The BoxBarrier is a flood defence system designed to temporarily heighten the crest of a dike or create a temporary dam on flat terrain. The principle is simple: retain water with water. This system, which was developed by BAM Infraconsult and GMB, is modular, consisting of plastic box elements which are linked to one another by sealed joints. Once the elements have been put in place, they are filled with water, so creating a temporary barrier with a height of 50cm.
The BoxBarrier is easy to install and was designed with health and safety in mind. Three people can install a barrier stretching 100m in less than an hour, which is considerably quicker than using sandbags. The compact shape and stackability of the elements means they can be efficiently transported and stored.
Before Rijnland took the decision to buy the system, it underwent a test in the presence of the developer. For this test, the water level was first artificially lowered. Then the BoxBarrier was put in place and flooding was
simulated. After this test the product was adapted to meet additional safety requirements. Thea de Roos-van Rooden of The Rijnland District Water Control Board is pleased with the fact that water is retained with water: “This system will enable us to use the dangers of flooding to turn the tide.”