Bergtec’s Custom Demountable Flood Barriers for the Holy City of Lourdes
Challenge: Safeguarding Historical Landmarks on Complex Terrain
The project faced multiple challenges due to Lourdes’ historic significance and uneven ground conditions:
- High Flood Risk in a Public Urban Zone: Lourdes’ central location near the Gave de Pau River made it vulnerable to large-scale flooding, necessitating a robust flood defence system.
- Complex Terrain and Structural Constraints: Irregular ground levels and historic stone buildings required customised, reinforced foundations and specialised fixation standards.
- Strict Preservation Standards: The city’s religious monuments are protected under stringent architectural regulations, demanding an aesthetic, non-invasive flood barrier solution.
These factors required an adaptable, resilient flood protection solution that could be deployed quickly and meet the site’s architectural and structural requirements.
Solution: Bergtec’s Custom-Engineered, Demountable Flood Barrier System
Bergtec designed and implemented a tailored flood defence system for Lourdes that combined high-performance materials with specialised engineering techniques. Key components of the solution included:
- Custom Demountable Flood Barriers: Over 400 metres of flood defences, including barriers, watertight high-pressure covers, and stop-logs, were custom-designed to withstand a maximum water head of 2.00 metres.
- Precision Engineering for Uneven Terrain: Using excavated and poured staircase-like foundations, intermediate posts were carefully installed to align with ground variations, ensuring stability and seamless integration with the landscape.
- Durable, Corrosion-Resistant Materials: The barriers were manufactured from marine-grade aluminium alloys, assembled with TIG/MIG welding, and backed by a 20-year warranty against corrosion, ensuring long-lasting protection.
- Specialised Fixations for Preservation Compliance: Customised fixation standards were applied to safeguard the historical monuments without impacting their integrity, meeting architectural preservation requirements.
- Optimised Handling and Installation: Custom mobile trolleys were designed for safe, efficient handling and storage of all flood barrier components, facilitating smooth deployment in the urban public zone.
- Comprehensive Technical Documentation and Testing: Detailed stress calculations and technical notes were provided for the anchoring posts and base plates. Installation testing verified that all equipment met contractual conditions, with ongoing support from Bergtec’s project management team.
Bergtec’s flood barrier system provided Lourdes with a discreet, robust, and compliant flood defence solution, designed specifically for this culturally significant site.
Project Highlights in Pictures
Results and Impact
Enhanced Flood Protection for Lourdes’ Historic Centre
Bergtec’s demountable flood barriers provided Lourdes with a reliable flood defence system, ensuring the preservation and protection of the city’s monuments and infrastructure:
- Effective Flood Defence Across 400 Metres: The barriers isolate critical areas from the river’s overflow, safeguarding religious and historic sites while allowing easy removal when not needed.
- Preserved Aesthetic and Architectural Integrity: Bergtec’s solutions blended seamlessly with the city’s historic structures, protecting without disrupting their visual appeal or structural integrity.
- Durable, Low-Maintenance Solution: Marine-grade aluminium components ensure long-lasting protection with minimal maintenance, supporting the city’s flood resilience.
This project demonstrates Bergtec’s capability in providing tailored flood protection for high-risk, heritage sites, reinforcing Lourdes’ infrastructure resilience while respecting its cultural heritage.
Bergtec specialises in customised flood protection solutions for complex and sensitive environments. Discover how our demountable flood barriers can safeguard your critical infrastructure and heritage sites. Visit our Flood Barrier Solutions or contact us for a bespoke consultation.