Introduction of high-performance flood prevention tools that can be easily used in place of sandbags│Typhoon and heavy rain countermeasures

Recently, record-breaking rainfall and large typhoons have caused large-scale flood damage in many parts of Japan. The damage has often exceeded expectations, making flood prevention more important than ever.

One flood prevention tool that has been used since ancient times to prevent damage from flooding is the “sandbag. Although sandbags are used in many situations, they are not perfectly effective for flood prevention purposes against buildings in urban areas. Therefore, various types of flood prevention tools are now replacing sandbags as more effective and easier to use.

This article introduces several tools that are effective in urban areas and describes the latest high-performance flood control tool, the Delta Panel.

Extreme weather is becoming the norm, and flood damage is no longer a stranger to the city. We hope that those in charge of disaster prevention at local governments and business owners who have stores will find this information useful as a countermeasure against flood damage, which can occur in any region.

About Sandbags

First, a brief explanation of sandbags, a common flood control material, is in order.

What are sandbags?

Sandbags are civil engineering materials used to fill cloth bags (sandbags) with sand and soil. They are used for a wide variety of purposes, such as flood control measures, at various civil engineering sites, and for shielding.

Disadvantages of sandbags

Sandbags have been used as a versatile material since ancient times, and can indeed be expected to have certain effects. However, their characteristics and effectiveness in preventing flood damage also have the following disadvantages.

• Difficult to stockpile and store for long periods of time due to the durability of the bag
• Time-consuming preparation and installation work before installation
• Water leakage due to gaps is likely to occur, and a complete water sealing effect cannot be expected.

Difficult to stockpile and store

Although it is essential to have a large amount of sand to fill sandbags, it is difficult to keep such sandbags on hand at all times. Although it is physically possible to store sandbags already filled with sand, it is not realistic considering the durability of the bag material and storage space.

 

Time-consuming preparation and installation work before installation

備蓄の問題があるため、実際に土嚢を使用する際は土砂を手配する必要があります。しかし、差し迫った水害を前に土砂の手配や運搬などの時間を確保することは容易ではありません。 また、都市部などではそもそも土砂を手配すること自体が困難なケースがあります。 さらに、設置作業にも時間がかかります。 袋に土砂を詰めて封入し、それを積み上げる作業は、一定の高さで4ｍ幅の土嚢壁を設置する場合、大人２名で約100分ほどの時間を要します。

 

Water leakage due to gaps is likely to occur and a complete water sealing effect cannot be expected.

Due to the nature of sandbags, multiple sandbags must be stacked to form a wall. As a result, gaps are inevitably created and the effectiveness of water sealing is limited. Of course, with experience and skill, it is possible to successfully fill in the gaps, but it is very difficult for the average city, town, or store to have such personnel available.

Types of flood prevention tools that can replace sandbags

There are many challenges to the convenience and effectiveness of sandbags. As a result, several new technological flood prevention tools are being developed to replace sandbags. The following four are representative examples.

• water absorbent sandbag
• water bag
• box wall
• Flood prevention sheet panel (delta panel)

water absorbent sandbag

Simply by absorbing water (soaking in water), these sandbags are designed to inflate to the same size as ordinary sandbags in a few minutes. They are lightweight, weighing only a few hundred grams before use, and are easy to store. However, when preparing a large number of sandbags, it still takes a certain amount of time, and the effectiveness of waterproofing is not as good as that of sandbags.

 

water bag

Instead of sediment, a “water bag” is a type of bag in which water is injected into the bag. Generally, they can be poured from a faucet or hose, are easier to prepare than sandbags, and weigh less per bag. They are designed for urban areas where it is difficult to arrange for sand and soil, and they are very easy to handle as all you have to do afterward is drain the water out of them. Many types of bags can be reused, so there is no wasteful cost. However, because they are used by stacking them, there are some issues in terms of effectiveness. There are also large non-stacking embankment types, but they require more space and time for installation.

 

box wall

Box walls are the next generation of watertight walls developed to replace sandbags. Many have the advantage that they are very simple to assemble and can be used simply by placing them as they are secured by water pressure. Although they are lighter and easier to install than sandbags, they require a certain amount of space for storage due to their ready-made surface structure, and there are still issues in terms of “difficulty in making corners.

 

tarp

A more convenient type of tool with the characteristics of a box wall is a waterproof sheet. Because they are made of a flexible membrane material rather than a ready-made barrier type, they are even more compact and easy to store, and many have better storage and transportation performance. They are spread in a strip to the water entry point to stop water, and there are some that require curing and some that are self-supporting types.

The latest and best high-performance flood prevention sheet "DELTA PANEL

Among the flood prevention tools mentioned above, we can now particularly recommend Delta Panel, a high-performance flood prevention sheet developed by Taiyo Kogyo Co. It is characterized by its unique patent-pending specifications, which create strength to resist water pressure by forming a triangular cross section of a stable structure using aluminum frames, pipes, and mesh sheets in a sheet-like membrane material. The following features are the reasons why we recommend it.

• Lightweight and compact for easy storage
• Very easy and fast installation
• High water sealing effect and durability
• Can be reused again and again
• Can be installed in any location

Lightweight and compact for easy storage

Each delta panel is 60 cm high and 110 cm wide and weighs only 2.5 kg. In sheet form, it can be folded into a small roll when not in use, making it ideal for storage and stockpiling.

Very easy and fast installation

The time required for delta panel installation is approximately 10 minutes. The process itself is very simple, as the work is completed by simply raising the sheet and inserting the pipe. No other materials or tools are required.

High water sealing effect and durability

The membrane material of the main body is made of synthetic resin, ensuring high water resistance and strength to withstand large forces. The connecting surfaces of the fabrics are designed to prevent water leakage through welding technology that integrates the fabrics, and each panel is connected with a double watertight fastener for peace of mind.

It also has high tearing strength, withstanding 70 to 80 kg of force. This is more than five times the strength of sheets used for general tents.

Photo of actual water pressure experiment

Can be reused again and again

Delta panels are not disposable, but can be reused again and again by drying, disassembling, and storing them. Once arranged, they can be used in the event of continuous water damage.

 

Can be installed in any location

DELTA PANEL is designed to allow multiple panels to be connected horizontally, making it possible to accommodate even wide openings. The sheet-like design also allows the panels to adhere to surfaces to prevent water penetration, even on complex installation surfaces such as uneven surfaces.

summary

Flood prevention technology is evolving daily to combat flood damage that exceeds expectations. Flood prevention materials that are more convenient and effective as alternatives to sandbags are now actually being used in the field.

In particular, the Delta Panel is an extremely effective flood prevention tool based on the latest technology. If you are considering flood control measures, we encourage you to consider them.

 

For more information about DELTA PANEL, please contact us at the following address.

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