Tournai Considers Norwegian Flood Barriers
Why this is here: The Hawaal barriers can be assembled by a team of six in one hour to create 100 meters of flood protection, making rapid deployment possible in emergency situations.
The city of Tournai, Belgium is considering purchasing Norwegian flood barriers called “Hawaal.” Representatives from the company demonstrated the system to officials this Tuesday.
The barriers have already gained traction in Norway, Spain, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The company is currently expanding into France and Belgium to promote its innovation. Tournai’s Prevention of Flooding official wants to acquire the system as part of the Walloon Region’s Flood Risk Management Plan.
The Hawaal barriers, available since 2018, consist of horizontal and vertical composite plates. They are easy to install, with 100 meters reportedly assembled by six people in one hour.
The system is self-stabilizing, using water pressure for stability without ground anchoring. A polyethylene membrane and stainless steel cable further secure the barriers.
The barriers cost 348 euros per linear meter for 90cm height or 438 euros for 120cm. The membrane costs 4 euros per meter and is replaced with each use. Tournai is leaning towards the 90cm model, and a 100-meter purchase would cost over 34,000 euros, potentially subsidized by the Walloon region.