Greenwood's Self-Erecting Flood Barrier

Is a low-cost, effective flood barrier possible? And can it erect itself when needed? Apparently. John Greenwood of Nottingham Trent University has worked with GA Geotechnical to create the SELOC (Self-Erecting Low-Cost Barrier). The barrier itself, originally made of wood covered with a waterproof membrane on the side facing the flood-risk area, lies flat on the ground most of the time, hinged along its bottom edge. As the water rises, it floats, with its top edge rising with the water level. A restraint stops it when it reaches the vertical. ‘The system’s strength comes from the membrane,’ Greenwood explains.