Measures › Water › Flood risk management › Measures at the town or city level › Temporary flood protection
Huge sandbags have to protect the houses in Zwijndrecht from the high water © Robin Utrecht

Temporary flood protection

  • Water: 3
  • Multifunctional space usage: 1
  • Construction costs: 1
  • Maintenance/management: 2

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Various methods and systems exist for realising temporary flood protection. Besides movable panels and bulkheads, water fillable tubes can also be used.

Waterproof bulkheads

The system consists of vertical H-sections which are attached to the foundation. Hollow aluminium beams are attached between the sections.

Waterproof bulkheads Source: atelier GROENBLAUW
Temporary embankment in the centre of Kampen (The Netherlands) during the high water in January 2012 © Cor van ‘t Hof
Temporary embankment in the centre of Kampen (The Netherlands) during the high water in January 2012 © Cor van ‘t Hof

Moveable dams, filled with water or sand

This can be applied flexibly in emergency situations.

Moveable dams, filled with water or sand Source: atelier GROENBLAUW
Water-filled dam © Hochwasserschutz Agentur
Water-filled dam © Hochwasserschutz Agentur
Water-filled dam © Hochwasserschutz Agentur

Water fillable tubes

The benefit of these facilities is that they can help control and protect an entire area at once. Since their management, maintenance and repairs and operation are in public hands and do not depend
on the views and cooperation of private individuals, they are more reliable. However, the costs are relatively high, and they add nothing to the town or city’s aesthetic appeal. These systems are suitable for protecting existing areas and can be realised around existing constructions.