overtopping, with the response of the structure to each test mode evaluated. Using this
STP, a variety of expedient structures may be tested under the same set of controlled
conditions. The results of the tests will allow the end user to determine applicability,
benefits, and product performance for various situations.
In addition to performance factors, several operational factors will be measured and
recorded. Included in the operational factors are man-hours required to construct and
remove the test structure, special equipment or tools required, fill materials (if any),
structure footprint, and suitability for construction by untrained labor. Suitability of the
structure for use on uneven or sloping ground, different types of substrate, and with bends
or curves will be considered.
2.0 Classes of Expedient Structures
The range and diversity of products used or intended for expedient flood-fighting is quite
large. Products can be classified several ways. We have chosen to categorize these
products into three major types:
A) Permanent
B) Semi-permanent
C) Temporary
Because of the size and high cost associated with modeling permanent and semi-
permanent flood fighting systems, only temporary flood fighting devices will be tested
under this program. The Temporary Structures may be further classified as:
C-i
Commercially available products that are complete flood fighting systems in
and of themselves (e.g.: water-filled, air-filled, soil-and-sand-filled bladders,
cells, or geo-textiles; Jersey Barriers; steel and concrete foldable barriers).
C-ii
Systems that are composed of readily available materials without a single
sponsor marketing and selling the complete systems (e.g.: sand bags, mud
boxes, fabric fold-back walls, plywood or planking flashboards with or
without earth backing).
It may be difficult to identify a sponsor for type "C-ii", classified systems since no one
company may market the complete systems. However, if the method is assigned a high