Support block for self-closing flood barrier

Abstract

A self-closing flood barrier (100) comprising a chamber (102), a moveable retaining wall (104) movable between a lower position and an upper position for retaining fluid at one side of the retaining wall (104) when the wall (104) is in its upper position. The self-closing flood barrier (100) also comprises a buoyant body (106) attached to the retaining wall (104) and positioned in the chamber (102) for moving the retaining wall (104) upwards and downwards upon filling with fluid respectively emptying from fluid of the chamber (102). The self-closing flood barrier (100) also comprises a support block (108) for halting the retaining wall (104) when the retaining wall (104) reaches an upper position when the chamber (102) is filled with fluid. The support block (108) comprises a first support block element (108a) permanently fixed to a wall (102a) of the chamber (102), and a second support block element (108b), reversibly connectable to the first support block element (108a).

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of flood protection systems, and more specifically to support blocks for self-closing flood barriers.Background of the Invention

[0002] Floods are natural phenomena that can cause widespread devastation to communities, infrastructure, and the environment. With the increasing frequency and severity of flooding events due to climate change and urban expansion, effective flood defense mechanisms have become more critical than ever. Various types of barriers and containment systems have been developed to mitigate the impact of flooding and protect vulnerable areas. Self-closing flood barriers have emerged as a significant development in flood defense technology. These barriers are designed to operate automatically, rising in response to increasing water levels without the need for human intervention or external power sources. By utilizing the buoyant force of the floodwater itself, self-closing flood barriers offer a reliable and efficient means of protection that can be crucial during flooding events.

[0003] Despite the advantages of self-closing mechanisms, several challenges persist in the design and implementation of these barriers. One of the primary concerns is ensuring the structural integrity and reliability of the barrier under extreme conditions. Floodwaters exert substantial forces on barriers, and components must be robust enough to withstand high pressures and potential impact from debris carried by the water.

[0004] Maintenance and accessibility of barrier components also present significant challenges. Regular inspection and upkeep are essential to guarantee that the barrier will function correctly when needed. However, accessing internal parts of the barrier system can be difficult, especially if components are permanently fixed or embedded within the structure. This can lead to increased maintenance time, higher costs, and potential safety risks for personnel performing the maintenance.

[0005] Additionally, the balance between creating a strong, fixed barrier and allowing for ease of maintenance is a complex issue. Components that are permanently secured may offer enhanced strength but can hinder repair or replacement efforts. Conversely, components that are easily removable might facilitate maintenance but could compromise the overall durability and effectiveness of the barrier during a flood event.

[0006] Given these challenges, there remains a need for further advancements in the field of self-closing flood barriers. Innovations that address structural strength while improving accessibility for maintenance could significantly enhance the performance and reliability of these crucial flood defense systems.Summary of the Invention

[0007] It is an object of embodiments of the present invention to provide an improved self-closing flood barrier. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the self-closing flood barrier can withstand high forces acting on the flood barrier. It is also an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the self-closing flood barrier can be easily maintained and that replacement of parts can be performed efficiently.

[0008] This objective is accomplished by the aspects of the present invention.

[0009] In the first aspect, the present invention relates to a self-closing flood barrier comprising: a chamber; a moveable retaining wall movable between a lower position and an upper position for retaining fluid at one side of the retaining wall when the wall is in its upper position; a buoyant body attached to the retaining wall and positioned in the chamber for moving the retaining wall upwards and downwards upon filling with fluid respectively emptying from fluid of the chamber; and a support block for halting the retaining wall when the retaining wall reaches an upper position when the chamber is filled with fluid, wherein the support block comprises a first support block element permanently fixed to a wall of the chamber, and a second support block element, reversibly connectable to the first support block element.

[0010] This configuration allows good fixation of the support block to the wall for distributing forces, while also allowing removal of the second portion for maintenance access.

[0011] In embodiments, the first support block element may be permanently fixed to the wall by embedding at least part of the first support block element in the wall through concrete casting of the wall. This allows for a very strong fixation to the wall.

[0012] In embodiments, the first support block element may comprise anchoring elements, said anchoring elements being embedded in the wall through said concrete casting of said wall. This allows for strong fixation at a plurality of points, e.g. along the length and height of the support block.

[0013] In embodiments, the first support block element may comprise fixing elements configured for fixing the first support block element to the wall of the chamber. These may be additional or the only means of permanent fixation. The fixing elements may for example be bolts, welding features, etc. depending on the wall material. The wall material may be concrete but alternatively also may be metal, steel, or any other suitable type of material.

[0014] In embodiments, the first support block element and the second support block element may comprise mutually engaging elements for providing a reversible connection between the first support block element and the second support block element. This enables the reversible connection.

[0015] In embodiments, the mutually engaging elements may provide a clickable or slideable connection between the first support block element and the second support block element. This allows easy assembly and disassembly.

[0016] In one embodiment, the first support block element may comprise one or more T-slotted profile components positioned outside the wall and the second support block element comprises one or more T-shaped profile components configured to slideably engage with the one or more T slotted profile components. This provides a secure sliding connection.

[0017] In embodiments, the chamber, the first support block element, the second support block element and the buoyant body may be configured in size so as to allow passing the buoyant body aside the first support block element into the chamber when the second support block element is not connected to the first support block element but removed from the chamber and so as to block the byoyant body in the chamber against the second support block element when the second support block element is connected to the first support block element and the chamber is filled with fluid. This enables installation and removal of the buoyant body.

[0018] In embodiments, the self-closing flood barrier may further comprise a locking mechanism configured to secure the second support block element to the first support block element when connected. This prevents unintended disconnection. The locking mechanism may be a closing rail.

[0019] In embodiments, the second support block element and the buoyant body may be configured for guiding the retaining wall against a second wall of the chamber during filling of the chamber. This provides controlled lifting of the retaining wall.

[0020] In embodiments, the second support block element may comprise an angled surface and wherein the buoyant body comprises an angled surface so as to contact each other when the chamber is filling with fluid. This guides the buoyant body during lifting.

[0021] In embodiments, the angled surface of the second support block element may make an angle between 30° and 50° with the horizontal level of the fluid. The angle may in some embodiments be between 30° and 40°, e.g. between 30° and 37°, e.g. between 32° and 37°. This provides an optimal guiding angle.

[0022] In the second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of installing a self-closing flood barrier, the method comprising: providing a chamber; permanently fixing a first support block element to a wall of the chamber; providing a moveable retaining wall movable between a lower position and an upper position for retaining fluid at one side of the retaining wall and a buoyant body attached to the retaining wall, thereby positioning the byoyant body in the chamber and reversibly connecting a second support block element to the first support block element, wherein the first and second support block elements together form a support block for halting buoyant body and hence the retaining wall when it reaches an upper position upon filling of the chamber with fluid.

[0023] This allows fixing the support block along its length and width for good force distribution to the chamber wall.

[0024] In embodiments, the method may further comprise locking the second support block element with the first support block element, using a locking mechanism. This secures the connection.

[0025] In the third aspect, the present invention relates to a method of maintaining a self-closing flood barrier, the method comprising: disconnecting a second support block element from a first support block element fixed to a wall of a chamber of the self-closing flood barrier; performing maintenance on at least one of the first support block element, the second support block element, and a retaining wall of the self-closing flood barrier; and, after said maintenance, reconnecting the second support block element to the first support block element.

[0026] This allows convenient maintenance access by removing the second support block element. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the support block is constructed as a system of at least two parts, allowing for a good fixation between the support block and the wall of the chamber, which enables it to withstand the high forces that can occur in self-closing flood barriers. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the configuration allows the second portion of the support block to be reversibly connected to the first portion, enabling efficient positioning, maintenance, and replacement of parts of the self-closing flood barrier. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that embedding at least part of the first support block element in the wall through concrete casting allows for a very strong fixation of the support block to the wall of the chamber. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that anchoring elements can be provided at different heights and widths along the construction, allowing for a strong fixation of the support block to the wall of the chamber. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the chamber, the first support block element, the second support block element, and the buoyant body are configured in size to allow the buoyant body to pass aside the first support block element into the chamber when the second support block element is removed, facilitating maintenance and installation. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that the support block can be fixed along its length and width, resulting in a good connection to the wall of the chamber and a good distribution of the forces acting on the support block towards the chamber. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that a locking mechanism can be provided to secure the second support block element to the first support block element when connected. It is an advantage of embodiments of the present invention that maintenance can be performed efficiently by disconnecting the second support block element from the first support block element, performing necessary tasks, and then reconnecting the second support block element.

[0027] Particular and preferred aspects of the invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features from the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims and with features of other dependent claims as appropriate and not merely as explicitly set out in the claims.

[0028] The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings.Brief description of the drawings

[0029] Fig. 1 is a view of the self-closing flood barrier in a non-activated state according to embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a view of the self-closing flood barrier in an activated state according to embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 3 is an exploded view of a support block of the self-closing flood barrier according to embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 4 is an exploded view of a support block of the self-closing flood barrier according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0030] In the different figures, the same reference signs refer to the same or analogous elements.Detailed description of Illustrative Embodiments

[0031] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments and with reference to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn on scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention.

[0032] The following terms are provided solely to aid in the understanding of the invention.

[0033] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "self-closing flood barrier" refers to a flood defense system that automatically activates in response to rising fluid levels without the need for external power or manual intervention, utilizing buoyancy to raise a movable retaining wall to block the flow of floodwaters.

[0034] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "chamber" refers to an enclosure or cavity designed to house the buoyant body and facilitate its vertical movement, capable of being filled with fluid, e.g. upon rising water, to enable the raising and lowering of the attached retaining wall.

[0035] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "moveable retaining wall" refers to a barrier component that can change between a lower position and an upper position, where in the upper position, it retains fluid on one side to prevent flooding, and in the lower position, it does not hinder passage.

[0036] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "buoyant body" refers to a structure attached to the retaining wall that has buoyant properties, enabling it to float and thereby move the retaining wall upwards as the chamber fills with fluid, and downwards as the chamber empties.

[0037] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "support block" refers to a structural component designed to halt the upward movement of the retaining wall at a predetermined upper position when the chamber is filled with fluid, ensuring the retaining wall is properly positioned to retain fluid.

[0038] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "first support block element" refers to the portion of the support block that is permanently affixed to a wall of the chamber, serving as a foundational component for anchoring and supporting the entire support block assembly.

[0039] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "second support block element" refers to a component that is reversibly connectable to the first support block element, allowing for easy installation, maintenance, or replacement while during normal operation forming part of the support block to halt the retaining wall.

[0040] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the phrase "permanently fixed" refers to a method of attachment that securely and enduringly fastens an element to another, such that it is intended to remain affixed under normal operating conditions without the need for frequent disassembly.

[0041] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the phrase "reversibly connectable" refers to a connection between two elements that allows them to be joined together or separated multiple times without damaging the components, facilitating maintenance or adjustment. As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "anchoring elements" refers to parts, projections or features on the first support block element designed to be embedded within the wall of the chamber, typically during concrete casting, to strengthen the attachment and distribute loads.

[0042] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "fixing elements" refers to hardware or mechanisms, such as bolts, screws, welding points, or adhesives, used to secure the first support block element to the wall of the chamber, either in addition to or instead of anchoring elements.

[0043] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the phrase "mutually engaging elements" refers to complementary features on the first and second support block elements that interlock or interface in a manner that allows them to connect securely and be disconnected when necessary. The mutual engagement may be a type of reversible connection where the second support block element can be attached to the first support block element either by snapping into place (clickable) or by sliding into position along a guide or track (slideable). As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the term "locking mechanism" refers to a device or assembly used to secure the second support block element to the first support block element once connected, preventing unintended disconnection during operation, which may include locks, latches, pins, or similar devices.

[0044] As used herein, and unless otherwise specified, the phrase "configured for guiding the retaining wall against a second wall of the chamber during filling of the chamber" refers to the design and arrangement of the second support block element and buoyant body to ensure that, as the chamber fills with fluid, the retaining wall is directed toward and maintained in contact with an opposing wall of the chamber, promoting proper alignment and sealing.

[0045] The invention will now be described by a detailed description of several embodiments of the invention. It is clear that other embodiments of the invention can be configured according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art without departing from the technical teaching of the invention, the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

[0046] In the first aspect, the present invention relates to a self-closing flood barrier comprising a chamber, a movable retaining wall movable between a lower position and an upper position for retaining fluid at one side of the retaining wall when the wall is in its upper position, a buoyant body attached to the retaining wall and positioned in the chamber for moving the retaining wall upwards upon filling with fluid and downwards upon emptying of fluid from the chamber, and a support block for halting the retaining wall when it reaches an upper position upon filling of the chamber with fluid. According to the present invention, the support block comprises a first support block element permanently fixed to a wall of the chamber and a second support block element, reversibly connectable to the first support block element. This configuration allows for a solid fixation of the support block to the wall for distributing forces, while also permitting removal of the second portion for maintenance access.

[0047] By way of illustration, embodiments of the present invention not being limited thereby, standard and optional features of the self closing flood barrier will now be illustrated with reference to a number of drawings.

[0048] As illustrated in FIG 1, which shows the self-closing flood barrier 100 in a non-activated state, the flood barrier 100 comprises the chamber 102, the movable retaining wall 104 positioned in its lower position, the buoyant body 106 attached to the retaining wall 104 and located within the chamber 102, and the support block 108 comprising the first 108a and second 108b support block elements. In the non-activated state, the retaining wall 104 typically lies flush with the ground level or is retracted into the chamber 102, and the flood barrier 100 is not closed, allowing normal passage over the barrier.

[0049] When the chamber 102 is filled with fluid, such as during rising flood conditions, the buoyant body 106 raises the retaining wall 104 to its upper position. As illustrated in FIG 2, which shows the self-closing flood barrier 100 in an activated state, the buoyant body 106 moves upwards due to its buoyancy, lifting the retaining wall 104. In this activated state, the retaining wall 104 is elevated above the ground level, forming a barrier to retain fluid on one side. The support block 108, comprising the first support block element 108a permanently fixed to a wall 102a of the chamber 102 and the second support block element 108b reversibly connectable to the first support block element 108a, halts the retaining wall 104 when it reaches its upper position, preventing further upward movement.

[0050] In embodiments, the first support block element 108a may be permanently fixed to the wall 102a by embedding at least part of it in the wall 102a through concrete casting of the wall 102a. This allows for a very strong fixation to the wall 102a. The first support block element 108a may comprise anchoring elements 120 that are embedded in the wall 102a through the concrete casting, providing strong fixation at different heights and widths. Additionally or alternatively, the first support block element 108a may comprise fixing elements configured for fixing it to the wall 102a of the chamber 102. Such fixing elements may for example be bolts or welding features, e.g. depending on the wall material. These may be additional or the sole means of permanent fixation.

[0051] The first support block element 108a and the second support block element 108b may comprise mutually engaging elements for providing a reversible connection between them. This enables easy assembly and disassembly of the support block 108 components. The mutually engaging elements may provide a clickable or slideable connection between the first 108a and second 108b support block elements.

[0052] As illustrated in FIG 3 and FIG. 4, which provides an exploded view of the support block 108 used in the self-closing flood barrier 100, the support block 108 comprises the first support block element 108a which will be permanently fixed to the wall 102a of the chamber 102 and the second support block element 108b that is reversibly connectable to the first support block element 108a. The first support block element 108a of the present example includes anchoring elements 120 for embedding in the wall 102a through concrete casting. The first 108a and second 108b support block elements may comprise mutually engaging elements, such as T-slotted profile components 122 on the first support block element 108a and T-shaped profile components 124 on the second support block element 108b, providing a reversible connection between the two elements. This allows the second support block element 108b to slidably engage with the first support block element 108a, forming a secure sliding connection. This arrangement provides a secure and easily reversible connection between the support block elements. The first support block element 108a and the second support block element 108b have a width such that disconnecting the second support block element 108b and removal thereof allows easy access to the remaining parts of the self closing flood barrier, e.g. for maintenance.

[0053] As illustrated in the drawings, the second support block element 108b and the buoyant body 106 may comprise angled surfaces that contact each other when the chamber 102 is filling with fluid, guiding the retaining wall 104 against a second wall of the chamber 102. This design provides controlled lifting of the retaining wall 104, ensuring it rises smoothly and maintains proper alignment. The angled surface of the second support block element 108b may make an angle between 30° and 50° with the horizontal level of the fluid, providing an optimal guiding angle. In embodiments, the angled surface of the second support block element may make an angle between 30° and 40°, e.g. between 30° and 37°, e.g. between 32° and 37°. This provides an optimal guiding angle.

[0054] In embodiments, the self-closing flood barrier 100 may further comprise a locking mechanism 108c configured to secure the second support block element 108b to the first support block element 108a when connected. Such a locking mechanism may be any type of locking mechanism, in the example shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4 being a closing rail. This prevents unintended disconnection of the second support block element 108b during operation, enhancing the safety and reliability of the flood barrier 100 under high load conditions.

[0055] Other optional features may be as known by the person skilled in the art.

[0056] In the second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of installing a self-closing flood barrier. The method may particularly be useful for installing a self-closing flood barrier as described in the first aspect.

[0057] The method comprises providing a chamber and permanently fixing a first support block element to a wall of the chamber. The method also comprises providing a movable retaining wall movable between a lower position and an upper position for retaining fluid at one side of the retaining wall, and a buoyant body attached to the retaining wall, thereby positioning the buoyant body in the chamber. The method furthermore comprises reversibly connecting a second support block element to the first support block element, wherein the first and second support block elements together form a support block for halting the buoyant body and hence the retaining wall when it reaches an upper position upon filling of the chamber with fluid. This configuration allows fixing the support block along its length and width for good force distribution to the chamber wall.

[0058] In embodiments, the method may further comprise locking the second support block element with the first support block element using a locking mechanism. This secures the connection, preventing accidental disassembly or displacement of the second support block element during operation.

[0059] In the third aspect, the present invention relates to a method of maintaining a self-closing flood barrier. The method may advantageously be performed using a system according to the first aspect. The method comprises disconnecting a second support block element from a first support block element fixed to a wall of a chamber of the self-closing flood barrier. The method also comprises performing maintenance on at least one of the first support block element, the second support block element, and a retaining wall of the self-closing flood barrier. The method furthermore comprises, after said maintenance, reconnecting the second support block element to the first support block element.

[0060] This allows convenient maintenance access by removing the second support block element. The ability to easily remove and reinstall the second support block element facilitates inspection, repair, and replacement of components without extensive disassembly or reconstruction of the flood barrier system.

[0061] As detailed, the self-closing flood barrier leverages the interplay between the buoyant body and the support block to automatically respond to rising fluid levels. The reversible connection between the first and second support block elements not only ensures structural integrity during operation but also provides ease of access for maintenance activities, enhancing the longevity and reliability of the flood barrier system.

[0062] It is to be understood that although preferred embodiments, specific constructions and configurations, as well as materials, have been discussed herein for devices according to the present invention, various changes or modifications in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of this invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-closing flood barrier (100) comprising: a chamber (102); a moveable retaining wall (104) movable between a lower position and an upper position for retaining fluid at one side of the retaining wall (104) when the wall is in its upper position; a buoyant body (106) attached to the retaining wall (104) and positioned in the chamber (102) for moving the retaining wall (104) upwards and downwards upon filling with fluid respectively emptying from fluid of the chamber (102); and a support block (108) for halting the retaining wall (104) when the retaining wall (104) reaches an upper position when the chamber (102) is filled with fluid, wherein the support block (108) comprises a first support block element (108a) permanently fixed to a wall (102a) of the chamber (102), and a second support block element (108b), reversibly connectable to the first support block element (108a).

2. The self-closing flood barrier (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first support block element (108a) is permanently fixed to the wall (102a) by embedding at least part of the first support block element (108a) in the wall (102a) through concrete casting of the wall (102a).

3. The self-closing flood barrier (100) according to claim 2, wherein the first support block element (108a) comprises anchoring elements (120), said anchoring elements (120) being embedded in the wall (102a) through said concrete casting of said wall (102a).

4. The self-closing flood barrier (100) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the first support block element (108a) comprises fixing elements configured for fixing the first support block element (108a) to the wall of the chamber (102).

5. The self-closing flood barrier t100) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the first support block element (108a) and the second support block element (108b) comprise mutually engaging elements for providing a reversible connection between the first support block element (108a) and the second support block element (108b).

6. The self-closing flood barrier (100) according to claim 5, wherein the mutually engaging elements provide a clickable or slideable connection between the first support block element (108a) and the second support block element (108b).

7. The self-closing flood barrier (100) according to any of claims 5 to 6, wherein the first support block element (108a) comprises one or more T-slotted profile components (122) positioned outside the wall (102a) and the second support block element (108b) comprises one or more T-shaped profile components (124) configured to slideably engage with the one or more T slotted profile components (122).

8. The self-closing flood barrier (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber, the first support block element (108a), the second support block element (108b) and the buoyant body (106) are configured in size so as to allow passing the buoyant body (106) aside the first support block element (108a) into the chamber when the second support block element (108b) is not connected to the first support block element (108a) but removed from the chamber (102) and so as to block the byoyant body (106) in the chamber against the second support block element (108b) when the second support block element (108b) is connected to the first support block element (108a) and the chamber is filled with fluid.

9. The self-closing flood barrier (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a locking mechanism (108c) configured to secure the second support block element (108b) to the first support block element (108a) when connected.

10. The self-closing flood barrier (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second support block element (108b) and the buoyant body (106) are configured for guiding the retaining wall (104) against a second wall of the chamber during filling of the chamber.

11. The self-closing flood barrier (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second support block element (108b) comprises an angled surface and wherein the buoyant body (106) comprises an angled surface so as to contact each other when the chamber is filling with fluid.

12. The self-closing flood barrier (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the angled surface of the second support block element (108b) makes an angle between 30° and 50° with the horizontal level of the fluid.

13. A method of installing a self-closing flood barrier (100), the method comprising: - providing a chamber (102); - permanently fixing a first support block element (108a) to a wall (102a) of the chamber (102); - providing a moveable retaining wall (104) movable between a lower position and an upper position for retaining fluid at one side of the retaining wall (104) and a buoyant body (106) attached to the retaining wall (104), thereby positioning the byoyant body in the chamber (102) and - reversibly connecting a second support block element (108b) to the first support block element (108a), wherein the first and second support block elements (108a, 108b) together form a support block (108) for halting buoyant body (106) and hence the retaining wall (104) when it reaches an upper position upon filling of the chamber (102) with fluid.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising locking the second support block element (108b) with the first support block element (108a), using a locking mechanism (108c).

15. A method of maintaining a self-closing flood barrier (100), the method comprising: - disconnecting a second support block element (108b) from a first support block element (108a) fixed to a wall (102a) of a chamber (102) of the self-closing flood barrier (100); - performing maintenance on at least one of the first support block element (108a), the second support block element (108b), and a retaining wall (104) of the self-closing flood barrier (100); and, after said maintenance, - reconnecting the second support block element (108b) to the first support block element (108a).

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