How to build a sandbag barrier - and
why many communities are now choosing mobile flood barriers instead
Sandbags have been used for decades to protect buildings and infrastructure from rising flood water. They are widely available and can be effective in small-scale situations. Below is a simple guide to how sandbag barriers are typically built, followed by why many communities are now replacing them with faster, more flexible and reusable flood protection systems like the Haawal flood barrier.
Filling sandbags
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One person holds the bag open while another shovels sand into the bag.
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Bags should only be filled halfway to allow proper stacking and sealing.
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Expect to fill around 12 bags per hour.
Building a sandbag barrier
A sandbag barrier that is 60 cm high and one meter long requires about 80 filled bags. Pyramide shaped barriers are the most effective, and should be 3 times as wide as they are high.
A sandbag barrier should be built in layers. Every second layer should be built with the bags placed across the longitudinal direction of the barrier. Always place the first layer with the bags in the longitudinal direction.
Try shaping the bags into rectangles before placing them.
The barrier can advantageously be covered with plastic to improve its watertightness, especially in cases where it needs to remain in place for extended periods.
Drawbacks of sandbag barriers
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Time-consuming: Filling and placing bags requires significant manual labor.
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High leakage: Even well-placed sandbags allow water through.
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Difficult cleanup: Used sandbags are heavy, messy, and often need special disposal after a flood.
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Not reusable: Most sandbags cannot be used again, especially after contamination.
A faster and more flexible alternative: The Haawal flood barrier
Many communities are now choosing modern mobile systems that are quicker, more flexible, and reusable. The Haawal flood barrier is a patented solution designed for rapid response and uneven terrain. Our real-life case studies show how municipalities and emergency teams have used Haawal to protect homes, prevent damage, and secure entire areas during extreme weather events.
Why municipalities and businesses choose Haawal instead of sandbags
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Fast setup: Four people can set up 100 meters of Haawal barrier in one hour.
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Adapts to uneven ground: Our system handles slopes, curbs, and varied terrain better than traditional alternatives.
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Reusable & sustainable: After the flood, the barrier is simply cleaned, packed, and stored — ready for next time.
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Proven performance: Tested in real flood situations to ensure reliable protection when it matters most.