OnSite Services - Portadam Portable Dam System
In a nutshell…
- Extremely versatile
- Easy access to remote sites
- Speedy deployment and installation
- Environmentally friendly
- Cost effective
- Can be erected in several common configurations (visit Portadam – Common Configurations for more details)
Overview
OnSite's Portadam® temporary dam/flood protection system utilises a steel supporting 'A' frame structure upon which a tailored vinyl liner membrane is suspended. The resultant hydrostatic seal provides a watertight barrier behind which, essential maintenance or construction works can safely be carried out. The support structure has been designed to transfer hydraulic loading to a near vertical load, thereby creating a freestanding structure with no additional bracing or supports to impinge upon the work area.
The standard (ex-stock) Portadam® system can dam depths of up to 2.5m (just over 8ft).
Should water levels rise beyond the designed crest level of the dam, the water is able to spill over the upper edge of the membrane (more commonly known as overtopping) without affecting the overall structural integrity of the dam.
The system is extremely flexible and can be quickly installed over most irregular contours, unlike "pallet barrier" type systems, where level ground conditions are preferable; in many configurations (including curves / bends) and to any length. Unlike other temporary dam systems, Portadam® can be installed in pre-existing deep water applications, such as canals and rivers, as well as sites where flooding has already occurred.
Because even the largest dam components can be installed manually, it is ideally suited to applications where access for large vehicles is strictly limited, as is often the case in many rural locations. Also, in comparison to more labour intensive temporary dam installations, such as sand bags, Hesco Bastion etc, it is possible to erect up to 100m of standard height Portadam® in around 2 days. This installation time can, of course, be reduced even further by introducing additional manpower.
Typically, there is no requirement for any riverbed preparation prior to installation of a Portadam®, or the introduction of any fill material, meaning the Portadam® system is one of the most environmentally friendly methods of temporary dam construction available today, with no introduction of harmful materials to the watercourse. Also, compared to driven sheet piling, noise pollution is almost non-existent.
Portadam® is much more cost effective where a need exists for a temporary dam solution compared to driven sheet piling as there is no need for expensive piling rigs and the associated labour and materials required.
Testing and Industry Approval
Portadam® has been tested by the UK National Physics Laboratory, as well as extensive laboratory and field testing by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Of the U.S. systems tested (Portadam, Sandbags, Hesco Bastion, RDFW – Rapid Deployment Flood Wall, Flood Walls and Metalith H20), Portadam was regarded as the all round best performing system.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers report is available to download on their website www.erdc.usace.army.mil/
Team Training
OnSite provides a comprehensive package of training for all site personnel. Visit Training for more details.
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