Flood Barrier Case Study - Hydraulically Actuated Tilting Flood Barriers
Project Overview
FloodFree Powered Tilting Barrier
Barrier Size: 5,500 mm (W) × 2,600 mm (H)
Protection Level: 2.5 m flood height
Operation: Automated hydraulic tilting barrier
FloodFree integrates AI-powered technology to enhance public safety through the intelligent operation of large hydraulically actuated tilting flood barriers.
Flooding is Australia's costliest natural hazard, with annual losses estimated at $8.8 billion (2017) when insured, direct and indirect impacts are combined. Beyond the financial cost, many property owners struggle to secure adequate flood insurance, leaving communities and critical infrastructure increasingly exposed to severe weather events.
Every FloodFree solution is engineered to suit the unique requirements of each site. The engineering team provides design support to ensure barriers are designed for expected flood heights, hydraulic forces, debris loads, deployment speeds and other project-specific performance criteria. As automated flood protection becomes more common in public environments, ensuring safe and reliable operation has become just as important as flood performance.
The FloodFree Hydraulic Tilting Barrier, shown here protecting a police station, can be activated either manually using push-button controls or automatically through water level sensors. Prior to deployment, audible alarms and flashing warning lights alert nearby pedestrians and vehicles before dual hydraulic cylinders raise the barrier into position.
To further enhance public safety, the system incorporates AI-powered vision technology that continuously monitors the barrier and its surroundings during deployment. If a person, vehicle or animal enters the operating zone, the barrier immediately pauses and resumes only once the area is clear. Once fully deployed, the barrier remains securely in place until it is manually reset, providing dependable flood protection throughout the event.
This hand-held demonstration showcases FloodFree's AI-enabled safety system in action. During barrier deployment, intelligent cameras continuously monitor the surrounding area. If a pedestrian, vehicle or animal enters the operating zone, the hydraulic tilting barrier immediately pauses and will only resume movement once the area is confirmed clear.
