How to Choose the Right Flood Barriers for Flood Protection

Flood barriers are commonly used in schools, residential communities, riversides, and other areas prone to flooding. While they are fundamentally similar to traditional water barriers, flood barriers cover a larger area and require more complex installation. However, their robust functionality makes them essential for effective flood management. These barriers are primarily composed of detachable, high-strength alloys capable of withstanding significant flood impact. Compared to traditional flood control tools like sandbags, flood barriers offer a flood resistance capacity several times stronger. Despite their effectiveness and broad coverage, the high cost of flood barriers means they are still in the early stages of adoption and are subject to skepticism in some regions.

Heavy rain and storms can cause various problems, making it essential to take preventive measures. Here are some key steps to follow when facing a storm:

1. Stay Informed: Always keep an eye on weather forecasts. If heavy rain or floods are predicted, try to stay indoors.

2. Avoid Flood-Prone Areas: If you must go outside, avoid areas prone to flooding, such as poorly equipped underground parking lots, riverbanks, and low-lying areas. In rural areas, steer clear of unstable soil that can lead to landslides.

3. Inspect Your Property: Residents in suburban areas should regularly inspect their property, especially before the rainy season. Look for any signs of geological changes that could pose a risk, and repair any potential hazards promptly.

4. Prepare Flood Defense Tools: It’s wise to have flood control tools on hand, such as drainage facilities, flood sandbags, gravel, flood gates, and water pumps. Being prepared can prevent potential damage and ensure safety.

What are Flood Barriers?

Flood barriers are specially designed panels used to prevent rainwater or floodwaters from entering indoor spaces. Made from materials like stainless steel or aluminum alloy, these barriers are durable and highly resistant to corrosion. Unlike other types of barriers, flood barriers are specifically engineered for water resistance, offering excellent waterproofing and sealing capabilities. They are ideal for areas like underground garage entrances, underground mall exits, and street-facing shops that are susceptible to flooding during the rainy season. Since their development and commercialization, flood control products have become increasingly popular.

Balancing Immediate Flood Control with Long-Term Impact

While there is a tendency to focus on immediate flood safety, it is equally important to consider the long-term economic, social, and ecological impacts. The shift from traditional flood control measures to flood barriers is a necessary evolution in flood management. Flood barriers are part of a broader strategy that rationally balances the relationship between humans and floods, manages flood risk, regulates flood control behaviors, and utilizes flood resources to support sustainable economic and social development. The objectives are twofold: to gradually resolve inherent problems associated with flood control, thereby minimizing negative impacts, and to maximize the benefits to national economic development, social progress, and ecological security.

Design Considerations for Effective Flood Barriers

The effectiveness of flood barriers depends on material choice and construction quality. Many flood walls and barriers use aluminum alloy or stainless steel for their high strength. Flood walls are often designed with a triangular structure to become more stable under pressure. Sealing is crucial; it involves the tight connection between the flood wall itself and the underground space wall, as well as between the barrier panels. Rubber strips are used to prevent leaks by forming a tight seal at the edges of the panels. When water pressure is applied, these rubber strips compress to enhance the barrier’s waterproof capabilities.

By focusing on both immediate and long-term strategies, flood barriers represent a vital tool in modern flood management, ensuring both safety and sustainability in vulnerable areas.