loads.

Abstract: A barrier wall for containment of flood waters composed of multiples of modules which are easily transported to the site and erected without tools, by only a few persons with no special skills or training. Flexible coversheets, having foam seals which conform the modules to the ground and prevent flood waters from undercutting the ground and rendering the wall unstable are placed on the ground. Compartmented flexible ballast cell units are placed on the cover sheets just over the seals. The edges of the coversheets are coupled together as are the ends of the ballast cell units for continuity of the wail. The ballast cells can then be filled with water, sand, earth, gravel or other available material and the front portions of the cover sheets brought up and over the ballast cells to form a wall. An additional tier can be added to double the height of the wall.

Abstract: A reusable flood barrier is provided to erect reusable flood barrier banks. The flood barrier comprises (a) a front panel having a front face, a rear face, a top edge, a pair of side edges, and a base; (b) a rear support attached to the rear face of the front panel to prop the front panel on the base; and (c) an elongated clamp removably and adjustably affixed to the front face of the front panel. The clamp has an edge disposed proximate and substantially parallel to each side edge of the front panel respectively. The clamp is capable of anchoring a long edge of an elongated interconnection gasket. The gasket is capable of placement over the gap between a side edge of the front panel of a first flood barrier and an abutting side edge of the front panel of an adjacent flood barrier. The anchoring action of the clamp on adjacent flood barrier front panels enables the gasket to provide a water seal between the front panels.

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: In a collapsible rubber dam, a fastening portion of a flexible rubber sheet body is fixed on an upper spillway portion of an arch type concrete dam or on a riverbed of a river in a curved form in the longitudinal direction of the body.

Abstract: A self supporting rubbery flow blocking device of substantial thickness is mounted in a fluid passageway to automatically regulate flow. Due to its variable elastic stiffness, increases in pressure will cause the device to begin to flex away from the pressure, beginning at its free end. Further increases in pressure will cause the location of the flex to move towards the secured edge of the invention, unblocking larger areas of flow. Decreases in pressure will allow the invention to increase its blocked area until it regains its fully blocking state.

Abstract: A device for damming and diverting liquid on a spill surface has an elongated, pliable dike having a first end, a second end and an exposed surface. The exposed surface is inherently tacky so that it is adherable to the spill surface to prevent flow of liquid past the dike. The dike is preferably triangular and made from a substance, such as polyurethane, so that all exposed surfaces on the dike are inherently tacky, including those created when a portion of the dike is severed to tailor the dike for specific damming needs. The device also includes a joint housing which may be engaged on abutting ends of adjacent dikes to seal the joint. A method for creating a liquid control zone on a spill surface utilizing the dike of the present invention is also disclosed.