Rapid Deployment, Self-Inflating, Interlocking, Modular Flood-Water Barrier Wall System

Abstract

The water barrier is comprised of a number of interconnected modules, that contain expansive material (such as polymer powder). Each module has inlets that allow rising water to enter the interior volume of the module so that it inflates from a flattened configuration to a four sided shape. The shape is wedge shaped and the modules are alternated so that the narrow end of the module is toward the rising water on one module and the wide end is next to the rising water on the adjacent module, so that pressure from the rising water is transferred to adjacent modules from module to module and ultimately to an anchoring system.

1 . A water barrier system comprising:
 A plurality of modules arranged in at least one string of multiple modules,   said modules formed of sheet material forming an enclosed volume,   expansive material contained in the modules that expands when wet, to form a three dimensional shape of substantial height and strength,   at least one water ingress opening in each module to admit rising water and cause the module to incrementally increase in height as the expansive material hydrates to form a structure with at least three sides and a top and bottom, and   an anchoring system which transfers the stress tending to force the module away from the rising water, to anchors on opposite ends of each string of modules.   
     
     
         2 . The water barrier system of  claim 1 , wherein,
 The modules have at least four sides with one end being wider than the other,   The modules being arranged with the wider and narrower ends alternating along the string of modules.   
     
     
         3 . The water barrier system of  claim 1 , wherein,
 said modules are wedge shaped in horizontal cross section with one end being substantially larger than the opposite end.   
     
     
         4 . The water barrier of  claim 3 , wherein,
 said modules are trapezoidal in shape.   
     
     
         5 . The water barrier of  claim 1  wherein:
 The walls said module is comprised of woven fabric material. 
 
     
     
         6 . The water barrier of  claim 1 , wherein,
 said module is comprised of sheet plastic material.   
     
     
         7 . The water barrier of  claim 1 , wherein,
 the water egress opening incorporates a one-way valve.   
     
     
         8 . The water barrier of  claim 1 , wherein,
 said one-way valve prevents the outflow of water or of solidified expansive material.   
     
     
         9 . The water barrier of  claim 1 , wherein,
 said expansive material comprises cellulose.   
     
     
         10 . The water barrier of  claim 9 , wherein,
 said expansive material comprises a cross-linked polymer powder.   
     
     
         11 . The water barrier of  claim 10 , wherein,
 said cross-linked polymer comprises an acrylamide.   
     
     
         12 . The water barrier of  claim 10  wherein,
 said cross linked polymer comprises an acrylate. 
 
     
     
         13 . The water barrier of  claim 1 , wherein,
 the enclosed volume of the Inflation Module is 50 cubic feet or more.   
     
     
         14 . The water barrier of  claim 1  wherein,
 said linear element comprises plastic coated steel cable. 
 
     
     
         15 . The water barrier of  claim 1  wherein,
 said linear element comprises rope. 
 
     
     
         16 . The water barrier of  claim 1  wherein,
 said linear element comprises web strapping. 
 
     
     
         17 . The water barrier of  claim 1 , wherein,
 webbing material is attached to the exterior of said module and at least partial surrounds the horizontal aspect of said module when it is inflated by the hydration of the expansive material.   
     
     
         18 . The water barrier of  claim 1 , wherein,
 there are a plurality of vertically stacked egress openings to allow the egress of flood waters to higher and higher levels as the expansive material expands.   
     
     
         19 . A water barrier system comprising:
 A plurality of modules arranged in at least one string of multiple modules,   said modules formed of sheet material and forming an enclosed volume,   expansive material contained in the modules that expands when wet, to form a three dimensional shape of substantial height and strength,   at least one water ingress opening in each module to admit rising water and cause the module to incrementally increase in height as the expansive material hydrates to form a structure with at least three sides and a top and bottom, and   an anchoring system incorporating ground penetrating shafts on opposite ends of a string of modules to which linear elements are attached to transfer the stress tending to force the modules away from the rising water, to anchors on opposite ends of each string of modules.   
     
     
         20 . The water barrier of  claim 19 , wherein,
 said linear elements that are secured to each of said modules in a string of modules.   
     
     
         21 . The water barrier system of  claim 20  wherein
 said modules have attached strapping with openings through which said linear elements are passed. 
 
     
     
         22 . The water barrier of  claim 21 , wherein,
 said openings are formed by webbing loops attached to said modules.   
     
     
         23 . A water barrier system comprising:
 a plurality of modules arranged in at least one string of multiple modules,   said modules formed of sheet material and forming an enclosed volume,   expansive material contained in the modules that expands when wet, to form a three dimensional shape of substantial height and strength,   said modules being connected together by at least on high strength linear element holding said modules in a side by side abutting relationship.   
     
     
         24 . A water barrier system according to  claim 23 , wherein:
 Said modules having at least on vertically oriented seal attached to the sides abutting adjacent modules.