U.S. patent application number 13/165435 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-22 for rapid deployment, multi-dimensional wedge barrier levee & dike repair system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Clarence A. Cassidy. Invention is credited to Paul J. Bouchard, Sandra S. Bouchard.
Application Number | 20110311312 13/165435 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45328821 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110311312 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bouchard; Paul J. ; et
al. |
December 22, 2011 |
Rapid Deployment, Multi-Dimensional Wedge Barrier Levee & Dike
Repair System
Abstract
The system utilizes a matrix of inflation modules held in
position by x-y orthogonal cables. The inflation modules contain
hydroscopic materials such as polymer power that swells when wet to
produce modules of substantial height. The modules may be stacked
in rows and columns to bridge a gap in a levee. Ballast holds the
bottom of the matrix down and inflation modules, which may be air
filed spheres hold the top of the matrix, on or near the surface of
the water. The matrix may be configured to have a levee side that
is as narrow as the opening in the levee and a water side that is
wider than the gap in the levee to produce a wedging effect.
Orthogonally arranged cables maintain the inflation modules in
position and are used to anchor the matrix to intact portions of
the levee. At points where the cables intersect they are held
together by connector modules which a comprised of two halves with
groves for cables and provision for holding the halves together
with a bolts or other fasteners.
Inventors: |
Bouchard; Paul J.; (Little
Rock, AR) ; Bouchard; Sandra S.; (Little Rock,
AR) |
Assignee: |
Clarence A. Cassidy
Escondido
CA
|
Family ID: |
45328821 |
Appl. No.: |
13/165435 |
Filed: |
June 21, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61356959 |
Jun 21, 2010 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
405/107 ;
405/270 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02B 3/10 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/107 ;
405/270 |
International
Class: |
E02B 3/10 20060101
E02B003/10; E02B 3/16 20060101 E02B003/16 |
Claims
1. A water barrier system, comprising: A series of interconnected
modules having at least three and sides and a top and bottom
together comprising a matrix barrier; said modules being positioned
on an at-risk levee in a flattened condition; said modules having a
quantify of hydrophilic expansive material that absorbs water to
cause the expansive material to increase the height of the module
when exposed to water; at least one opening in each module to admit
water to the module when water reaches the opening in the module,
said interconnected modules being arranged in a wedge shaped matrix
configuration so that the water side of the interconnected modules
is wider than the existing or anticipated breech in a levee, and
having fewer modules in a line on the levee side of the matrix to
wedge into said breech.
2. The water barrier system of claim 1, wherein; a ballast module
is attached to the lower end of the matrix to sink the matrix
barrier so that the lowermost modules are below the lowest point of
the breech in the levee.
3. The water barrier system of claim 2 wherein: flotation modules
mounted to the top of said matrix barrier to float the uppermost
inflation modules at or near the water surface.
4. The water barrier system of claim 3, wherein: a elongated launch
float attached to said matrix barrier to assist in positioning the
water barrier away from the levee.
5. The water barrier system of claim 3 wherein: poles secured to
the ends of said launch to position said launch float a sufficient
distance from said levee and at least one scuttle valve on said
launch float that may be opened to admit water and to sink the
launch module
6. The water barrier system of claim 1, wherein: said matrix is
formed by interconnecting modules in a x-y matrix using cables
extending in orthogonal directions and being joined at their
intersections by connector modules with groves to position the
cables.
7. The water barrier system of claim 6, wherein: said cables
include longitudinal cables that extend the entire length of at
least the upper row of said inflation modules and which are
anchored to said levee.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is related to and claims the
priority benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Application No.
61/356,959, entitled Rapid Deployment, Multi-Dimensional, "Wedge"
Barrier Levee & Dike Repair System, filed Jun. 21, 2010 by the
present inventor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Flood waters can quickly take or threaten life and reduce
homes, schools and places of business to scrap heaps in a wasteland
of wet and muddy debris.
[0003] Every year there is ruinous property damage as a result of
unwanted or unexpected water incursion. Such destruction can occur
as a result of too much rain in too short a time period literally
overwhelming both natural and man-made water sheds, channels,
holding ponds, dikes, levees, dams etc., or it can occur as a
result of the simple structural failure of such natural and/or
manmade infrastructure which are designed to contain and/or divert
creeks, streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and even oceans away from
population centers and structures in those population centers not
designed to withstand the unwanted incursion of water.
[0004] Under the right set of circumstances almost every water
containment, control or diversion infrastructure and solution will
fail. When they fail (as just a few of the levee's did in New
Orleans during and after Katrina), devastation follows.
[0005] Typically when such water containment infrastructure fails,
there is an immediate and urgent need to temporarily stop or stem
the flow of unwanted water as well as a longer term need to effect
permanent fixes or repairs. Only rarely are the two done
simultaneously. There are over 25,000 miles of levee's in the US
alone. The state of California alone has almost 10% of that total,
much of it aging or poorly constructed earthen structures.
[0006] The current invention uniquely addresses the need for a
quick, cost effective and temporary repair and/or prevention system
or barrier to substantially reduce or stop the unwanted flow of
large bodies of contained water over or through an existing but
weakened, breached, damaged or failed retention infrastructure
(i.e. levee, dike or dam) be they made from natural materials (e.g.
earthen) or made-made (e.g. concrete, block, metal, or wood)
materials. The water escaping through the damaged or failed
infrastructure typically creates major flooding issues and losses
of life or damage to real property located in the adjacent areas
protected by the levee, dike or dam infrastructure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates to the unique
three-dimensional design and integration of with selected materials
including both natural and made-made, bio and/or photo degradable,
non-toxic materials. These materials are engineered and integrated
into an interconnected modular matrix barrier' of varying
site-specific overall dimensions which can be deployed very quickly
with or without the use of heavy equipment or helicopters.
[0008] The system can be manually deployed directly from atop the
levee, dam or dike (hereinafter collectively `levee` or `levees`),
lowered by crane, helicopter or floated into position from the
(water) side of the levee. The goal is to `clog` or `plug` an
opening or breach if one has started or to provide a water-side
(placed on the inside or water-side of the levee, dike or dam)
`patch` to an area of the levee, dam or dike that is displaying
signs of stress or weakening. The barrier (or patch) extends from
the surface of the water all the way down the face of the levee to
the bottom and, in many embodiments, outward along the bottom away
from the levee (depending upon the shape, slope and depth of the
levee itself on the `water-side` of the levee. The number of
connected inflation modules (both horizontally and vertically) can
be quickly changed on-site based upon the height of the levee and
the width of the breach or weakened portion of the levee.
[0009] The system is typically constructed and deployed on the
`water side` of the levee (the side of the levee against which the
body of water being contained faces) using a flexible connective
support and structural shaping matrix (`spider web` or `grid`) of
preferably vinyl coated, heavy-duty galvanized steel cable, or
high-strength rope or straps (collectively cable) fastened together
at 90.degree. angles (`x` and `y` axis) to form a multi-layered and
multi-level grid of squares, cubes or rectangular `open` spaces
typically measuring 36-48'' in width & depth and 36-60'' in
length or height referred to herein as a matrix barrier. The
connectors used to hold and/or guide the cable are of a proprietary
design and are later discussed in greater and more specific detail.
Such connectors also accommodate the `Z` axis connective grid cable
though it typically functions only as a `guide` rather than a
fastener in order to allow the `Z` axis connector to flex and slide
along the `Z` axis connector as the overall matrix system bows and
flexes into the breached levee itself. The `open` spaces are then
filled by attaching various combinations of non-rigid,
self-inflating containment vessels (bags or envelopes) referred to
herein as inflation modules. In an alternative embodiment, the
inflation modules themselves are directly connected to one another
rather than indirectly via the cable, to form the matrix barrier to
which they are all connected.
[0010] The top horizontal row (i.e. the row on or nearest to the
surface of the water body being held back or contained by the levee
itself and running parallel to the levee bank) of the entire matrix
barrier will typically be the longest and typically 3:1 or 2:1 the
depth of the matrix barrier itself. Connected along all or some
sides by the cables, ropes or straps and filling the above
referenced `open spaces` are the inflation modules themselves
composed of 3 dimensional shapes such as square, round or
triangular polypropylene (or similar natural or man-made woven or
non-woven fabric) bags or sacks containing pre-measured amounts of
super absorptive powers (often cross-linked) acrylamide, acrylate,
and/or cellulose polymers or other natural or man-made materials
(e.g. nano tubes, etc) that encapsulate water molecules or attach a
large number of water molecules together and expand exponentially
when hydrated with water (fresh or salt). In one embodiment, the
inflation module is simply filled with water, the remainder of the
barrier system being identical to the one described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts a straight-on, under-water frontal view of a
vertically deployed barrier system illustrating round flotation
modules at the top. The horizontal and vertical cables holding the
matrix barrier together, the inflation modules attached to selected
positions within the matrix and ballast modules attached to the
bottoms of some or all of the vertical cables or ropes.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a top view of a deployed matrix barrier system in
the water prior to it being pulled, pushed or sucked into the
breach of the failed levee. This view further illustrates the
flexibility of the system in that some portions of the matrix
barrier are unpopulated by the expansion modules (which are
depicted here in solid black).
[0013] FIG. 3 depicts an `underwater` side view of a positioned and
deployed matrix barrier system with the round flotation modules on
the water surface, the vertical and horizontal connecting cables,
inflation modules attached to selected positions within the matrix
and the ballast modules resting on the bottom or side slope of the
levee
[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates perspective view from the top, of a
deployed matrix barrier system that has been pulled, pushed or
simply `sucked` into the breached levee. This illustration
demonstrates the built-in `bowing` or wedging capability of the
system which allows the spacing between each inflation module to
vary (increase or decrease) from the front of each module to the
rear of the same module.
[0015] FIG. 5 depicts the cable connector device itself which is
used to align, guide and/or crimp together, the structural cables
or ropes that comprise the `skeleton` of the matrix barrier system.
The connector is cast or machined in two halves with various holes,
channels, notches etc included as shown. The recessed channels that
allow the cable to pass through the connector will have small
raised ridges or ribs designed to indent the vinyl coating of the
cable or the soft surface of the rope or webbing to provide more
`grip` on the cable by the two halves of the connector
[0016] FIG. 6 illustrates the connector (open) with various cables
passing through (horizontal, vertical and perpendicular). Both the
top half and bottom half of the connector have a single notch, in
the form of a keyway, valley or depression on their edges which
must be aligned before the bolts are secured. This assures that the
cable running perpendicular to the other cables will have its
passage holes properly aligned.
[0017] FIG. 7 depicts a closed and tightened connector with all
cables either crimped together or loosely passing through.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a perspective depiction of an individual inflation
module attached to the matrix cabling structure. In a typical
embodiment, the module itself will measure 48'' wide.times.48''
deep.times.60'' high and contain approximately 60 cubic feet of
hydrated super absorbent cross-linked acryl amide, acrylate and/or
cellulose polymers. Inside the overall module can be a thin, water
permeable non-woven natural or man-made fabric liner which is used
to keep the pre-hydrated polymers from falling out of the exterior
`envelope` which comprises the primary structure of the inflation
module itself The liner, if used, is attached to the inside of the
module and is the same size and dimension as the interior of the
module. In alternative embodiments, the liner may be eliminated
completely or replaced by one or more smaller `packets` of the
polymer mix which dissolves upon contact with water.
[0019] FIG. 9 is the front view of a typical expansion module
attached to the cable or rope matrix. The positioning of the web
strapping as well as the water inlet ports can and will vary with
the deployment application and requirements.
[0020] FIG. 9A is rear view of a typical module attached to the
cable matrix. The positioning of the web strapping and inlet ports
can and will vary but are always positioned to avoid overlapping of
straps from adjacent modules on the same portion of cable.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a depiction illustrating the preferred deployment
technique of the vevee matrix barrier system from the ground or
water level, typically from atop the levee itself near and adjacent
to the breached or weakened portion of the existing levee. In this
deployment method, the un-hydrated system is unfolded from its
folded transport configuration with the bottom row of Inflation
modules (together with any ballast modules) attached closest to the
water's edge. Once properly sized unfolded and (based on the width
and depth of the breach, a launch float is inflated and placed in
the water parallel to the shoreline and against the levee itself.
The ballast modules extending from below the bottom row of
expansion modules are then draped over the launch float while two,
extendable poles are attached to straps at each end of the `cigar
shaped` launch float. A cable or rope is either passed through the
center core of the poles or threaded through exterior `guides` and
attached to large air escape scuttle valves located on the launch
float. When the operator determines that the matrix barrier system
is properly floated into position (desired distance from
water/shoreline), the cables are pulled, and the valves or vents
open allowing the air within the launch float to escape. As the
launch float deflates and sinks, the ballast modules will drop
straight down into the water and to the bottom, pulling with it,
the entire matrix barrier with its attached expansion modules and
floats.
[0022] FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of a deployed system onto
which an additional row of inflation modules has been added that
makes the system longer than what is actually required by the
height of the levee or depth of the reservoir. In this instance,
the bottom row of inflation modules and the ballast modules are
lying horizontal on the bottom to provide additional resistance of
the entire system to any currents created by a badly breached
levee.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The preferred embodiment utilizes cellulose and/or cross
linked super absorbent polymers to absorb and contain water and may
be custom blended to maximize and/or control their water absorbency
and the speed at which they hydrate based on a number of factors
including barrier deployment methods and strategies as well as
water temperature, its salinity, or the presence of other suspended
particulates etc. The inflation modules can have one or more inlet
ports, slots or valves positioned at one or more locations on the
module to allow water to enter the modules at different rates and
from different directions which in turn can result in certain
sections of the overall barrier matrix to fully deploy sooner than
others and begin filling or covering the breached or weakened
portion of the levee, dam or dike that is created by water escaping
over or through said levee, dike or dam. Full hydration of the
inflation module can require as little as 3 minutes or as many as
15 minutes. The sequence and rate of hydration is an important part
of the uniqueness and subsequent efficacy of the overall matrix
barrier in closing or plugging the break or breach. When fully
hydrated, each inflation module contains `x` cubic feet of hydrated
polymer gel weighing `y` pounds. In the preferred embodiment, each
module contains 60 cubic feet of such hydrated polymer gel and
weighs approximately 3,500 LBS.
[0024] The desired (optimal) overall size of the deployed matrix or
grid can be quickly calculated at the site in real time based on
the width and depth of the weakened, leaking, eroded or breached
area of the dike, dam or levee and adjustments in the number, size,
positioning and deployment speed of the inflation modules is
adjusted accordingly (added or subtracted).
[0025] As an example, a 15'-20' wide active and flowing breach in a
levee might require a matrix barrier composed of approximately 35
inflation modules totaling 2,100 cubic feet of `plugging` bulk and
volume weighing approximately 122,000 lbs. when fully hydrated.
Prior to deployment and subsequent submersion and hydration, the
overall matrix barrier would weigh less than 2,000 lbs.
[0026] Set-up and deployment methods and procedures are also unique
to the present invention and details will be provided below.
Essentially there are multiple alternatives for physically
deploying the barrier system and the process selected will vary
from site to site based upon the size of the weakened or breached
area; the depth of the reservoir (i.e. height of the levee, dike or
dam); the material(s) used to construct the levee; access to the
site itself by wheeled or tracked vehicles, the weight of such
vehicles, the width and shape of the top of the levee; the
availability of adequate aerial lifting resources (helicopters);
weather conditions, etc.
[0027] The key to successfully stopping or dramatically reducing
the outflow of water and silt through an unwanted, unplanned or
unexpected break or breach in a levee is to replace or fill the
missing or damaged section of the levee with an equal or greater
volume of substitute material as quickly as possible and in such a
way that the temporary replacement material is not simply sucked or
washed through the breached section by the ever increasing flow of
water seeking to escape its original containment space (lake, pond,
river, reservoir, etc).
[0028] The present invention actually utilizes the escaping water
itself to directly or indirectly provide the bulk volume (mass) and
weight required to temporarily replace the solid `mass` and weight
of the original structure washed away by the failed levee.
[0029] The barrier uses both the 3-dimensional shape and size of
the overall barrier and the manner the individual elements and
components are positioned and connected. The overall shape of a
deployed barrier is flexible and configurable in near-real-time at
or near the site of the weakened, damaged or failed levee, and are
therefore modular in nature.
[0030] The overall modular barrier system works by `plugging` or
clogging' the break or void in the levee. In order to accomplish
this, the emergency repair barrier must act like a cork or tapered
plug and mirror the overall shape and size of the missing portion
of the levee. In fact, like a tapered plug, the clogging effect
comes from `slightly over-sizing` the plug for the space it is
required to fill.
[0031] A damaged levee (especially an earthen levee) presents a
multi-dimensional problem (all `X`, `Y` & `Z` planes or axis)
requiring a multi-dimensional solution. For example, if a levee
breach is caused by rising water levels which, as they approach the
top of the levee, will seek the lowest and/or weakest spot and the
resulting concentration of water at a particular spot will begin
eroding or eating away at the levee construction material
(typically clay). If allowed to continue, the water will cut or
erode a `V` shaped ravine down through the entire height and depth
of the levee to, and sometimes below, its original base elevation
and into the adjacent soil.
[0032] Therefore, the present invention (through use of its
interchangeable and configurable inflation modules) can be quickly
assembled to reflect the shape of the actual breach in the `X`, `Y`
and `Z` axis or planes.
[0033] Using the classic `V` shaped levee breach as an example; the
present invention would be deployed in a 3 dimensional (`X`, `Y`,
`Z` axis) form factor. This is illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.
[0034] Given the surface and underwater currents and pressures
created on the water-body side of the levee by rising water levels
and/or breaches in the levee structure in which the water is
rushing to escape through the lowest point (the breached or
weakened portion of the levee), the current invention is not only
capable of being over-sized (like a cork in a bottle), but it
connects all of the inflation modules together along all three axis
(`X`, `Y` and `Z`) with high tensile strength cable.
[0035] As shown in the accompanying figures, the matrix cable
straps attached to each inflation module can be of various lengths
so that as the deployed barrier system is drawn to and into the
failed portion (breach) of the levee, it will naturally bow outward
in the direction the water is flowing out through the levee. In the
bowing process, the levee side spaces between each inflation module
will tend to `open` up while the water-body end of each module will
tend to get `pinched`. The spacing of the connection straps (front
vs. rear) therefore vary to allow for this phenomenon.
[0036] The techniques for launch and final deployment of the
barrier system at the actual site of a breached or weakened levee
take into account that un-hydrated repair and barrier system will
typically (depending on it dimensions and number of inflation
modules) weigh less than 2,000 lbs, the quickest method of
deploying the system will be to lower the partially folded and
assembled matrix directly into the water on the inboard or water
side of the levee. Using a helicopter with the barrier system
suspended below it, two individuals on the top of the levee will
grab, pull and secure cables that are hanging well below the main
body of the barrier system and help guide the barrier system being
lowered from the helicopter. Once the system is in or on the water,
small ballast modules (weights) attached to certain matrix cables
will pull the lowest row of inflation modules below the surface and
extra water inlet ports in those same inflation modules will allow
water to penetrate the module and hydrate the otherwise dry
cellulose and/or polymer contained in such inflation modules at a
faster rate than the inflation modules closer to the surface.
[0037] In turn, each horizontal row of inflation modules will have
similarly sized inlet ports with identical gallons per minute (GPM)
capabilities to assure the even hydration and subsequent expansion
of the cellulose and/or polymers.
[0038] The top row of inflation modules may incorporate ball floats
which may be colored with an easily visible color such as bright
orange. The ball floats are attached in various places to the
matrix barrier to lift the top row of modules to float at or near
the surface.
[0039] An alternative method of deploying the matrix barrier is to
launch it at water level from atop the levee itself. In this
approach, the matrix is basically unfolded from its typical storage
and transport configuration and spread out with the lowest row of
inflation modules positioned at the water's edge with the ballast
modules draped over an inflated `cigar shaped tube` the same length
as the bottom row of inflation modules. The tube is then pushed
away from the bank (remaining parallel to the face of the levee)
using extension poles attached to both ends of the tube. When the
tube is pushed away from the levee bank, it pulls the unfolded
matrix barrier system behind it until the entire system is fully
extended with the last or top row of the matrix barrier secured or
held close to the water's edge. The extension poles used to push
the system away from levee bank are then twisted or pulled in a
manner that dislodges two or more air valves which then allows air
to rapidly escape from the flotation device, effectively scuttling
it and, in the process, the ballast modules sink rapidly to the
bottom of the reservoir, pulling the matrix from its floating or
semi-floating horizontal position to the vertical position parallel
to the levee and centered on the breached section.
[0040] The following numbers refer to the corresponding numbers in
the drawings:
[0041] 100 galvanized (typically 1/2'' diameter vinyl coated) steel
cable used to form the overall `skeletal` structural shape of the
matrix onto and into which various additional modules may be
attached or secured. Such additional modules include but are not
limited to ballast modules, flotation modules, connector modules,
large inflation modules (see 105), rigid beams or tubes and other
components that assist in the deployment and/or water blocking
functionality of the overall system described in this
application.
[0042] In an alternative embodiment, the steel cable may be
replaced with other natural or man-made twisted fiber cables, ropes
or straps.
[0043] 100a excess cable, rope or strap material (typically 25' in
length) used to secure top of entire matrix system to top of levee,
dike or dam.
[0044] 100b is the cable, rope or strapping that runs perpendicular
to the other cables and is not typically not restricted (crimped)
by the connector modules (101) that it passes through.
[0045] 100c metal stake (typically up to 1'' in diameter and up to
72'' in length with one end tapered or pointed and the other end
flat for hammering purposes. This stake is hammered into the ground
at a slight angle away from the direction that the cable will
follow when the system is deployed into the water. Alternatively
the stake may be in the form of an auger which `screws` itself down
into the soil or clay and provides a stronger connection point with
less depth or length.
[0046] 101 cast metal (typically aluminum alloy) cable connector
module block. The module itself can be made in any shape (e.g.
square and flat; round and flat as depicted herein; round like a
ball, square like a cube or other form so long as it can be
mechanically compressed to `crimp` or squeeze together two or more
of the cables or ropes that pass through it. The preferred
embodiment accommodates three (3) such cables or ropes with two
being crimped or squeezed in position and the third passing loosely
through the connector module.
[0047] 101a is the `top` half of the connector module (shown here
in the preferred embodiment shape of round). There are five holes
drilled or cast into and through the module to allow for the
passage of (2-4) bolts or additional cables or ropes designed to
run at a 90.degree. angle to the face of the matrix barrier itself
and the other cables, ropes or straps running through the module.
The single cable or rope running through the module at a 90.degree.
angle to the other cables or ropes is not crimped, squeezed or is
its movement through the connector module restricted in any way by
the connector module itself. The other cables or ropes passing
through the connector actually cross one another and are squeezed
together by drawing the bolts and their nuts together.
[0048] 101b is the `bottom` half of the connector module whose
design and functionality are essentially the same. The two halves
will have alignment ridges and valleys, notches or similar features
to guarantee perfect alignment of the two halves for the purpose of
bolting them together as well as being able to run the
perpendicular cable or rope freely through both halves
[0049] 101c is a depressed notch, valley or wedge used to quickly
assist alignment of the top and bottom half (101a and 101b) by
sight or feel.
[0050] 102 threaded bolts (typically stainless steel or hardened
aluminum alloy) with wing or plain nuts.
[0051] 102a the head end of the bolt will have a larger than
typical diameter to provide more surface area against the connector
module (partially replaces functionality of a washer).
[0052] 102b the top, external, top head surface of the bolt will
have a Philips `female` slotting pattern cast or machined in a
tapered implementation into the bolt head to accommodate multiple
sizes of Philips `male` drivers
[0053] 102c the underside of the bolt head will be cast, stamped or
machined to create three (3) or more outwardly radiating raised
`ridges` that will align with, and mirror `valleys` cut or cast
into the connector module (101a). The raised ridges on the
underside of the bolt head will align with the depressed valleys
adjacent to the bolt holes in the connector module to help lock the
bolt head in place during the final tightening process. The bolts
will therefore be unable to turn freely once the ridges and valleys
are nested. The final tightening of each bolt will therefore be
accomplished primarily from the nut or wing nut end of the
bolt.
[0054] 103 aligned passage hole through 101a and 101b to
accommodate passage of 100b (steel cable) running perpendicular to
other cables passing through connector block
[0055] 104 ballast module (weights typically made from concrete
with metal or fabric closed loop(s) (preferably stainless steel)
protruding from top to accommodate attachment to cable matrix). The
ballast module is typically attached in the field in real time
during the deployment of the barrier system.
[0056] 105 inflation module (typically made from black, UV treated,
6-8 oz. bio and/or photo degradable woven polypropylene measuring
up to 48''.times.48''.times.60'' and either factory sealed or
capable of field sealing. The inflation module has one or more
methods of allowing external water to enter interior of bag or
chamber where a measured quantity of super-absorbent (typically
cross linked) polymers or similarly man-made or natural materials
are located. The super-absorbent materials are all non-toxic, bio
or photo degradable and represent various proprietary blends that
determine the speed and volume of its hydration within the
inflation module. The inflation module is also equipped with
combinations of inlet port(s) that allow the one-way passage of
water into the module in various quantities and rates of flow (see
107).
[0057] 106 external fabric (typically polypropylene or similar
woven, high strength natural or manmade fabric) connection (web)
straps that are sewn or otherwise affixed to the outside of the
inflation module to provide both reinforcement strength and loops
through which the cables (#100) comprising the matrix barrier are
connected to each inflation module.
[0058] 106a length of the connection straps beyond the edge of the
bag will vary with the preferred embodiment having longer straps on
the back or levee side of the inflation module than the straps on
the front or reservoir-facing straps. This allows for the entire
barrier system to `bow`, `bend` or curve inward towards the levee,
dike or dam, especially if that infrastructure is already breached
and a strong outward water current has been created by the escaping
water.
[0059] 107 water inlet ports. Variable, one-way flow rate and
sizes, mono-directional to allow external water to enter the
inflation module and hydrate the super absorbent polymers or other
similar man-made or natural materials capable of absorbing water up
to 500 (or more) times their own weight without allowing the
cellulose polymer to escape the inside of the inflation module.
[0060] 108 temporary inflation material containment bag or liner,
water permeable fabric or material typically non-woven such as rice
paper or man-made bio-degradable resins or plastics such as
polypropylene.
[0061] 109 flotation modules--airtight devices secured to selected
`top level` points of the overall cable matrix structural system to
provide additional buoyancy and act to counter the vertical
downward pull of the ballast connected at the `bottom level` of the
overall cable matrix barrier structure. These flotation devices may
be attached in the field during the system deployment process or in
advance when the basic cable or rope matrix is pre and/or
partially-assembled. The flotation devices utilize quick, `snap-on`
hooks.
[0062] 110 launch float--vinyl canvas or other water tight flexible
material shaped like a cigar and typically measuring 10-15 feet in
length and approximately 18-36'' in diameter with one or more
airtight chambers and one or more compressed air filling valves.
The launch float also has two or more scuttle valves or plugs that,
when pulled by attached ropes or cable, open and allow the air
inside the float's air chamber to rapidly escape thus causing the
launch float to deflate and sink.
[0063] 111 launch poles and cables- extendable (either telescoping
or screw-on sections) that attach to the ends of the launch float
and provide propulsion and steerage from the side or top of the
levee to the launch float as it is pushed away from shore and into
position in front of the levee breach or weakened section.
* * * * *