A flood control system is provided that allows an unobstructed view of the surrounding area when not in use. The flood control system comprises a base and at least one foundation coupled to the base. The base is positioned below a grade to protect an area from the encroachment of fluid or semi-solids. An expandable barrier is removably coupled to a channel in the base. The expandable barrier is inflated with a source of pressurized fluid to form a barrier to prevent the encroachment of fluid or semi-solids to the protected area.

According to one embodiment, a flood vent panel includes a plurality of insulation pieces positioned together, and a panel frame surrounding the plurality of insulation pieces. The flood vent panel is configured to be coupled to a frame positionable on a structure, so as to at least partially block a fluid passageway through an opening in the structure. Each of the plurality of insulation pieces is separate from the other insulation pieces of the plurality of insulation pieces. Each of the plurality of insulation pieces is separate from the panel frame.

Systems and methods are disclosed for protecting structures. In example embodiments, one or more waterproof barrier panels are sealed to one or more exterior walls of the structure. In other example embodiments, the barrier system comprises a plurality of sealing elements, protective panels and, optionally, tracks comprising shackles or hooks for suspending the protective panels. The barrier panel optionally comprises a thermoplastic olefin, and further optionally comprises a fire-resistant material.

Embodiments of an inflatable dam sized to be secured to a foundation structure with an anchor line. The inflatable dam includes a main bladder and an overlapping layer. The main bladder is moveable between deflated and inflated states such that, in the inflated state, the main bladder extends with a tubular configuration. The overlapping layer is sized and configured to extend over a portion of the main bladder and, in the inflated state, concentrically aligned with the portion of the main bladder. The overlapping layer is sized to extend with an overlapping length and to extend laterally between a first end portion and a second end portion along the overlapping length, the first end portion being coupled to the fin structure and the second end portion being configured to be coupled to the anchor line and the foundation structure.

A nuclear power plant having a protective superstructure including a first end region configured to cover a nuclear reactor in a containment structure, a second end region opposite the first end region and configured to cover a cooling water pump house, and a central region between the first and second end regions and configured to cover a turbine hall. The superstructure has an oval-shaped plan profile, the oval having a greater degree of curvature at the first end region than at the second end region.

According to one embodiment, a flood vent panel includes a first area, a second area, and a first set of one or more perforations positioned on a first side of the flood vent panel in a location in-between the first area and the second area. The perforations are configured to break when at least a predetermined amount of pressure is applied to a portion of the second area. The flood vent panel is configured to be coupled, at least indirectly, to a structure so as to at least partially block a fluid passageway through an opening in the structure. The break is configured to completely separate the second area from the first area so as to reduce an amount of blockage of the fluid passageway.

A sustainable floating community based on a mass-produced modular, pre-fabricated kit of parts referred to as floating modular units. The floating modular units are designed to allow for various needs while remaining simple to deliver and assemble by hand in remote destinations prone to volatile shifts in water levels and currents. The floating modular units are ready to assemble, can be erected for use on land and bodies of water, are easily collapsible for transport, thereby serving as highly adaptable transportable structures.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a bag including at least one flexible sheet of material, a back substantially orthogonal to a bottom, a front opposite the back, and a side comprising an envelope configured to receive a support structure.

A method for protecting a building against flooding by use of a membrane connected along a first side edge to a float, and comprises the steps of arranging the membrane in a packed configuration at a first distance from the building, and fixing the membrane to the ground at a start location along a second side edge, allowing water to unpack the membrane and move the float toward the building to arrange a first portion of the membrane with a lower surface against ground in an area between the start location and the building, allowing water to raise the float a second distance along an outer surface of the building while further unpacking the membrane to arrange a second portion of the membrane with the lower surface against the building. The first portion forms a retention portion which is retained on the ground by water on an opposite upper surface.

Apparatus and process for securing a grating over an atmospheric opening of a ventilation shaft fluidly communicating through the ventilation shaft to an underground ventilation duct. A vertically extending support for arrangement in the shaft has horizontal flanges for projecting across a top of at least two opposing sides of said shaft to hang said support in said shaft for over topping by said grating. An anchoring member is supported in the support at a level below the flanges and proximate the atmospheric opening. A hold-down connects to the anchoring member to secure the hold-down and the grating to the anchoring member.