Where can the Big Bags USA protective flood barrier system effectively be used?

The systems can effectively be used most anywhere. The flexible design of no rigid bottom structure allows the Big Bags USA sandbags to conform to any sub-surface, making a water-tight seal.  Thus, wherever a protective flood barrier is needed, tops of levees, in the streets, surrounding a building, sides of hills, over sewers, Big Bags USA sandbags can adapt to the topography.

Can Big Bags USA be placed on top of levees? 

Yes , for every layer you will go up, you would want an extra layer on the bottom, similar to a pyramid. This gives you the best defense where the most water pressure will be located.

Can the Big Bags USA protective flood barrier be placed around corners?   

Yes, Big Bags USA flood barrier can be placed at any angle required.  Making sure systems are ‘snugged’ up against each other prior to filling, a water-tight seal is created.  Encircling an area, equipment, buildings is a strategic way to utilize the flood barrier system if flood waters cannot be stopped or diverted in a given area. 

How do Big Bags USA systems connect?  

Each 15ft. long/5 bag sandbags system connects to the next system with ¾ to 1 inch wood screws inserted on-site once the flood barrier systems are opened and prior to filling.  The screws are only to hold each sandbags system to the next as they are being filled. 

How much does a single 5 bag system weigh? 

Empty, each  sandbags system weighs 50lbs.- within the safe handling guidelines for one person. Filled, each sandbags system weighs 15,000lbs (7.5 tons), 5 cubic yards of sand total.

Are Big Bags USA water-proof?

The ‘water-side’ of the sandbags are coated with a water-proof resin so water does not enter the sandbags.  If water did enter the flood barrier from the top, the sides and bottom are not coated to allow water to flow out of the sandbags and prevent sand from being washed out.  If water does not enter the flood barrier, then sand is uncontaminated and re-usable. 

What does a deployment team consist of?

A typical deployment team would be six men. 2-man system set-up (placing and opening systems on-site in flood control location),System connector (man with screw-gun following set-up crew, connecting systems before filling)Truck operator (carrying sand),Pay loader operator (takes sand from truck and dumps into bags),System fill guide (works with pay loader operator to guide shovel over bags for filling).  Flood barrier systems can be set up in 2 minutes and filled in the same amount of time, thus within 10 minutes a 5 bag system can be set-up and filled in position, the equivalent of 675 sandbags.

What is the best way to fill the sandbags?  

Big Bags USA flood barrier systems are easily filled to top or near top of bags height.  There are no additional ‘techniques or requirements’ to fill the sandbags. The flood barrier can be filled with a loader, excavator, crane and bucket or a cement mixer. The front loader is the favoured option  for speed and efficiency of filling.

What is the life-span of the Big Bags USA protective flood barrier system? 

Big Bags USA has a life span of 25 years when stored inside. Big Bags USA flood barrier can have a life of up to 4 years when deployed, depending on conditions.  Direct sunlight, over extended time will weaken the polypropylene material.  If the sandbags show signs of weakening after extended time under sunlight when lifted by straps, then the sandbags should be lifted by loader shovel from beneath for removal.

Can the sandbags system be re-used?  

Yes, Re-use of Big Bags USA flood barrier can continue if emptied without damage, washed and stored properly. Additional wood u-frames maybe  required to be inserted as they may be destroyed during the emptying of the sand from the sandbags.

What are the advantages of the Big Bags Systems?     

There are many advantages of these systems. The main advantage is the lack of labor involved with assembly and filling. The second advantage is the speed with which you can protect an area from flooding. The third would be the cost savings compared to any other flood protection product available.

How long does it take for delivery?

It depends on the size of the order, but typically it will take 5 to 7 business days delivered to your destination.

How are the sandbags emptied?  

Clean-up is quick with Big Bags USA protective flood barrier system.  They can be emptied either on-site or lifted individually by forklift or pay loader. The sandbags are dumped by placing individual sandbags into a pay-loader, lifting bucket 8-10 feet, tilting bucket forward until the sandbags turn upside down and falls top down.  The sandbags can then either be lifted off the sand pile or will need the bucket to push or pull it to loosen the sandbags from the sand pile. If the flood barrier will be re-used, then a staging location must be available for washing and drying the sandbags. If sandbags are to be destroyed, they can be incinerated as there are no toxic chemicals used in the manufacturing.

Recent Coffer Dam Project