Geodesign Barriers
Flood Barriers from Geodesign Barriers™ are one of the most widely used flood protection barriers on the market, with a proven track record and numerous successful operations carried out around the world.
Geodesign Barriers incorporate high quality design and materials with the latest manufacturing processes to produce a trusted, safe and reliable flood barrier and protection system. Geodesign flood barriers rely on the weight of the water to anchor the system securely to the ground. The ingenious design features an inclination that allows the water to push the flood barriers down and provide the stability as the water levels rise.
The new lightweight and low-priced flood barriers made of steel has not only become increasingly popular with international rescue services and military but it has also proven to be the perfect flood barrier for homes.
The different types of flood barriers in Geodesign Barrier portfolio are categorised into ‘Heavy Duty’, ‘Industrial’ and ‘Elemental’. All our flood barriers can be set up by one person without the use of any tools or machines.
Geodesign Barrier Models
Heavy Duty
This is the most popular of the Geodesign barriers produced, having dam heights ranging from 61cm to 122 cm and with over 25 years on the market. The barrier is being used - and reused - by government agencies and companies across the world. Heavy Duty systems are extendable and manufactured in high strength galvanized steel and aluminium.
Industrial
This lightweight, low cost flood barrier was developed in 2015. Its innovative design means a quicker and easier deployment, increased forces to the ground, enhanced security and fewer components. As with our Heavy Duty system, the Industrial system can be deployed manually, without the use of tools. The Industrial systems are non extendable and manufactured in high strength galvanized steel.
Elemental
This version of our barriers is outstanding in its simplicity, low cost, and speed. No tools are needed; one person can easily deploy this barrier to protect a home. With two 45- degree corner units, it can swiftly turn a corner. The same steel sheet connection to the supports is used, along with the membrane and chains to provide the waterproofing. The ELEMENTAL systems are non-extendable and manufactured in high strength steel.
Certification
Geodesign Barriers were the first freestanding flood barriers to achieve the coveted British Standards Institution BSI Kitemark in May 2003.
AS/NZS1170.0:2002
The Geodesign barriers have been certified for models from 1.25m to 2.40m high and satisfy the Building Code of Australia performance requirements. Form 15—Compliance Certificate for building Design or Specification have been issued by Registered Professional Engineers of Queensland.
ASSESSMENT
The structural performance of the Geodesign flood barriers was assessed against the four performance requirements of the Building Code of Australia:
Durability - Pass (nature and duration of use and storage)
Strength - Pass (absence of member yielding/buckling)
Serviceability - Pass (member deflections within code limits)
Stability - Pass (when deployed on horizontal ground)
How the Geodesign Barrier works
The Geodesign Heavy Duty Barrier system consists of collapsible galvanised steel supports, which are easily opened and locked into a 45-degree position with spring locks. The steel supports are placed in the required position and inter-connected using the horizontal connecting rods, which fix the distance between the frames, providing ease of assembly and a high strength construction.
Aluminium panels are secured to the connection rods and supports and covered with a waterproof plastic membrane. Chains are used to provide a load onto the membrane until the water arrives. Clips are provided to attach the membrane to the top of the barrier.
The Geodesign Barriers unique design allows the increase of the barriers height during operations to allow for additional flood protection when rivers rise further than expected or maintaining barrier levels in low lying areas.
The Industrial and Elemental work on a similar principle, but don’t require connection rods joining the supports. This is accomplished by the steel panels attaching to fittings on the supports.
Heavy Duty
Industrial/Elemental
Using the Geodesign Barrier
Geodesign barriers have been used successfully for over a decade throughout Europe in flooding conditions, river diversions, construction site dewatering and creating water basins and reservoirs. It's simple design and ease of use provides a rapid solution to containing or diverting water with a tested, safe and proven reliability flood barrier system.
Flooding Deployments
Ironbridge and Shrewsbury, UK 2021
Severe flooding was caused by a swollen River Severn. Over 1500m of Geodesign Barriers were deployed at multiple sites to protect the river side townships normally flooded during heavy rain events. Barrier heights ranged from 1.25m to 1.8m using the Steel Barrier version. The barriers have been deployed in Ironbridge since 2004.
Maryborough, Queensland, Australia 2018
210m of Geodesign Barrier was deployed as part of flood response training in Maryborough. The barriers range from 1.25m through to 2.4m high, with deployment along Adelaide Street from a church to the Town Hall, involving church steps through to access ramps and multiple turns.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA 2017
When hurricane Florrence made landfall near Wilmington, North Carolina on September 14, 2018, a surge up to 3m of water swamped inland areas causing widespread saltwater flooding and strong winds. Geodesign Barriers USA were engaged to protect 3 homes with barriers, using the Heavy Duty and Industrial systems at 1m high. All 3 homes were kept dry.
North Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia 2017
As part of the flood protection scheme for North Rockhampton, The Geodesign Barriers were purchased to protect 400 homes which would normally be flooded from the Fitzroy River when it reached high flooding levels. The barriers range from 65cm to 2.4m high and feature a 90 degree turn on a road intersection.
Rockhampton Airport, Queensland, Australia 2017
Queensland Fire and Emergency deployed 500m of 1.5m high Geodesign Barriers around the Rockhampton Airport terminal buildings to protect them from floodwaters from the Fitzroy River.
Charleville, Queensland, Australia 2008
In January 2008, 375m of the older Pallet Barrier system was assembled in the town of Charleville, Queensland, to plug two gaps in a under construction flood defence wall. The water rose to 0.5m on the barrier, protecting the town from flooding.
Civil Work Uses
Damming Waterways
Diverting Waterways
Water Basins and Reservoirs
Temporary water basins and reservoirs can be built for any water storage purposes. This might include having water basins in areas of high fire risk to have a readily available water source to pump from or water storage for crops or animals during dry periods.
Ground Conditions
The Geodesign barrier can be installed on a wide range of ground surfaces including:
Asphalt
Concrete
Mud & Soil
Gravel
Grass
Snow
Barrier Height Extensions
One of the unique features of the Geodesign Heavy Duty barriers is the ability to extend the barrier in height. This is an advantage if the flooding levels are peaking higher than expected as additional barrier height can be added during the flood.
Another situation requiring higher barrier levels is when there is uneven ground, extending the barrier in low areas will maintain a more level barrier height across the area to be protected.
Attaching the extension supports to the barrier.
Aluminium sheets and membrane are then added to complete extension.
Joining Different Barrier Systems
The Geodesign Barriers has the ability to join the Heavy Duty, Industrial and Elemental systems together using an adapter support. This allows the seamless connecting of these two systems.
