Flood walls work primarily by forming a sturdy barrier that blocks rising water, preventing it from inundating protected areas.
Flood walls are an essential structural measure in flood protection systems. As referenced by Freie Universität Berlin, these barriers are typically constructed using reinforced concrete or masonry. Their fundamental mechanism is straightforward: they stand taller than the expected flood level, creating a physical obstacle that water cannot easily pass.
Key Functions of Flood Walls
Based on their design and construction, flood walls perform several critical functions during a flood event:
- Provide a barrier against inundation: This is their main purpose. They physically separate the flooded area from the area requiring protection.
- Protect structures from hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads:
- Hydrostatic loads: These are the pressures exerted by the weight of the standing water against the wall and any structures behind it.
- Hydrodynamic loads: These are the forces exerted by moving water, which can be significantly stronger and more dynamic than hydrostatic pressure. Flood walls are built to withstand these powerful forces.
- Deflect flood-borne debris and ice: Fast-moving floodwaters can carry large objects like trees, cars, or ice floes. Flood walls are designed to be robust enough to deflect these impacts away from protected buildings and infrastructure.
In essence, flood walls act as rigid, impermeable walls designed to resist the force and volume of floodwaters, safeguarding people and property located behind them. Their effectiveness depends on their height, strength, and integration with other flood defense measures.
