Aflood barrier,surge barrier orstorm surge barrier is a specific type offloodgate, designed to prevent astorm surge orspring tide from flooding the protected area behind the barrier. A surge barrier is almost always part of a larger flood protection system consisting offloodwalls,levees (also known as dikes), and other constructions and natural geographical features.Flood barrier may also refer to barriers placed around or at individual buildings to keep floodwaters from entering the buildings.
The Delta Works in theNetherlands is the largest flood protection project in the world. This project consists of a number of surge barriers, theOosterscheldekering being the largest surge barrier in the world, 9 kilometres (5.6 mi) long. Other examples include theMaeslantkering,Haringvlietdam and theHartelkering.
The Thames Barrier is the world's second largest movable flood barrier (after the Oosterscheldekering and the Haringvlietdam) and is located downstream of central London. Its purpose is to prevent London from being flooded by exceptionally hightides and storm surges moving up from theNorth Sea. It needs to be raised (closed) only during high tide; at ebb tide it can be lowered to release the water that backs up behind it.
In 2007 theUnited States Army Corps of Engineers started construction of an ambitious project that aimed to prevent storm surges from flooding the city by 2011. TheIHNC Lake Borgne Surge Barrier on the confluence of these waterways[1] is the largest in the United States. It protects the city from theGulf of Mexico from flooding the area. The newSeabrook floodgate prevents a storm surge from entering from Lake Pontchartrain.
TheGIWW West Closure Complex closes theGulf Intracoastal Waterway to protect the west side of the city. This complex is unique in that it contains the world's largestpumping station, necessary to pump out rainwater that is discharged in the protected side of the canal during ahurricane.[2]
The Eider Barrage is located at the mouth of the riverEider nearTönning on Germany's North Sea coast. Its main purpose is protection fromstorm surges by the North Seas. It is Germany's largest coastal protection structure.
The Saint Petersburg Dam (officially called the Saint Petersburg Flood Prevention Facility Complex) is a 16 km (9.9 mi) barrier separating theGulf of Finland fromNeva Bay to protect the city ofSaint Petersburg,Russia fromcoastal flooding. TheSoviet Union started construction of the barrier in 1978 and it was completed and made operational in 2011.
TheNew Bedford Harbor Hurricane Barrier protects the city ofNew Bedford, Massachusetts, with a mostly immovable barrier of stone and fill. It has three land and one marine door for access in calm seas.
The nearbyFox Point Hurricane Barrier protects the city ofProvidence, Rhode Island.
The US Army Corps of Engineers also owns and operates the hurricane barrier at Stamford, CT.[3]
The MOSE Project is intended to protect the city ofVenice,Italy, and the Venetian Lagoon from flooding.
The River Foss, York, UK has a barrier to control the inflow of fast moving water from the River Ouse that may overspill its banks upstream the Foss and flood surrounding properties.
TheNew York Harbor Storm-Surge Barrier is a proposed regional flood barrier system that would protect the harbor and the New York – New Jersey metropolitan region.
TheIke Dike is a proposed flood barrier that would protect Houston, Texas.
Flood barriers may be placed temporarily or permanently around individual buildings or at building entrances to keep floodwaters from entering those buildings. A wall constructed of sandbags is an example of a temporary barrier. A reinforced concrete wall is an example of a permanent barrier.[6]
Sandbags have traditionally been used as temporary flood barriers.[7][8]