Patent Publication Number: US-2004047688-A1

Title: Liquid containment/diversion dike

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] This invention is directed to a liquid containment/diversion dike and, in particular a liquid-fillable containment/diversion dike for flood control or liquid containment, bladder elements for use in the dike and a method for construction of a liquid containment/diversion dike.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] Many systems have been employed for controlling the spread of flood waters or fluid spills. One of the most common means for containing or diverting a flow of liquid is sandbagging wherein bags are filled with sand and piled to form a dike. Sandbagging to divert liquid flow has certain disadvantages including the cost of producing the sandbags and the difficulty in removing the barrier of sand bags when it is no longer required.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003] A liquid-fillable liquid containment/diversion dike has been invented which can be used to contain or divert a flow of liquid such as a flood or a liquid chemical spill. The dike is easily transported and is fillable on site. When the dike is no longer required, it can be emptied of the liquid it contains and then transported to the next site where it is required. The dike is resistant to failure due to puncture because of a multiple bladder arrangement.  
       [0004] Thus, in accordance with a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a dike section having a length and comprising a first elongate bladder formed of a flexible material to contain a liquid and a second elongate bladder formed of a flexible material to contain a liquid, the first elongate bladder and the second elongate bladder extending in side-by-side relation at least along a length of the dike, at least one wall dividing the first elongate bladder from the second elongate bladder, the wall formed to prevent any flow of liquid between the first elongate bladder and the second elongate bladder.  
       [0005] The dike section can have further bladders extending along the length thereof provided that at each cross-section along the long axis of the dike section there are at least two bladders extending in side-by-side relation. The dike section includes at least one wall between at least two bladders, the wall being selected such that no fluid flow is permitted between the bladders. However, where the dike section includes more than two bladders extending in side-by-side relation, some of the walls between the bladders can have formed therein perforations to permit water flow therethrough in order to facilitate filling of the dike section with liquid.  
       [0006] Preferably, at least some of the bladders in a dike section are secured together. The bladders can be secured together in any suitable way. In one embodiment, the walls of some of the bladders are formed integrally with each other. In another embodiment, the bladders are formed separately and are connected by any suitable means such as, for example, heat welds or fasteners such as rivets, belts or rope extending between the bladders or between apertures formed on the bladders.  
       [0007] The bladders are formed of any material which is flexible and which can contain water (i.e., watertight). As an example, the bladders can be formed of woven polyester or nylon fabric coated on one or both sides with urethane or vinyl. Preferably, the bladders are formed of 17 to 50 ounce woven polyester coated with vinyl on both sides. Any seams are sealed as by heat welding, adhesives or sewing to effect a liquid-tight seal.  
       [0008] Sealable ports are provided in each separate bladder to provide for access to the interior of the bladder for filling. Preferably, a one-way valve is provided at each port for connection to an injection nozzle. In a preferred embodiment, a header device is provided having a plurality of connectors for simultaneous connection to a plurality of bladder valves. Such a header device provides that more than one bladder can be filled simultaneously. Preferably, all valves are positioned on the side wall of the bladder or on the end wall of the bladder proximal to a side of the bladder to facilitate filling of the bladder without collapse. To prevent overfilling, preferably a check valve is provided in a wall of the bladder. In one embodiment, a pressure transducer is positioned in communication with the interior of at least some of the bladders of the dike section so that an alarm will sound if the pressure in a bladder falls below a predetermined level.  
       [0009] To form a dike, one or more dike sections are positioned on the ground in substantially the final selected site of the dike and the bladders are filled with a liquid, for example, water from a potable water supply or surface water. A seal is effected between the dike section and the ground by the weight of liquid forcing the walls of the bladders into close contact with the ground and each other to prevent a passage of liquid therepast. Where more than one section is required to form a dike, the dike sections are positioned in end-to-end contact such that they seal against one another. The dike sections can be formed with ends of any shape provided they are formed to fit together with other dike sections to form a seal therebetween. Thus, the dike sections can be blunt, slanted or irregular at their ends. In one embodiment, the individual bladders of the dike sections are formed to be connected to the bladders of the abutting dike section.  
       [0010] In one embodiment, the dike section includes a pyramidal configuration of elongate bladders. As an example, there is a base layer of bladders positioned to extend in side-by-side relation. On this base layer are positioned a second layer of bladders. The number of bladders in the second layer is less than the number of bladders in the base layer. If possible, a third and further layers of bladders are positioned on the second layer. The walls of the bladders can be formed fully or partially integral with each other. In one embodiment, the dike section is formed from a plurality of elongate dike bladders which are fully or partially separable.  
       [0011] It has been found that the operation of the dike section can be enhanced by preventing the water from seeping between the bladders. Thus, in one embodiment, a sheet of material can be partially or fully wrapped about the dike section at the intersection of abutting dike sections or along the length of a dike section. In addition, or alternately, a sheet of material is positioned over the containment side of the dike section to extend a selected distance over the ground surface away from the dike section. The sheet of material is preferably liquid-tight.  
       [0012] In accordance with another broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided an elongate dike bladder comprising: a tube closed at its ends and having a wall and a long axis between the ends, the tube formed to be flexible and watertight, and at least one port for access to the interior of the bladder.  
       [0013] In one embodiment, each elongate dike bladder is formed as a tube of flexible, watertight material with a membrane extending across the interior of the tube parallel to the long axis thereof. Preferably, the membrane extends substantially across the diameter of the tube. The membrane can be solid or perforated. A bladder is primarily intended to be used in combination with other bladders for liquid containment or diversion. However, a bladder can be used alone for containment or diversion of a flow of liquid depending on the size of the flow of liquid and the size of the bladder. In such a situation, however, the bladder to be used should be one in which the membrane is solid and does not permit fluid flow through the membrane so that a puncture along the bladder will not result in a complete loss of water pressure in the bladder.  
       [0014] According to another feature of the present invention, the bladder is formed as tube and the open ends are heat sealed or welded. To provide additional strength and integrity to the bladder ends, at least one of the ends is folded back on the bladder and maintained in this configuration by an end reinforcing sleeve. Thus, the ends do not independently withstand the pressure of the liquid within the bladder but instead are reinforced beneath the sleeve. Such a bladder is producible at low costs since a tube of watertight material can be used and cut into any suitable length and heat sealed or welded. Low cost welding procedures have been found to be particularly appropriate and cost efficient to close off the ends of the tubes. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0015] A further, detailed description of the invention, briefly described above, will follow by reference to the following drawings of specific embodiments of the invention. These drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. In the drawings:  
     [0016]FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a dike bladder according to teachings of the present invention, the end of the dike bladder being cut away to show the internal structure;  
     [0017]FIG. 1B is a sectional view through a bladder plug useful in the present invention;  
     [0018]FIG. 1C is a sectional view through a bladder side seam useful in the present invention;  
     [0019]FIG. 1D is a perspective view of an end of a dike bladder according to teachings of the present invention;  
     [0020]FIG. 1E is a side elevation view of another bladder according to teachings of the present invention shown partly in section;  
     [0021]FIG. 2A is a perspective view of dike section according to teachings of the present invention, the end of the dike section being cut away to show the internal structure;  
     [0022]FIG. 2B is a sectional view through a bladder seam useful in the present invention;  
     [0023]FIG. 3 is an end elevational view of the unbroken-away dike section of FIG. 2A;  
     [0024]FIG. 4A is a side elevation view of two dike sections positioned in end-to-end configuration;  
     [0025] FIGS.  4 B-a to  4 B-c are schematic representations of a process for securing two bladders in end-to-end configuration;  
     [0026]FIG. 5 is an end elevational view of a dike section according to teachings of the present invention;  
     [0027]FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of two dike bladders in end-to-end configuration during a liquid filling operation;  
     [0028]FIG. 7 is an end view of another embodiment of a dike section according to teachings of the present invention;  
     [0029] FIGS.  8 A- 8 E are a schematic view of a dike construction operation according to teachings of the present invention;  
     [0030]FIG. 9 is a sectional view through another dike section according to teachings of the present invention;  
     [0031]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an uninflated tube according to teachings of the present invention;  
     [0032]FIG. 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the end portions of an uninflated tube such as is shown in FIG. 10 with one end folded within a sleeve, as it would be in the end section of a dike, and the opposite end engaged with an adjacent tube  10  and within a sleeve, as it would be in a central portion of a dike;  
     [0033] FIGS.  12 A-L are fragmentary perspective views of the construction of a dike section;  
     [0034]FIG. 12M is a schematic end view of the dike of FIG. 12L expanded to include four additional tubes, the original three base tubes being shown with cross-hatching.  
     [0035]FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a strap and buckle in use; and  
     [0036]FIGS. 14A and 14B are enlarged views of a quick link engaged between adjacent band and strap. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
     [0037] Referring to FIG. 1 a,  a dike bladder  10  according to one aspect of the present invention is shown. Dike bladder  10  includes a wall  12  formed generally as a tube and closed at its ends  14 . A membrane  16  extends substantially diametrically across the interior of the bladder along its long axis, indicated as  18 . Membrane  16  acts to strengthen the form of the bladder and to distribute outward forces acting on the bladder, when filled with liquid, to reduce the chance of bladder damage due to seam bursts. Membrane  16  can be solid, as shown, to prevent passage of liquid between chambers  20   a,    20   b  separated by membrane  16 . When solid, membrane  16  acts to isolate chamber  20   a  from chamber  20   b  to thereby prevent full collapse of the bladder should a leak occur in one of the chambers. Alternately, to facilitate filling of the bladder, membrane  16  can be perforated (FIG. 2A) to permit liquid flow between chambers  20   a,    20   b.    
     [0038] Ports  22  having removable plugs  22   a  therein are disposed in the bladder wall for liquid injection into the chambers. Since, in the illustrated embodiment, no fluid flow can occur between chambers  20   a,    20   b,  a port must be provided for each chamber. However, if membrane  16  is perforated, one port can be used to fill the entire bladder.  
     [0039] Referring to FIG. 1B, a useful port/plug assembly is shown. Ports  22  preferably include a threaded insert  23  which is sealably secured into the material of wall  12  by use of a retaining nut  23   a.  Plug  22   a  is threadably insertable into insert  23 . A suitable port and plug arrangement is, for example, an ABS flush drain valve secured into the wall of the bladder. Alternately, ports can have disposed therein one-way valves which can be fully opened to permit emptying of the bladder; when desired. Preferably, as shown, the ports are positioned proximate one side of the bladder to reduce collapse of the bladder during filling.  
     [0040] A pressure release valve  24  is also provided for each separate-chamber of the bladder to prevent damage resulting from overfilling. A pressure detector  25   a  and a signal  25   b  is disposed in wall  12  of bladder  10  to monitor the pressure of the liquid in the bladder and to emit a signal when a pressure below a preselected pressure is detected. The signal can be, for example, an audible alarm or a radio signal etc. to a monitoring panel. The pressure release valve and the pressure detector and signal can be mounted on the bladder in combination as one unit. Other valves and pressure detection and signalling means can be used, as desired.  
     [0041] Bladder  10  including the walls and the ends and, if desired, the membrane can be formed of any suitable flexible, watertight material. In a preferred embodiment, bladder  10  is formed of nylon- or urethane-coated polyester. Preferably, the material should be selected to have limited stretch. A particularly useful material is available as Hurculite™. Any seams of the bladder can be prepared to provide a watertight seal by folding, heat welding, adhesives and/or sewing. In the embodiment, as shown, the material is laid out in three layers and overlapping edges are folded and heat welded to effect a watertight seal. The folded portion forms a flange  26  which extends out from the bladder. Preferably, flange  26  includes reinforced apertures  28  formed therethrough for receiving fasteners for connection of adjacent bladders during dike construction. The use of fasteners with sharp edges should be avoided, however, to prevent puncturing. Preferably, ends  14  are formed without flanges to provide for close contact with any abutting bladders.  
     [0042] Other methods of bladder construction can be used, as desired. Referring to FIG. 1C, another method of forming the bladder is shown wherein the walls  12  of the bladder are folded inwardly over membrane  16  and welded, as indicated at  29 , in place.  
     [0043] Referring to FIGS. 1D and 1E, a cost-effective and easy to produce bladder  10   a  is shown. Bladder  10   a  includes walls  12   a  formed of a tube of watertight material, such as Hurculite™, which has been rolled and heat welded to form a tube. The ends  14   a  of the bladder are closed by heat welding. Such a construction permits any length of bladder to be formed quickly and easily without the requirement for a complicated construction to close the ends. As would be appreciated, the pressure on ends  14   a  is great when bladder  10   a  is filled with water, thus, bladder  10   a  further includes end reinforcing sleeves  15   a  for use in reinforcing the end to permit filling of the bladder without bursting the end seam. End reinforcing sleeves  15   a  are sized to maintain ends  14   a  in a condition folded back over the bladder. In a preferred embodiment, a length of bladder tube material is used for the end reinforcing sleeves. By using the tube material for both the bladder and the sleeve, the cost and ease of manufacture of the bladder are both enhanced. A sleeve having a length of 3 to 4 feet has been found suitable for use in reinforcing the ends of a 24″ bladder. Preferably, the end of the bladder is folded back and the sleeve is placed around the end of the bladder and over the folded end when the bladder is in an empty or partially filled state. As the bladder fills, it expands within the sleeve and the end is maintained firmly between the sleeve and the bladder. Sleeves  15   a  maintain ends  14   a  in a folded configuration and permits the bladder to be filled with liquid without concern about bursting the end seams. A preferred fill port  22  for such a bladder is a Munsen™ valve.  
     [0044] Bladders of any diameter and length can be formed. To facilitate transport and use, bladders of 10″, 17″ or 24″ diameter and 50 foot lengths are preferred.  
     [0045] The bladders of the present invention can be filled with a liquid through their ports and use alone to divert or contain a flow of liquid. For containment or diversion of more significant flows, it has been found that it is advantageous to use bladders, generally as shown in FIGS. 1A to  1 E, to form a dike section  30  as shown in FIGS. 2A and 3. Dike section  30  is shown generally schematically in FIG. 2A as it would not appear in this form either when filled with liquid for use or when empty for transport. The same dike section is shown in FIG. 3 with exemplary distortion of bladder shape by the effect of compression from the weight of the water within the bladders. Dike section  30  includes six bladders  10   a  to  10   f,  generally as described in FIG. 1. The bladders are arranged in three layers to form a pyramidal configuration. In particular, bladders  10   a,    10   b  and  10   c  form a base layer, bladders  10   d  and  10   e  form a second layer, and bladder  10   f  forms a third layer. Using bladder  10   f  as an example, each bladder includes a side wall  12   f,  a membrane  16   f  and ends  14   f  (only one can be seen as the other was removed from the drawing to permit illustration of the interior form). Bladder  10   f  is formed having seams  32  sealed by rolling and welding. Seams  32  are substantially flush with the outer surface of the bladder. This enhances sealing contact with an optional dike wrap, as will be described and shown hereinafter.  
     [0046] Membrane  16   f  has formed therein perforations  34  to permit liquid flow therethrough. Preferably, perforations  34  are formed to extend along the width of the membrane, as shown, so that they extend parallel to the main stress vectors of the membrane to thereby not compromise the strength of the membrane. A single valve  22   f  is provided at an end of bladder  10   f.    
     [0047] To permit construction in this pyramidal configuration, the base layer of bladders  10   a  to  10   c  must be secured together to prevent the outside bladders  10   a  and  10   c  from being forced out of position. Bladders  10   a  to  10   c  can be secured together in side-by-side relation in any suitable way, such as, for example, by fasteners secured between flanges  26  or preferably by heat welding the bladders together or forming them integrally. Bladders  10   a  to  10   c  can be formed such that membranes  16   a,    16   b,  and  16   c  are formed of a single sheet of material which extends from seam  32   a  to seam  32   c.  Sides  12   a,    12   b  and  12   c  are applied on either side of the sheet of material forming membranes  16   a  to  16   c  and seams  32   a,    32   c  and  36   a,    36   c  are formed to seal the bladders from liquid communication with each other. Referring to FIG. 2B, one method for formation of, for example, seam  36   a  is shown. To form seam  36   a,  sides  12   a  and  12   b  are applied on either side of the single sheet of material intended to form membrane  16   a,    16   b.  The ends  12   a ′ of walls  12   a  and the ends  12   b ′ of walls  12   b  are overlapped and sealed, as by heat welding indicated at  37 , against membrane  16   a,    16   b.    
     [0048] Bladders  10   d  and  10   e  are also connected to permit them from being forced out of position by the weight of bladder  10   f.  However, it is to be understood that bladders  10   d  and  10   e  need not be connected in this way as the forces imparted by bladder  10   f  may not be significant when compared to the amount of force required to move bladders  10   d  and  10   e  out of the indents formed between bladders  10   a  and  10   b  and bladders  10   b  and  10   c,  respectively.  
     [0049] To construct a dike section as shown in FIGS. 2A and 3, bladders  10   a  to  10   c  are positioned on a ground surface  37 . Bladders  10   a  to  10   c  can be separate and connected together with fasteners or other means or can be formed as a single unit, as shown. The bladders will be in collapsed condition to ease transport and placement. After the bladders are in position on ground surface  37 , water is injected into the bladders through their valves. Once bladders  10   a  to  10   c  are filled to a suitable pressure with water, bladders  10   d  and  10   e,  in collapsed condition, are positioned in the indents formed between the bladders of the base layer. Bladders  10   d  and  10   e  are then filled with water to a selected fullness or pressure. The bladder  10   f  is then placed in the indent between bladders  10   d  and  10   e  and it is filled with water. The dike section is then ready for use to divert and/or contain a flow of liquid. In a preferred embodiment for use in flood control, a dike section of about 7′ width by 5′ height can be formed using six bladders of 24 inch diameter. Where a dike of greater height or strength is required, further bladders can be added against the dike and secured to the other bladders of the dike or larger bladders can be used. It has been found that the dike will act in an enhanced way to control a flow of liquid where all of the bladders in a dike section are secured together.  
     [0050] The ends of dike section  30  can be formed in any suitable way to permit end-to-end abutment to create a watertight seal between the dike sections. One embodiment of a dike section  30   a  having an end which is slanted is shown in FIG. 4A. In particular, dike section  30   a  is formed from a plurality of bladders including a base layer  40  of three bladders (only one of which can be seen), a second layer of two bladders  41  (only one of which can be seen), and a third separate bladder  42 . The dike section is formed such that the end  42 ′ of bladder  42  is recessed from the ends  41 ′ of bladders  41  and, similarly, the ends  41 ′ of bladders  41  are recessed from the ends  40 ′ of bladders  40 . This causes the end of dike  30   a  to be slanted, in side view, a particular angle α from the long axis  44  of the dike section  30   a.  The angle α will depend on the degree to which the bladders are recessed from each other. The end of dike can be sealed against another dike  30   b  having a similarly slanted end. It would also be understood that dike section  30   a  having a slanted end can be rolled onto its side and used to form bends in a dike. The ends of the dike sections can have other forms, as desired.  
     [0051] Referring to FIGS.  4 B-a to  4 B-c, the ends of dike sections can be secured together in a convenient way when bladders as shown in FIGS. 1D and 1E are used. In particular, the ends  14   a ′,  14 ″ of abutting bladders  10   a ′ and  10   a ″ can be rolled together and secured in this rolled configuration using an end reinforcement sleeve  15   a.  FIG. 4B-a shows the first step in which abutting bladders  10   a ′,  10   a ″ are set in position for use with their ends  14   a ′,  14   a ″ in overlapping configuration. Ends  14   a ′,  14   a ″ are then rolled together (FIGS.  4 B-b and  4 B-c) and sleeve  15  is placed over the rolled ends. As may be seen in FIGS.  4 B-a through  4 B-c, the term “rolled” is intended to include an arrangement wherein the ends of the dike sections are folded over each other and engaged as few times as a single turn. The water is then provided to fill the bladders so that they expand within the sleeve and are maintained in the rolled configuration by the sleeve  15 .  
     [0052] Referring to FIG. 5, a sectional view through another dike section  30   b  is shown including a plurality of bladders and wherein the walls between the bladders are formed integral. The six bladders  10 ′ are not separable each from the other. The walls  12 ′ of the bladders are solid such that no fluid communication is possible between the bladders. This prevents total failure of the dike section where a puncture occurs in one of the bladders. Dikes containing other numbers of bladders can be made. A dike, as illustrated in FIG. 5, can be made by any suitable means, such as, for example, by extrusion or pultrusion.  
     [0053] To facilitate the filling operation of a dike section, preferably a header system is used. FIG. 6 shows one header arrangement wherein bladders  110   a,    110   b  are formed with ends  110   a ′ and  110   b ′ intended to be abutted together to effect a seal therebetween. Valves  122  are positioned adjacent ends  110   a ′ and  110   b ′ and in communication with the interior of the bladders. A header connector  150  is provided for removable attachment to the valves  122 . Preferably header connector  150  is formed of flexible hose to permit some adjustment depending on the spacing of valves  122 . Header connector  150  has positioned thereon a valve  152  for connection, for example, to a fire hose (not shown). During a dike construction operation, bladders  110   a,    110   b  can be positioned so that their ends  110   a ′ an  110   b ′ carrying the valves  122  are in end-to-end configuration. Header connector  150  can be attached to valves  122  and a hose (not shown) can be connected at valve  152 . Water from a water source can be supplied through the hose and into the header to be distributed to bladders  110   a,    110   b.    
     [0054] Referring to FIG. 7, more complex header  160  can be provided to permit simultaneous filling of a plurality of bladders. Header  160  includes a main valve  162  for connection to, for example, a fire hose nozzle. A plurality of flexible tubes  164  extend between valve  162  and bladders  110 ′ of a dike section. Positioned in each tube  164  is a one-way valve  166  which permits liquid to pass therethrough into the bladder but prevents liquid from passing from the bladder back towards valve  162 . Thus, water can be injected simultaneously into all of the bladders connected to valve  162 , but water cannot be drained out of the entire dike section by a puncture in one of the bladders.  
     [0055] Referring to FIGS. 8A to  8 E, the construction of a dike according to the present invention is shown. A bladder unit  209  containing four bladders  210   a  is rolled out in a selected position on a ground surface  37 . Bladders  210   a  are connected by seams  236   a  so that they cannot move apart, but seams  236   a  prevent liquid communication between the bladders. Each bladder includes a one-way valve  222  for injection of water into the bladder. A header connector  250  is connected to a water house  256  which is in communication with a water source  257 . Header connector  250  is connected to valves  222  and water is passed from the source to the bladders to fill the bladders to a selected level. The header connector is then removed from valves  222 . The point at which the bladders are properly filled can be determined by timing, observation of the nature of the bladders, pressure release valves (see  24  of FIG. 1) or using other means. Other methods can be used for filling the bladders, but use of a header facilitates the filling operation.  
     [0056] Once bladders  210   a  are filled to a suitable pressure with water (FIG. 8B), a unit  211  including three bladders  210   b,  in collapsed condition, is positioned on top of unit  209 . Bladders  210   b  are then filled with water in a similar manner as that described hereinbefore. During the filling operation, bladders  210   b  will, by gravity, drop into the indents between bladders  210   a.    
     [0057] A further unit  213  containing two bladders  210   c  is positioned onto unit  211  and filled. Finally a top bladder  210   d  is placed on top of the other units and is filled with water. The construction of dike section  230   c  is then complete (FIG. 8C). Preferably, each bladder is connected to at least one other bladder to increase the strength of the dike section.  
     [0058] A second dike section  230   d  is constructed to be in abutting relation to dike section  230   c  (FIG. 8D) and other dike sections can be added to produce a dike of selected length.  
     [0059] Where the flow of liquid to be contained or diverted increases beyond the size of dike section  230   c,  further bladders can be positioned adjacent the dike section, filled and secured to the dike section.  
     [0060] To reinforce the end-to-end connection, a wrap  258  can be positioned around the end-to-end connection (FIG. 8E). Wrap  258  can be formed of plastic material or any other material of suitable strength and which will not break down when in contact with the liquid to be contained or diverted. The constructed dike is then ready to be used to divert and/or contain a flow of liquid.  
     [0061] In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the bladders are formed separately and connected by any suitable means. In the currently preferred embodiment, illustrated in FIGS.  10 - 11 , individual bladders  300  are utilized which have an elongated tube  302  having ends  304 ,  306 . In the currently preferred embodiment, when filled, the tube  302  takes on a generally circular configuration and is on the order of  58 ″- 60 ″ in circumference. In order to allow each bladder  300  to be filled, a port  308  is provided at one end of the bladder and a pressure relief valve  310  is provided at the opposite end. It will be noted that this embodiment of the bladder does not include an internal membrane (as illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 1A and 2A).  
     [0062] In assembling a dike section utilizing the elongated tube  302 , the end  304  of the unfilled tube  302  is folded over  312  and disposed within a reinforcing sleeve  314  when disposed at the end of the dike section. As may be seen in FIG. 11, preferably the end  304  of the tube  302  is folded upward and over on the order of 24 inches or so. A sleeve  314  of a similar circumference and a length on the order of  48 ″ is slipped over the folded over section  312 , preferably two inches or so beyond the folded end  304 . The opposite end of the sleeve  314  is then folded under the tube  304 , 312 .  
     [0063] When the tube  302  is included as a part of a longer dike section, the end  306  of the tube  302  is preferably folded over to engage the folded end  316  of a divergently disposed tube  318 . A similar sleeve  320  is then disposed over the interlocked end sections  306 ,  316 . It will be appreciated that the ends  304 ,  306 ,  316  are so folded and held in place by the sleeves  314 ,  320  quickly and effectively to allow the tubes  302 ,  318  to retain water under pressure.  
     [0064] In order to construct a section of a dike which is higher than the diameter of a single tube, a unique strapping arrangement may be utilized. To join two or three tubes together, a strap  330  of at least a sufficient length to encircle the tubes individually and sufficient strength to withstand the forces exerted by the tubes and on the tubes due to the fluids which the dike is designed to withstand. In the preferred embodiment, strap  330 , designed for use with three 19-inch diameter tubes, is 2 inches wide and 17 feet long and has a minimum breaking strength on the order of 9800 pounds per inch. While any material of appropriate strength may be utilized, woven fabrics such as polyester mesh have been found to be most suitable.  
     [0065] To facilitate connection and locking of the strap  330 , a first buckle  332  is included at the proximal end  334  of the strap  330 , and a second buckle  336  is spaced in from the proximal end  334  on the order of approximately the circumference of the tubes. In the illustrated embodiment, the buckles  332 ,  336  are in the form of two “D” buckles, such as are shown in FIG. 13, the second buckle  336  being spaced on the order of 54 inches from proximal end  334  disposed along on the side of the strap  330 . The significance of the buckle  332 ,  336  placement will become clear upon an explanation of the method of placement of the strap  330  and coupling with the buckles  332 ,  336 .  
     [0066] While the assembly operation will be described with reference to generally circular, cylindrical tubes, it will be appreciated that tubes of alternate cross-sectional shapes may likewise be utilized. It is to be further understood that although the figures provided and referenced with regard to the construction of the dike section show the tubes with their ends disposed substantially along a single vertical plane, it will be appreciated that the ends of the lengths of tubes may be staggered. The tubes so connected may also comprise a number of tubes with the ends connected as shown, for example, in FIG. 11. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the term “parallel” as used in the specification and claims does not require that the individual tubes be positioned with the ends disposed substantially adjacent one another, but, rather that the tube or axis is, in general, parallel to another axis or tube such that the ends may be offset.  
     [0067] Referring now to FIGS.  12 A-M, in assembly, a first uninflated tube  338  with its ends closed or attached as shown in FIG. 11 is rolled out to the position where it will be utilized to arrest flood waters or the like. The strap  330  is then positioned beneath the tube  338  with the proximal end  334  (having the buckle  332 ) preferably toward the wet side (shown generally at  340 ), with the strap  330  extending perpendicular to the direction the tube  338  is disposed and extending 6 to 8 inches beyond the edge of the tube  338 . The strap  330  is placed with the second buckle  336  accessible from the upwardly facing surface. As shown in FIG. 12A, the “D” buckles of the preferred embodiment are facing up. Like straps (not shown) are similarly positioned on the order of every six feet along the tube  338 . While multiple straps are preferably utilized along the length of the tube  338  approximately every six feet, the following explanation will be made generally in reference to a single strap  330 . It will be appreciated, however, that the same procedures are performed with regard to each strap positioned along the length of the dike. The tube  338  is then inflated with water.  
     [0068] As may be seen in FIG. 12B, a second tube  342  is then rolled out parallel the first tube  338  and the strap  330  placed over the top of the second tube  342 . The strap  330  is then looped around and underneath the second tube  342  and up over the top of the first tube  338 , as shown in FIG. 12C. The second tube  342  is then inflated with water. The strap  330  is then connected to the “D” buckle  332  disposed at the proximal end  334  of the strap  330  and the strap  330  tightened to secure the first and second tubes  338 ,  342  together. Caution should be asserted, however, to not overtighten the strap  330  and cause a pinching of the tubes  338 ,  342 .  
     [0069] Thus, at this stage, the dike includes two tubes  338 ,  342 , with a strap  330  woven around and between the tubes  338 ,  342  and tightened at the first “D” buckle  332 . The strap  330  includes adjacent portions which extend subjacent the first tube  338 , upward between the two tubes  338 ,  342 , about the perimeter of the second tube  342 , upward again between the two tubes  338 ,  342 , and over the first tube  338 , the free end of the strap  330  being tightened at the first buckle  332 . It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that if it is not necessary to further increase the height of the dike, no further tubes need be added, and the second buckle  336  is unnecessary. If, however, it is desirable to further increase the height of the dike, additional tubes may be added as set forth in the following method.  
     [0070] As shown in FIG. 12E, a third tube  344  may then be rolled out on the top of and in the middle of the two base tubes  338 ,  342 . The end of the strap  330  is then placed over the top of the third tube  344  and loosely connected to the other buckle  336 . The third tube  344  is then inflated with water and the strap  330  tightened over the third tube  344 , as shown in FIG. 12F, again being careful not to overtighten the strap. Thus, the three tubes,  338 ,  342 ,  344  coupled with the straps  330  spaced along their length provides an effective dike system to contain floodwaters.  
     [0071] If a taller dike section is required, as may be the case with advancing floodwaters, for example, the illustrated three tube pyramid configuration may be expanded to a configuration which includes six, ten, or more tubes by adding and connecting additional tubes along the dry side (shown generally as  346 ) of the dike section. In order to couple added tubes to the three tube pyramid base, closed-loop bands  348 , preferably of the same material as the strap  330 , are provided. In the illustrated embodiment, the bands  348  are circular and have a circumference which is roughly the same as that of the tubes to be added. Thus, with the preferred 19″ diameter tubes, the bands  348  will have a circumference on the order of 59 inches.  
     [0072] In order to ensure that the added tubes maintain their positions relative to each other and the original dike section tubes  338 ,  342 ,  344 , connectors  352  are provided. While alternate connector  352  designs may be utilized, the preferred coupler design is that of a conventional ⅜-inch quick link  352 , available from most hardware stores. It has been found that such quick link  352  provide adequate strength, and are easily coupled to the already positioned strap  330  and the band  348  disposed about an uninflated tube to quickly and effectively couple added tubes to the base dike section, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, and as will be described with reference to FIGS.  12 G-M. While the use of the band  348  and connector  352  arrangement is explained with regard to the application of the fourth and subsequent tubes, it will be appreciated that the band and connector arrangement might alternately have been utilized to couple the third tube  344  to the first and second tubes  338 ,  342  in lieu of the strap  330  and second buckle  336  arrangement described above. It is preferable, however, that the initial dike structure coupled by the strap  330  include three tubes  338 ,  342 ,  344  as disclosed above.  
     [0073] During expansion of the dike section, a fourth tube  354  is rolled out parallel to the second tube  342  along the dry side  346  of the dike section as shown in FIG. 12G. Circular bands  348  are then disposed about tube  354  at positions adjacent the straps  330 . A quick link connector  352  is then placed about the strip  330 , about the second tube  342  and the band  348  about the added, fourth tube  354 . The fourth tube is then inflated with water, as shown in FIG. 12H.  
     [0074] A fifth tube  356  is then disposed along the top of the second and fourth tubes  342 ,  354  and circular bands  358  disposed about the fifth tube  356  substantially adjacent the straps  330  and bands  348 . Quick link couplers  360 ,  362 ,  364  are used to couple the band  358  to the strap  330  (about the second and third tubes  342 ,  344 ) and the band  348  (about the fourth tube  354 ), respectively, as shown in FIG. 121. The fifth tube  356  is then inflated, as shown in FIG. 12J.  
     [0075] A sixth tube  366  is then rolled out along the top of the third and fifth tubes  344 ,  356  and bands  368  disposed about the sixth tube  366  adjacent the straps  330  on the third tube  366  and the bands  358  about the fifth tube  356 . As with the fourth and fifth tubes  354 ,  356 , quick link couplers  370 ,  372  are used to couple the band  368  of the sixth tube  366  to the strap  330  (about the third tube  366 ) and the band  358  (about the fifth tube  356 ), respectively, as shown in FIG. 12K. The sixth tube  366  is then inflated to form the six-tube pyramid, as shown in FIG. 12L.  
     [0076] It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that additional tubes may be added to further increase the height of the dike. By adding four additional tubes  374 ,  375 ,  376 ,  377 , as shown schematically in FIG. 12M, for example, the dike can be increased to ten tubes with a corresponding increase in height. As may be seen in FIG. 12M, in adding tubes  374 - 77 , additional quick link couplers  378  are utilized to couple the additional tubes  374 - 77  together and to the existing six tube pyramid.  
     [0077] Referring to FIG. 9, it has been found that the functioning of the dike section  230   e  can be enhanced by placing a wrap  258   a  over the entire length of the dike section. Wrap  258   a  preferably extends from at least a portion of the way beneath the dike section (i.e., between the dike section and the ground surface  37  on which it is placed) over the containment side of the dike section to a position above the level of the fluid  260  to be contained.  
     [0078] Where a greater strength dike is required, another sheet of substantially liquid-tight material  262  is extended over the containment side of the dike section to extend out a selected distance from the dike over the ground surface on which the dike section is placed. It has been found that for a flow at depths of about 6 feet, a sheet of material extending about 10 to 15 feet from the dike increases the strength of the dike.  
     [0079] It will be apparent that many other changes may be made to the illustrative embodiments, while falling within the scope of the invention and it is intended that all such changes be covered by the claims appended hereto.