Rapid Barriers vs. Sandbags
If you don’t use Rapid Barriers, just how many sandbags and pounds of sand will you need to construct your own barrier?
Check out our link to vCalc LLC and the article written by Dr.Kenneth Hellevang or use the table below.
Rapid Barrier vs. Sandbags
| Type of Singe Rapid Barrier | Maximum Height | Corresponding Number of Sandbags | Weight of Sand |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12.5 ft | 12" | 75 | 2,625 lbs. |
| 50 ft | 12" | 300 | 10,500 lbs. |
| 100 ft | 12" | 600 | 21,000 lbs. |
| 25 ft | 20" | 375 | 13,125 lbs. |
| 50ft | 20" | 750 | 26,250 lbs. |
Rapid Barrier vs. Sandbags - 3-stacked (Pyramid Formation)
| Type of Stacked Rapid Barriers | Maximum Formation Height | Corresponding Number of Sandbags | Weight of Sand |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12.5 ft | 24" | 262 | 9,170 lbs. |
| 50 ft | 24" | 1,050 | 36,750 lbs. |
| 100 ft | 24" | 2,100 | 73,500 lbs. |
| 25 ft | 40" | 1,375 | 48,125 lbs. |
| 50ft | 40" | 2,750 | 96,250 lbs. |
- 2 barriers laid side by side – ratio is 10/3. Comparable to a sandbag dike with a ratio of 3/1 or 9/3 width/height although in many circumstances a backup barrier is not needed.
- RBS barriers feature side straps which can be used to further secure the barriers.
- Estimated weight of a sandbag is 35 pounds.
Open Water Storage System
Open Water storage system is the most economical way to store water. Pictured: Two 25 ft x 20 in. barriers with one large tarp stores over 14,000 litres of water (combined with water inside the barriers).
L" shaped open water storage
| Barrier Height | 12" | 20" |
| Barrier Length | 12.5 ft | 25 ft |
| Configuration (Suggested) | 7.5 ft x 5 ft | 15 ft x 10 ft |
| Volume cu ft/US gal | 37.5 cu ft/1,061 litres | 250 cu ft/7,075 litres |
| Inside Each Barrier | 640 litres | 7,080 litres |
| Total Litres | 2,341 | 14,155 |
| Total US Gallons | 579 | 3,501 |
Helpful Hints
- Barriers will perform better if there is more contact with the surface area; if water levels are expected to be below the maximum height of the barrier, fill the barrier to a reduced height: for example,
expected water height – 6 inches, fill the 12″ barrier to 8-10 inches. - In a hurry to set up barriers? You can use air from a leaf blower, shop vac, even a hair dryer (heat off) to quickly set up a barrier prior to filling with water; be sure to let the air out as the barrier rises from inflowing water.
- Opening the drain valves will quickly release most of the water, but to get the residual water out you can roll up the barrier, use a pump and even use a shop vac with the hose duck taped to a smaller diameter pipe inserted into the barrier.
- Store the barriers in a cool dry place; roll them up to avoid creases from folding and use the black plastic caps (standard equipment) to thread onto the ports to protect the port threads from damaging the rolled barriers.