BEAVER Flood Barriers

The BEAVER® Flood Barrier is a cornerstone product that offers superior protection against flooding and storms. It consists of two flexible PVC tubes laid side by side, permanently joined to form a twin element with high static stability. Elements are available in different lengths and heights. Initially inflated with air, twin-elements can be pre-deployed awaiting confirmation of desired positions. When in desired positions, they are then filled with water.

BEAVER® elements can also be stacked. This allows the user to standardise on a small or medium size product and yet have the flexibility to cater for deeper or deepening flood waters if required.

With the predicted effects of climate change so evident in our world today, the arrival of the BEAVER® in Australia couldn’t be more timely. Erratic weather patterns, flash flooding and more severe storms, such as those experienced in South East Queensland in November 2008, are increasing and the outcomes can be devastating for individuals and communities.

The BEAVER® eliminates the need for traditional sandbagging which is time consuming and labor intensive. Research by the US Army Corps Engineers shows that it takes 10 men 7 hours to fill 1500 sandbags to make a 1m high and 10m long wall. Supported by a HYTRANS(1) 4000L/min pump, a 1m high and 10m long BEAVER® twin-element can be ready in less than 15 minutes.

“Inflatable (water or air-filled) tubular geomembranes, have the widest possible area of application: in urban and rural areas, almost without restrictions regarding the relief and underlying soil, with the fastest installation time and least requirements regarding the equipment. They are very good as closure structures for still and slowly flowing water, up to 1.5m high.”(2)

(1) See www.ffti.com.au for more information on the Hytrans® HydroSub60 High Volume Pump.
(2) Extract from report “Alternatives to sandbags for temporary flood protection” by Alberta  Transportation and Utilities & Disaster Services Branch and Emergency Preparedness Canada.