Beluga 5-Compartment Flood Control Barrier

• Model: BG-5
• Product Type: Connected five-compartment FIBC flood barrier
• Number of Compartments: Five
• Filled Dimensions: Approximately 15' L × 3' D × 40" H
• Protection Height: Up to approximately 40"
• Empty Weight: Approximately 50 lb
• Fill Capacity: Approximately 150 cubic feet total
• Fill Capacity per Compartment: Approximately 30 cubic feet
• Safe Working Load: 4,500 lb per compartment
• Total Safe Working Load: 22,500 lb per five-compartment barrier
• Typical Filled Weight: Approximately 13,150 lb, depending on fill material
• Traditional Sandbag Equivalent: Approximately 750 sandbags
• Fill Material: Sand, gravel or other suitable aggregate
• Material: 100% polypropylene
• Coated Surface: 5.6 oz coated polypropylene fabric on one side
• Permeable Surfaces: 5.0 oz uncoated polypropylene fabric on the remaining sides to allow slow drainage
• UV Protection: Rated for 2,200 hours
• Lifting Straps: Four heavy-duty double-loop straps per compartment
• Total Lifting Straps: 20 per BG-5 barrier
• Strap Size: Approximately 2" × 10"
• Shipping and Storage: Ships flat
• Surface Compatibility: Concrete, asphalt, sand, grass, mud and other suitable surfaces
• Recycling Identification: Resin Identification Code 5 / PP
• NAICS Code: 314910
• Engineered Stacking: Multiple barriers may be stacked to approximately 9 feet with engineering approval

Filled weight depends on the selected material and moisture content. Do not exceed the stated safe working load.

BEFORE DEPLOYMENT

1. Evaluate the anticipated water direction, depth, flow velocity and debris exposure.
2. Measure the required protection length and determine the number of BG-5 barriers needed.
3. Identify any corners, elevation changes, gaps or areas requiring individual BG-1 bags.
4. Arrange a suitable source of sand, gravel or other approved fill material.
5. Arrange appropriate filling and material-handling equipment.
6. Clear sharp objects, large debris and hazards from the deployment path.
7. Establish a plan for handling or removing the fill material after the flood threat has passed.

INSTALLATION

1. Deliver the flattened BG-5 barrier to the deployment area before filling.
2. Position the barrier along the planned flood-protection line.
3. Expand the five connected compartments fully in a concertina-style arrangement.
4. Orient the coated side toward the anticipated water source when required by the installation plan.
5. Hold the first compartment open using appropriate filling equipment or a safe support method.
6. Add fill material gradually and distribute it evenly within the compartment.
7. Repeat the process for each of the remaining compartments.
8. Fill all compartments consistently to maintain the barrier’s intended shape, height and stability.
9. Position additional BG-5 units tightly against one another to extend the protection line.
10. Use individual BG-1 bags where targeted reinforcement or gap filling is required.
11. Inspect the complete barrier for gaps, incomplete filling or unstable placement before floodwater arrives.
12. Monitor the system throughout the flood event for settlement, erosion, overtopping or displacement.

STACKED INSTALLATIONS

Multiple Beluga barriers may be stacked to construct walls up to approximately 9 feet high, but any stacked configuration requires engineering design and approval. Do not stack filled barriers without considering foundation conditions, water pressure, setbacks, bag placement and structural stability.

AFTER USE

1. Wait until floodwater has receded and site conditions are safe.
2. Inspect the fill material for possible contamination.
3. Use properly rated equipment to remove, relocate or empty the barriers.
4. Follow applicable environmental and disposal requirements.
5. Do not attempt to move a filled BG-5 manually.

A filled BG-5 may weigh more than 13,000 pounds, depending on the fill material and moisture content. Filling, lifting and removal should be performed by trained personnel using properly rated equipment.

WHAT IS THE BG-5?

The BG-5 is one continuous Beluga barrier divided into five connected fillable compartments. It creates approximately 15 feet of flood protection when expanded and filled.

HOW LARGE IS IT WHEN FILLED?

A filled BG-5 measures approximately 15 feet long by 3 feet deep by 40 inches high.

HOW MANY SANDBAGS DOES ONE BG-5 REPLACE?

One BG-5 replaces approximately 750 traditional sandbags, depending on the sandbag size and wall-construction method being compared.

HOW MUCH FILL MATERIAL DOES IT REQUIRE?

The complete five-compartment barrier holds approximately 150 cubic feet of fill, or approximately 30 cubic feet per compartment.

WHAT CAN BE USED TO FILL IT?

The barrier may be filled with sand, gravel or another suitable aggregate. The material should be selected based on availability, weight, drainage, equipment and site conditions.

DOES IT SHIP FILLED?

No. The BG-5 ships flat and empty. Fill material and filling equipment must be provided at the deployment site.

HOW MUCH DOES IT WEIGH?

The complete empty barrier weighs approximately 50 pounds. A typical sand-filled unit may weigh approximately 13,150 pounds, although actual weight depends on the selected fill and its moisture content.

WHAT IS THE SAFE WORKING LOAD?

Each compartment has a stated safe working load of 4,500 pounds, for a combined safe working load of 22,500 pounds across all five compartments.

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED?

Appropriate material-handling equipment is required to open, support and fill the compartments. Depending on the project, this may include a loader, excavator, hopper, filling frame or similar equipment.

CAN MULTIPLE BG-5 BARRIERS BE CONNECTED?

Multiple units can be positioned end to end to create longer protection lines. The adjoining ends must be placed carefully to minimize gaps and maintain a continuous barrier.

HOW DOES THE BG-1 DIFFER FROM THE BG-5?

The BG-1 is one individual 3-foot-wide bag suited to targeted placement, reinforcement and gap filling. The BG-5 connects five compartments into a continuous 15-foot barrier and is generally better for long flood-protection runs.

CAN THE BG-5 BE STACKED?

Beluga barriers can be incorporated into stacked walls reaching approximately 9 feet high, but engineering design and approval are required. Do not stack filled barriers without a site-specific plan.

WHAT SURFACES CAN IT BE USED ON?

The ground-conforming design can be deployed on suitable concrete, asphalt, sand, grass, mud and similar surfaces. Inspect the site for sharp objects, unstable soil, erosion risks and significant irregularities before deployment.

IS THE BG-5 WATERPROOF?

The barrier incorporates coated and uncoated polypropylene surfaces. The coated side provides water resistance, while the permeable surfaces allow slow drainage. It should not be described as a completely waterproof container.

CAN THE FILL MATERIAL BE REUSED?

Uncontaminated sand or aggregate may be reusable depending on local requirements. Material exposed to floodwater may contain sewage, chemicals or other contaminants and should be evaluated before reuse or disposal.

CAN THE BARRIER BE REUSED?

Potential reuse depends on how the barrier was filled, lifted, emptied and exposed during deployment. Inspect the fabric, seams and lifting straps before considering reuse, and do not reuse a damaged barrier.