Glass Floodwall Installation at Wells-Next-The-Sea

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.”

Glucksman Gallery Flood Barriers Installed

Flood Control International recently demonstrated the demountable flood barrier system and flood gate at the Glucksman Gallery in Cork, Ireland. 

The gallery flooded in 2009 and Flood Control International was contacted by the architects to work with them to design a flood defence that was in keeping with the architectural style of this iconic building. 

The system incorporates specially designed posts to fit in with the angled walls and a lift-hinged floodgate which operates over a level threshold for disabled access.

Utility Sites protected from flooding

Flood Control International has recently protected a number of water and power company sites with a variety of flood barriers, floodgates and flood doors and for a number of customers. Solutions have included pivoting flood barriers for a water treatment site, combination floodgates to protect vehicle accesses up to 7m wide for substations, and flood doors to ensure permanent flood protection to building openings that also need to be kept secure.

Flood barriers for utility sites need to be totally dependable, as the sites are often unmanned yet are vital to a local area’s ability to function during and recover after flood events.

Our flood defences are now specified by the majority of power distribution companies and water companies across the UK, and abroad.

Climate Change Risks and Adaption Report Published

DEFRA has just published the UK Climate Change Risk Assessment.  The report identifies flooding as a significant risk to all sectors of society and the economy.

Key projections include:

Annual damage to properties due to flooding in the UK between £2.1 and £6.2 billion.

Between 23% and 30% of current electricity generating capacity with a significant likelihood of flooding.

Up to 19,000km of road and 3,100km of railway at significant likelihood of flooding.

Average annual cost to business up to £96 million.

The challenge ahead will require public and private action, a pro-active approach and an understanding as to how to adapt to our changing climate.

View the DEFRA report here at: www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climate/government/risk-assessment/#report.

Automatic Flip Up Barrier installed in Cork - January 2012

Following from the devastating floods in Cork in November 2009, a number of major schemes have been undertaken to protect properties which were flooded or are susceptible to flooding.  Flood Control International has been awarded all of the major flood barrier projects to-date including the Mardyke Arena extension.

This scheme incorporates a 12.7m long 1.1m high flip-up flood barrier, flood doors that have inflating seals to operate on dead level thresholds, lift-hinged floodgates, flood-proof glazing and a demountable flood barrier.  Our flip-up barrier has just been installed and commissioned, and the project is scheduled for overall completion in March this year.

Other projects recently awarded include flood barrier protection to the prestigious Glucksman Gallery and the Mardyke Rugby Pavillion and the recently awarded scheme for 65 flood barriers for University College Cork. These contracts were won predominantly on the quality and dependability of our flood gates and flood barriers as well as efficient pricing.