Innovative flood defenses: Swedish and Japanese tech lead the way
Sandbags are one of the most popular solutions currently used to mitigate the effects of floods. However, several newer flood protection solutions, including barriers produced by the Swedish company NOAQ Flood Protection AB, are available.
Engineers worldwide have tirelessly worked for years to develop the most efficient flood protection tools. Japanese drainage systems, known as the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel, or G-Cans, and the giant gates that protect Osaka Bay from floods also deserve attention and admiration.
Barriers produced by the Swedes
Staying within the European market, it is impossible not to mention the Swedish company NOAQ Flood Protection AB, which offers, among other products, the Tubewall, an efficient flood protection sleeve. Additionally, the Swedes have something equally interesting to offer – the Boxwall, manually erected highly durable barriers. The company offers two models: Boxwall BW102 and BW52. The difference between them lies in the height of the structures.
An hour is enough to set up a 100-metre section
The larger model, BW102, weighs about 15 kilograms (each piece) and measures 1 metre in height. It is made of polypropylene, which makes it resistant to potential damage caused by objects carried by floodwater and guarantees thermal durability. The Boxwall can be used in virtually any condition at temperatures from -30 to 90 degrees Celsius.
The smaller model, BW52, reaches a height of 50 centimetres and can “combat” water at that level. The manufacturer claims that the larger version of the Boxwall is quick to set up. A 100-metre section of freestanding flood barriers can be deployed within an hour. Individual barrier segments do not need to be anchored to the ground - the incoming water guarantees adhesion.
