The Rapid H2o adheres to ASTM E1996 standards.

Evaluating RAPID H2o's Resilience Against Severe Weather and Flooding

Dear Readers, This newsletter article highlights the resilience of RAPID H2o and its successful performance in simulated flood and hurricane conditions, emphasizing its potential benefits for communities at risk of natural disasters.

Continuing our commitment to innovation and safety in flood protection systems, we are pleased to present the outcomes of extensive testing conducted on the RAPID H2o barrier. Engineered to endure the toughest conditions, RAPID H2o underwent rigorous evaluation to assess its resilience and effectiveness in severe weather and flood situations.

ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, develops a wide range of standards that are utilized globally across various industries.

ASTM code is made up of the standards that have been developed by committees within ASTM. These standards are designed to improve both the safety and quality of products intended for consumer and industrial use.

The types of standards ASTM develops include:

1. Test Methods: These standards describe procedures for conducting tests and measurements to assess the properties and performance of materials and products. They provide the technical details needed to ensure tests are conducted consistently and accurately.
2. Specifications: These standards set forth the requirements that materials, products, systems, or services must meet. Specifications detail the necessary physical, mechanical, chemical, or other properties to ensure proper performance and quality.
3. Guides: These provide information and guidance on specific subjects, but do not prescribe mandatory requirements. Guides offer best practices, recommendations, and considerations for specific processes or applications.
4. Practices: These outline the procedures for performing specific tasks or operations. Practices often provide a sequence of steps or guidelines to follow in particular scenarios, such as sampling, testing, and installation procedures.
5. Classifications: These standards categorize materials, products, systems, or services based on shared characteristics or criteria. Classifications help in the identification and comparison of similar items.
6. Terminology: These standards provide standardized definitions of terms used within particular fields or industries. Terminology standards ensure that all stakeholders have a common understanding of key terms and concepts.
7. Guides for Use: These offer guidance on the application or implementation of other standards. They help users understand how to properly use and comply with specific standards.

By developing these types of standards, ASTM International supports industry efficiency, safety, and innovation across a wide range of sectors, including construction, materials science, environmental protection, consumer products, energy, and many others.

Test #1 – Barrier Flood Debris Impact:

During the first phase of testing, RAPID H2o was submerged in water up to 25 inches deep, simulating flood conditions. A robust 9-inch diameter, 6-foot long pressure-treated wooden piling, weighing approximately 110 pounds, was propelled at a velocity of about 7 feet per second to impact the flooded side of the barrier.

• RAPID H2o demonstrated remarkable elasticity, promptly returning to its original shape following impact.
• There was no penetration or permanent deformation observed, highlighting its structural integrity.
• Despite minimal volume loss due to internal sloshing, the barrier maintained its functionality without any lateral displacement or overturning.
• Crucially, the hinges and joining mechanisms between the barrier sections remained fully operational and unaffected by the impact.

– Hurricane Missile Impact, Level D:

Missile Level D, known for its capability to withstand large missile impacts, is utilized primarily in wind zones 1 and 2 to provide basic protection, although it is not extensively common. This level of resilience is crucial, as it effectively guards against the most powerful hurricanes, ensuring robust structural integrity under severe conditions.

In the subsequent phase, a focused evaluation on RAPID H2o's ability to withstand large missile impacts akin to those in severe hurricanes was conducted. Specifically, the center cell of the barrier was subjected to Level D impacts, adhering to ASTM E1996 standards. This rigorous testing involved assessing the barrier's response to a 9-pound 2x4 lumber projectile traveling at speeds of approximately 50 feet per second (about 34 mph).

Initial observations indicate that RAPID H2o continues to showcase its robustness and reliability in high-stress environments, further underscoring its suitability for areas prone to extreme weather events.

The Rapid H2o Global team, remains committed to advancing flood protection solutions that not only meet but exceed industry standards. The ongoing success of RAPID H2o in these tests reinforces our dedication to ensuring the safety and resilience of communities and infrastructure against the unpredictability of natural disasters.

Stay tuned for more updates on RAPID H2o's performance and our continued efforts to innovate in flood protection technology.

Warm regards,

Tucker J Mendoza

SpillWarrior