What is a Rubber Dam?

A Rubber Dam is a highly efficient water controlling structure, which significantly out performs conventional steel gate systems. It comprises of a rubber-coated fabric bladder, which is permanently clamped to a reinforced concrete foundation. The bladder is either inflated by air or water, which in turn impounds and controls water flow. It is lowered by releasing the air or water from inside of the bladder.

Applications

Rubber Dams can be used in a number of different applications, including but not limited to: Hydroelectric Power, Irrigation, Flood Control, Water Supply, Water Cooling, Separation of Fresh and Sea Water, Navigation Channels, Recreational, Ground Water Recharging and Urban Regeneration.

How does an Arcon AquaPro Rubber Dam
compare to conventional alternatives?
Rubber Dam Steel Gate Obermeyer Gate
Low installation, operating and maintenance costs
Simple and quick to install
Simple to operate, maintain and repair
Manual and automatic operation
NO generalized ice risks
Does NOT require multiple air connections
Does NOT require a high pressure compressor
Does NOT require motor driven mechanical equipment
Does NOT require stiffeners for stability of high sections
Does NOT require accurate foundation tolerances
Does NOT require vertical side walls
Does NOT suffer from leaking seals between sections
Does NOT require sub-structures
Does NOT disrupt flow
Precise control of upstream headwater
Operates well with high downstream water levels
Good impact resistance
Absorbs shock & vibration
Corrosion resistant
No lubrication of moving parts
No painting of steel parts
Lifting equipment not required
Reliable failsafe device in case of power failure
Non-intrusive structure
Installed on flat foundations
Installed on ogee crests