Flood Wall Product Information

The design, engineering,  fabrication and delivery of a flood wall system can be achieved in a short few weeks for smaller projects, and several months for larger-scale projects. However, as with any construction project, the amount of time it takes to intall and pour the reinforced foundation required for the wall depends on the size and complexity of the project.

The IFCW™ is easily erected in a relatively short amount of time. Man-hours can be calculated by multiplying the square footage (height x width) and dividing by 200.

For example, a 200-foot wide by 8-foot high wall would take 8 man-hours to erect. With two workers this wall can be fully erected in 4 hours.

On smaller, or more difficult sites, unit production may be slower. In such cases, erection time may be calculated by dividing the square footage by 100 or 150. FCA has observed that the first installation takes the longest, while subsequent installs go more and more quickly

The lightweight aluminum planks which comprise the IFCW™ are available in any length, however 20-feet is the recommended length.

Since the IFCW™ is stored with its aluminum planks stacked neatly on top of each other – with the parting supports stacked on top of them – the required storage space is minimal.

The planks in the photo are 10-feet long, and make up a wall that is 90-feet wide and 4-feet high. Obviously, the storage room required (5’ x 5’ x 10’) for this wall is negligible.

The system is comprised of three main components: the foundation with embeds, the galvanized steel posts and clamps, and the aluminum planks.

Foundation Life: FCA encourages all clients to retain a local foundation designer who is familiar with local soil and environmental conditions, who can then design a foundation that fits the desired life span of the system, from 50 years to 100 years or longer.

Galvanized Steel Components: The amount of galvanization applied to the steel components determines how long the steel will last. The simple graph below displays how long galvanized steel lasts in various environments while constantly exposed. NOTE: Keep in mind that IFCW™ components are stored over 99% of the time and will therefore break down much more slowly than this graph shows.

Flood barrier wall life span
Aluminum Planks: According to our aluminum extruder, our planks can last 100-200 years depending upon the environment. Again, however, this is based upon constant environmental exposure, while the IFCW™ will only be exposed 1% or less of the time. This drives the hypothetical life span of our product into several hundred years.

Rubber Gaskets: The gaskets that FCA uses to seal the system are made of the same material used in window glazing treatments, and typically should last at least 50 years. However, we automatically ship a 10% surplus of gasket material with every order, in case of damage due to wear and tear.

100-Year Supplier: FCA is an American company that uses suppliers based exclusively in the United States. If any component is damaged or stolen, FCA will be able to provide replacement parts in perpetuity. Unlike competing, foreign products, whose components are typically manufactured across broad geographical and political regions, FCA’s components will never be subject to levies or sanctions based on shifting diplomatic relations with the U.S., which can result in long lag time and huge price increases on replacement parts. We are 100% American, and can quickly provide replacement components to our clients.

Absolutely. The truth is, earth levees are constantly in danger from burrowing rodents and tunneling snakes as well as considerable erosion during flood times, both of which require vigilant observation and upkeep. Similarly, concrete walls are vulnerable to the destructive forces of freeze and thaw, settling, and the expensive and annoying plague of vandalism and graffiti.

Since the IFCW™ remains stored securely away when it isn’t being used, it is subject to none of the dangers that affect traditional flood control systems.