The Tilt-Dam system is an entirely new form of PERMANENT IN-SITU FLOOD DEFENCE, operated and secured by gravity and with a design life of 50 years. Featuring precast trench units with tilting lids, the horizontal lids are unlocked following a flood alert and raised to the vertical by hand. This engages the lid with a continuous horizontal seal in the trench. Vertical seals for the gaps between units, plus props for added security - both stored on the underside of the lids - are then installed.. With no stored materials elsewhere or any need for ancillary power, transport or skilled labour, just an unlocking lever and teams of two persons are required.
Its application to rivers and coastal flooding is universal; however the primary purpose is to present a real step forward from the traditional sand bag in protecting groups of private properties on the principle of a stand-away flood defence forming a stockade linking into permanent walling. Suitable for residential, commercial and industrial applications it can serve either as units laid in straight lines or as single floodgates.
The system is unique in using gravity as the force enabling a tilting slab, balanced about its hinge, to be raised by hand. When mobilised as a flood defence, gravity (acting through water pressure) holds the seals tightly closed. This is due to the hinge’s position so that the pressure of water below the hinge exceeds that above.
The Tilt-Dam system has additional advantages arising from the geometry of the box and swing of the tilting lids. The ‘dry” duct, thus formed, can be used for pumping water arriving behind the dams during a flood as well as the distribution of perimeter services, pipes and cables for new domestic and commercial developments.
- Simplicity
- Longevity
- Speed of Mobilisation
- Completeness
- Robustness
- Easy Inspection/Maintenance