Rapid Deployment, Multi-Dimensional Wedge Barrier Levee & Dike Repair System

Abstract

The system utilizes a matrix of inflation modules held in position by x-y orthogonal cables. The inflation modules contain hydroscopic materials such as polymer power that swells when wet to produce modules of substantial height. The modules may be stacked in rows and columns to bridge a gap in a levee. Ballast holds the bottom of the matrix down and inflation modules, which may be air filed spheres hold the top of the matrix, on or near the surface of the water. The matrix may be configured to have a levee side that is as narrow as the opening in the levee and a water side that is wider than the gap in the levee to produce a wedging effect. Orthogonally arranged cables maintain the inflation modules in position and are used to anchor the matrix to intact portions of the levee. At points where the cables intersect they are held together by connector modules which a comprised of two halves with groves for cables and provision for holding the halves together with a bolts or other fasteners.

1 . A water barrier system, comprising:
 A series of interconnected modules having at least three and sides and a top and bottom together comprising a matrix barrier;   said modules being positioned on an at-risk levee in a flattened condition;   said modules having a quantify of hydrophilic expansive material that absorbs water to cause the expansive material to increase the height of the module when exposed to water;   at least one opening in each module to admit water to the module when water reaches the opening in the module,   said interconnected modules being arranged in a wedge shaped matrix configuration so that the water side of the interconnected modules is wider than the existing or anticipated breech in a levee, and having fewer modules in a line on the levee side of the matrix to wedge into said breech.   
     
     
         2 . The water barrier system of  claim 1 , wherein;
 a ballast module is attached to the lower end of the matrix to sink the matrix barrier so that the lowermost modules are below the lowest point of the breech in the levee.   
     
     
         3 . The water barrier system of  claim 2  wherein:
 flotation modules mounted to the top of said matrix barrier to float the uppermost inflation modules at or near the water surface. 
 
     
     
         4 . The water barrier system of  claim 3 , wherein:
 a elongated launch float attached to said matrix barrier to assist in positioning the water barrier away from the levee.   
     
     
         5 . The water barrier system of  claim 3  wherein:
 poles secured to the ends of said launch to position said launch float a sufficient distance from said levee and at least one scuttle valve on said launch float that may be opened to admit water and to sink the launch module 
 
     
     
         6 . The water barrier system of  claim 1 , wherein:
 said matrix is formed by interconnecting modules in a x-y matrix using cables extending in orthogonal directions and being joined at their intersections by connector modules with groves to position the cables.   
     
     
         7 . The water barrier system of  claim 6 , wherein:
 said cables include longitudinal cables that extend the entire length of at least the upper row of said inflation modules and which are anchored to said levee.