Abstract:
A flood barrier unit is provided for a flood barrier system. Each unit has three pillars attached to pillar footings implanted in the surrounding ground surface. For each pillar a concrete brace member footing is provided for the support of brace members compressively positioned between the pillar tops and the brace member footings. A turnbuckle connects two portions of each brace member, and when properly manipulated, will force the brace member ends into holes in the pillar footings and brace member footings. Barrier panels with tongue-and-groove top and bottom edges form a wall when attached to the pillars using a brace plate and bolts. A water-resistant vapor barrier, with a weighted bottom portion, is draped over the top of the barrier panels for fastening between the pillars and panels using a hook-and-loop fastener and the barrier panel bolts. Alternate embodiments include differing arrangements and numbers of the brace members.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to flood barriers forming a temporary dam, adapted to be raised in a short time, to protect a flood prone area. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
     There are other flood barrier devices designed for protecting flood prone areas. Typical of these is U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,301 issued to Jean-Paul Sovran on Mar. 28, 2000. 
     Another patent was issued to Daniel C. E. Fish on Mar. 30, 1982 as U.S. Pat. No. 4,321,774. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 4,921,373 was issued to Robert C. Coffey on May 1, 1990 and still yet another was issued on Aug. 20, 1991 to Glen Hendrix as U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,919. 
     Another patent was issued to Joseph F. Younes on Jun. 2, 1992 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,217. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,316 was issued to Cecil A. Richardson on Aug. 8, 1995. Another was issued to Christopher T. Hughes on Nov. 28, 1995, as U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,177. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,042,301 
     Inventor: Jean-Paul Sovran 
     Issued: Mar. 28, 2000 
     A barrier forming a temporary dam that may be erected quickly alongside a river in spate to protect a flood-prone area. The barrier mainly consists of extractable piles fitted in holes in the ground, and removable water-tight members that may be mounted between the piles once they have been drawn out of the respective holes. The watertight members may be made of a stack of metal beams and thick bars. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,321,774 
     Inventor: Daniel C. E. Fish 
     Issued: Mar. 30, 1982 
     A flood barrier comprising a flexible membrane the end and base parts terminating in a beading of polypropylene rope. The side parts of the barrier are located in vertical channel in the side walls and the base in a horizontal extending channel in the floor. In normal conditions the barrier is stowed in the recesses and erected in the event of a flood warning. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,375,929 
     Inventor: Travis B. Clark 
     Issued: Mar. 8, 1983 
     A protective flood barrier comprising panels sealingly attachable to one another to form a continuous barrier around a building structure and sealingly attachable to a fixed foundation surrounding the structure. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,921,373 
     Inventor: Robert C. Coffey 
     Issued: May 1, 1990 
     A fluid containing barrier having a frame with a plurality of legs and a flexible container supported by the frame. The flexible container has a high point vent and low point drain. The flexible container is capable of holding fluid. A series of individual frames and flexible containers interlock to form a wall or flood barrier which is used as a dam structure. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,919 
     Inventor: Glen Hendrix 
     Issued: Aug. 20, 1991 
     A containment structure for controlling flood water or spilled liquids comprising an elongated, triangular flexible container to be placed where needed to form a stable, water tight barrier. The containment structure has a spout for introduction of water into the container, a front flap for anchoring the container, and has end pieces adapted ti be used for sealing the end of the container against irregular objects or another container. A floating pump assembly can be provided for filling the container with flood waters. 
     U.S. Pat. No. Des. 5,118,217 
     Inventor: Joseph F. Younes 
     Issued: Jun. 2, 1992 
     A movable flood barrier requires a permanent channel in the path of expected flood waters and is normally closed by a removable cover. The barrier consists of a series of units dimensioned to be removably seated in the channel and detachably interconnected. Each unit includes at least one panel disposed to face flood waters and a reinforcement to which the panels are attached. The junctions between panels are sealed and seals extend lengthwise of the barrier and are secured to the panels thereto and detachably secured to the channel wall first in the path of the flood waters. Where required, a brace for each unit is detachably secured thereto and to a permanent normally covered socket on the leeward side of the channel. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,316 
     Inventor: Cecil A. Richardson 
     Issued: Aug. 8, 1995 
     A reusable flood barrier is provided to erect reusable flood barrier banks. The flood barrier comprises a front panel having a front face, a top edge, a pair of side edges, and a base; a rear support attached to the rear face of the panel to prop the front panel on the base; and an elongated clamp removably and adjustably affixed to the front face of the front panel. The clamp has an edge disposed proximate and substantially parallel to each side edge of the front panel respectively. The clamp is capable of anchoring a long edge of an elongated interconnection gasket. The gasket is capable of placement over the gap between a side edge of the front panel of a first flood barrier and an abutting side edge of the front panel of an adjacent flood barrier. The anchoring action of the clamp on adjacent flood barrier front panels enables the gasket to provide a water seal between the front panels. 
     While these flood barriers may be suitable for the purposes for which they were designed, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention, as hereinafter described. It is thus desirable to provide a flood barrier device forming a temporary dam that will be erected at flood prone areas. It is further desirable to provide a flood barrier system comprising a barrier structure that can be easily assembled prior to any storm producing tidal surge warnings to protect coastal communities and property from catastrophic flooding. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     A primary object of the present invention is to provide a flood barrier unit designed to be used in a flood barrier system to stop flood waters from destroying property and coastal communities. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a flood barrier unit designed to be used in a flood barrier system that may be assembled prior to flood surge warnings. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a flood barrier unit designed to be used in a flood barrier system comprising concrete pillar footings containing threaded holes into which pillars are mounted and threaded. 
     Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a flood barrier unit designed to be used in a flood barrier system consisting of concrete brace member footings into which brace members are inserted. 
     Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a flood barrier unit designed to be used in a flood barrier system comprising three erectable pillars each being mounted by means of a threaded rod located at the bottom of the pillar, to a concrete pillar footing. 
     Additional objects of the present invention will appear as the description proceeds. 
     The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a flood barrier unit designed to be used in a flood barrier system consisting of a plurality of barrier panels that are bolted to the pillars and are tongue-and-groove connected. Also a vapor barrier covers the flood side of the panels and contains a weighted bottom device sewn into the vapor barrier. 
     Each unit within the flood barrier system has three pillars that are threadably attached to concrete pillar footings implanted in the ground surface. Each pillar footing has an associated brace member footing for receiving one or more brace member ends, the other end of each brace member being received near the top of the pillars. 
     Each brace member has two portions joined by a turnbuckle, the manipulation of which forces the brace member ends against the pillar and the brace member footing until the brace member is in compression. 
     The pillars have bolt holes for the attachment of barrier panels. The barrier panels form a solid wall, made even more watertight by the use of tongue-and-groove joinder along the adjacent top and bottom edges of the barrier panels. A brace plate on the flood side of the barrier panels ensures the integrity of the attachment. 
     A vapor barrier is draped over the units in the system, with the top edge being fastened between the barrier panels and the pillars. The vapor barrier has a weighted bottom to properly position the vapor barrier as the flood waters rise. 
     Alternate configurations of the brace members are included. 
     In one embodiment, the turnbuckle is replaced by a standard coupling. 
     A barrier unit for connection to like barrier units to form a barrier on a ground surface to protect an area from flood waters is provided, comprising: five elongated brace members, each brace member having a turnbuckle and a first and second portion, each brace member portion having a threaded end, each turnbuckle joining the first and second portion threaded ends of each brace member; a first, second and third pillar, each pillar having a bottom, a positioning member extending downwardly beyond the pillar bottom, and a hole for receiving one of the brace member first portion ends, at least two of the pillars having an additional hole for receiving another of the brace member first portion ends, at least one of the pillars having a second additional hole for receiving yet another of the brace member first portion ends; a first, second and third brace member footing for securing into the ground surface, each having a hole for receiving one of the brace member second portion ends, at least two of the brace member footings each having at least one additional hole for receiving an additional brace member second portion end, the rotation of each turnbuckle moving each brace member first portion end into one of the pillar holes and each brace member second portion end into one of the brace member footing holes; a first, second and third pillar footing for securing into the ground surface, each having a hole for receiving one of the pillar positioning members; a plurality of panels, at least one of the panels being fastenable to the first and second pillars to form a barrier between the first and second pillars, at least one of the panels being fastenable to the second and third pillars to form a barrier between the second and third pillars; and a vapor barrier having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a weighted portion attached proximate the bottom edge, the top edge being draped over the panels and fastened between the panels and the pillars; the pillar and brace member footings being positioned such that the first brace member is compressively positioned between the first brace member footing and the first pillar, the second brace member is compressively positioned between the first brace member footing and the second pillar, the third brace member is compressively positioned between the second brace member footing and the second pillar, the fourth brace member is compressively positioned between the third brace member footing and the second pillar, and the fifth brace member is compressively positioned between the third brace member footing and the third pillar. 
     In another embodiment, the panels are fastened to the pillars by bolts. 
     In another embodiment, the vapor barrier is penetrated by at least one bolt on each of the pillars. 
     In another embodiment, the barrier unit further comprises at least one hook and loop fastener for fastening the vapor barrier to at least one of the panels. 
     In another embodiment, each of the panels has a back side, each of the hook and loop fasteners fastening the vapor barrier to the back side of one of the panels. 
     In another embodiment, the unit further comprises a plurality of brace plates, each having a plurality of bolt holes, each of the fastening bolts first penetrating one of the brace plates before penetrating one of the pillars and one of the panels. 
     In another embodiment, the number of panels between the first and second pillars is two, and the number of panels between the second and third pillars is two. 
     In another embodiment, the number of panels between the first and second pillars is three, and the number of panels between the second and third pillars is three. 
     In another embodiment, the number of panels between the first and second pillars is two or more, and the number of panels between the second and third pillars is two or more. 
     In another embodiment, vertically adjacent panels are tongued and grooved. 
     In another embodiment, each of the pillar positioning members is threadably joined to one of the pillar footings. 
     In another embodiment, the first pillar is adapted for fastening to a panel extending between the first pillar and the third pillar of a like barrier unit, and the third pillar is adapted for fastening to a panel extending between the third pillar and the first pillar of a like barrier unit. 
     In another embodiment, a plurality of like barrier units are attached in sequence by at least one panel attached between the first and third pillars of two adjacent units. 
     In another embodiment, the vapor barrier is sized to extend over the length of at least two of the combined units. 
     In another embodiment, each of the pillar positioning members is threadably attached to the pillar. 
     In another embodiment, the pillar positioning members are removable and reattachable. 
     There is also provided a barrier unit for connection to like barrier units to form a barrier on a ground surface to protect an area from flood waters is provided, comprising: five elongated brace members, each brace member having a coupling and a first and second portion, each brace member portion having a threaded end, each coupling joining the first and second portion threaded ends of each brace member; a first, second and third pillar, each pillar having a bottom, a positioning member extending downwardly beyond the pillar bottom, and a hole for receiving one of the brace member first portion ends, at least two of the pillars having an additional hole for receiving another of the brace member first portion ends, at least one of the pillars having a second additional hole for receiving yet another of the brace member first portion ends; a first, second and third brace member footing for securing into the ground surface, each having a hole for receiving one of the brace member second portion ends, at least two of the brace member footings each having at least one additional hole for receiving an additional brace member second portion end, the rotation of each of the brace member first portions moving one of the brace member first portion ends into one of the pillar holes, and the rotation of each of the brace member second portions moving one of the brace member second portion ends into one of the brace member footing holes; a first, second and third pillar footing for securing into the ground surface, each having a hole for receiving one of the pillar positioning members; a plurality of panels, at least one of the panels being fastenable to the first and second pillars to form a barrier between the first and second pillars, at least one of the panels being fastenable to the second and third pillars to form a barrier between the second and third pillars; and a vapor barrier having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a weighted portion attached proximate the bottom edge, the top edge being draped over the panels and fastened between the panels and the pillars; the pillar and brace member footings being positioned such that the first brace member is compressively positioned between the first brace member footing and the first pillar, the second brace member is compressively positioned between the first brace member footing and the second pillar, the third brace member is compressively positioned between the second brace member footing and the second pillar, the fourth brace member is compressively positioned between the third brace member footing and the second pillar, and the fifth brace member is compressively positioned between the third brace member footing and the third pillar. 
     In addition, a barrier unit for connection to like barrier units to form a barrier on a ground surface to protect an area from flood waters is provided, comprising: a first, second and third pillar; a first second and third pillar footing and means for attaching each pillar to one of the pillar footings; means for bracing the first, second and third pillars; a plurality of barrier panels and means for fastening the barrier panels to the pillars to form a barrier; and means for preventing water seepage around the barrier panels. 
     In another embodiment, the barrier unit further comprises, means for connecting the barrier unit to like barrier units to form a continuous barrier. 
     Further, a barrier unit for connection to like barrier units to form a barrier on a ground surface to protect an area from flood waters is provided, comprising: nine elongated brace members, each brace member having a turnbuckle and a first and second portion, each brace member portion having a threaded end, each turnbuckle joining the first and second portion threaded ends of each brace member; a first, second and third pillar, each pillar having a bottom, a positioning member extending downwardly beyond the pillar bottom, and three holes, each hole being positioned for receiving one of the brace member first portion ends; a first, second and third brace member footing for securing into the ground surface, each having three holes, each hole being sized for receiving one of the brace member second portion ends; a first, second and third pillar footing for securing into the ground surface, each having a hole for receiving one of the pillar positioning members; a plurality of panels, at least one of the panels being fastenable to the first and second pillars to form a barrier between the first and second pillars, at least one of the panels being fastenable to the second and third pillars to form a barrier between the second and third pillars; and a vapor barrier having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a weighted portion attached proximate the bottom edge, the top edge being draped over the panels and fastened between the panels and the pillars; the pillar and brace member footings being positioned such that the first brace member is compressively positioned between the first pillar and the third brace member footing of a like barrier unit, the second brace member is compressively positioned between the first brace member footing and the first pillar, the third brace member is compressively positioned between the second brace member footing and the first pillar, the fourth brace member is compressively positioned between the first brace member footing and the second pillar, the fifth brace member is compressively positioned between the second brace member footing and the second pillar, the sixth brace member is compressively positioned between the third brace member footing and the second pillar, the seventh brace member is compressively positioned between the second brace member footing and the third pillar, the eighth brace member is compressively positioned between the third brace member footing and the third pillar, and the ninth brace member is compressively positioned between the third pillar and the first brace member footing of a second like barrier unit. 
     The foregoing and other objects and advantages will appear from the description to follow. In the description reference is made to the accompanying drawing, which forms a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawing, like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views. 
     The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES. 
     In order that the invention may be more fully understood, it will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a pictorial illustration depicting a flood prone area containing stationary concrete pillar footings into which pillars are mounted and threaded. The barrier assemblies may be delivered to each location by a light truck and assembled on location. 
     FIG. 2 is a pictorial illustration depicting a flood prone area where pillars have been erected and secured to the concrete pillar footings. 
     FIG. 3 is a pictorial view of the non-flood side (rear view) of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4 is a perspective frontal view of the flood barrier unit of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a pictorial illustration depicting the flood barrier system of the present invention assembled prior to the advancing flood waters. 
     FIG. 6 is a pictorial illustration depicting advancing tidal surge being held back by the flood barrier system of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a side view of the flood barrier unit of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a top view of a section of the present invention showing bolts connecting a vapor barrier, brace plate and and barrier panels to the pillar. 
     FIG. 9 is a front view of the barrier panels of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 is an exploded side view of the barrier panels with the vapor barrier draped over the top panel. 
     FIG. 11 is a rear view of the flood barrier unit for a second embodiment having nine brace members. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1-11 illustrate the Flood Barrier of the present invention, indicated generally by the numerals 10. 
     The flood barrier unit  10  and its components are shown generally in FIGS. 1-11 and in use with flood waters  12  in FIGS. 1-2 and  5 - 6 . 
     The flood barrier unit  10  is part of a barrier system  14  wherein the flood barrier units  10  are connected with other units  200  to form a continuous barrier. 
     As shown in FIG. 3, each flood barrier unit  10  includes a first pillar  20  having a top  22  and bottom  24 , a second pillar  26  having a top  28  and bottom  30 , and a third pillar  32  having a top  34  and bottom  36 . Each pillar  20 , 26 , 32  has a threaded, downwardly extending rod  38 , as shown for the third pillar  32  in FIG.  7 . The rod  38  can be permanently affixed to the pillar bottom  24 , 30 , 36  or it can be threadably inserted therein. 
     Each barrier unit  10  also includes a first pillar footing  40  having a threaded hole  42 , a second pillar footing  44  having a threaded hole  46 , and a third pillar footing  48  having a threaded hole  50 . The pillar footings  40 , 44 , 48  are firmly implanted into the ground surface  14 . The threaded holes  42 , 46 , 50  are sized to threadably receive the threaded rods  38  of the three pillars  20 , 26 , 32 , which act as positioning members to rigidly attach the pillars  20 , 26 , 32  to the ground surface  14 . 
     Also included in each barrier unit  10  is a first brace member  60  having a first portion  62 , the first portion  62  having a first end  64  and a second end  66 , and a second portion  68 , the second portion  68  having a first end  70  and a second end  72 . The first portion first end  64  and the second portion first end  72  are both threaded into a turnbuckle  74 . 
     A second brace member  76  has a first portion  78 , the first portion  78  having a first end  80  and a second end  82 , and a second portion  84 , the second portion  84  having a first end  86  and a second end  88 . The first portion first end  80  and the second portion first end  86  are both threaded into a turnbuckle  90 . 
     A third brace member  92  has a first portion  94 , the first portion  94  having a first end  96  and a second end  98 , and a second portion  100 , the second portion  100  having a first end  102  and a second end  104 . The first portion first end  96  and the second portion first end  102  are both threaded into a turnbuckle  106 . 
     A fourth brace member  108  has a first portion  110 , the first portion  110  having a first end  112  and a second end  114 , and a second portion  116 , the second portion  116  having a first end  118  and a second end  120 . The first portion first end  112  and the second portion first end  118  are both threaded into a turnbuckle  122 . 
     A fifth brace member  124  has a first portion  126 , the first portion  126  having a first end  128  and a second end  130 , and a second portion  132 , the second portion  132  having a first end  134  and a second end  136 . The first portion first end  128  and the second portion first end  134  are both threaded into a turnbuckle  138 . 
     First, second, and third brace member footings  140 , 142 , 144  are included and are also implanted securely in the ground surface  14  in one-to-one correspondence with the three pillar footings  40 , 44 , 48 . Each brace member footing  140 , 142 , 144  has at least one hole  146  sized to closely receive one of the brace member second portion second ends  72 , 88 , 104 , 120 , 136 . 
     Similarly, each of the pillars  20 , 26 , 32  have holes  148  sized for closely receiving one of the brace member first portion second ends  66 , 82 , 98 , 114 , 130 . 
     Each pillar  20 , 26 , 32  also includes bolt holes  150  for receiving bolts  152 . Brace plates  154  with bolt holes  156  are also included. 
     The barrier unit  10  includes six barrier panels  160 , each having tongue-and-groove top edges  162 , bottom edges  164 , and bolt holes  168 . 
     A water-resistant vapor barrier  170  is also included, having a weighted portion  172  and a top portion  174 , the top portion  174  having bolt holes  176 . Hook-and-loop fasteners  178  are included for fastening the vapor barrier top portion  174  to the barrier panels  160 . 
     When the danger of rising flood waters becomes a reality, the installer  16  secures the pillar footings  40 , 42 , 44  and the brace member footings  140 , 142 , 144  in an arrangement similar to that shown in FIGS. 1-3. The pillars  20 , 26 , 32  are then attached by screwing the threaded rods  38  into the pillar footings  40 , 42 , 44 . 
     The first brace member  60  is then assembled by threading the first brace member first portion first end  64  into the first turnbuckle  74  and inserting the first brace member first portion second end  66  into the pillar hole  148  on the first pillar  20 . The pillar hole  148  is sized for a relatively tight fit to assist in holding the first portion  62  during subsequent manipulation of the turnbuckle  74 . When the turnbuckle  74  is threaded far enough on the first portion first end  64 , sufficient room exists to screw the first brace member second portion first end  70  into the turnbuckle  74  in amount sufficient to position the first brace member second portion second end  72  for insertion into the first brace member footing hole  146 . Manipulation of the turnbuckle  74  then forces the second portion second end  72  into the hole  146 . Continued manipulation of the turnbuckle  74  will place the first brace member  60  into compression between the first pillar  20  and the first brace member footing  140 , as the first and second portion second ends  66 , 72  reach full insertion into holes  148 , 146 . 
     This assembly procedure is repeated for the remaining four brace members  76 , 92 , 108 , 124 , such that (1) the second brace member  76  is compressively positioned between the second pillar  30  and the first brace member footing  140 , (2) the third brace member  92  is compressively positioned between the second pillar  30  and the second brace member footing  142 , (3) the fourth brace member  108  is compressively positioned between the second pillar  30  and the third brace member footing  144 , and (4) the fifth brace member  124  is compressively positioned between the third pillar  32  and the third brace member footing  144 . 
     Once the pillars  20 , 26 , 32  are attached and braced, the barrier panels  160  are positioned against the pillars  20 , 26 , 32  such that top edges  162  of the middle and bottom panels  160  are adjacent the bottom edges  164  of the top and middle panels  160 , respectively. When so joined, the barrier panel bolt holes  168  are aligned with the pillar bolt holes  150 . An elongated brace plate  154  is similarly positioned against the barrier panels  160  such that brace plate bolt holes  156  are also aligned. Pillar bolts  152  are then inserted and fastened using a nut and washer combination  153 . 
     During or after the foregoing barrier panel  160  attachment, the vapor barrier  170  is added to the assembly by draping the vapor barrier top portion  174  over the top barrier panel top edge  162  and using the hook-and-loop fasteners  178  to hold the vapor barrier  170  in place. Once secured in this manner, the pillar bolts  152  are also insertable through the vapor barrier top portion bolt holes  176  for further attachment integrity. When attached in this manner the vapor barrier weighted portion  172  extends to the ground surface  14  and prevents the direct contact of the water  12  with the barrier panels  160 . 
     In particularly flood-prone areas, the pillar footings  40 , 44 , 48  and brace member footings  140 , 142 , 144  can be permanently implanted for repeated use. 
     As mentioned above, the flood barrier unit  10  is part of a barrier system  14  wherein the flood barrier units  10  are connected with other like units  200  to form a continuous barrier. As shown in FIGS. 3-6, the connection is made to like units  200  using barrier panels  202  between the units  10 , 200  attached on one end to the first and third pillar  20 , 32  of the barrier unit  10 , and the third and first pillar  204 , 206  of the like units  200 , respectively. The system  10 , 200  includes an extended vapor barrier  170  covering more than one unit  10 , 200  in a seamless fashion. 
     FIG. 11 depicts an alternate embodiment  300  that provides a continuous pattern of braces. A sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth brace member  302 , 304 , 306 , 308  are added with appropriate additions of holes  148 , 146  in the three pillars  20 , 26 , 32  and the three brace member footings  140 , 142 , 144 . The sixth brace member  302  is available for connection to the third brace member footing  208  of an adjacent like unit  200 . Similarly, the ninth brace member  308  is available for connection with the first brace member footing  210  of a second adjacent like unit  200 . With the additional brace members  302 , 304 , 306 , 308  each pillar  20 , 26 , 32  is triple-braced. 
     In another embodiment, the turnbuckles are replaced by standard couplings. In this embodiment the pillar holes can be slightly enlarged to allow an easier hand rotation of the brace member first or second portions with respect to the coupling. 
     The device  10  and its foregoing components can be constructed using various materials, including (1) various water-resistant fabrics, e.g. treated canvas, plastic, and nylon, for the vapor barrier  170 , (2) steel rods or tubes for the brace members  60 , 76 , 92 , 108 , 124 , 302 , 304 , 306 , 308 , (3) concrete, steel, or rigid plastics for the pillars  20 , 26 , 32 , pillar footings  40 , 44 , 48 , and brace member footings  140 , 142 , 144 , and (4) various woods, plastics and metals for the barrier panels  160 . These materials, in various component combinations, can be sized to accommodate varying depths of expected flood levels. All such materials and sizings are in accordance with the present invention, as can be determined by the intended end use for the overall system, as will occur to those of skill in the art upon review of the present disclosure. 
     It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other applications differing from that described above. 
     While certain novel features of this invention have been shown and described and are pointed out in the annexed claims, it is not intended to be limited to the details above, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. 
     Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.