Embankment device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an embankment device comprising an elongated housing, contained in the ground, near and at least substantially parallel to a waterline, with four sidewalls and a bottom, wherein an elongated wall is received, being displaceable upwards and downwards between an inoperational state and an operational state and a powered lifting device arranged for displacing the elongated wall upwards and downwards in the elongated housing. The invention also relates to an assembly for such an embankment device as well as a method for providing such an embankment device.

Description

[0001] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to an embankment device, in particular an artificial, height-adjustable embankment device.

[0002] Embankment devices of the artificial, height-adjustable type are known in several variants and serve to repel water threatening to flow in an undesirable direction or into an undesirable area. Fixed embankments exist, such as dikes and quay walls. This type of embankment is present in a permanently visible manner. The present invention relates to embankments that are height-adjustable depending on circumstances. That is to say, temporary embankments that can be activated when desired and (semi)permanent embankments that can be elevated in situations with relatively high water levels. Known height-adjustable embankment devices comprise floats floating on a water surface, at least when the water to be repelled is at the level of the respective float, stackable sandbags or undeformable, block-shaped, stackable modules, posts erected at regularly-spaced intervals of several meters, between which baffles can be pulled-up and panels displaceable on guides in horizontal direction, which can be slid from a dikewall like a coupure in case of flooding into an opening, such as a traffic opening, in the dikewall. Known embankment devices each have their own disadvantages, such as laboriousness (stacking sandbags or modules), sensitivity to unintended damage or intended sabotage (terror), weakening of a dikewall (slideable panels are slid out of the dikewall) and / or permanent visibility (posts between which baffles are pulled-up).

[0003] The present invention seeks to provide, according to the first aspect, a solid, relatively little laborious embankment device that, at least to a large degree, that can be concealed from the view when the embankment device is as such not in use. This aim is achieved, according to the invention, with an embankment device according to claim 1. With the term "the ground" a natural or artificial upper layer of the local earth surface is meant, such as a dike, a paved quay wall or a part of a riverbed flooded during high tide or permanently flooded. The embankment device according to the present invention thus can also be provided under water permanently, to be used as an effective embankment only at specific moments / specific periods. For the production of the elongated wall a concrete is used, which provides a suitable combination of the properties coefficient of expansion, cube compressive strength, pH-value and waterproofing, as a result of which the water-repellent elongated wall of the embankment device upon use forms an obstruction being solid and relatively little susceptible to damage for water to be repelled. Concrete not only has a relatively low coefficient of expansion (the linear coefficient of expansion of concrete at 20°C is 12 x 10 -6< m / m K -1< ). Concrete has a high cube compressive strength (> 5 N mm -2< , high-strength concrete > 40 N mm -2< ) without deformation occurring, which is important for being capable of withstanding water pressure without deformation of the elongated wall. Concrete is also relatively robust and therefore the chances of intended or unintended damage thereof are relatively small. Because an embankment device is primarily used when there is a real risk of undesirable flooding, sometimes with severe consequences for the hinterland, the risk of the embankment device being damaged in such a way that water is still allowed to pass through, needs to be minimized. As such, an embankment device could be an interesting target for malevolent people. Concrete offers a relatively large degree of protection against these things. Another advantage of concrete is that it does not or hardly deform when it is submitted to large forces, such as water pressure of the water to be repelled. Concrete is not or hardly degraded by water, for instance by corrosion or degrading of the material. Moreover, concrete is very maintenance friendly. Concrete further provides the possibility of adjusting the upper surface of the wall, such that the upper surface can be integrated in the surroundings as desired. Furthermore, the concrete wall can be incorporated in the streetscape, in case it extends somewhat above the surrounding surface, as a more or less natural building element, for instance as a bank or traffic measure. Another advantage of concrete is that, in case of a relatively large impact, it has a tendency to crumble, while other materials often have the tendency to stay intact. Thus, the risk of a whole elongated wall being dislocated is relatively low with concrete. Local damage in many cases leads to a smaller flooding risk than a full length of an elongated wall being pushed out of the housing. Additionally, the concrete made of conceivable suitable materials can be produced in an environmentally friendly manner and is recyclable. Through the powered lifting device, the possibility is provided to displace the embankment device quickly between a (low) inoperational state and a (high) operational state. The embankment device is in the ground, for example in such a way that the upper plane thereof (substantially) coincides with the plane of the surrounding ground. If desired, the upper surface of the elongated wall can be adapted to the structure of the environment, such as a (continuous) pavement pattern. Alternatively, the elongated wall can extend until above the surrounding ground surface in the lowered state to form a (semi)permanent wall, such as at seat height. In a particular embodiment, the housing is received in the ground by means of a foundation of the housing, wherein the sidewalls or optionally the bottom extend wholly or partly above the ground. The device can optionally be reinforced with buttresses or the like on a side of the embankment device turned towards the hinterland. Moreover, the four sidewalls can be designed as a single, composite sidewall, defining a rectangle. Between the concrete wall and the elongated housing guiding elements are provided, guiding the elongated wall during the upwards and downwards displacement with respect to the elongated housing.

[0004] The guiding means can be guiding means having a relatively low friction, such as rolls provided on the outside of the elongated wall, and extending slightly outwardly, such that they abut to the inside of the elongated housing and roll over the inside of the housing during the upwards and downwards displacement of the elongated wall in the housing. Of course, the guiding means can also be provided on the inside of the elongated housing to abut against and roll over the outside of the elongated wall. Thus, direct contact between the elongated wall and the elongated housing is prevented. This minimizes the risk of damage and the friction resistance decreases during the upwards and downwards movement of the wall. Moreover, the guiding means can contribute towards minimizing the risk of undesirable tilting of the wall. Other guiding means such as rails are also conceivable. The guiding means comprise adjusting means arranged for adjusting the guiding means in dependence of the mutual distance between the elongated housing and the elongated wall.

[0005] Dependent on specific circumstances and / or tolerance during the production of an elongated wall and / or an elongated housing an adjustment can be carried out to realize proper functioning of the embankment device. With the aforementioned rolls, the degree of extension can be adjusted to the mutual distance of the elongated housing and the elongated wall.

[0006] An elongated housing received in the ground, with four sidewalls and a bottom wherein an elongated wall, displaceable between an inoperational and an operational state, is received, and a powered lifting device arranged for displacing the elongated wall upwards and downwards in the elongated housing, as such is known from Dutch patent application NL 1031160 A (15-02-2006) as a device for closing off a traffic lane, a walkway and the like. Using such a device near an embankment has not been considered before.

[0007] German patent application DE 101 25 946A1 discloses a flood protection barrier consisting of channel-like housing with barrier sections raised into vertical position by flood water-operated winch with cable

[0008] United States patent application US 2002 / 106246 A1 discloses a guidance method and guidance system of flood water, also in case of emergency like a power failure without deteriorating landscapes near the specific zone. A guidance plate is laid under underground in the vicinity of an upstream side of a specific zone where a building is built and where it is anticipated that the flood water flows. The guidance plate can be raised to a predetermined height of surface of the earth.

[0009] European patent application EP 0 684 342 A2 discloses a high water protection barrier. Vertical flood boards are mounted on servo drives which deploy the boards from the recess storage position. The boards have seals with the ground and with adjacent boards. The boards have either a pivot mounting in the channel or a hinged support.

[0010] French patent application FR 2 507 223 A1 discloses a guide for sluice gates having rollers mounted on elastic supports to the edges of the gate itself.

[0011] United States patent application US 4 582 451 A1 discloses a floodgate structure for closing of an hydraulic flow channel at selected times, as during flooding conditions. A gate panel is normally loosely and slidably received in a recess below grade level. To render the gate operational, it is lifted into a channel-blocking position.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the elongated housing and the elongated wall are produced from the same material, or at least materials having similar properties, in particular with similar coefficients of expansion. Because the embankment device can be exposed to relatively large temperature differences throughout the year, it is advantageous if the elongated wall and the elongated housing are arranged in similar relationship with respect to each other under different weather conditions. It should be clear that the risk of the elongated wall being jammed in the elongated housing, and thus not or hardly being able to move with respect to the elongated housing, is to be minimized. A (too) large distance between the elongated housing and the elongated wall increases the chances of contaminations depositing between the elongated housing and the elongated wall, which can also hinder the displacement of the elongated wall in the elongated housing of the embankment device and in the worst case even block.

[0013] With the aim of being able to provide a relatively long embankment device with a relatively long singular elongated wall, it is preferred that the elongated wall is produced from a material with a coefficient of expansion of at most 0,5 x 10 -6< m / m K -1< at 20 degrees C, further preferably at most 1,0 x 10 -6< m / m K -1< at 20 degrees C and even further preferably at most 5,0 x 10 -6< m / m K -1< at 20 degrees C. Depending on the material, a single elongated wall of an embankment device according to the invention can extend over more than ten of meters and in such a situation "action" (expansion-compression) of the embankment device as a result of temperature differences is to be minimized as much as possible.

[0014] In order to provide a solid embankment device, it is preferred that the elongated wall produced from concrete, has a thickness of at least 15 cm, more preferably of at least 20 cm. As a result, the elongated wall can provide a large resistance against pressure when repelling water. Of course, the thickness of the concrete is somewhat related to the length of the elongated wall, the material the wall is produced from and the presence of reinforcing element.

[0015] The minimum height of the elongated wall of course is dependent on the application and a to-be-expected highest level of the water to be repelled. The elongated wall preferably has a height of at least 20 cm, more preferably 25 cm and even more preferably at least 40 cm. As such, the embankment device is suitable for, at least in the Netherlands, usual minimum heights (25 cm respectively 50 cm) for an embankment device.

[0016] Also the minimum length of the embankment device is dependent on the application. For use with a relatively long embankment device it is preferred that the length of the elongated wall is at least 2 m for being able to efficiently provide a long embankment device. For use as a coupure or other seal of an opening to be sealed in a vertical construction, it is preferred that the length of the wall corresponds to the distance along which the opening in the vertical construction is to be sealed. Of course, the embankment device can be constructed a little larger than opening to be sealed and be received on one or both ends in the vertical construction in which the opening is present. In case the embankment device is to extend along a relatively large distance, such as with a dike or quay wall, the amount of embankment devices to be arranged will be inversely proportionate to the length of these devices. It should be clear that the longer the elongated wall, the lower the amount of lifting devices, controls and the like is required.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the elongated housing and the elongated wall each have a horizontal cross-sectional surface being constant along at least substantially the whole height of the elongated housing respectively the wall, wherein between the outer circumference of the elongated wall and the inner circumference of the elongated housing a space is provided that enables the elongated wall to be displaced upwards and downwards without direct contact with the elongated housing. Provided the movement of the elongated wall with respect to the elongated housing is hindered as little as possible, it is preferred that the mutual distance between the elongated wall and the elongated housing be minimized.

[0018] It is furthermore preferred that a sealing member is provided, providing a seal between the inside of the elongated housing and the outside of the elongated wall at least in the inoperational state or in an operational state. A seal between the elongated wall and the elongated housing prevents undesirable material from entering between the elongated housing and the elongated wall and hindering, or even block, a movement of the elongated wall with respect to the elongated housing that is as friction-free as possible. A seal optionally can prevent water from undesirably entering between the elongated wall and the elongated housing. Also water present between the elongated wall and the elongated housing could cause decreasing performance of the elongated wall, for instance when there is a chance of this water freezing.

[0019] Therein, it is preferred that the sealing member is adjustable between an operational state, wherein it provides the aforementioned seal, and an inoperational state, wherein the sealing member enables a relatively friction-free displacement of the elongated wall with respect to the elongated housing, possibly at the expense of a proper seal. This provides the possibility of achieving a decent protection against contamination between the elongated wall and the elongated housing on the one hand and to realize a displacement of the elongated wall with respect to the elongated housing that is as friction-free as possible on the other hand. An example of such an adjustable sealing member is an inflatable seal, for instance in the form of an airtight flexible tube provided with an inlet and an outlet valve, wherethrough air can be allowed to enter under pressure or air can be released.

[0020] In case of at least one water supply device being provided in the elongated housing, wherethrough water can be allowed to enter the elongated housing, it is possible to (periodically) fill the space between the elongated wall and the elongated housing with water in order to keep out or remove floating pollution from the respective space. Therein, it is possible to supply water into the space, such that an upward flow in the space is created, which can take pollution from the space outside.

[0021] Therein, it is preferred that the at least one water supply device is provided with a nozzle, with which water under pressure can be sprayed into the elongated housing. Thus, it is possible to spray pollution deposited on the elongated wall off the elongated wall. Of course, the amount of nozzles can be adjusted to the length of the elongated wall to provide sufficient cleaning capacity. Pollution thus released, as discussed above, can be removed from the space between the elongated wall and the elongated housing with the upward flow of the water.

[0022] In order to prevent freezing of the elongated wall to the elongated housing, it is preferred that the elongated housing on its inside and / or the elongated wall on its outside is provided with a coating of anti-freeze. Anti-freeze coating can be provided in the form of a surface that is water-repellent to such a degree that water can no longer deposit on the coating. Alternatively, the coating can have a relatively high coefficient of expansion, at least in the temperature range of +3 to -20 °C, that ice optionally depositing on the coating dislodges from the coating due to expansion and / or compression of the coating. A suitable material for such a coating is high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0023] In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the powered lifting device comprises cylinders extending parallel to the sidewalls of the elongated housing, which cylinders are supported at the bottom side by the elongated housing and at the topside of which the elongated wall is supported. Thus, in a relatively simple and known manner, the displacement of the elongated wall can be realized.

[0024] It is preferred that the lifting device is multi-powered. That is to say, that two or more powered devices are available to the lifting device, such as hydraulic, electric and / or mechanical. This increases the reliability of operation of the embankment device. Failure of the embankment device at times when the embankment device is to be operational can have disastrous consequences and with multiple drives one drive can be used when another drive fails.

[0025] When the elongated wall is composed of wall elements aligned with respect to each other, it is possible to provide a relatively large housing, wherein the separate wall elements, preferably with the ends abutting or sealed with respect to each other with sealing members, can be received in a single elongated housing. Herewith, it has been considered that the elongated housing is substantially static, while the elongated wall is dynamic and for that reason there is a wish to construct the elongated wall as a composed wall.

[0026] In case the elongated wall is displaceable out of the housing up to at maximum 2 / 3, preferably at maximum 1 / 2 of its height, the elongated wall is secured against tilting even in the most elevated state. No matter how strong the elongated wall may be, there is always a risk that an unexpected force is exerted on it, because of objects floating or sailing in the water colliding with the elongated wall. Also against such unexpected circumstances the embankment device according to the invention is relatively well-protected, wall being produced from (high-strength) concrete.

[0027] It is preferred that the embankment device is arranged for being able to withstand pressure exerted by repelled water, that is to say without further support from one or more reinforcing elements provided at the end of the elongated wall. As stated before in this document, structures that (are to) support the embankment device in an operational state are permanently, visibly present. This is often undesirable. Because of the embankment device according to the invention not requiring such a structure, the embankment device as a whole can remain more or less invisible in the inoperational state.

[0028] It is conceivable that on the topside of the elongated wall an elevation member is provided, produced from a material different from, and / or having a reduced thickness with respect to, the elongated wall. Therein, the elongated wall itself can exert an amplifying effect on the elevation member, for example because the elevation member extends into the topside of the elongated wall. The elevation member can be constructed to have less strength than the elongated wall, because the pressure exerted by repelled water thereon is lower than the pressure exerted at the same moment on the elongated wall, situated lower than, and thus further below, the water surface.

[0029] In a special embodiment which is not part of, however can be protected independent from, of the present invention, the elongated housing extends, not parallel to, but perpendicular to a waterline for providing an embankment device comprising an elongated housing with four sidewalls and a bottom, received in the ground, in a waterway and at least substantially perpendicular to a waterline of the waterway, wherein an elongated wall is received, displaceable upwards and downwards in the elongated housing between an inoperational state and an operational state, and a powered lifting device arranged for displacing the elongated wall upwards and downwards in the elongated housing. In the inoperational state, the elongated wall is wholly situated below the water level. In an operational state, the topside of the elongated wall is situated above the waterline and the elongated wall closes off the waterway.

[0030] According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a composed embankment device comprising two or more embankment devices according to the first aspect of the present invention, being positioned mutually aligned. Thus, a relatively long, for instance kilometers long embankment device can be constructed in parts.

[0031] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method for providing an embanking elevation of a surface according to claim 13 According to said method, the embankment devices is arranged in the ground, for example in a countersunk or partially countersunk manner. In the first case, they can be arranged in such a way as to be concealed from the view. In the second case, they provide a permanent elevation, possibly an embankment device, which can be elevated in case of flooding risk. Therein, the embankment device can optionally be used as a permanent embankment device during low tide.

[0032] Finally, the invention relates to the use of an embarkment device according to claim 14.

[0033] The present invention will be explained hereafter with reference to exemplary embodiments of embankment devices according to the invention and with reference to the drawings. Therein: Figure 1a shows a schematic front view of an embankment element; Figure 1b shows a schematic, vertical cross-sectional view of the embankment device according to the line B-B from figure 1a; Figure 1c shows a horizontal cross-sectional view of the embankment device according to the line C-C from figure 1a; Figures 2a-2d show schematic side views of an embankment element of an embankment device according to the present invention in different states; Figure 3 shows a schematic front view of an alternative embankment device in combination with underground provisions; Figures 4a-4c show three different installation states of an embankment device according to the present invention in a dike; and Figures 5a-5b show a schematic front and rear view of a guiding roll for use with the present invention.

[0034] Looking now at figures 1a-1c, a front view, a vertical cross-sectional view according to line B-B of figure 1a, respectively a horizontal cross-sectional view according to line C-C of figure 1a is shown of an embankment element 1 of an embankment device according to the invention. The embankment element 1 comprises a housing composed of two housing parts 2a, 2b. Housing part 2a has an L-shaped cross-section, wherein the end of the horizontal leg (the bottom of the housing) turned away from the vertical leg (a sidewall) is provided with an elevated edge. Moreover, at the end of the elongated housing part 2a end walls 2a' extend as sidewalls. Housing part 2b is a flat plate resting on the horizontal leg of the L-shaped housing part 2a and abuts the elevated edge and as such forms a fourth sidewall of the housing. Housing parts 2a and 2b in the exemplary embodiment are produced from reinforced high-strength concrete, 35 cm thick, having a coefficient of expansion of 12 x 10 -6< m / m K -1< at 20 degrees C. A six meters long, four meters high and 30 cm wide receiving opening is defined by the housing parts 2a, 2b. Near the upper edge of the housing 2 recesses 10 are provided, at internally directed walls of the housing parts 2a, 2b, wherein a to-be-described guiding device is received, not shown in figures 1a-1c (see fig. 5). Within the space defined by the housing 2 an elongated embankment wall 5 is situated, supported by hydraulic cylinders 3, each comprising a gusset plate 4. Embankment wall 5 in this exemplary embodiment is substantially 6 meters long, 3.75 m high and 30 cm wide and is also produced from reinforced high-strength concrete. Between the embankment wall 5 and the housing 2 a free space of several millimeters is situated, just sufficient to enable an unhindered displacement of the embankment wall 5 within the housing 2. The upper half of the embankment wall 5, that is to say, from the top side until the separation line 12, is coated with a coating layer 14, 2 cm thick, of HDPE. The coating layer 14 serves two purposes. Because of the relatively high coefficient of expansion at 0 degrees C, the coating layer reduces the risk of ice deposits on the embankment wall 5. Due to the action of the HDPE, ice deposited on the HDPE simply dissolves. Furthermore, the HDPE protects the embankment wall 5 against damage (crumbling of concrete) because of bumping of objects floating against the embankment wall 5. At the bottom side of the embankment wall 5, recesses 6 are provided for receiving corresponding cams 15 that are part of the vertical leg of the housing part 2a, which surround supports 7 for cylinders 3. Also a recess 6a is provided for receiving a dirty water pump 8. Moreover, recesses 9 are provided at the bottom side of the embankment wall 5, wherein (not shown in figures 1a-1c) guiding devices are received (see fig. 5). The embankment element 1 is received in a bottom 11 and in the present exemplary embodiment, the topside of the embankment element 1 is aligned with the topside of the bottom 11. In the housing, a dirty water pump 8 is provided, which can pump water from the housing 2 and optionally can spray clean water back into the housing 2 to spray the embankment wall 5 and the inside of the housing 2 clean. In the bottom of the housing 2 a water duct 13 is provided as water supply and water discharge.

[0035] Looking now at figures 2a-2d, four states of an embankment element 21 according to the present invention are schematically shown in vertical cross-sectional view. Embankment element 21, and the operation thereof, is comparable to embankment element 1. For clarity, less important details for explaining the different states are not shown. Embankment element 21 is situated under water permanently. The cross-sectional view is taken at the height of the free space between an end wall of housing part 22a and an end wall of embankment wall 25. In figures 2a-2d, inflatable gaskets 32, 33 are provided. Inflatable gaskets 32 extend in a cavity, provided at the inwardly facing side and near the upside of housing parts 22a, 22b. Inflatable gasket 33 is provided at the end of embankment wall 25 in the shape of an inverted U. In figure 2a embankment wall 25 is fully received in housing 22 and the topside of embankment wall 25 coincides with the topside of housing 22. Figure 2a corresponds to an inoperational state of an embankment device according to the present invention. Gaskets 32 and 33 are constructed as flexible rubber hoses, being air- and watertight, and are constructed with a valve for controllably supplying and discharging of air into, respectively out of, the concerned flexible hose 32, 33. In figure 2 the gaskets 32, 33 are in an inflated condition and close off the mutual space between the embankment wall 25 and the housing 22, such that no water can flow in from outside the embankment device 21 between the housing 22 and the embankment wall 25. In a configuration above the water level, entering of dirt between the housing 22 and the embankment wall 25 is prevented by the gaskets 32, 33.

[0036] In figure 2b the embankment wall 25 is displaced upwards in the direction of arrow Ph by driving the hydraulic cylinders not shown in figure 2 in a way that is known per se. Hereto, first air is released from the gaskets 32, 33, such that a displacement of embankment wall 25 with respect to the housing 22 is not hindered by resistance of the respective gaskets 32, 33. Before air is released from the gaskets 32, 33, until the gaskets 32, 33 are inflated again, water is sprayed into the housing 22, at the bottom side of the housing, by a duct indicated with the arrow i, such that an upward flow is created and water flows outwardly out of of the embankment element at the topside according to arrows u. Thus, it is prevented that with non-sealing gaskets 32, 33 water from outside the embankment device 22 can flow inside.

[0037] In figure 2c, embankment wall 25 is maximally displaced upwards, i.e. in this exemplary embodiment until halfway its height. The embankment wall 25 also finds itself in a position wherein the embankment wall can repel water of which the level extends above the topside of the housing 22 of the embankment element 21. In this condition, the gaskets 32, 33 are again inflated to prevent water (or with a 'dry' configuration dirt) from entering the housing 22 in an undesirable way. In figure 2d, the embankment wall 25 displaces itself back from the operational state of figure 3 to an inoperational state of figure 2a, arrow PI. Again, hereto air is released from the gaskets 32, 33 and water flows into, respectively out of, the embankment device 22 according to arrows i and u.

[0038] Figure 3 shows a schematic, vertical longitudinal section view of a (part of) an embankment device 51 according to the present invention. The longitudinal section is created on the separation plane of the embankment wall 25 and the housing part 52b, wherein the latter is thus not visible in figure 3. In figure 3 merely a part of the housing part 52a is visible. Housing part 52a extends, moreover corresponding to a housing part 52b not shown in figure 3, until a bottom 61 wherein the embankment device 51 is received. Embankment wall 25 in figure 3 is in an elevated operational position, wherein half of the embankment wall 5 extends above the topside of the housing 52. Embankment device 51 comprises three embankment elements 51a, 51b, 51c, that can be compared in terms of operating principle to the embankment element 1 of figures 1a-1c. Between the embankment elements 51a, 51b, 51c, elevations 50a, 50b are situated, extending permanently above the bottom 61. In bottom 61 multiple elements are situated, such as a sewer duct 71, water duct 72 and electricity ducts 73 and a bicycle storage 74, at a level as a result of which an embankment device with a straight bottom side would be hindered. For this reason provisions have been made in the housings 52a, 52b as well as in embankment walls 55a, 55b, such that an embankment device of a type according to the present invention is still applicable. The housing 52 is adapted in such a way that it covers, so to speak, the sewer 71, the water duct 72 and the electrical wiring 73. Embankment walls 55a, 55b, are adapted to the shape of the housing 52a, respectively 52b.

[0039] Figures 4a-4c each show an alternative embodiment of an embankment device according to the present invention. Embankment device 81 of figure 4a comprises a U-shaped housing part 82 that is received in a dike 80. In housing 82 an embankment wall 85 is slidable, in a manner as described before, between an inoperational position, wherein the topside of the embankment wall 85 together with the topside of the housing 82 and an operational position are shown in figure 4a. At the topside of the embankment wall 85 a stainless steel extension piece 85a is received. Housing 82 is supported in the bottom by a foundation of piles 90 and buttresses 91. At a normal water level P1, wat is repelled by a dike 80. During a to-be-expected higher water level, comparable to P2, embankment wall 85 is displaced upwards inside the housing 82 to the operational position as shown in figure 4a. Therein, water is not only repelled by a dike 80 but also by an embankment wall 85 of the embankment device. Even when the water level rises even further to a water level P3, water is repelled by the stainless steel extension piece 85a.

[0040] Figure 4b shows a situation, wherein, compared with figure 4a, a housing 102 of the embankment device 101 is received until about halfway in the bottom of a dike 100 and extends permanently halfway above the bottom of the dike 100. At low tide, corresponding with P'1, water is repelled by dike 100. During high tide, corresponding with P'2, for example during flood-tide, water is repelled by dike 100 and by housing 102 of embankment device 101. During extremely high tide embankment wall 105 is displaced upwards from housing 102, such that water corresponding to water level P'3 or even P'4 is repelled by embankment wall 105, respectively extension piece 105a. Now also, housing 102 is supported in the dike 100 by a foundation of piles 110 and buttresses 111.

[0041] In figure 4c a situation is illustrated of an embankment device 121 according to the present invention, wherein a foundation 130 being part of the housing 122 is received in a dike 140, wherein the rest of the housing 122 extends wholly above the dike 140. Buttresses 131 are received in the bottom of the dike 140. Additional buttresses 132 are situated outside of the dike 140. Although buttresses 132 extend further landward than dike 140, buttresses 132 extend less far landward than when a dike having a height corresponding to the operational height of the embankment 121 would have been constructed.

[0042] Figures 5a and 5b finally show a schematic front and side view of a guiding device 150 that can be used with an embankment device according to the present invention. Guiding device 150 comprises a house 160 with a back wall 161 and four sidewalls 162 of which two are provided with outwardly extending flanges 163, provided with mounting holes 164, at the end turned away from the back wall 161. Upon use, such a house is arranged in a recess (see 9, 10 in fig. 1a-1c) and mounted in a wall of the embankment device with recessed screws. Two U-profiles 165 having an end wall 166 with holes 167, 168 at the front side of the guiding device, are arranged at the inside of opposing walls 162. Within the U-profiles 165, a holder 169 slidable in the U-profile is situated for a rotational axis 151 and a rotatable roll 152, rotatable around the rotational axis 151. Holders 169 are provided with an internal screw-thread, engaged by external screw-thread of adjustment screw 170. By means of turning the adjustment screw 170 holder 169 can be displaced in the direction towards or away from the open front side of the house 160. Thus, the degree with which the roll 152 extends out of the house 160 can be adjusted. As shown in figures 1a-1c, the guiding device 150 will preferably be situated at the topside of a housing wall and / or the bottom side of an embankment wall. During upwards and downwards displacement of the embankment wall within the housing rolls 152 roll along an opposing wall, such that a tolerance free guiding is realized.

[0043] The present invention is shown in the accompanying figures and the abovementioned description with reference to some exemplary embodiments of an embankment device according to the present invention. The figures and description do not in any way have a limiting influence on the scope of protection of the present invention. Many, whether or not obvious to the skilled person, adjustments are possible within the scope of protection of the present invention, defined by the claims following hereafter. E.g. in the description specific dimensions of elements of the embankment device are mentioned. It should be clear that the dimensions to an important degree are defined by the application. The length of the embankment device can concern hundreds or thousands of meters and can consist of a number of aligned embankment devices according to the invention. A single embankment wall can be longer than 100 m. In the exemplary embodiment a hydraulic cylinder is mentioned. Other lifting devices however can also be used, such as electrical, mechanical, and / or manually operable lifting devices or a crane engaging a lifting eye provided at an embankment wall and moving the wall upwards or downwards. Furthermore it has been described that the housing is produced from reinforced high-strength concrete. It is also conceivable to use other suitable materials. In the description, only the use of an embankment device on a dike wall is described. Such an embankment device moreover can also be used for the temporary closing off of an opening in the dike wall, such as a road, if a water level requires so. It should be clear that, although not explicitly depicted in the figures, an embankment device according to the invention as a rule of thumb will be flanked by a structure with a height similar to the operational height of the embankment wall. Since the embankment device can operate autonomously, no force transfer is necessary between the embankment device and the respective structure, but a watertight sealing is desired. In the description again and again an inoperational state and an operational state are discussed. It should be clear that the embankment wall can take several operationally elevated positions.

Claims

1. Embankment device (1, 21, 51, 81, 101, 121) installed to repel water threatening to flow in an undesirable direction or into an undesirable area and comprising an elongated housing (2, 22, 52, 82, 102, 122), contained in the ground (11, 61, 80, 100, 140), near and at least substantially parallel to a waterline, with four sidewalls and a bottom, wherein an elongated wall (5, 25, 85, 105), produced from high-strength concrete, is received, being displaceable upwards and downwards between an inoperational state and an operational state, in which operational state the embankment device (1, 21, 51, 81, 101, 121) serves to repel water threatening to flow in an undesirable direction or into an undesirable area, and a powered lifting device (3) arranged for displacing the elongated wall (5, 25, 85, 105) upwards and downwards in the elongated housing (2, 22, 52, 82, 102, 122), wherein between the elongated wall (5, 25, 85, 105) and the elongated housing (2, 22, 52, 82, 102, 122) guiding elements are provided, guiding the elongated wall (5, 25, 85, 105) during the upwards and downwards displacement with respect to the elongated housing (2, 22, 52, 82, 102, 122), characterized in that the guiding means comprise adjusting means arranged for adjusting the guiding means in dependence of a mutual distance between the elongated housing (2, 22, 52, 82, 102, 122) and the elongated wall (5, 25, 85, 105).

2. Embankment device (1, 21, 51, 81, 101, 121) according to claim 1, characterized in that the elongated housing (2, 22, 52, 82, 102, 122) and the elongated wall (5, 25, 85, 105) are produced from the same material, or at least materials having similar properties.

3. Embankment device (1, 21, 51, 81, 101, 121) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the elongated wall (5, 25, 85, 105) is produced from a material with a coefficient of expansion of at most 0,5 x 10-6 m / m K-1 at 20 degrees C.

4. Embankment device (1, 21, 51, 81, 101, 121) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elongated housing (2, 22, 52, 82, 102, 122) and the elongated wall (5, 25, 85, 105) each have a horizontal cross-sectional surface being constant along at least substantially the whole height of the elongated housing (2, 22, 52, 82, 102, 122) respectively the elongated wall (5, 25, 85, 105), wherein between the outer circumference of the elongated wall (5, 25, 85, 105) and the inner circumference of the elongated housing (2, 22, 52, 82, 102, 122) a space is provided that enables the elongated wall (5, 25, 85, 105) to be displaced upwards and downwards without direct contact with the elongated housing (2, 22, 52, 82, 102, 122).

5. Embankment device (1, 21, 51, 81, 101, 121) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sealing member (32, 33) is provided, providing a seal between the inside of the elongated housing (2, 22, 52, 82, 102, 122) and the outside of the elongated wall (5, 25, 85, 105) at least in the inoperational state or in an operational state, wherein preferably the sealing member is adjustable between an operational state, wherein it provides the aforementioned seal, and an inoperational state, wherein the sealing member (32, 33) enables a relatively friction-free displacement of the elongated wall (5, 25, 85, 105) with respect to the elongated housing (2, 22, 52, 82, 102, 122).

6. Embankment device (1, 21, 51, 81, 101, 121) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one water supply device (13)is provided in the elongated housing (2, 22, 52, 82, 102, 122), wherethrough water can be allowed to enter the elongated housing (2, 22, 52, 82, 102, 122), wherein the at least one water supply device (13) preferably is provided with a nozzle, with which water under pressure can be sprayed into the elongated housing (2, 22, 52, 82, 102, 122).

7. Embankment device (1, 21, 51, 81, 101, 121) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the powered lifting device comprises cylinders (3) extending parallel to the sidewalls of the elongated housing (2, 22, 52, 82, 102, 122), which cylinders are supported at the bottom side by the elongated housing (2, 22, 52, 82, 102, 122) and at the topside of which the elongated wall (5, 25, 85, 105) is supported, wherein the lifting device (3) is preferably multi-powered.

8. Embankment device (1, 21, 51, 81, 101, 121) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elongated wall (5, 25, 85, 105) is composed of wall elements aligned with respect to each other.

9. Embankment device (1, 21, 51, 81, 101, 121) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the elongated wall (5, 25, 85, 105) is displaceable out of the elongated housing (2, 22, 52, 82, 102, 122) up to at maximum 2 / 3, preferably at maximum 1 / 2 of its height and / or characterized in that the embankment device (1, 21, 51, 81, 101, 121) is arranged for being able to withstand pressure exerted by repelled water by itself, that is to say without further support from one or more reinforcing elements provided at the end of the elongated wall (5, 25, 85, 105).

10. Embankment device (1, 21, 51, 81, 101, 121) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the topside of the elongated wall (5, 25, 85, 105) an elevation member (50a, 50b) is provided, produced from a material different from, and / or having a reduced thickness with respect to, the elongated wall (5, 25, 85, 105).

11. Assembled embankment device (1, 21, 51, 81, 101, 121), comprising two or more embankment devices (1, 21, 51, 81, 101, 121) according to one or more of the preceding claims, being positioned mutually aligned.

12. Arrangement of ground (11, 61, 80, 100, 140 ), a waterline and an embankment device (1, 21, 51, 81, 101, 121) according to one or more of claims 1-10, the elongated housing (2, 22, 52, 82, 102, 122) being contained in the ground (11, 61, 80, 100, 140), near and at least substantially parallel to the waterline.

13. Method for providing an embanking elevation of a surface, comprising arranging one or more embankment devices (1, 21, 51, 81, 101, 121) according to one or more of claims 1-10 in the ground (11, 61, 80, 100, 140) near and at least substantially parallel to a waterline, and displacing the elongate wall (5, 25, 85, 105) upwards from an inoperational state into an operational state, in which operational state the embankment device serves to repel water threatening to flow in an undesirable direction or into an undesirable area.

14. Use of an embankment device (1, 21, 51, 81, 101, 121) according to one or more of claims 1-10 arranged in the ground near a waterline to repel water threatening to flow in an undesirable direction or into an undesirable area in the operational state of the elongate wall.

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