safety fencing for flood control channel
safety fencing for flood control channel
(OP)
I am designing improvements for a flood control channel through a partially urbanized area. The existing earth channel right of way is partially fenced along one side. The new design calls for stacked gabion bank lining in certain areas (near rectangular section), drop structures in the channel, other portions of the channel are trapezoidal with earth or gabion banks. Side slopes range from 2H:1V to 3H:1V. Typical channel depth is 5 - 7 feet with at least one area near a box culvert outlet having 11 foot stacked gabion banks.
Both the sloped and stacked gabion banks will prevent a safety concern for pedestrians using the multi use trail/access road along the edges. Low water crossings at two locations will allow access to the channel, even if it is fenced.
There has been considerable discussion on whether to fence the right of way, put fence or railing along the edge of the channel - or not to bother since there is no way to keep people out of the channel. Either way, the owner is liable if somebody gets injured or drowns.
Any opinions or suggestions on how to reduce the owners (and designers) liability in this regard are welcomed.
Both the sloped and stacked gabion banks will prevent a safety concern for pedestrians using the multi use trail/access road along the edges. Low water crossings at two locations will allow access to the channel, even if it is fenced.
There has been considerable discussion on whether to fence the right of way, put fence or railing along the edge of the channel - or not to bother since there is no way to keep people out of the channel. Either way, the owner is liable if somebody gets injured or drowns.
Any opinions or suggestions on how to reduce the owners (and designers) liability in this regard are welcomed.





RE: safety fencing for flood control channel
Of course morons may always jump a fence, but if you do not excercise due dilligence in using commonly accepted preventive methods, you may be condsidered liable when a moron falls into the channel and drowns in 4" of water.
Consult with town/city attorney on fencing and appropiate signage. Consult your local building code for barrier requirements.
Best of Luck....
Clifford H Laubstein
FL Registered PE 58662
RE: safety fencing for flood control channel
RE: safety fencing for flood control channel
RE: safety fencing for flood control channel
RE: safety fencing for flood control channel
Another consideration if the problem is really a dangerous one, is to pipe it, and place inlets.
This is why urban roads have curb and gutter and we use inlets, otherwise we would'nt need them, RIGHT!!!