One familiar method used to build or augment dikes, particularly for temporary or emergency measures, involves the use of sandbags.
Building or Augmenting Dikes with Sandbags
Based on familiar methods, dikes can be constructed or reinforced using readily available materials. The most commonly recognized material for this purpose is the sandbag.
The Sandbag Method
This technique involves a straightforward process:
- Filling: People will fill cloth bags with sand.
- Piling: These filled sandbags are then piled along a river bank or lake shore.
This creates a barrier designed to contain or redirect water.
Why Sandbags Are Effective
Sandbags are effective in building or augmenting dikes for several reasons:
- Water Absorption: The combination of the cloth bag and the sand inside helps to absorb water, significantly reducing the amount that can pass through the barrier.
- Weight and Stability: Sandbags are very heavy and usually stay in place, providing a stable structure against the force of water.
- Flexibility: Sandbags can be easily stacked and arranged to fit the contours of the shoreline, allowing for quick deployment in various situations.
By filling and carefully piling sandbags, communities can quickly construct or reinforce dikes to help protect areas from rising water levels.
