Rapid Water-Filled Barriers For Temporary Isolation

GeoDam Specialists
Murlac GeoDams are flexible water-filled barriers used to retain, divert or isolate shallow water without constructing a conventional earth or sheet-pile cofferdam. The units are positioned empty, filled with water and arranged to create the required temporary working boundary.
Discuss Your GeoDam Requirements

Fast Temporary Water Control With Minimal Permanent Works

A GeoDam uses the weight of contained water to create a stable temporary barrier. The flexible geotextile unit conforms to the bed and can be installed across channels, around structures or in parallel arrangements where a wider barrier is required.

GeoDams are particularly useful where rapid installation, restricted access or short-duration works make a conventional cofferdam disproportionate. They are best suited to shallow water and relatively low differential pressure. Murlac can supply units for contractor installation where the site is suitable, or provide a complete installed service with pumps and associated water management.

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KEY PRODUCT FEATURES

Developed For Practical Site Use

Murlac GeoDams provide fast, flexible water control for shallow-water applications. Their water-filled design adapts to the site, can be installed with minimal groundwork and recovered for future use.

Rapid Deployment

Positioned empty and filled with water on site.

Flexible Bed Contact

Conforms to minor irregularities in the bed.

Modular Lengths

Multiple sections create longer or shaped barriers.

Water-Filled Stability

Contained water provides the required barrier weight.

Reusable System

Can be drained, inspected and redeployed.

Supply Or Installation

Available for guided self-installation or full installation with Murlac.
COMMON APPLICATIONS
Where Murlac GeoDams Are Used
Inflatable flood barrier across river by sluice gate
Shallow Watercourse Works

Temporarily isolate small channels, ditches and low-flow watercourses.

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Lake & Pond Margins

Create localised dry working areas around banks, structures and repairs.

Aerial view of canal with inflatable dam
Culverts & Outfalls

Control shallow water during headwall, apron and drainage works.

Inflatable river barrier beneath brick bridge
Emergency Water Control

Provide a rapidly deployable barrier for temporary containment or diversion.

How A Water-Filled GeoDam Works

The empty dam is laid along the proposed alignment and filled with water through the designated ports. As the unit fills, it rises and spreads across the bed, using its own mass to resist the water pressure. The flexible body accommodates minor irregularities and creates a broad contact area with the substrate.

The usable barrier height is lower than the nominal filled diameter. As a practical rule, GeoDams normally operate at approximately 75% of their nominal height. The selected unit must therefore allow sufficient freeboard above the expected retained water level.

Inflatable flood barriers in warehouse workshopImage
TYPICAL INSTALLATION SEQUENCE

Step One

Confirm the proposed alignment, water depth, retained level, bed condition and available footprint.
TYPICAL INSTALLATION SEQUENCE

Step Two

Select a nominal dam height that provides adequate operating height and freeboard.
TYPICAL INSTALLATION SEQUENCE

Step Three

Remove sharp debris and place protective underlay where the substrate could damage the fabric.
TYPICAL INSTALLATION SEQUENCE

Step Four

Lay the GeoDam flat along the alignment with the filling ports accessible.
TYPICAL INSTALLATION SEQUENCE

Step Five

Begin filling evenly, controlling the unit position as it rises and spreads.
TYPICAL INSTALLATION SEQUENCE

Step Six

Install additional units, overlaps or parallel dams where required by the layout.

TYPICAL INSTALLATION SEQUENCE

Step Seven

Pump down the isolated area gradually and inspect movement, leakage and freeboard.

TYPICAL INSTALLATION SEQUENCE

Step Eight

Drain, clean, recover and inspect the GeoDam after the works are complete.

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TECHNICAL INFORMATION

GeoDam Design, Setup & Operating Conditions

Technical Item Product Information
Manufacture Produced in Britain by Murlac.
Primary Material Heavy-duty geotextile with reinforced seams and filling ports.
Barrier Type Flexible water-filled temporary dam.
Operating Height Typically approximately 75% of nominal filled height.
Configuration Single, parallel or modular alignments depending on the site.
Filling Clean or suitable site water introduced through designated ports.
Bed Preparation Sharp debris removed; protective underlay may be required.
Design Status Normally supplied without project-specific temporary works design unless separately agreed.
Suitable Conditions Shallow water and low to moderate differential pressure, subject to site review.

Is A GeoDam Suitable For Your Project?

DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS
Provide the water depth, required barrier length, bed condition, expected flow and proposed working area. Murlac can recommend the nominal size and whether supply-only or installed delivery is appropriate.
Speak To Our GeoDam Team