Flood Control
International and the Environment Agency (EA) have recently completed the Wells
Floodboard Replacement Scheme, with the installation of a new 1m high glass
flood wall.
The existing
80m long flood defence comprised a low brick wall and an 18m long sliding
barrier which were both topped with heavy timber floodboards. These floodboards were installed in October
and removed in April each year, to provide a raised level of defence for winter
storms and to maintain views across the harbour in the summer. The installation
and removal of the boards was a time consuming task that disrupted the local
area when the operation was undertaken.
The boards were very heavy and the 6-monthly lifting operation contained
inherent hazards for EA staff and the public.
When installed, the boards had a significant visual impact on the whole
area.
Flood Control
International worked closely with the Environment Agency’s Technical Support
Team to design a solution that would provide an effective flood defence to the
area, whilst maintaining the view across the harbour permanently. The solution utilised marine grade stainless
steel supports and frames that were designed to sit over the existing post
fixings, and toughened glass panels up to 4.2m long and 1m high, treated with a
low friction coating to promote self-cleaning.
The design allows for impact loading as well as full hydrostatic
pressure and is an excellent example of Flood Control International’s ingenuity
in providing dependable flood protection solutions that meet every specific
aspect of a client’s brief.
The glazed
barrier sits on top of both the wall and the sliding barrier, with special
posts fabricated so that when the sliding barrier is closed, there is a
seamless watertight junction, completing the defence.
The smooth line
of the barrier and the maximised glazed area mean that the end result is a most
attractive solution, providing effective permanent flood protection with the
minimal visual intrusion. The
Environment Agency considered the scheme “a major improvement for the local
area”, and that it would represent “a significant saving in time and safety for
our EA field team members, as the scheme eliminates all future lifting
operations”.
The
installation was undertaken by the EA’s own staff with Flood Control
International technical representatives attending site to ensure the operation
went smoothly and the project was completed on programme and to budget.
Flood Control
International’s Managing Director Tim Collingwood was particularly pleased with
the outcome of the project. “Our flexible design allowed us to re-utilise the
existing fixings in the wall whilst creating a smooth line that enhances the
visual amenity of the area. The new
barrier provides permanent flood protection with minimal operational costs to
maintain. Effective team-working and
liaison with the Environment Agency staff allowed us to meet all of the project
goals for both parties.”
