Many people still use sandbags to combat serious flooding, but the simple calculation below illustrates the superior cost/benefit ratio of the NoFloods system – challenging the rationale behind the sandbag tradition.
While sandbags have been a traditional method for flood protection, the Flood Barrier system offers significant advantages in terms of cost-effectiveness and efficiency. Here’s a comparison that highlights the benefits of the Flood Barrier system over sandbags:
Cost/Benefit Ratio:
- Flood Barriers: The Flood Barrier system provides a superior cost/benefit ratio compared to sandbags. It requires fewer personnel and less time to set up compared to filling and stacking sandbags. While the initial investment in Flood Barriers might be higher, the long-term savings in labour, time, and effectiveness make it a more economically viable solution.
- Sandbags: Using sandbags can be physically demanding, labour-intensive, and time-consuming. The need for a large workforce to fill, transport, and stack sandbags adds to the costs. It also requires proper techniques to ensure stability and effectiveness. Additionally, sandbags are often single-use items and require proper disposal after use.
Reusability and Storage:
- Flood Barriers: The Flood Barrier system is reusable and can be easily stored when not in use. It doesn’t deteriorate after exposure to water, making it a long-lasting investment.
- Sandbags: Sandbags are generally single-use items and may not hold up well after exposure to water. They can become waterlogged and less effective over time.
Overall Effectiveness:
- Flood Barriers: The Flood Barrier system provides consistent flood protection with its stable structure, even water distribution, and high resistance to sliding. Its modular design allows for customization to suit various flood scenarios.
- Sandbags: Sandbags’ effectiveness can vary based on factors such as proper filling, stacking, and placement. They might not provide reliable protection, especially during severe flooding.
In summary, while sandbags have been a traditional approach to flood protection, the NoFloods Flood Barrier system offers a more efficient, cost-effective, and reliable solution. Its advantages in terms of ease of deployment, cost savings, reusability, and overall effectiveness challenge the rationale behind relying solely on sandbags for flood protection.
NoFloods Twin Tube PRO 125 vs. sandbags – protective height 80 cm:
| 1 m Flood Barrier vs. 1 m sandbags | NoFloods 1 | Sandbags 2 | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Cost: | 65 - 150 € + clean-up/ removal 3 | 586 € + clean-up/ removal 3 |
In short – the Flood Barrier:
- Fights water with water – the threat of water used as a resource
- can be used again and again, sandbags are typically single-use – total costs decrease dramatically over time
- uses only 0.5% of resources normally used – 4 men can lay out 1 km NoFloods in 4 hours, requiring 2,000 men to do the same with sandbags
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1 Price per meter based on purchase price. Subscription is also possible, please see note 4. Price calculated as average per meter including tubes and Junctions, the interval reflecting different scenarios. The Flood Barrier usually requires only 0.5% of the resources necessary for laying 1,000 m sandbags – 4 men can lay out 1,000 m NoFloods in 4 hours. Calculation: 1 m NoFloods tubes: 0.03 deployment-hours / 53 € * 1,000 meters.
2 Calculation for the laying out of sandbags: 142 pcs. bags * 0,53€ + 6.9 hours * 53 € + 2.5 m3 of gravel * 26 € + 0.25 a lorry in 322 € / hour (+Buckets, plastic etc.).
3 Disposal costs not included. Removing Flood Barriers is estimated at 0.7% of the cost of removing sandbags. Sandbags are typically single-use – NoFloods Terminals/Junctions can be reused again and again, and damaged tubes recycled.
4 The NoFloods Resilience Centre (NFRC) offers possibilities for subscription-based access to the material. Purchasing the material, although advantageous, is not strictly necessary.