Self-erecting precast UHPFRC flood barrier

Lautern Barrier – Innovative Self-Closing Flood Protection System from UHPFRC

Figure: Fachgebiet Massivbau, TU Kaiserslautern

Fig. 1 : Flood barrier demonstrator in the passive state pre-
assembled at the
laboratory

Figure: Fachgebiet Massivbau, TU Kaiserslautern

Fig. 2: Final flood barrier design in the active (top) and passive (bottom) state

Figure: Fachgebiet Massivbau, TU Kaiserslautern

Fig. 3: Flood barrier design variants

Figure: Fachgebiet Massivbau, TU Kaiserslautern

Fig. 4: Barrier formwork with insert and negative checker plate
pattern mat

Figure: Fachgebiet Massivbau, TU Kaiserslautern

Fig. 5: Pouring of the lateral enclosing wall

Figure: Fachgebiet Massivbau, TU Kaiserslautern

Fig. 6: Component test in the passive state under
quasi-static loading

Figure: Fachgebiet Massivbau, TU Kaiserslautern

Fig. 7: Assembly of the demonstrator at the campus of TU Kaisers-lautern

Figure: Fachgebiet Massivbau, TU Kaiserslautern

Fig. 8: Lifting the barrier element into position

Figure: Fachgebiet Massivbau, TU Kaiserslautern

Fig. 9: “Real-life” functioning of the flood barrier after water accumulation

Figure: Fachgebiet Massivbau, TU Kaiserslautern

Fig. 10: Front view of the demonstrator in its activated position

Figure: Fachgebiet Massivbau, TU Kaiserslautern

The Department of Concrete Construction and Structural Design at TU Kaiserslautern developed an innovative flood barrier that is self-floating in water, wedges itself on its sides and thus automatically prevents flooding.

The relevance of flood protection is increasing significantly, not least owing to the effects of climate change. Flood and heavy rainfall events cause considerable damage to real estate and public infrastructure. This is why the European Flood Risk Management Directive provides a framework for mitigating the adverse effects of flood events on human health, economic activities, the environment and cultural heritage [1]. Its clear focus is on flood prevention, including the installation of appropriate protective structures. Flood protection measures are currently often based on mobile protective...