River Flood Defences http://www.floodcontrolinternational.com/CASE-STUDIES/river-defe...

RIVER FLOOD DEFENCES - STRATEGIES FOR GALLERY

RIVER FLOODING

Flooding from main rivers is caused by heavy rainfall

upstream, and can also be caused by flood surges up rivers
from the sea caused by high tides, low pressure and strong
winds.

River flooding is often able to be identified well in advance,

and Flood Alerts are able to be used to warn those living in
flood risk areas in addition to any press reporting, and river
flood defences can be raised.

River flooding is often typified by long durations and

relatively high velocities. We have a relatively good level of
data to understand areas susceptible to river flooding, with
studies of catchment areas, river profiles and flood plains
helping the provision of effective river flood defences. Some
river flood defence schemes utilise land upstream to store
floodwater to regulate the flow through constrictions
typically through towns and cities.

The main options for river defences are:

Permanent solid flood walls and banks. These have the

benefit of being permanently installed, with minimal
1 of 2 operation and maintenance cost. However, the visual 03.04.2017 17:22
River Flood Defences http://www.floodcontrolinternational.com/CASE-STUDIES/river-defe...

Permanent solid flood walls and banks. These have the

benefit of being permanently installed, with minimal
operation and maintenance cost. However, the visual
amenity of rivers within an urban setting mean that these
flood defence solutions can be obtrusive, especially if above
1 metre in height.

Demountable river barriers. These river defence barriers

normally comprise removable posts and beams that can be
fitted along the side of a river in advance of a flood. There is
no visual intrusion when not installed, but they do require a
logistical operation to install and remove each time.

Glass Floodwalls. These have the benefit of offering

permanent flood defence, whilst minimising the visual
impact. Glass floodwalls can be incorporated with a solid wall
to give greater heights of river flood protection, as well as
with flood gates or demountable river defences. The
Environment Agencys recent 'Wells-Next-the-Sea' project
illustrates the benefits of a glass floodwall over permanent
and demountable defences.

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