Frequently Asked Questions About Big Bags USA®
Big Bags USA® flood barriers are an innovative alternative to traditional sandbags. When people are so used to using sandbags for their flood protection needs, a new product is sure to pose a lot of questions. Today's blog answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Big Bags USA®:
1. What are the advantages of the Big Bags USA® systems?
There are many advantages of these systems. The main advantage is the lack of labor involved with assembly and filling. The second advantage is the speed with which you can protect an area from flooding. The third would be the cost savings compared to any other flood protection product available.
2. Are the Big Bags USA® sandbags water-proof?
The ‘water-side’ of the sandbags are coated with a water-proof resin so water does not enter the sandbags. If water did enter the flood barrier from the top, the sides and bottom are not coated to allow water to flow out of the sandbags and prevent sand from being washed out. If water does not enter the flood barrier, then the sand is uncontaminated and re-usable.
3. What is the best way to fill the sandbags?
Big Bags USA® flood barrier systems are easily filled to top or near top of bags height. There are no additional ‘techniques or requirements’ to fill the sandbags. The flood barrier can be filled with a loader, excavator, crane and bucket or a cement mixer. The front loader is the favored option for speed and efficiency of filling.
4. How do multiple Big Bags USA® systems connect?
Each 15ft. long/5-bag sandbags system connects to the next system with ¾ to 1 inch wood screws inserted on-site once the flood barrier systems are opened and prior to filling. The screws are only to hold each sandbags system to the next as they are being filled.
5. Where can the Big Bags USA® barrier system effectively be used?
The systems can effectively be used almost anywhere. The flexible design of no rigid bottom structure allows the Big Bags USA® sandbags to conform to any sub-surface, making a water-tight seal without the need for leveling or trenching. Thus, wherever a protective flood barrier is needed, tops of levees, in the streets, surrounding a building, sides of hills, over sewers, Big Bags USA® sandbags can adapt to the topography.
6. Can Big Bags USA® be placed on top of levees?
Yes, the Big Bags USA® system can easily be used for levee heightening. Keep in mind that for every layer you will stack up, you want an extra layer on the bottom, similar to a pyramid. This gives you the best defense where the most water pressure will be located.
7. Can the Big Bags USA® protective flood barrier be placed around corners?
Yes, the Big Bags USA® flood barriers can be placed at any angle required. Making sure systems are ‘snugged’ up against each other prior to filling, a water-tight seal is created. Encircling an area, equipment, or buildings is a strategic way to utilize the flood barrier system if flood waters cannot be stopped or diverted in a given area.
8. What does a deployment team consist of?
A typical deployment team would be six men: a 2-man system set-up (placing and opening systems on-site in flood control location),a system connector (man with screw-gun following set-up crew, connecting systems before filling), a truck operator (carrying sand), a pay loader operator (takes sand from truck and dumps into bags), and a system fill guide (works with pay loader operator to guide shovel over bags for filling). Flood barrier systems can be set up in 2 minutes and filled in the same amount of time; thus within 10 minutes, a 5-bag system can be set-up and filled in position, which is the equivalent of 675 sandbags.
9. How much does a single 5-bag system weigh?
Empty, each sandbags system weighs 50 lbs, which is within the safe handling guidelines for one person. Filled, each sandbags system weighs 15,000 lbs (7.5 tons), with 5 cubic yards of sand total.
10. What is the life-span of the Big Bags USA® protective flood barrier system?
Big Bags USA® has a life span of 25 years when stored inside. Big Bags USA® flood barriers can have a life of up to 4 years when deployed, depending on conditions. Direct sunlight over extended time will weaken the polypropylene material. If the sandbags show signs of weakening after extended time under sunlight when lifted by straps, then the sandbags should be lifted by loader shovel from beneath for removal.
11. How long does it take for delivery of the Big Bags USA® system?
It depends on the size of the order, but typically it will take 5 to 7 business days delivered to your destination.
12. How are the Big Bags USA® sandbags emptied?
Clean-up is quick with the Big Bags USA® protective flood barrier system. The sandbags can be emptied either on-site or lifted individually by forklift or pay loader. The sandbags are dumped by placing individual sandbags into a pay-loader, lifting bucket 8-10 feet, tilting bucket forward until the sandbags turn upside down and falls top down. The sandbags can then either be lifted off the sand pile or will need the bucket to push or pull it to loosen the sandbags from the sand pile. If the flood barrier will be re-used, then a staging location must be available for washing and drying the sandbags. If sandbags are to be destroyed, they can be incinerated as there are no toxic chemicals used in the manufacturing.
13. Can the sandbags system be re-used?
Yes, re-use of Big Bags USA® flood barrier can continue if emptied without damage, washed and stored properly. Additional wood u-frames maybe required to be inserted as they may be destroyed during the emptying of the sand from the sandbags.
For any other questions you may have about the Big Bags USA® flood barrier system, give us a call at 1-800-337-0537. Big Bags USA® is the fastest deployed barrier anywhere, and we're here to help you with your flood mitigation needs, construction barrier needs and more!
MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN
MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN
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