News
Friday 8 February 2008
New flood defence system combats effects of climate change
The level of damage and destruction through flooding could be significantly reduced thanks to the innovative development of a new low cost, self erecting flood defence system. Experts at Nottingham Trent University have developed the Flood and Wave Barrier to help combat the effects of rising instability in global weather patterns brought about by climate change.
Consisting of a waterproof membrane fixed within a ground trench and attached to covers which lie flat to the ground, the barrier uses flotation devices to rise up as flood waters rise, therefore allowing it to protect land and property behind it. It has been developed by researchers in the university’s School of Architecture Design and the Built Environment in collaboration with an expert team of engineering and materials consultants.
With climate change continuing to cause problems for our global weather patterns, flooding remains a major concern to international communities.
“In England and Wales alone, almost two million properties housing five million people are situated in flood risk areas,” said John Greenwood, lead researcher and expert in geotechnical engineering at Nottingham Trent University.
He added: “Barriers that are currently available on the market are costly to install and maintain, too complex in their design and not self-erecting. This design fills a vital gap in the market, providing not only flood protection, but also an application for the temporary storage of water and protection against spills from tanks.”
The relatively low cost of the barrier is likely to be attractive to developing countries where there are often limited resources, combined with frequent flooding and inadequate flood protection. The semi-permanent barrier can be installed where a permanent flood barrier scheme might not be affordable, or in locations where such defences would spoil the landscape of waterside areas.
ENDS
Notes for editors:
The barrier is been developed in conjunction with international building engineering consultants Faber Maunsell Ltd, and materials consultants PAGeotechnical Ltd.
Press enquiries please contact: Matt Wallace, Press Office, on Tel: 0115 848 8785, or via email: matthew.wallace@ntu.ac.uk
Or Therese Easom, Press and Media Relations Manager, on Tel: 0115 848 8774, or via email: therese.easom@ntu.ac.uk
