How does a WIPP™ Unit Work?

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Three components interact together to stabilize the WIPP™ water inflated cofferdam:

INTERNAL BAFFLE SYSTEM - The patented internal baffle(s) lock(s) into place when the barrier is exposed to uneven hydrostatic pressure on one side.

FREEBOARD (amount of inflated barrier above surrounding water level) - A minimum of at least 25% freeboard is required in all WIPP™ installations. Freeboard requirements may increase if the barrier is exposed or has the potential to being exposed to high water velocities (3 feet or more per second), slick soil conditions and other relevant hydrostatic conditions.

SURFACE FRICTION - WIPP™ also require surface friction to stabilize when exposed to uneven hydrostatic pressures. Barriers that are exposed to weak soils and/or slick conditions may require additional freeboard.