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Title:
WATER BARRIER
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/093892
Kind Code:
A2
Abstract:
Water barrier comprising at least one movable retaining wall that can be moved between an inoperative position, in which a passage is left open between the water side and the land side, and a water-retaining position closing off the passage, wherein the retaining wall comprises a first retaining wall member and a second retaining wall member, wherein the first retaining wall member is a holder for the second retaining wall member, which holder is elongated in the horizontal plane, and having long sides and short sides, wherein one long side forms a water-retaining, wet side and the other long side forms the opposite, dry side, wherein the second retaining wall member can be moved vertically between a storage position or inoperative position accommodated in the first retaining wall member and a water-retaining position extending from the first retaining wall member, wherein the first retaining wall member can be rotated about a vertical axis of rotation between an inoperative position in which the passage is substantially left open and a water-retaining position in the passage.

Inventors:
RIJLAARSDAM CORNELIS ELIZABETH (NL)
Application Number:
PCT/NL2018/050748
Publication Date:
May 16, 2019
Filing Date:
November 09, 2018
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
RIJLAARSDAM CORNELIS ELIZABETH (NL)
International Classes:
E02B7/26; E02B3/10; E02B7/38; E04H9/14
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
FERGUSON, Alexander (NL)
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Claims:
Claims

1 . Water barrier comprising at least one movable retaining wall that can be moved between an inoperative position, in which a passage is left open between the water side and the land side, and a water-retaining position closing off the passage, wherein the retaining wall comprises a first retaining wall member and a second retaining wall member, wherein the first retaining wall member has a holder for the second retaining wall member, which holder is elongated in the horizontal plane, the first retaining wall member being hollow in particular, and having long sides and short sides, wherein one long side forms a water-retaining, wet side and the other long side forms the opposite, dry side, wherein the second retaining wall member can be moved between a storage position or inoperative position and a water-retaining position extending upward from the first retaining wall member, wherein the first retaining wall member can be rotated about a vertical axis of rotation between an inoperative position in which the passage is substantially left open and a water-retaining position in the passage.

2. Water barrier according to claim 1 , wherein in the inoperative position the second retaining wall member is accommodated in the first retaining wall member, wherein, preferably, the second retaining wall member can be moved vertically between an inoperative position in which it is accommodated in the first retaining wall member and an extended water- retaining position in which it extends upward from the first retaining wall member.

3. Water barrier according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the passage extends according to a horizontal line of passage, which line is substantially parallel to the water barrier, wherein in its inoperative position the first retaining wall member extends transverse to the line of passage.

4. Water barrier according to claim 3, wherein the vertical axis of rotation is situated at a first short side of the first retaining wall member. 5. Water barrier according to claim 4, comprising a said movable retaining wall which is connected to a fixed, permanent water retaining wall at the location of a hinge with vertical axis.

6. Water barrier according to any one of the claims 3, 4 or 5, comprising several of said rotatable first retaining wall members including second retaining wall members, which first retaining wall members are attached to the foundation so as to be rotatable about a vertical axis at locations in the passage that are spaced apart from the boundaries of the passage, wherein the retaining walls can be positioned in pairs, with the hinge axes of the first retaining wall members near each other or coinciding. 7. Water barrier according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the hinge is situated at a first short side, spaced apart from the dry side, when considered according to a horizontal line transverse to the dry side.

8. Water barrier according to claim 7, wherein the hinge is situated at a location between both ends of the first short side.

9. Water barrier according to claim 7, wherein the hinge is situated at the location of the corner between the wet side and the first short side.

10. Water barrier according to any one of the claims 3 - 9, wherein the passage is bounded by two permanent walls to each of which a said movable retaining wall is rotatably attached and wherein in the passage one or more pairs of said movable retaining walls are arranged, wherein in case of several pairs they are spaced apart, in particular regularly spaced apart, in the direction of the line of passage.

1 1 . Water barrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining wall is provided with shores for supporting the second retaining wall member in the water-retaining position, which shores can be moved between an inactive position and an active position.

12. Water barrier according to claim 1 1 , wherein with each short side of the first retaining wall member, a shore is connected in a manner so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation, wherein in their inactive positions the shores extend over the top side of the first retaining wall member, in particular form a lid, wherein, preferably, the axis of rotation is transverse to the wet side.

13. Water barrier according to claim 1 1 or 12, when depending on claim 2, wherein in the inactive position the shores cover the second retaining wall member accommodated in the first retaining wall member, wherein, preferably, the shores have a length corresponding to half a length of the first retaining wall member.

14. Water barrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining wall is provided with second guides for guiding the second retaining wall member in its movement between the inoperative position and the water-retaining position, wherein to each short side of the first retaining wall member a second guide is connected so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation, wherein the second guides are movable between an inactive position and an active position, wherein preferably, the second guides have a length corresponding to half a length of the first retaining wall member.

15. Water barrier according to claim 14, wherein the second guides are also configured for supporting the second retaining wall member in the water-retaining position.

16. Water barrier according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the first retaining wall member is provided with first guides for the second retaining wall member in its movement between the inoperative position and the water- retaining position, wherein in their active positions the second guides are aligned with the first guides.

17. Water barrier according to claim 14, 15 or 16, when depending on claim 1 1 , 12 or 13, wherein the second guides are attached to the shores and form a rotatable whole that can be displaced as one unity therewith.

18. Water barrier according to claim 17, wherein the second guides are attached to the shores at the shore edge situated at the water side.

19. Water barrier according to any one of the claims 1 1 -18, wherein the second guides and/or the shores are provided with means for coupling shores of adjacent movable retaining walls, which shores are active next to each other.

20. Water barrier according to any one of the claims 14-19, wherein the second guides are each provided with a third guide for a hoisting cable or something similar for pulling the second retaining wall member up.

21 . Water barrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the axis of rotation is situated at the short side of the first retaining wall member which side is situated at the water side of the water barrier when in the inoperative position.

22. Water barrier according to any one of the preceding claims, provided with an anchor accommodated in the foundation for, spaced apart from the vertical axis of rotation of the first retaining wall member, securing the first retaining wall member in its water-retaining position.

23. Water barrier according claim 22, when depending on claim 4, wherein the anchor is active close to the second short side, wherein, in one embodiment, the anchor is active on two adjacent first retaining wall members.

24. Water barrier according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the anchor can be moved between an inoperative position in which it does not protrude from the foundation and an active position in which it is in securing engagement with the first retaining wall member, wherein the anchor is spring-biased to the active position.

25. Water barrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first retaining wall member has a water-retaining height of H and the width B, when considered in a horizontal direction transverse to the water- retaining side, is at least 1/3 H.

26. Water barrier according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first retaining wall member has a water-retaining height of H and the second water retaining wall member, in the extended position, has a water- retaining height of approximately H.

27. Water barrier according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a series of retaining walls, wherein in the water-retaining position the adjacent first retaining wall members connect to each other at an angle that deviates from 180 degrees, wherein, in one embodiment, the consecutive angles are of an opposing sign.

28. Water barrier according to claim 27, wherein in the water-retaining position the retaining walls form series of pairs, wherein within the pairs the lengths of both first retaining wall members are different, having a relatively longer and a relatively shorter first retaining wall member, wherein in the water-retaining position a shorter first retaining wall member of the one pair connects to a longer first retaining wall member of the next pair.

29. Water barrier according to claim 28, wherein each time a longer retaining wall member and a shorter retaining wall member are rotatable about a common axis of rotation, which in the inoperative position of the retaining wall members is situated at the short side, which is situated at the land side.

30. Water barrier comprising at least one retaining wall, wherein the retaining wall comprises a first retaining wall member and at least one second retaining wall member, wherein the first retaining wall member is a holder of the second retaining wall member, said holder being elongated in the horizontal plane, wherein the second retaining wall member can be moved between a storage position or inoperative position accommodated in the first retaining wall member and a water-retaining position extending upward from the first retaining wall member, wherein the retaining wall is provided with shores for supporting the second retaining wall member in the water-retaining position, which shores can be moved between an inactive position and an active position, wherein the shores form a rotatable whole with accommodation elements attached thereto for accommodating and supporting the longitudinal end edges of the second retaining wall member in its water-retaining position, said rotatable whole being movable as one unity.

31 . Water barrier according to claim 30, wherein the shores are connected to the first retaining wall member in a manner so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation, wherein in their inactive positions the shores extend over the top side of the first retaining wall member, in particular form a lid, wherein, preferably, the axis of rotation is transverse to the water-retaining side of the first retaining wall member. 32. Water barrier according to claim 30 or 31 , wherein in the inactive position the shores cover the second retaining wall member accommodated in the first retaining wall member.

33. Water barrier according to claim 30, 31 or 32, wherein the second retaining wall member comprises a number of retaining beams, which in the inoperative position can be accommodated in the first retaining wall member lying next to or flat on each other, and which in the water-retaining position form a retaining wall in a stacked fashion.

34. Water barrier according to any one of the claims 30 - 33, wherein the length of the first retaining wall member is a multiple of the length of a second retaining wall member, wherein a consecutive series of second retaining wall members is accommodated in the first retaining wall member and pairs of shores are arranged at the location of the transition between adjacent second retaining wall members, which in the inactive position extend in opposite directions and furthermore are provided with means for being coupled to each other.

35. Water barrier according to any one of the claims 30 - 34, provided with the measures described per se in claims 13 - 19.

36. Water barrier according to any one of the claims 30 - 35, wherein the first retaining wall member is a permanent structure, in particular a stationary container.

37. Water barrier provided with one or more of the characterizing measures described in the attached description and/or shown in the attached drawings.

Description:
Water barrier

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a water barrier, which may serve temporarily, and can be converted between an inoperative position and a high-tide water-retaining position.

Such water barriers are known in many embodiments, for instance see applicant's previous patent applications WO 01/071099, WO 2006/062393, WO 201 1/159146 and WO 2012/169877. Commonly occurring as well are water-retaining bodies that can be shifted over permanent rails between an inoperative position, in which an opening is left open, such as for movement of vehicles or individuals, and a water- retaining position. In the inoperative position the water-retaining bodies that can be shifted, are situated within or next to a permanent water barrier. In such arrangements the permanent water barrier will take up approximately 50% of the overall length of the water barrier, which limits the achievable size of the passages in the inoperative position of the water barrier. It may also be disadvantageous in situations in which a wide field of vision is wanted, such as along rivers.

There is a need for a temporary water barrier that can be erected quick and easy on a foundation that is sound in terms of hydraulic engineering such as on a quay, a public road that is suitable for that purpose, a boulevard or paved strip made suitable for that purpose in a passage in local permanent structures designed for an elevated water level, such as dykes, quay walls and/or building structures including buildings and retaining walls.

There is a need for a temporary water barrier that can easily be erected under difficult, sometimes stormy, weather conditions.

There is a need for a temporary water barrier which despite being temporarily erected, will nonetheless provide a meters high retaining wall that is sound and sufficiently safe according to hydraulic engineering criteria.

There is a need for a water barrier which when not used might only form a slight obstacle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect the invention provides a water barrier comprising at least one movable retaining wall that can be moved between an inoperative position, in which a passage is left open between the water side and the land side, and a water-retaining position closing off the passage, wherein the retaining wall comprises a first retaining wall member and a second retaining wall member, wherein the first retaining wall member is a holder for the second retaining wall member, which holder is elongated in the horizontal plane, the first retaining wall member being hollow in particular, and having long sides and short sides, and wherein one long side forms a water-retaining, wet side and the other long side forms the opposite, dry side, wherein the second retaining wall member can be moved between a storage position or inoperative position and a water- retaining position extending upward from the first retaining wall member, wherein the first retaining wall member can be rotated about a vertical axis of rotation between an inoperative position in which the passage is substantially left open and a water-retaining position in the passage.

The retaining wall according to the invention can be present in the immediate vicinity of placement and be brought in the active position in a simple rotary motion, in which the first retaining wall member already provides a primary water-retaining action. If necessary, the water-retaining height can be increased by means of the second retaining wall member that is on stand-by. In the inoperative position, the retaining wall can be kept rotated in a position in which it restricts the passage as little as possible and obstruction of traffic and/or vision will be kept to a minimum.

The second retaining wall member can be situated on the first retaining wall member like a lid. In one embodiment, the second retaining wall member is accommodated in the first retaining wall member when in the inoperative position. This may be effected in the form of stackable panels, that are accommodated in the first retaining wall member so as to lie flat on each other or standing next to each other. The second retaining wall member can also be configured as a wall, which in that case can be vertically movable between an inoperative position accommodated in the first retaining wall member and a water-retaining position upwardly extending from the first retaining wall member.

If a line is taken as reference, according to which the passage extends (in the clear), which line is substantially parallel to the water barrier to be realized, the first retaining wall member, in its inoperative position, can extend transverse to the line of passage towards the dry side. In that case the passage is restricted to a minimum extent, in the inoperative position.

In one embodiment the vertical axis of rotation is situated at a first short side of the first retaining wall member. That way a said movable retaining wall can for instance be connected to a fixed, permanent water retaining wall at the location of a hinge with vertical axis.

In one embodiment, in which the passage has a relatively large width

(in the clear), the water barrier may comprise several of said rotatable retaining walls, first retaining wall members, which are each attached to the foundation so as to be rotatable about their own vertical axis at locations in the passage that are spaced apart from the boundaries of the passage. That way intermediate positions are provided. Retaining walls can then be positioned in pairs, with the hinge axes of the first retaining wall members near each other or coinciding. Within a pair both retaining wall members will then be rotated in mutually opposite directions from the inoperative position into the water-retaining position.

In one embodiment, in which the passage can be restricted or unoccupied by the retaining walls, in particular at the location of the connection to permanent walls at the boundaries of the passage, the hinge is situated at a first short side, spaced apart from the dry side, when considered according to a horizontal line transverse to the dry side. In one embodiment thereof, the hinge is situated at a location between both ends of the first short side. In another embodiment, the hinge is situated at the location of the corner between the wet side and the first short side.

In one embodiment, the passage is bounded by two permanent walls to each of which a said movable retaining wall is rotatably attached and wherein in the passage one or more of said movable retaining walls are arranged, wherein in case of several pairs they are spaced apart, in particular regularly spaced apart, in the direction of the line of passage.

In one embodiment, the retaining wall is provided with shores for supporting the second retaining wall member in the water-retaining position, which shores can be moved between an inactive position and an active position. With each short side of the first retaining wall member, a shore can then be connected in a manner so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation, wherein in their inactive positions the shores extend over the top side of the first retaining wall member, in particular form a lid, wherein, preferably, the axis of rotation is transverse to the wet side. In the inactive position the shores can cover the second retaining wall member accommodated in the first retaining wall member, wherein, preferably, the shores have a length corresponding to half a length of the first retaining wall member.

In one embodiment, the retaining wall is provided with second guides for guiding the second retaining wall member in its movement between the inoperative position and the water-retaining position, wherein to each short side of the first retaining wall member a second guide is connected so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation, wherein the second guides are movable between an inactive position and an active position, wherein preferably, the second guides have a length corresponding to half a length of the first retaining wall member. The second guides can also be configured for supporting the second retaining wall member in the water- retaining position. The second guides may furthermore be provided with a third guide for a hoisting cable or something similar for pulling the second retaining wall member up. In the storage position, the second guides may close off or cover the accommodation space for the second retaining wall member.

The first retaining wall member can be provided with first guides for the second retaining wall member in its movement between the inoperative position and the water-retaining position, wherein in their active positions the second guides are aligned with the first guides.

In a simple embodiment the second guides can be attached to the shores and form a rotatable whole that can be moved as one unity therewith. Activating the shores and second guides then coincides.

The second guides can be attached to the shores, to the shore edge situated at the water side.

In one embodiment, the second guides and/or the shores are provided with means for coupling shores of adjacent movable retaining walls, which shores are active next to each other.

The first retaining wall members too, can be provided with means for mutual coupling.

In one embodiment, the water barrier is provided with an anchor accommodated in the foundation for, spaced apart from the vertical axis of rotation of the first retaining wall member, securing the first retaining wall member in its water-retaining position. In one embodiment, in which the axis of rotation is situated at the first short side, the anchor can be active close to the second short side. In that case the anchor can be active on two adjacent first retaining wall members.

The anchor can be moved between an inoperative position in which it does not protrude from the foundation and an active position in which it is in securing engagement with the first retaining wall member, wherein the anchor is spring-biased to the active position. The retaining wall according to the invention can provide a considerable moment arm, in the direction perpendicular to the passage, as a result of which the absorption of force can be enhanced. For instance, the first retaining wall member can have a water-retaining height of H, wherein the width B, when considered in a horizontal direction transverse to the water-retaining side, is at least 1/3 H.

The water-retaining height of the second retaining wall member can approximate the height of the first retaining wall member.

In one embodiment, the water barrier according to the invention comprises a series of retaining walls, wherein in the water-retaining position the adjacent first retaining wall members connect to each other at an angle that deviates from 180 degrees, wherein the consecutive angles are of an opposing sign. In the water-retaining position, the retaining walls can then form series of pairs, wherein within the pairs the lengths of both first retaining wall members are different, having a relatively longer and a relatively shorter first retaining wall member, wherein in the water-retaining position a shorter first retaining wall member of the one pair connects to a longer first retaining wall member of the next pair.

According to a further aspect, the invention provides a water barrier comprising at least one retaining wall, wherein the retaining wall comprises a first retaining wall member and at least one second retaining wall member, wherein the first retaining wall member is a holder of the second retaining wall member, said holder being elongated in the horizontal plane, wherein the second retaining wall member can be moved between a storage position or inoperative position accommodated in the first retaining wall member and a water-retaining position extending upward from the first retaining wall member, wherein the retaining wall is provided with shores for supporting the second retaining wall member in the water-retaining position, which shores can be moved between an inactive position and an active position, wherein the shores form a rotatable whole with accommodation elements attached thereto for accommodating and supporting the longitudinal end edges of the second retaining wall member in its water- retaining position, said rotatable whole being movable as one unity. The shores can be connected to the first retaining wall member in a manner so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis of rotation, wherein in their inactive positions the shores extend over the top side of the first retaining wall member, in particular form a lid, wherein, preferably, the axis of rotation is transverse to the water-retaining side of the first retaining wall member. In the inactive position the shores can cover the second retaining wall member accommodated in the first retaining wall member.

In one embodiment the second retaining wall member comprises a number of retaining beams, which in the inoperative position can be accommodated in the first retaining wall member lying next to or flat on each other, and which in the water-retaining position form a retaining wall in a stacked fashion (like a fence).

In one embodiment, the length of the first retaining wall member is a multiple of the length of a second retaining wall member, wherein a consecutive series of second retaining wall members is accommodated in the first retaining wall member and pairs of shores are arranged at the location of the transition between adjacent second retaining wall members, which in the inactive position extend in opposite directions and furthermore are provided with means for being coupled to each other.

The second guides discussed above and their embodiments, in particular designing shores and second guides as one movable whole can also apply here.

The first retaining wall member can be a permanent structure, in particular a stationary container, attached to a quay or dyke or bank.

The base plane of the first retaining wall member is substantially, but not exclusively, a quadrangle. The quadrangular, box-shaped first retaining wall members can differ one from the other in terms of configuration, for instance the sidewall at the water side may be at an incline of for instance 80 degrees. The mutual sizes may be different and the first retaining wall member can be formed with rectangles, having obtuse and acute angles, possibly but necessarily having two walls that are parallel to each other like in a parallelogram. The selection of the angles may provide the water barrier with a shape deviating from a straight shape, such as zig-zag-shape or a curved shape in steps so as to be able to follow the course of a meandering river. The invention provides a long moment arm in the width of the base plane, again with an added constructional value and a relatively high strength that goes hand in hand with it and a high safety factor which is an important goal of the design.

The present invention distinguishes itself on essential points such as being rotatable about one fixed point of the proposed structure. This is of the utmost importance in connection with the laterally oriented storage position which is then possible (in addition to having half the height of the extended position) for, as a result, being able to provide an optimal free passage in the public space including the accommodation of the second retaining wall member either in or on, or placed at the side end of the first retaining wall member, thus creating a limited influence on this (at times scarce) public space preserving the free passage and the view.

The first retaining wall member can for instance consist of an inverted box-shaped structure having a front side facing the water and a rear side facing the hinterland and has two end faces of which in the vicinity of one side a vertically hinging structure may have been placed and at the opposite end face, accommodation or engagement elements have been provided for at least either accommodating or engaging a ground anchor so as to be able to form a row of the required length with comparable adjacent structures. The first retaining wall member can then stand on a quay or foundation in order to be moved in various ways, including by being rotated, shifted or lifted. In the foundation intended for water retaining, at least one engagement point is provided to get as well as keep the retaining wall in the required position. Each of said end faces has a sufficient width of for instance 50cm and thus provides an advantageous, long moment arm. The end faces of the possibly box-shaped structure have such a shape that the inward rotational motion of the body is not impeded by the facing permanent walls.

Where desirable, the ground anchor may consist of a cylinder which is internally provided with a compression spring around a pulling shaft. On the surface of either the quay or threshold, a simple annular engagement element may be positioned that is connected to this pulling shaft connected to the compression spring. By inserting the engagement point at the bottom side of the first retaining wall member into the said annular engagement element, the first retaining wall member can be coupled to the foundation wherein during heavy loads or in case of shocks, the compression spring as part of this ground anchor, adds a certain resilience to this attachment as a result of which an adjustable ductility of the system becomes available.

According to one aspect the invention provides a retaining wall substantially as water barrier which as first retaining wall member is holder of a second retaining wall member, wherein said holder is movable or rotatable about an axis situated beyond or within its own base plane, and wherein the holder is provided with guides provided with shore means for guiding the second retaining wall member from the storage position towards, and keeping it in, the extended position in order to thus obtain a position that is resistant to water pressure, and wherein the first retaining wall member including, if required, the second retaining wall member in the extended position, can form a water barrier in a passage or along a required length, and wherein several consecutive first retaining wall members can be coupled to the foundation in a constructive manner and the second retaining wall members in the extended position are able to cooperate one with the other, wherein the consecutive members, with the end faces, substantially the end walls, are constructed such that when cooperating they provide an increased constructional stability for the assembled retaining wall, such that in case of a high water level or a high load-bearing capacity, a relatively high standard of safety is guaranteed. The aspects described above may apply here individually or in combination.

The aspects and measures described in this description and the claims of the application and/or shown in the drawings of this application may where possible also be used individually. Said individual aspects and other aspects may be the subject of divisional patent applications relating thereto. This particularly applies to the measures and aspects that are described per se in the sub claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached drawings, in which.

Figure 1 shows a base plane of the first retaining wall member of a water barrier according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a horizontal cross-section of the first retaining wall member having a second retaining wall member accommodated therein in the inoperative position or storage position; and

Figure 3 is a top view of the first retaining wall member;

Figure 4a shows the end face of an embodiment of the first retaining wall member;

Figure 4b shows an embodiment of the first retaining wall member of figure 4a with the second retaining wall member in the extended position;

Figure 4c like 4b, but now with an example with the water side longitudinal wall of the first retaining wall member at an incline and in addition selectively provided with an additional pulling shore;

Figures 5, 6 and 7 depict a possible method with which the second retaining wall member can be placed in the extended position in one operation process and using one hoisting tool;

Figure 8 shows the top side of the second retaining wall member in the storage position;

Figure 9 shows the bottom side of the second retaining wall member in an extended position;

Figures 10a and 10b show the inoperative position and the water- retaining position of an arrangement including retaining walls according to the invention;

Figures 1 1 a and 1 1 b show another possible arrangement with retaining walls according to the invention; and

Figures 12a-d show a further possible embodiment of a water barrier according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows a base plane of the first retaining wall member 1 of a retaining wall 100 in an exemplary embodiment of a water barrier according to the invention, wherein the first retaining wall member 1 is intended to retain water for the land side 201 b from the water side 102a and for that purpose can be rotated about a fixed point of rotation or be placed on a threshold 2 of an opening or passage in a dyke body, or on a quay, or the ground level or in an opening or passage between or in building structures.

The first retaining wall member 1 is elongated having short sides 1 b, 1 d and long sides 1 a (water side or wet side), 1 c (dry side or land side). At a first short side 1 b, at the location of hinge 3, the first retaining wall member 1 is attached to a permanent wall 2c of a permanent retaining wall or of a building. The hinge 3 forms a vertical axis of rotation, about which the first retaining wall member 1 can be rotated from the inoperative position or storage position into the water-retaining position. This point of rotation 3 may be provided at the exterior of 1 , or accommodated at a suitable place for it within the base plane of 1 . To move the first retaining wall member 1 into the water-retaining position, said retaining wall member may at its bottom side be provided with a roller 3c, or a foot as slide. For moving the first retaining wall member, said first retaining wall member can be provided with a drive. The roller 3c can selectively be placed within or outside of the said base plane along the radius 3a of the point of rotation 3, wherein the roller 3c enables a movement of the retaining wall 1 along a circular circumference 3b. The point of rotation 3 has a connection that should permit a slight degree of vertical movement during the movement of the first retaining wall member. For that purpose, a broader bead or bush is provided towards the upper side of the hinge 3.

In addition, a pipe 3d (figure 1 ), that is closed in the short side 1 d, provides a possible insertion point for a part of a hoisting tool to be placed externally as an aid in rotating the retaining wall.

Figure 1 further shows two ground anchors 5, at halfway the length and the full length away from the hinge 3, at the water side. Said ground anchors 5 may be built up from a horizontal axis 5b about which an upwardly foldable part 5a is rotatable. The foldable part 5a may be equipped with a rotatable engagement element 5c. Said engagement element 5c is provided with engagement openings that can couple to a facility in the first retaining wall member 1 in order to effect a coupling between the material world and the first retaining wall member 1 . Depending on the loads to be expected, several ground anchors per retaining wall member can be provided. The ground anchor 5 may be pre- biased towards a coupling position and be locked in the inactive position, lowered in the threshold 2.

The first retaining wall member 1 is box-shaped and forms a cavity

1 g. At their bottoms, the long water side or wet side 1 a and the second short side 1 d are provided with brush-shaped material to allow water into the first retaining wall member but stop street litter.

In the proposed embodiment the rising water can thus enter the first retaining wall member 1 to prevent it from being forced up due to buoyancy. To actually retain the water, sealing elements are provided at the bottom at the long land side or dry side 1 c and the first short side 1 b.

Figure 2 is a horizontal cross-section of the first retaining wall member 1 having a second retaining wall member 6 in the inoperative position, or storage position, accommodated in the cavity 1 g.

On the inside of the short sides 1 b, 1 d the first retaining wall member 1 is provided with vertical (first) guides 8a with which the second retaining wall member 6 in the inoperative position is kept in its place and which provide vertical guidance to the second retaining wall member 6 when it is moved upward or downward.

Figure 3 is a top view of the first retaining wall member 1 with the second retaining wall member 6 accommodated therein. In figure 3 shores 9 are shown that are rotatably connected to the top edges of the short sides 1 b, 1 d and form one rotatable whole with the second guides 8b that are attached to the edges of the shores 9 which edges are situated towards the water side. By way of illustration, in the left-hand half of the figure, a shore 9 is folded down so as to cover the cavity 1 g. The second guide 8b is then positioned over the top edge of the second retaining wall member 6. In the right-hand half, the shore 9 is vertically folded upward, wherein the second guide 8b has come to be vertically aligned with the first guide 8a at that location, so as to form one continuous guide for the second retaining wall member 6. At the water side of the second guides 8b that have been folded down, the cavity 19 is covered by a fixed plate of housing 4 of the first retaining wall member 1.

By way of illustration, on the right-hand side of figures 2 and 3 an end of a consecutive assembly of first and second retaining wall members is shown. At the location where both first retaining wall members meet, the ground anchor 5 has a double action, it namely engages onto both first retaining wall members 1. A sealing element 10a is provided between both retaining walls.

A coupling means 10a couples the adjacent shores 9 of the adjacent retaining wall members. Said coupling means 10a may for instance comprise hooks that are capable of engaging in a passage in the shores 9. Also, the second guides 8b situated next to each other can be coupled to each other by means of a coupling means, in order to keep them together in transverse direction (water side-land side direction).

Figure 4a shows a cross-section of an embodiment of the first retaining wall member 1 with the second retaining wall member 6 still in the storage position. The housing of 1 is provided with a bumper 1 k at the water side and a water sealing 1 e at the land side. One embodiment of the ground anchor 5 is provided with a compression spring 5d. The first retaining wall member 1 in the extended position is shown in the water- retaining situation.

In case the water level will further rise, the second retaining wall member 6 can be extended up to the required maximum retaining height, see figure 4. The shores 9 have been folded upward and the second guides 8b have as a consequence become aligned with the first guides 8a.

Figure 4c is similar to 4b, this time with an example in which the water side longitudinal wall 1 a of the first retaining wall member 1 is at an incline as a result of which the peak load in case of both wave action and collision by objects due to bouncing off is limited. The angle of inclination can be adjusted to the local requirements. In this figure 4c an additional pulling shore 9b is provided at the water side. In this case shore 9 is provided with the sealing element 1f for connection to a permanent wall or to the shore of a connecting second retaining wall member.

Figures 5, 6 and 7 show an example in which the second retaining wall member can be placed in the extended position in one operation process and using one and the same hoisting tool. The hoisting tool 13 is equipped with a winch and a frame 13a which is equipped with an extendable arm 13b at the ends of which hoisting cables 13c are attached. The hoisting cables 13c extend through guide eyes (third guides) 8c at the ends of the second guides 8b (figure 3) and are attached to the outer ends of the top edge of the second retaining wall member 6. In the operational width, the extendable arm 13b can be adapted to the length of the second retaining wall member. Extending starts when lifting up both second guides 8b. As soon as they have arrived in the vertical extended position, the hoisting/tensile force is released to pull the second retaining wall member up, so that the vertical movement of the second retaining wall member is set into motion (6a) until it has arrived in the extended position 6b. In the extended position, the second retaining wall member 6 can be locked using means that are not shown. When the second retaining wall member 6 needs to be stored again, the locking means are inactivated.

Figure 8 shows the top edge of the second retaining wall member 6 in the storage position. Said retaining wall member 6 is situated within the circumference of the first retaining wall member 1 and insofar as present is covered by the second guide 8b with the connecting shore 9. Shown as well is a flexible O-profile 10b that is attached within the second guide 8b, which sealing element serves to seal off in case of water load in the extended position. A solid profile 10 made of a semi-hard synthetic material is furthermore shown, at the water side of wall member 6.

Figure 9 shows the situation in the area of figure 8 once the second retaining wall member 6 has been extended. The beveled bottom edge of retaining wall member 6 presses on the profile 10 that is enclosed between the housing 4 and the lip 6c at the bottom edge of the retaining wall member 6. The tilted position of profile 10 as shown is such that due to the lateral pressure on the lip 6c, the second retaining wall member is clamped in a water-sealing manner against the sealing element 10a that is part of the housing 4.

Figure 10a shows a possible arrangement according to the invention in the inoperative position with a series of first retaining wall members 1 . The second retaining wall members 6 have been accommodated in the first retaining wall members 1 , so that the height is limited. Between the permanent water barriers 2e, there is a passage 7a, 7b, for instance for individuals who wish to go from the land side 102b to the water side 102a, or vice versa. The line of passage, as reference, is indicated by T, and runs parallel to the water barrier to be realized. The retaining walls 1 , 6 are oriented transverse to the passage and namely extending from the hinges 3 in the direction of the land side 102b. Along the threshold 2a at least one ground anchor 5 is placed, but several anchors 5 per length may be desirable or required. At the center column 2f stands, which provides hinge point attachments 3 for two center retaining walls 1 , 6. The height of this column 2f equals the height of the water barrier.

Figure 10b shows the situation in case of an active water barrier. The first retaining wall members 1 have been rotated 90 degrees to close off the passages 7a, 7b. The second retaining wall members 6 have been extended into the maximum water-retaining situation in which they connect to the permanent water barrier 2e and also to column 2f.

Figures 1 1 a and 1 1 b show another arrangement according to the invention, in the inoperative position, bottom, and in the water-retaining position, top. The water barrier comprises a series of pairs of retaining walls 100a and 100b, each comprising a first retaining wall member 1 and a second retaining wall member 6. The retaining walls 100a are longer than the retaining walls 100b. The retaining walls 100a and 100b are rotatable about a common axis of rotation 3, which is situated at the land side, in the inoperative position of figure 1 1 a. The angles x of the short sides of the first retaining wall members 1 have been specifically selected beforehand, geared to the situation of use. That way it can be achieved that the angle at the land side in case of the operative position, figure 1 1 b, is smaller than 180 degrees, and as can be seen a water barrier having a zig-zag-shaped course can be obtained. As a result, in combination with the choice of the length of the retaining wall member in question, the water barrier becomes particularly suitable for an environment with varying wave action directions Z including W1 , 2, 3, 4 and the varying loads possibly resulting therefrom. Assembling the retaining wall out of various retaining wall member configurations (in this case short and long) offers the possibility of choosing an advantageous angle Y. The wave action can be dealt with and thus mitigated.

For the wave action coming from a direction of for instance the open sea or from the length of a large river or from the length of a lake, there is a chance of a long wave action having high peaks and a chance of relatively high dynamic loads. In such an environment the impacts of the dynamic forces resulting from the rolling and breaking waves, can be influenced by the wave angle adjustment, and reduced as a result. This can be done in cooperation with a front area 102 such as a strip of land, wherein the base plane of the first retaining wall member is formed by straight, obtuse and acute angles or a selection thereof.

In figures 12a-d, a water barrier according to the invention is shown, wherein a first retaining wall member 1 is permanently positioned on for instance a quay and forms a series of open top containers separated by partitioning walls 1 w, in which containers a second retaining wall member 6 is each time stored. The second retaining wall member therefore is divided in longitudinal direction and also divided into achievable water-retaining height, in panels 6a-d. In the inoperative position of figure 12a they are lying in the accommodation space of the first retaining wall member 1 and are then fully covered by shores 9. At the bottom side the covering shores 9 are provided with a U-shaped guide 8. For each part length of second retaining wall members 6 two shores 9 are provided, which are rotatable about a horizontal axis S near the ends of the stored second retaining wall members 6a-d. This can also be seen in the schematic top view of figure 12d. When the water barrier has to be active at a level above the first retaining wall member 1 , the panels 9 are folded upward to either side about two respective axes of rotation S, and the upright panels 9 that are then situated next to each other are coupled to each other, so they will keep their upright position. Subsequently, the panels 6a-d are taken out of the accommodation space and are lowered with their end edges guided through the guides 8. In the position of figure 12c the guides 8 keep the panels 6a-d aligned with each other and in their places. The water forces are transferred from the panels 6a-d via the guides 8 and the panels 9 to the partitioning walls 1w of the first retaining wall member 1.

The first retaining wall member 1 can be independently active as water barrier between the water side 102a and the land side 102b. The first retaining wall member 1 offers several specific advantages compared to the state of the art, as this first member, optionally in relation with one or several ground anchors, as an independent body is designed for absorbing peak load. In addition, the base plane, when placing the first retaining wall members in series, can comprise varying angles and lengths and as a result be suited to heavier tasks than the standard ones that are available on the market.

The invention is/inventions are not at all limited to the embodiments discussed in the description and shown in the drawings. The above description is included to illustrate the operation of preferred embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Starting from the above explanation many variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention will be evident to an expert. Variations of the parts described in the description and shown in the drawings are possible. They can be used individually in other embodiments of the invention(s). Parts of the various examples given can be combined together.