US20240352695A1

US20240352695A1 - Method for protecting houses, buildings and structures from floodwaters using sandbags

Info

Publication number: US20240352695A1
Application number: US18/138,698
Authority: US
Inventors: Adalberto L. Sotero; Rosa L. Cruz
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-04-24
Filing date: 2023-04-24
Publication date: 2024-10-24

Abstract

Method for protecting houses, buildings and structures from floodwaters, comprising the steps of: 1) placing a sheet of heat-shrinkable material covering the floor in front of the entrance of a building and over the entrance of the building; 2) arranging in rows one above the others a series of sandbags on the sheet of heat-shrinkable material; 3) wrapping the bags of sand stacked in front of the entrance of the building to be protected with the heat-shrinkable sheet; 4) applying heat to the sheet of heat shrinkable material until the sheet shrinks over the sandbags into a compact elongated unit; and 5) arranging the aforementioned elongated and compact unit against the entrance of the building that is to be protected from flood waters.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is referred to a method for protecting houses and buildings from floodwaters. More particularly, it is referred to a method for protecting houses, buildings and structures from floodwaters using sandbags.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Floods occur when there is an overflow of water from its natural or artificial boundaries, resulting in inundation of the surrounding areas. There are various reasons why floods occur, including natural causes, human activities, and climate change.
Natural Causes: Natural causes are among the most common reasons why floods occur. These include heavy rainfall, hurricanes, typhoons, and snowmelt. When there is too much rainfall or melting snow, the water accumulates, and if the ground is already saturated, the water flows into rivers, lakes, and other water bodies, causing them to overflow and flood nearby areas.
Human Activities: Human activities can also contribute to the occurrence of floods. These activities include deforestation, urbanization, land use changes, and construction activities. Deforestation, for example, removes vegetation cover, which reduces the ability of the soil to absorb water, and this can lead to increased runoff and flooding. Urbanization can also increase the number of impervious surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt, which reduce the soil's ability to absorb water, leading to increased runoff and flooding.
Climate Change: Climate change is another reason why floods occur. Climate change can cause an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall and hurricanes. Rising sea levels due to melting glaciers and ice caps can also cause flooding in coastal areas. Climate change can also cause changes in precipitation patterns, leading to droughts followed by heavy rainfall, which can increase the risk of flooding.
In conclusion, floods occur due to a combination of natural causes, human activities, and climate change. Heavy rainfall, hurricanes, typhoons, and snowmelt are some of the natural causes of floods, while deforestation, urbanization, land use changes, and construction activities are some of the human activities that can contribute to flooding. Climate change can also cause an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, which can lead to flooding. It is important to understand the causes of floods and take appropriate measures to reduce their impact on people and the environment.
Every time a floods occur they are among the most destructive natural disasters, and they can have a significant impact on all type of private property, especially houses. Floodwater can damage a house in several ways, including structural damage, water damage, and mold growth.
Floodwaters can cause significant structural damage to a house. The water pressure can cause walls to bow or collapse, and the foundation can shift or crack. The structural damage can make the house unsafe to live in and require expensive repairs. In some cases, the damage may be severe enough to require the house to be demolished.
Floodwaters can also cause water damage to a house. The water can seep into walls, floors, and ceilings, causing damage to the insulation, drywall, and electrical wiring. The water can also damage appliances, furniture, and personal belongings. Water damage can be extensive and may require extensive repairs, including replacing damaged flooring, drywall, and electrical wiring.
Mold growth is a significant concern after a flood. The moisture from the flood can create ideal conditions for mold to grow. Mold can grow quickly and cause health problems, such as respiratory issues and allergies. Mold growth can also cause structural damage to a house, as it can weaken the walls and floors.
Floodwaters can cause electrical damage to a house. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, and floodwaters can damage electrical systems and appliances. Electrical damage can cause power outages and increase the risk of electrical fires. In some cases, the electrical damage may require rewiring the entire house.
Floodwaters can also lead to pest infestations. The water can displace pests, such as rodents and insects, and they may seek shelter in the house. Pest infestations can be challenging to control and may require professional pest control services.
The general impact of floodwaters on a house can be significant. The damage can be structural, such as causing walls to bow or collapse, or it can be water damage, mold growth, electrical damage, or pest infestation. It is essential to take necessary precautions, such as elevating the house, installing flood barriers, waterproofing, and purchasing flood insurance, to protect a house from floodwaters. Homeowners should also take immediate action after a flood, such as removing standing water, drying the house, and disinfecting affected areas, to minimize the damage and prevent mold growth.
With the increasing frequency and intensity of floods in recent times, it is important to take necessary precautions and measures to protect homes from floodwaters. Some of the effective ways to protect a house from floodwaters are:
Elevate the house: One of the most effective ways to protect a house from floodwaters is to elevate the house. Elevating a house can be a significant investment, but it can save homeowners from significant damage caused by floodwaters. Elevating the house to a height above the flood level is a long-term solution to protect the house from future floods.
Install Flood Barriers: Flood barriers can be installed around the house to prevent floodwaters from entering the house. Flood barriers can be made of different materials such as sandbags, water-filled barriers, or inflatable barriers. These barriers are particularly useful in areas where flooding is common and can be set up quickly when a flood warning is issued.
Waterproofing: Waterproofing the basement or the foundation walls can significantly reduce the amount of water that enters the house during a flood. There are several ways to waterproof a house, such as applying sealants, installing drainage systems, and using waterproof coatings. Homeowners should also ensure that the sump pump is working correctly and has a backup power source.
Landscaping: Proper landscaping can help to protect a house from floodwaters. Homeowners should consider planting trees and plants that are flood-resistant and absorbent. The plants and trees can help to slow down the flow of floodwaters, and the roots can help to stabilize the soil. Homeowners should also ensure that the ground around the house slopes away from the house, so that water does not collect around the foundation.
From all the alternatives mentioned above, flood barriers are essential in protecting a house from floodwaters. There are different types of flood barriers available in the market, each with its unique features and advantages. In this essay, we will discuss some of the most common types of flood barriers used to protect a house from floodwaters.
Sandbags: Sandbags are one of the most common types of flood barriers used to protect a house from floodwaters. They are relatively inexpensive and can be easily filled with sand or soil. Sandbags can be stacked around the house to form a barrier, preventing floodwaters from entering. However, sandbags require a considerable amount of labor to fill and stack, and they may not be effective against high floodwaters.
Using sandbags to protect a house from floodwaters can be an effective temporary measure, but it also has some potential drawbacks and limitations:
Labor-intensive: Filling sandbags and stacking them in place can be a time-consuming and physically demanding process, especially if a large area needs to be protected.
Limited effectiveness: Sandbags are only effective up to a certain height, and if water levels rise above that point, they may not be able to provide sufficient protection.
Leakage: Sandbags are not completely impermeable and can allow some water to seep through, which may cause additional damage to the protected area.
Disposal: After the flood, the sandbags need to be disposed of, which can be another logistical challenge.
Cost: The cost of purchasing sandbags and hiring labor to fill and stack them can be expensive, especially for homeowners who need to protect a large area.
Overall, while sandbags can be a useful short-term solution for protecting a house from floodwaters, they may not be the most effective or sustainable option in the long term. There is a need in the market to provide this simple solution but in an effective and affordable way.
Water-Filled Barriers: Water-filled barriers are inflatable tubes or bags that can be filled with water to form a barrier around the house. They are lightweight and easy to install and can be stored in a compact form when not in use. Water-filled barriers are effective against low to moderate floodwaters and can be used in combination with sandbags for added protection.
Metal Flood Barriers: Metal flood barriers are made of aluminum or steel and can be permanently installed around the house. They are sturdy and durable and can provide excellent protection against floodwaters. Metal flood barriers can be manually or automatically activated and can be customized to fit the specific requirements of the house.
Removable Flood Walls: Removable flood walls are modular systems that can be quickly installed and removed as needed. They are made of durable materials, such as aluminum or stainless steel, and can provide excellent protection against high floodwaters. Removable flood walls can be customized to fit the specific requirements of the house and can be stored in a compact form when not in use.
Retractable Flood Barriers: Retractable flood barriers are permanent systems that can be easily deployed during a flood. They are made of durable materials, such as aluminum or stainless steel, and can provide excellent protection against high floodwaters. Retractable flood barriers can be customized to fit the specific requirements of the house and can be easily retracted when not in use.
Flood barriers are essential in protecting a house from floodwaters. Sandbags, water-filled barriers, metal flood barriers, removable flood walls, and retractable flood barriers are some of the most common types of flood barriers used to protect a house from floodwaters. There is still a need in the market for a reliable, affordable flood barrier that can effectively stop floodwaters and protect homes from its devastating effects.
Walls, levees, berms, and barricades are an effective way to prevent flood damage. Also, by creating a “structural composite” system, the potential failure of walls, levees, berms and barricades can be minimized.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention is referred to as a method for protecting houses, buildings and structures from floodwaters using sandbags, comprising the steps of:

- placing a sheet of laminate heat-shrinkable material covering the floor in front of the entrance of a building that is to be protected from flood waters and over the entrance of the aforementioned building so that said sheet covers not only said entrance but also covers each sides of said building entrance to be protected from flood waters;
- arranging in rows one above the others a series of sandbags on the sheet of heat-shrinkable material so that the entrance of the building to be protected from flood waters is covered by the stacked sandbags;
- wrapping the bags of sand stacked in front of the entrance of the building to be protected with the heat-shrinkable sheet;
- applying heat to the sheet of heat shrinkable material until the sheet shrinks over the sandbags into a compact elongated unit;
- arranging the aforementioned elongated and compact unit against the entrance of the building that is to be protected from flood waters.

It is an object of the present invention a method for protecting houses, buildings and structures from floodwaters using sandbags, in which the heat-shrinkable material may be one of polyolefin, fluoropolymer (such as FEP, PTFE or Kynar), PVC, neoprene, silicone elastomer or Viton.
It is also an object of the present invention a method for protecting houses, buildings and structures from floodwaters using sandbags, in which the heat applied to the heat-shrinkable material may be a hot air blower.
It is also an object of the present invention a method for protecting houses, buildings and structures from floodwaters using sandbags, in which the sheet of laminate heat-shrinkable material protrudes at least two feet on each side of the entrance of the building to be protected from flood waters.
It is also an object of the present invention an elongated waterproof device, capable of being placed in front of the entrance of a building to be protected from flood waters, comprising a set of piled sandbags wrapped around a sheet of laminate heat-shrinkable material.
The usage of the present invention not only prevents the access of floodwaters into houses and buildings, but it is also possible to help in deviating floodwaters, stabilizing slopes, redirecting stormwater, and providing temporary access to flooded areas.
Since floodwaters may also be contaminated, it is important to prevent raw sewage entering the sandbags contaminating the sand. The present invention minimizes exposure to contaminants which may include sewage, petroleum, or other chemicals. If sandbags are contaminated with petroleum, or other chemicals, they may need to be disposed, as hazardous waste and laboratory testing may also be required. The laminate used to wrap the sandbags up isolates them from the dangerous chemicals that may be present in floodwaters, and they may be used again for other flood sites, minimizing the environmental impact to the affected area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a general perspective view of a portion of a house with an opening to be protected from flood waters, a laminate shrinkable material laid on the floor in front of the entrance and over the entrance to be protected and a pile of sand bags lined up in three rows on the above mentioned laminate.

FIG. 2 shows a similar set up of the laminate material and the rows of sand bags but this time in front of the entrance door of a building.

FIG. 3 shows how the laminate material is wrapped up around the set of sandbags creating an elongated barrier in front of the door.

FIG. 4 shows an operator applying hot air on the laminate using a hot air blower.

FIG. 5 shows the elongated barrier in a curved position demonstrating how this elongated barrier behaves as a unit once heat is applied to the shrinkable laminate material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is referred to a method for protecting houses, buildings and structures from floodwaters using sandbags, comprising the steps of:

- placing a sheet 10 of laminate heat-shrinkable material covering the floor 12 in front of the entrance 15 of a building 14 that is to be protected from flood waters and over the entrance of the aforementioned building 14 so that said sheet 10 covers not only said entrance 15 but also covers each side 17-18 of said building entrance 15 to be protected from flood waters;
- arranging in rows one above the others a series of sandbags 20 on the sheet 10 of heat-shrinkable material so that the entrance 15 of the building 14 to be protected from flood waters is covered by the stacked sandbags 20;
- wrapping the bags of sand 20 stacked in front of the entrance 15 of the building 14 to be protected with the heat-shrinkable sheet 10;
- applying heat to the sheet 10 of heat shrinkable material until the sheet 10 shrinks over the sandbags 20 into a compact elongated unit 30;
- arranging the aforementioned elongated and compact unit 30 against entrance 15 of building 10 that is to be protected from flood waters.

There are several portions for the above mentioned heat-shrinkable material 10, including but not limiting to polyolefin, fluoropolymer (such as FEP, PTFE or Kynar), PVC, neoprene, silicone elastomer, Viton.
The step of applying heat to the laminate material 10 wrapped around the sandbags 20 may be done using different devices. One example would be a hot air blower. As it is illustrated in FIG. 4 , an operator 40 may manually apply heat air to the laminate material 10 from the air blower 45 by passing the heat air nozzle 46 over the covered sandbags 20. Heat 48 from the air blower 45 shrikes the laminate material 10 around the sandbags 20 creating an elongated flexible unit 30 that can be placed in front of the opening 15 to be protected from flood waters as it is shown in FIG. 3 . FIG. 5 shows that the elongated unit 30 thus created may be bent as necessary and it behaves as a unit.
As shown in FIG. 2 the sheet of laminate heat-shrinkable material 10 protrudes at least two feet on each side of entrance 15 of building 14 to be protected from flood waters.

Claims

1-5. (canceled)

6. A method of protecting buildings from floodwaters, comprising:

placing a sheet of heat-shrinkable material over a floor adjacent to and exterior to an entrance of a building, over said entrance of said building and each side of said entrance of said building;

placing a sequence of sandbags arranged one next to the other and stacked in tiers, forming an orderly progression on top of the portion of said sheet over said floor wrapping said sequence of sandbags with the portion of said sheet over said floor;

wrapping said sequence of sandbags with the portion of said sheet over said entrance;

applying heat to the portion of said sheet wrapping said sequence of sandbags to conform said sheet to said sequence of sandbags;

applying heat to the portion of said sheet wrapping over each side of said entrance to conform said sheet to each side of said entrance; and

arranging said sequence of sandbags against said entrance.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the heat-shrinkable material may be one of polyolefin, fluoropolymer polyvinyl chloride, neoprene, silicone elastomer, or Viton.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the heat applied to the heat-shrinkable material is hot air from a hot air blower.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the sheet of laminate heat-shrinkable material protrudes at least two feet on each side of the entrance of the building to be protected from flood waters.

10. A flood barrier, comprising:

a sheet of heat-shrinkable material, said sheet placed on top of a floor adjacent to and exterior to an entrance of a building, said sheet extending beyond the sides of said entrance; and

a sequence of sandbags arranged one next to the other and stacked in tiers, forming an orderly progression on top of said sheet, said sequence of sandbags being wrapped by said sheet by heat being applied to conform said sheet to said sequence of sandbags, said sequence of sandbags capable of being curved after being wrapped.