Rubber dams are long tubular-shaped rubber fabric placed across channels, streams and weir crests to raise the upstream water level when inflated. The membrane is a multi-layer fabric made of synthetic fibre which may be rubberised on one or both sides, and possibly coated with plastic film. The fabric is quite flexible and yet exhibits very large resistance characteristics.

The inflatable flexible membrane dams were developed in the early 1950s. In open channels, they are used to divert water for irrigation, for raising existing dams, for flood controls. Other applications include prevention of dam over topping and control of chemical spills in streams. Inflatable dams can be filled with water, air or both. The present trend suggests an increased use of air-filled membranes because they can be deflated or inflated more rapidly, and they are not affected so much by freezing conditions. Common dimensions cover  lengths of about 100 M with specially-made membranes up to 200-m wide, dam heights usually less than 5-m but some designs might be up to 10-m high. The membrane is usually deflated for large overflows.

 

 

● Low cost compared to other controllable gates

● Low environmental impact

● Long service life

● Very low maintenance

● Simple construction and installation on new or existing foundation

● Excellent operational features in icy conditions

● Safe deflation under any conditions

● Ability to control water levels