NL2024558B1 - Method of making a flexible membrane for an inflatable body of an inflatable water barrier, flexible membrane obtained with the method, use of flexible membrane obtained with the method, and inflatable water barrier having a flexible membrane obtained with the method. - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a method of making a flexible membrane for an inflatable body of an inflatable water barrier or tilting weir. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing a first 5 roll of multiple first bands rolled-up around a first roll axis, wherein the rolled-up first bands are mutually aligned along the first roll axis and each have a plurality of mutually parallel first reinforcement fibres extending in a length direction of the respective first band transverse to the first roll axis; b) unrolling the first roll and placing a section of an unrolled part of the first roll on a working surface; c) arranging a layer of one or more second bands onto the unrolled 10 part placed on the working surface to obtain an overlapping section of overlapping first and second bands, each second band extending from the first side edge to the second side edge and having a plurality of mutually parallel second reinforcement fibres extending transverse to the first reinforcement fibres; d) wetting the section of step b) and/or the overlapping section of step c) with a liquid first polymeric compound; e) allowing the liquid first polymeric 15 compound to cure and to bind the first bands with the second bands to obtain a cured section; and f) repeating one or more times: step b) whilst simultaneously rolling up the cured section around a second roll axis to obtain a second roll, followed by steps c), d) and e).

Description

P34068NLOOYGR Title: Method of making a flexible membrane for an inflatable body of an inflatable water barrier, flexible membrane obtained with the method, use of flexible membrane obtained with the method, and inflatable water barrier having a flexible membrane obtained with the method.

Background of the invention The present invention relates to the field of inflatable water barriers. An inflatable water barrier basically comprises a frame attached to the bottom of a water passage, a flexible membrane attached to the frame and configured to define an inflatable body enclosing a pressure chamber, and a pumping device operatively connected to the inflatable body to pump a fluid into and/or out from the pressure chamber in order to inflate respectively deflate the inflatable body. The fluid in general is water and/or air. The inflatable body is during normal circumstances in deflated condition resting at the bottom of the water passage. When a water barrier is required, for example when high water like a storm surge is expected, the inflatable body is inflated and kept in inflated condition as long as the high water condition or risk for high water continues. When the risk for high water has decreased, the inflatable body is deflated to its deflated condition again. The preceding applies for inflatable water barriers according to the prior art as well as for inflatable water barriers according to the invention.

As an example of a known inflatable water barrier, the storm surge barrier at Ramspol known as the ‘balgstuw (Dutch term) at Ramspol near Kampen in the Netherlands. The storm surge barrier of Ramspol is an inflatable water barrier comprising three aligned inflatable bodies with a total length of about 240 meters. In inflated condition the inflatable bodies have a horizontal width transverse to its length, measured at the bottom of the passage, of about 10 meters and a vertical height of about 10 meters. In absence of storm, this inflatable water barrier is deflated and rests in an about flat condition on the bottom of the water passage.

Referring to the dimensions of each inflatable body in inflated condition, the flexible membrane of each inflatable body at Ramspol has a length of about 90 meters (in practise the flexible membrane is some meters longer than the distance to be bridged by the inflatable body} and a width of about 25 meters. This flexible membrane of say of 90x25 m (=90 m length x 25 m width) in dimensions is one single membrane. This single membrane consists of a rubber body reinforced with nylon fabric, having nylon fibres extending in the width direction as well as the length direction of the membrane.

-2- More specifically, the invention relates to the flexible membrane for an inflatable body of an inflatable water barrier, and in particular the invention relates to making or manufacturing the flexible membrane for an inflatable body of an inflatable water barrier.

With respect to the present invention, a flexible membrane is understood to be a 2-

dimensional sheet-like member which is in itself shape unstable or formless with respect to the dimension transverse to the 2-dimensional sheet so that it may take a shape — like a concave shape with respect to the inner side of the pressure chamber - upon pressurizing the pressure chamber and allows collapse of the pressure chamber upon depressurizing the pressure chamber.

There are basically two methods of making this single rubber membrane.

The whole membrane of 90x25 m can be made in two manners: a} in one go vulcanizing the whole membrane of 90x25 m in said one go or b) in two steps from strips of 25 meter length.

In the first step of the second manner, the strips are made by amongst others vulcanization.

The strips have, a long their length sides, a stepped form, for example with four steps.

In the second step of the second manner, these strips are strip by strip joined to each other by placing a downwardly facing stepped profile of one strip onto an upwardly facing stepped profile of another strip and joining these strips by vulcanization under pressure.

In both manners the vulcanization requires an elevated temperature.

Making the membrane by vulcanizing a 90x25 m membrane in one go requires very large equipment with a size of at least 90x25 m which is heated all over to the required vulcanization temperature.

Making the membrane from strips requires a still quite large equipment as well.

First, large strips are to be heated for vulcanizing these strips and, subsequently, these large strips are to be clamped and heated along their length sides to join the strips by vulcanisation.

With respect to the vulcanisation in both methods it is noted that the final product, the flexible membrane, has to meet high quality requirements, like strength with homogeneity of strength all over.

This all makes that the manufacturing of the flexible membrane for an inflatable body of an inflatable water barrier is complex, takes up a lot of space, and requires very large equipment and large amount of energy.

The first manner of making the rubber membrane has as a further disadvantage that once the production unit has set up, the size of the membrane to be produced is so to say fixed.

It is not possible to make larger membranes, and making smaller membranes than the production unit allows is, if possible at all, not economic.

The same disadvantage applies for the second manner with respect to the lengths of the strips made in the first step.

-3. Summary of the invention The present invention has as its primary object to provide an alternative method of making a flexible membrane for an inflatable body of an inflatable water barrier, which method, according to a secondary object of the invention, overcomes one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art. The objects of the invention are achieved with basically two methods of making a flexible membrane for an inflatable body of an inflatable water barrier, which two methods may be applied in combination or separately from each other. The first method concerns the first aspect of the invention, and the second method concerns the second aspect of the invention. The third, fourth, and fifth aspect of the invention are further implementations of the first aspect of the invention or of the second aspect of the invention or of the combination of the first and second aspect of the invention.

According to a first aspect of the invention, one or more of the above objects are achieved by providing a method of making a flexible membrane for an inflatable body of an inflatable water barrier, which method comprises the steps of: — providing a first plurality of mutually parallel first reinforcement fibres extending in a first direction; — providing a second plurality of mutually parallel second reinforcement fibres extending in a second direction crosswise, such as transverse, to the first direction; — applying a liquid first polymeric compound onto the first and second plurality of reinforcement wires; and — allowing the liquid first polymeric compound to cure sulphurless and to bind with the first plurality of first reinforcement wires and with the second plurality of second reinforcement wires to obtain a flexible membrane; wherein the first polymeric compound is a sulphurless curing compound which is flexible when cured.

The first plurality and second plurality of reinforcement wires provide the flexible membrane, due to their crosswise arrangement, tensile strength in the plane of the membrane. The first direction may efficiently be transverse to the second direction. The first plurality of first reinforcement wires and the second plurality of second reinforcement wires may be provided as two separate (layers of) pluralities of wires which are mutually connected by the first polymeric compound once it is cured, but it is also very well

-4- conceivable that a pre-fabricated assembly, like a mat or fabric, comprising pre-connected first and second reinforcement wires so to say as one layer is used. The liquid first polymeric compound may fill spaces between the first reinforcement fibres and/or may fill spaces between the second reinforcement fibres and/or may fill spaces between the first and second reinforcement fibres and/or may provide a layer covering the first and/or second reinforcement wires. Sulphurless curing may be achieved by using a non-rubber material for the first polymeric compound. Further sulphurless curing allows avoiding and/or overcoming disadvantages typically associated with the vulcanisation of rubber in large objects of at least 5m x 25m or larger, like 90m x 25m as are required for a flexible membrane for an inflatable body of an inflatable water barrier. Such disadvantages are for example: — the vulcanisation temperature, which is for rubber usually in the range of 140° - 200° C, which is quite a chalenge for such large objects; — the large floor surface required for vulcanizing such large objects; the inflexibility of a vulcanisation device with respect to change to other object dimensions. According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the method further comprising the steps of: — providing the flexible membrane earlier obtained with at least one further plurality of mutually parallel reinforcement fibres; — applying a liquid second polymeric compound onto the further plurality of reinforcement fibres and/or onto the earlier obtained flexible membrane; — allowing the second polymeric compound to cure sulphurless and to bind with the further plurality of reinforcement wires and with the earlier obtained flexible membrane to obtain a further flexible membrane; wherein the second polymeric compound is a sulphurless curing compound which is flexible when cured.

In this further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, a semi-manufactured flexible membrane, also called ‘flexible membrane earlier obtained’ or ‘earlier obtained flexible membrane’ is further processed to provide it with an additional plurality of mutually parallel reinforcement wires. The further plurality of mutually parallel reinforcement wires may be arranged on top of the semi-manufactured flexible membrane or the semi-manufactured membrane may be provided on top of the further plurality of mutually parallel reinforcement wires.

-5. In this further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the liquid second polymeric compound may be the same as the liquid first polymeric compound, but may also be different. Like the liquid first polymeric compound also the liquid second polymeric compound is a sulphurless curing compound and may be of non-rubber material.

According to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the steps of: — providing the flexible membrane earlier obtained with at least one further plurality of mutually parallel reinforcement fibres; — applying a liquid second polymeric compound onto the further plurality of reinforcement fibres and/or onto the earlier obtained flexible membrane; and — allowing the second polymeric compound to cure sulphurless and to bind with the further plurality of reinforcement wires and with the earlier obtained flexible membrane to obtain a further flexible membrane; may be repeated one or more times.

According to another further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the further plurality of mutually parallel fibres may extend in the first and/or second direction.

According to another further embodiment, the method according to the first aspect of the invention may comprise the further step of coating the earlier obtained flexible membrane on one or both sides with a polymeric coating compound. This polymeric coating compound may be the same as the first and/or second compound, but may also be a compound different from the first and/or second compound.

According to another further embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the liquid first polymeric compound and/or liquid second polymeric compound and/or the polymeric coating compound: — is a compound curing at a temperature of 50 °C or lower, such as at a temperature of 40 °C or lower, like at a temperature of 30 °C or lower; and/or — is a compound curing at atmospheric conditions; and/or — comprises a hardener; and/or — comprises one or more of the group comprising: polyurethane, silicone, epoxy, polyvinylchloride.

-6- The liquid first polymeric compound, liquid second polymeric compound, and polymeric coating compound may for example all be the same compound of same or different composition. In case of different composition, the liquid first polymeric compound and liquid second polymeric compound may be of mutually different composition or of the same composition, whilst the polymeric coating compound has a composition different from both the liquid first polymeric compound and the liquid second polymeric compound. According to a specific embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the liquid first polymeric compound and/or liquid second polymeric compound and/or the polymeric coating compound may be a PUR (polyurethane), for example a PUR curing at atmospheric conditions. The liquid first polymeric compound, liquid second polymeric compound, and polymeric coating compound may for example all be a PUR of same or different composition. In case of different composition, the liquid first polymeric compound and liquid second polymeric compound may be of mutually different composition or of the same composition, whilst the polymeric coating compound has a composition different from both the liquid first polymeric compound and the liquid second polymeric compound. In addition it is noted that whilst the coating on the first side and the coating on the second side may both be a PUR, the composition of these PURs may be mutually different.

The next following method according to the second aspect of the invention, may be seen as a more detailed method of the first aspect of the invention. However, applicant realized that the method according to the invention may also be applied more independent from the materials used for the first polymeric compound, and/or the second polymeric compound, and/or the polymeric coating compound.

According to a second aspect of the invention, one or more of the above objects are achieved by providing a method of making a flexible membrane for an inflatable body of an inflatable water barrier, which method comprises the steps of: A) providing a first roll comprising (or made up of) a multiple of first bands rolled-up around a first roll axis, wherein the rolled-up first bands are mutually aligned along the first roll axis and each have a plurality of mutually parallel first reinforcement fibres extending in a length direction of the respective first band transverse to the first roll axis; B) unrolling the first roll and placing a section of an unrolled part of the first roll an a working surface, wherein the unrolled part has a first and second side edge transverse to the first roll axis;

-7- C) arranging a layer of one or more second bands onto the unrolled part placed on the working surface to obtain an overlapping section of overlapping first and second bands, each second hand extending from the first side edge to the second side edge and having a plurality of mutually parallel second reinforcement fibres extending transverse to the first reinforcement fibres; D) wetting the section of step B) and/or the overlapping section of step C) with a liquid first polymeric compound; E) allowing the liquid first polymeric compound to cure and to bind the first bands with the second bands to obtain a cured section; and F) repeating one or more times: i) step B) whilst simultaneously rolling up the cured section around a second roll axis to obtain a second roll, and iy step C), ij) step D), and iv) step E). In the method according to the second aspect of the invention, the length of the first roll, viewed along the first roll axis, i.e. the length axis of the roll, will correspond to (at least) the width of the final flexible membrane as used for the inflatable body of the inflatable water barrier, and the length of the first bands will correspond to (at least) the length of the final flexible membrane as used for the inflatable body of the inflatable water barrier. With respect to the above “(at least)” it is noted that the length of the first roll may be larger than the width of the final flexible membrane and/or the length of the first bands may be larger than the length of the final flexible membrane. The flexible membrane made with the method according to the invention being larger than the final flexible membrane as used for the inflatable body allows for example a) to cut off side sections from the flexible membrane obtained with the method in order to get rid of bad quality sections at the sides of the flexible membrane, or b) to subject side sections to further processing steps, for example when mounting, e.g. by clamping, the flexible membrane to the frame of the water barrier.

The rolled-up first bands of the first roll as provided in step A) may have adjacent edges of adjacent first bands about abutting each other or overlapping each other. These adjacent edges of adjacent first bands may be connected or not connected to each other. The first bands together define a first web rolled-up around the first roll axis.

The first roll is in step B) unrolled so that an unrolled part of the first roll becomes available for placing it on a working surface. In step C), the section of the unrolled part of the first roll, which lies on the working surface, is covered with a layer of one or more second bands

-8- extending transverse to the first bands such that the section of the first roll lying on the working surface becomes a section where the first bands are overlapped by the second bands. The second bands have a plurality of mutually parallel second reinforcement fibres extending in length direction of the second bands. The second reinforcement fibres thus extend transverse to the first reinforcement fibres. The second bands arranged in step C) may for example originate from a roll of second bands, which is like the first roll of first bands but has its roll axis extending transverse to the first roll axis, in which a section of the roll of second bands is unrolled and placed on the working surface and cut off from the second roll.

The second bands may be of the same structure, material(s) and dimensions as the first bands but may also be different from the first bands.

In step D) the section of first and/or second bands which lies on the working surface is wetted with a liquid first polymeric compound, which may be of non-rubber material. The liquid first polymeric compound may impregnate and/or cover (or coat) the first and/or second bands. Wetting of step D) may take place between before step C), for example by applying the liquid first polymeric compound onto the section of first bands on the working surface and subsequently performing step C) and/or by applying a layer of the liquid first polymeric compound onto the working surface and subsequently performing step B) by placing the first bands onto the layer of first polymeric compound. Alternatively or in addition, wetting of step D) may also take place after step C).

After wetting, the liquid first polymeric compound is allowed to cure and to bind the first bands with the overlapping second bands to obtain a cured section. In case the first polymeric compound is a non-rubber material, the curing may be a sulphurless curing. Steps A) up to E) result in a cured section comprised of a first web section of the first roll covered with a layer of, viewed in transverse direction of the second band, mutually about abutting or overlapping second bands bonded to the first bands. In order to cover the entire web of the first roll with second bands bonded to the first bands, steps B) up to E) are repeated several times, whilst simultaneously with step B) the cured sections are rolled up around a second roll axis to obtain a second roll with a second web of two layers bonded by the first polymeric compound.

-9- The method according to the second aspect of the invention allows the production unit to be flexible with respect to the dimensions of the flexible membrane to be produced. In case the width of the membrane to be produced increases or decreases one simply A) adds one or more rolls of first band or takes away one or more rolls of first bands, and B} adjusts the length of the support surface correspondingly. These rolls of first bands may be simple rolls of reinforced fibre material as available on the market in several widths and basically unlimited lengths. The support surface may be build up from segments which can simply be added for elongation or taken away for shortening the length of the support surface.

Depending on materials used requirements like strength and resistance to environmental conditions, the second web rolled up around the second roll axis may be the final flexible membrane to be produced and thus subsequently be used as flexible membrane for an inflatable body of an inflatable water barrier. However it may also be desirable to add one or more further layers of bands with reinforcement fibres in length direction of the second web and/or in transverse direction of second web and/or to provide a coating on one or both sides of the second or subsequent web with additional layers of bands.

According to a further embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, one or more further layers of bands extending in the same direction as the second bands may be applied by the steps of: G) providing a third roll comprising (or made up of) a multiple of third bands rolled-up around a third roll axis, wherein the rolled-up third bands are mutually aligned along the third roll axis and each have a plurality of mutually parallel third reinforcement fibres extending in a length direction of the respective third band transverse to the third roll axis; H) unrolling the second roll and placing (or arranging) a section of an unrolled part of the second roll on a working surface; I) unrolling the third roll and placing (or arranging) an section of unrolled part of the third roll onto the unrolled part of the second roll to obtain a section of overlapping parts of the second and third roll; J) wetting the section obtained in step I) with a liquid second polymeric compound; K) allowing the liquid second polymeric compound to cure and to bind the overlapping parts of the second and third roll to each other to obtain a cured section of overlapping parts; and L) repeating one or more times: i) simultaneously steps H) and |} whilst simultaneously rolling up the cured section of overlapping parts around a fourth roll axis to obtain a fourth roll,

-10- iy step J), and ij) step K). The third roll provided in step G) may be a roll identical to the first roll, but may also be a different roll with third bands different from the first bands. The third bands together define a third web rolled-up around the first roll axis. The concept of providing this additional layer of the third web onto the second web is about the same as the concept of providing the second bands onto the first web, except that the third bands are arranged parallel to the first bands instead of transverse to the first bands. The liquid second polymeric compound may be the same as the liquid first polymeric compound, but may also be different. Like the liquid first polymeric compound also the liquid second polymeric compound may be of non-rubber material, in which case the curing of step K) may be a sulphurless curing. Like the wetting of step D), the wetting of step J) may in similar manner take place before step I) and/or before step H) and/or after step I).

In this further embodiment of the second aspect of the invention with a third roll, the unrolled part of the third roll may, according to a further embodiment, be arranged on top of the second bands such that the seconds bands become sandwiched between the first and third bands.

According to another further embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, one or more further layers of bands extending transverse to the direction as the second bands may be applied using as a first roll of step A): — a second roll obtained in accordance with the steps A) up to F); and/or — a fourth roll obtained in accordance with steps G) up to L).

According to still another further embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, a coating may be applied on one or more sides of a web obtained with the method according to the invention — assuming the web is a layered structure of the second roll resulting from the steps A) up to F) or of the fourth roll resulting from the steps G) up to L) — by coating the layered structure of this web on one or both sides with a polymeric coating compound. The layered structure to be coated thus comprises at least one layer of first bands and at least one layer of second bands, but may comprise more than one layer of first bands and/or more than one layer of second bands and/or one or more layers of third bands.

According to a further embodiment of this applying a coating, the step of coating comprises the steps of: i) unrolling the layered structure,

-11 - ii) applying a first liquid coating onto an upwardly facing area of a first of both sides and allowing the first liquid coating to cure; vi) applying a second liquid coating onto an upwardly facing area of a second of both sides and allowing the second liquid coating to cure; vii) rolling up the layered structure with the cured first and second coating (facing each other). Assuming that in the step i) the layered structure is unrolled with the first of both sides facing upwardly, the following steps may — according to a further embodiment of this embodiment - take place between the steps ii} and iv): iii) rolling up the layered structure with the cured first coating {which first coating in the rolled up condition will face the second side of the layered structure); Vv) unrolling the rolled up layered structure with the second of both sides facing upwardly.

According to still another further embodiment of this embodiment, the second side may be turned upwards for coating, when between steps iii) and v) a step iv) takes place in which the rolled up layered structure is turned 180 degrees around an axis transverse to the length axis of the roll.

It is noted that according to an alternative, instead of ‘turning the rolled up layered structure 180 degrees around’, the rolled up structure may also be unrolled in the direction opposite to which it comes when rolling up after coating the first side.

Unrolling in the opposite direction also results in the second side facing upwardly for coating it from above.

When coating both sides, the first coating may, according to a further embodiment, differ from the second coating.

According to another or additional still further embodiment the first coating and second coating are both water-resistant, such as resistant to salt water, and/or at least one of the first and second coatings is UV-resistant.

According to another further embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the first roll and/or second roll and/or third roll and/or fourth roll have, viewed in their length direction, a length in the range of 20 to 40 meters.

According to another further embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, in which the length of the first roll is defined as Le: and in which the first band has, viewed in a direction transverse to the length direction of the first reinforcement fibres, a width defined as We, it applies that La: = n - We, with n being an integer >1, such as in the range of 2 to 20, for example in the range of 10 to 20. In this embodiment Wes: may for example be in the range of 2 to 5 meters, such as in the range of 2 to 4 meters.

-12- According to another further embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, in which the unrolled part of step B) has, viewed in a direction transverse to the length direction of the first roll, a length defined as Loan, and in which the second band has, viewed in a direction transverse to the length direction of the second reinforcement fibres, a width defined as Wez, it applies that Lpat= n : Way, n being an integer >0, such as 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. In this embodiment We2 may for example be in the range of 2 to 5 meters, such as in the range of 2 to 4 meters. According to another further embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the liquid first polymeric compound and/or liquid second polymeric compound and/or the polymeric coating compound: — is a compound curing at a temperature of 50 °C or lower, such as at a temperature of 40 °C or lower, like at a temperature of 30 °C or lower; and/or — is a compound curing at atmospheric conditions; and/or — comprises a hardener; and/or — comprises one or more of the group comprising: polyurethane, silicone, epoxy, polyvinylchloride.

The liquid first polymeric compound, liquid second polymeric compound, and polymeric coating compound may for example all be the same compound of same or different composition. In case of different composition, the liquid first polymeric compound and liquid second polymeric compound may be of mutually different composition or of the same composition, whilst the polymeric coating compound has a composition different from both the liquid first polymeric compound and the liquid second polymeric compound.

According to a specific embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the liquid first polymeric compound and/or liquid second polymeric compound and/or the polymeric coating compound may be a PUR (polyurethane), for example a PUR curing at atmospheric conditions. The liquid first polymeric compound, liquid second polymeric compound, and polymeric coating compound may for example all be a PUR of same or different composition. In case of different composition, the liquid first polymeric compound and liquid second polymeric compound may be of mutually different composition or of the same composition, whilst the polymeric coating compound has a composition different from both the liquid first polymeric compound and the liquid second polymeric compound. In addition it is noted that whilst the coating on the first side and the coating on the second side may both be a PUR, the composition of these PURs may be mutually different.

-13- According to a third aspect of the invention, the invention relates to the use of a flexible membrane obtained with the method according to the first and/or second aspect of the invention in an inflatable body of an inflatable water barrier.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a flexible membrane obtained with the method according to the first and/or second aspect of the invention. According to a fifth aspect of the invention, the invention provides an inflatable water barrier for providing a barrier in a water passage delimitated by a first bank, a second bank and a bottom extending between the first bank and the second bank, wherein the water barrier comprises: — a flexible membrane obtained with the method according to the first and/or second aspect of the invention and extending from the first bank to the second bank, and — a frame extending from the first bank to the second bank along the bottom and arranged below the membrane; wherein the membrane and frame are sealingly attached to each other to define an inflatable body extending from the first bank to the second bank; wherein the water barrier further comprises a pumping device which is in fluid connection with the inflatable body and configured to pump a fluid into the inflatable body to inflate the inflatable body from a deflated condition to an inflated condition; wherein, in the deflated condition, the inflatable body is sunk at the bottom of the water passage and wherein, in the inflated condition, the inflatable body projects from the bottom upwards acting as water barrier. In the inflated condition, the inflatable body may according to the fifth aspect of the invention project to an height above the water level to any prevent water from passing through the passage. Short description of the figures Below the invention will be explained further with reference to the enclosed figures. In these figures: — figures 1A is a schematic representation of step A) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention; — figures 1B is a schematic representation of step B) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention; — figures 1C is a schematic representation of step C) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention;

-14 - — figures 1D is a schematic representation of step D) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention; — figures 1E is a schematic representation of step E) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention; — figures 1F-i is a schematic representation of step F-i) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention; — figures 1F-ii is a schematic representation of step F-ii) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention; — figures 1F-iii is a schematic representation of step F-iii) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention; — figures 1F-iv is a schematic representation of step F-iv) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention; — figures 1G is a schematic representation of step G) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention; — figures 1H is a schematic representation of step H) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention; — figures 11 is a schematic representation of step I} of the method according to the second aspect of the invention; - figures 1J is a schematic representation of step J) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention; — figures 1K is a schematic representation of step K) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention; — figures 1L-i is a schematic representation of step L-i) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention; — figures 1L-ii is a schematic representation of step L-ii) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention; — figures 1L-iii is a schematic representation of step L-iii} of the method according to the second aspect of the invention; — figures 2i is a schematic representation of step i) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention; — figures 2ii is a schematic representation of step ii) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention; — figures 2iii is a schematic representation of step iii) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention; — figures 2iv is a schematic representation of step iv) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention;

-15- — figures 2v is a schematic representation of step v) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention; — figures 2vi is a schematic representation of step vi} of the method according to the second aspect of the invention; — figures 2vii is a schematic representation of step vii) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention; — figure 3 shows highly schematic a top view of a part of a river provided with two inflatable water barriers according to the invention; — figure 4 shows highly schematic a cross-sectional side view of the river of figure 3 at the location of the inflatable water barrier (looking from the right to the left in figure 1); — Figure 5a shows highly schematic a cross-sectional view of the left inflatable water barrier of figure 4 (looking from the left to the right in figure 4); and — Figure 5b shows highly schematic a cross-sectional view of the right inflatable water barrier of figure 4 (looking from the left to the right in figure 4).

Detailed description of embodiments of the figures Figure 1A schematically represents step A) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention. Step A) is the step of providing a first roll 50 made up of a multiple of first bands 52 rolled-up around a first roll axis 51. As can be seen, the rolled-up first bands 52 are mutually aligned along the first roll axis 51 and each have a plurality of mutually parallel first reinforcement fibres 53 - shown in dashed lines - which extend in a length direction of the respective first band 52 transverse to the first roll axis 53. Per first band 52 only two first reinforcement fibres 53 are actually shown throughout all figures 1A-1L. For sake of clarity of the figures, the other first reinforcement fibres 53 are not shown. But it will be understood that each first band may comprise a large plurality of reinforcement fibres 53, such as — viewed transverse to the length direction of the first reinforcement fibres - 10-50 first reinforcement fibres per cm. The multiple of aligned first bands 52 rolled-up around the first roll axis defines a rolled-up first web.

Assuming that the flexible membrane to be made is intended for the inflatable water barrier of Ramspol this flexible membrane will — as said before - have dimensions of 90x25 m (=90 m length and 25 m width). Each first band then will have a length of 90 m or more and correspondingly the first reinforcement fibres may have a length of 90 m or more as well. Note however, that the first reinforcement fibres may also have much shorter lengths provided that the tensile strength of the first band in the length direction, i.e. the direction of the 90 m, is sufficient.

-16 - The first roll 50 provided in step A), may a rolled-up web obtained by an earlier processing according to the steps A) up to F) of the invention, or a rolled-up web obtained by an earlier processing according to steps G) up to L) of the invention, or a rolled-up web obtained by placing rolls of first bands 52 on a common first roll axis 51, or any other rolled-up web comprising first bands 52 with first reinforcement fibres 53 extending in length direction of the first bands. As shown in figure 1B, the first roll 50 provided in step A) is unrolled in step B) and a section of an unrolled part of the first roll 50 is placed on a working surface 40. As indicated in figure 1B, the unrolled part has a first side edge 54 and a second side edge 55. The unrolling in step 1B) is indicated with the arrow —R1.

With respect to the figures 1 and 2 it is noted that several rolling-up arrows and unrolling arrows are shown throughout these figures. A minus sign “— * before any rolling arrow “R” indicates it is an unrolling action and a plus sign “+” before any rolling arrow “R” indicates it is a rolling-up action. The minus signs “— * and plus sign “+” thus do not intend to indicate a positive or negative rotational direction, but intend to indicate an unrolling action or rolling-up action, respectively.

As shown in figure 1C, a layer of one or more second bands 62 is placed onto the section of the unrolled part which lies on the working surface 40, which results in an overlapping section of overlapping first bands 52 and second bands 62. Each second band 62 extends from the first side edge 54 to the second side edge 55 and has a plurality of mutually parallel second reinforcement fibres 63 extending in length direction of the second bands 62 and transverse to the first reinforcement fibres 53.

As said in figure 1A in relation to the first reinforcement fibres 53, also only two second reinforcement fibres 63 are shown throughout all figures 1A-1L because the other second reinforcement fibres 63 are not shown for the sake of clarity of the figures. Also here it will be understood that each second band 62 may comprise a large plurality of reinforcement fibres 63, such as — viewed transverse to the length direction of the second reinforcement fibres - 10-50 second reinforcement fibres per cm.

Again assuming that the flexible membrane to be made is intended for the inflatable water barrier of Ramspol this flexible membrane will — as said before - have dimensions of 90x25 m (=90 m length and 25 m width). Each second band 82 then will have a length of 25 m or more and correspondingly the second reinforcement fibres may have a length of 25 m or more as well. Note however, that the second reinforcement fibres may also have much

-17 - shorter lengths provided that the tensile strength of the second band in its length direction, i.e. the direction of the 25 m, is sufficient. As is visible in figure 1C, the resulting layered structure of first bands 52 and second bands 62 has crosswise arranged first reinforcement fibres 53 and second reinforcement fibres 63.

Figure 1D schematically represents the wetting of step D) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention. In figure 1D, reference 41 schematically indicates an applicator for applying a liquid first polymeric compound. The first polymeric compound is applied to that part of the first bands 52 and/or second bands 62 which lies on the working surface 40 and/or which is to be laid on the working surface 40. It is also possible to apply the liquid first polymeric compound onto the upperside of the working surface and to place subsequently or simultaneously the the first bands onto the layer of first polymeric compound.

Figure 1D may seem to suggest that the applicator 41 may be a spraying nozzle, but it will be appreciated that this is only a schematic representation and that the applicator 41 can be of any type. The applicator 41 may for example comprise: i) multiple applicator heads arranged in distributed manner above the working surface, or ii) one or more applicator units movable with respect to the working surface, or iii) one or more applicator tubes with compound outlets distributed along the length of the tube, or iv) any other type of applicator features. Referring to figure 1E, reference number 42 schematically represents a timer 42 symbolizing the step E) of allowing the liquid first polymeric compound to cure and to bind the first bands 52 to the second bands 82. In figure 1E, the first reinforcement fibres 53 and second reinforcement fibres 63 in the overlapping section of first bands 52 and second bands 62 above the working surface 40 are not visible anymore. This in order to schematically symbolize that this overlapping section now comprises cured first polymeric compound. After the first polymeric compound has been allowed to cure sufficiently, step F) is performed. Step F) is in fact a repetition of the steps B) up to E) after having the first roll 50 un-rolled a little further as is indicated with arrow —R1, resulting in step F being subdivided into the sub-steps F-i), F-ii), F-iii), and F-iv) which are schematically represented in figures 1F-i, 1F-ii, 1Fiii, and 1F-iv, respectively. Step F-i) corresponds with step B), step F-ii) corresponds with step C), step F-iii) corresponds with step D) and step F-iv) corresponds with step E).

The main difference visible in figures 1F-i, 1F-ii, 1F-iii and 1F-iv compared with what is shown in figures 1B, 1C, 1D and 1E, in fact originates from an additional sub-step taking place simultaneously with the repetition of steps B). In order to store the overlapping sections of

-18- first bands 52 and second bands 62 where the first polymeric compound has cured (sufficiently), the cured sections are rolled up — see arrow +R2 in figure 1F-i — around a second roll axis 61 to obtain a second roll 60 of a layered structure comprised of a layer of first web (or first band) and a layer of second bands which are so to say impregnated with and/or covered with cured first polymeric compound. During the repetition of steps C), D) and E) as shown in figures 1F-ii, 1F-iii and 1F-iv, respectively, the second roll 60 is evidently present as well. As will be clear, the elucidation in relation to figures 1B, 1C, 1D and 1E applies mutatis mutandis to figures 1F-i, 1F-ii, 1F-iii and 1F-iv, respectively, as well.

Atthe end, the entire first web rolled-up on the initial first roll 50 may have ended in the second roll 60, entirely covered with second bands 62 and bonded to the second bands by the cured first polymeric compound to define a second web rolled-up around the second roll axis 61. Depending on the requirements imposed on the final product, i.e. the flexible membrane to be produced, and the characteristics of the first and second bands and the first polymeric compound, the second web rolled-up around the second roll axis 61 may be the final product or may require further processing to add additional bands parallel to the second bands 62 and/or parallel to the first bands 52 and/or to add a coating on one or both sides. One or more layers of additional bands parallel to the second bands 62 may be added by performing the method steps A) up to F) again, starting with providing the obtained second roll 60 as start for step A), i.e. renaming so to say the second roll into first roll and repeating the steps A) up to F). In case more than one additional layer of bands parallel to the second bands may be desired or required, this renaming and repeating of steps A) up to F) may be repeated one or more times.

A layers of additional bands parallel to the first bands 52 may be added by performing the steps G), H), I), J), K), L-i}, L-ii) and L-iii) as schematically represented in figures 1G, 1H, 11, 1J, 1K, 1L-i, 1L-ii and 1L-iii, respectively. These steps will be elucidated below.

In order to apply a layer of additional bands parallel to the first bands 52, a third roll 70 is provided in step G) as represented in figure 1G. Similar as has been described above in relation to the first roll 50 — see above elucidation in relation to figure 1A —, the third roll 70 is made up of or comprises a multiple of third bands 72 rolled-up around a third roll axis 71, wherein the rolled-up third bands are 72 mutually aligned along the third roll axis 71 and each have a plurality of mutually parallel third reinforcement fibres 73 extending in a length direction of the respective third band 72 transverse to the third roll axis 71. Everything that has been said in relation to the first roll 50, the first bands 52 and first reinforcement fibres 53

-19- applies mutatis mutandis to the third roll 70, the third bands 72 and third reinf orcement fibres 73 as well.

In a next step H), shown in figure 1H, the second roll 60 is unrolled — see arrow —R2 — and a section of an unrolled part of the second roll 60 is placed on the working surface 40. This working surface 40 may be the same working surface as used in steps A) up to F), but may also be another or different working surface. Step H) is very similar to step B, shown in figure 1B and elucidated in relation to this figure 1B. Everything that has been said in relation to figure 1B applies mutatis mutandis to step H) represented in figure 1H as well.

In another next step |), shown in figure 11, the third roll 70 is unrolled — see arrow —R3 — and a section of an unrolled part of the third roll 80 is placed onto the unrolled part of the second roll to obtain, on the working surface 40, a section of overlapping parts of the second roll 60 and third roll 70. Except the third bands 72 extending in a direction transverse to the second bands 62 in figure 1C (which represents step C)), step | is otherwise very similar to step C). Everything that has been said in relation to figure 1C applies mutatis mutandis to step I) represented in figure 11 as well.

Although steps H and | are illustrated as separate steps, it is noted that these steps may take place simultaneously as well.

In a next step J), represented by figure 1J, the overlapping section obtained in step |) is wetted with a liquid second polymeric compound. This step J) is, except the direction of the third bands 72 versus the direction of the second bands 62, very similar to step D) represented in figure 1D. Everything that has been said in relation to figure 1D applies mutatis mutandis to step J) represented in figure 1J as well. The wetting of step J) thus can already take place before step 1H) and/or before step 11) and/or in between steps 1H) and 11) and/or simultaneously with steps 1H) and 11) and/or after steps 1H) and 11).

After the wetting of step J), the liquid second polymeric compound is, according to step K), represented by figure 1K, allowed to cure and bind the overlapping parts of the second roll 80 and third roll 70 to each other to obtain a cured section of overlapping parts. This step K) is very similar to step E) represented in figure 1E. Everything that has been said in relation to figure 1E applies mutatis mutandis to step K) represented in figure 1K as well.

After the second polymeric compound has been allowed to cure sufficiently, step L) is performed. Like step F) is in fact a repetition of the steps B) up to E), step L) is similarly in

-20- fact a repetition of the steps H) up to K) after having the second roll 60 and third roll 70 un- rolled a little further as is indicated with arrow —R2 and —R3, resulting in step L being subdivided into the sub-steps L-i), L-ii), and L-iii) which are schematically represented in figures 1L-i, 1L-ii and 1Liii, respectively. Step L-i) corresponds with steps H) and |) performed simultaneously, step L-ii) corresponds with step J), and step L-iii) corresponds with step K). The main difference visible in figures 1L-i, 1L-ii), and 1L-iii) compared with what is shown in figures 1H, 11, 1J and 1K, in fact originates from an additional sub-step taking place simultaneously with the simultaneous repetition of steps H) and I). In order to store the overlapping sections of second web originating from second roll 60 and third bands 72 when the second polymeric compound has cured (sufficiently), the cured sections are rolled up — see arrow +R4 in figure 1L-i — around a fourth roll axis 81 to obtain a fourth roll 80 of a layered structure comprised of a layer of second web and a layer of third bands which are so to say impregnated with and/or covered with cured second polymeric compound. During the repetition of steps J) and K) as shown in figures 1L-ii, and 1L-iii, respectively, the fourth roll 80 is evidently present as well. As will be clear, the elucidation in relation to figures 1H, 11, 1J and 1K applies mutatis mutandis to figures 1L-i, 1L-ii, and 1L-iii as well.

Atthe end, the entire second web rolled-up on the initial second roll 60 may have ended in the fourth roll 80, entirely covered with third bands 72 and bonded to the third bands 72 by the cured second polymeric compound to define a fourth web rolled-up around the fourth roll axis 81. Depending on the requirements imposed on the final product, i.e. the flexible membrane to be produced, and the characteristics of the first, second and third bands and the first and second polymeric compound, the fourth web rolled-up around the fourth roll axis 81 may be the final product or may require further processing to add additional bands parallel to the second bands 62 and/or parallel to the first bands 52 and/or to add a coating on one or both sides.

One or more layers of additional bands parallel to the second bands 62 may be added by performing the method steps A) up to F) again, starting with providing the obtained fourth roll 80 as start for step A), i.e. renaming so to say the fourth roll into first roll and repeating the steps A) up to F). In case more than one additional layer of bands parallel to the second bands may be desired or required, this renaming and repeating of steps A) up to F) may be repeated one or more times.

A further layers of additional bands parallel to the first bands 52 may be added by performing the steps G), H), 1), J), K), L-i), L-ii) and L-iii) again, starting with providing the

-21- obtained fourth roll 80 as start for step G), i.e. renaming so to say the fourth roll into second roll and repeating the steps G) up to L). In case more than one additional layer of bands parallel to the first bands may be desired or required, this renaming and repeating of steps G) up to L) may be repeated one or more times.

Once the thus obtained final web on second roll 60 (in case one ended with a step F) or on fourth roll 80 (in case one ended with a step L), this final web is a layered structure comprising one layer of first bands, at least one layer of second bands and optionally one or more layers of third bands. The layered structure of this final web may be used as the final product, i.e. the flexible membrane to be produced, or it may be desired to coat the layered structure of this final web on one or both sides with a polymeric coating compound. In case of two sided coating of said final web, the steps i), ii) vi) and vii) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention may be applied, with optionally additional steps iii} and v) in between the steps ii) and vi), and with still further optionally an additional step iv) in between the steps iii) and v). All these steps are schematically represented in figure 2. Figure 2i schematically represents step i). In step i) the rolled-up layered structure of the final web 90 is unrolled - as shown by arrow —R5 —. The web 90 has a first side 91 facing in a first direction and a second side 92 facing in a second direction opposite the first direction. The first side 91 may not yet necessarily be facing upwards and the second side may not yet necessarily be facing downwards. Figure 2ii schematically represents step ii) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention. According to step ii) a first liquid coating is applied onto an upwardly facing area of the first side 91 and the first liquid coating applied in the first area is allowed to cure. As a next step subsequent to step ii), step vi) may be performed which is represented in figure 2vi. According to step vi) a second liquid coating is applied onto an upwardly facing area of the second side 92 and the first liquid coating applied in the first area is allowed to cure. After both sides have been coated, the layered structure with the cured first coating and cured second coating is, according to step vii) represented in figure 2vii, rolled up. In the rolled up configuration the cured first coating will face the cured second coating. In order to prevent that in the rolled-up structure the mutually facing first and second coating adhere to each other (which would later on hinder the unrolling) an intermediate sheet of material not or

22.

poorly adhering to the first and or second coating may be interposed in between the mutually facing first and second coating. Referring to the second roll 80 and fourth roll 80 a similar intermediate sheet may be interposed in between the rolled-up layers of the second respectively fourth roll. Similar applies for the first roll 50 and third roll 70.

Achieving that the first side faces upwardly when applying the first coating and that the second side faces upwardly when applying the second coating, may be realised for example by using a system of guide rollers and return pulleys. According to steps iii) and v) to be performed in between steps ii) and vi) and represented by figure Ziii respectively 2v, this may according to the second aspect of the invention be achieved by — according to step iii) - rolling up the layered structure with the cured first coating as indicated by arrow +R6 and by — according to step v) - unrolling said rolled up layered structure 93 with the second 92 of both sides facing upwardly. The second side 92 facing upwardly when applying the second coating, may according to step iv) of the method according to the second aspect of the invention be achieved by turning the rolled up layered structure 93 180° around an axis 95 transverse to the roll axis around which the layered structure has been rolled-up. This is represented by arrow T in figure 2iv.

The first coating and second coating may be of identical or similar composition, but may also have different compositions and consequently different properties.

Referring to the first, second and third reinforcement fibres it is noted that these may be any type of reinforcement fibres suitable for use in a flexible membrane for an inflatable body of an inflatable water barrier. Examples of suitable reinforcement fibres are for example: polyamide fibres, polyester fibres, polyethylene fibres, polyamide fibres, aramid fibres, polypropylene fibres, polyvinyl alcohol fibres and combinations of one or more of these fibres. Further, the first, second and third reinforcement fibres may fibres of same type or different type.

Although the above description of the figures 1 and 2 (including all sub figures of figure 1 and figure 2) is especially in relation to the second aspect of the invention, it will be realized that it also illustrates a detailed manner of applying the method according to the first aspect of the invention provided that: — at least the liquid first polymeric compound is a sulpherless curing compound, which more specifically may — according to further embodiments of the first aspect — for example be compound according to one of the claims 6-10; and

- 23.

—- optionally also the liquid second polymeric compound and/or polymeric couting compound is/are a sulpherless curing compound, which more specifically may — according to further embodiments of the first aspect — for example be compound according to one of the claims 6-10.

Figures 3-5 show an example of an inflatable water barrier having an inflatable body defined by a flexible membrane made with the method according to the first and/or second aspect of the invention.

Figures 3 shows highly schematic a top view of a part of a river. This river flows through land, indicated with 20 on the left, to debouch at its end into the sea or a lake, indicated with 19 on the right. This river has on both sides a natural bank as is indicated with references 10 and

12. These banks are connected by the bottom 13 (shown in fig. 2 and 3) of the river. The natural banks 10 and 12 and the bottom 13 delimit a water passage 9 between landside 20 and sea/lake-side 19. In the water passage 9 flowing or non-flowing water 15 is present. The water 15 has been indicated in grey in figure 3 as well as in figures 4-5.

As shown in figure 3, the water passage is in this example divided into two water passages 9 by an intermediate bank 11 in about the middle of the river. This intermediate bank 11 may be natural (made by nature) or artificial (made by man). In this example it is an artificial bank

11. The artificial bank may be a small island or a construction from concrete and/or steel and/or other building materials. The intermediate bank, like the artificial bank 11, is according to the invention not necessary, but may be useful or helpful, for example in case the water passage is quite wide at the location where the inflatable water barrier 1 according to the invention is to be provided.

The inflatable water barrier 1 according to the invention may for example be used to protect the landside 20 against high water on the sea/lake-side 19 due to for example storm. With this use, the inflatable water barrier is normally deflated and resting on the bottom of the water passage and will be inflated when high water conditions on the sea/lake side 19 are present or forecasted.

When the inflatable water barrier 1 according to the invention is lowered or deflated, it is not visible in the top view of figure 3. Therefore it has been indicated schematically with dashed lines in figure 3. In figures 4 and 5 more details of the inflatable water barrier 1 according to the invention can be seen, but still highly schematically.

-24- Figures 4 and 5 each show two inflatable water barriers according to the invention. The left water barrier of figure 4 extends between the left bank 10 and intermediate bank 11 and the right water barrier of figure 4 extends between the intermediate bank 11 and the right bank

12.

The inflatable water barrier 1 according to the invention comprises a flexible membrane 2 and a frame 3 which are sealingly attached to each other to define an inflatable body 8 extending from one bank to another bank. The inflatable body encloses a pressure chamber 4. The inflatable water barrier 1 according to the invention further comprises a pumping device 5 which is in fluid connection with the pressure chamber 4 of the inflatable body 8.

The frame 3 is arranged below the flexible membrane 2 and extends along the bottom 13 of the water passage. As can be seen in figure 5, the frame 3 may be countersunk or embedded in the bottom 13 of the water passage. In the left water barrier 1, the frame 3 extends from the left bank 10 to the intermediate bank 11, and in the right water barrier 1, the frame extends from the intermediate bank 11 to the right bank 12.

The flexible membrane 2 is arranged above the frame 3 and, viewed in vertical direction, basically fully overlaps the frame 3. The flexible membrane 3 has two length sides 22 extending transverse to the water passage. Along these length sides 22 the membrane 2 is attached to the frame 3 in manner that it is sealed to the frame 3 along the full length of the length sides 22. The membrane 2 and frame 3 enclose a pressure chamber 4 in between to provide together the inflatable body 8. The inflatable body 8 may be pressurized by means of the pressure device 5 by pumping a fluid, such as a gas and/or a liquid, into the pressure chamber 4. Taking into account the amount of fluid required for pressurizing the pressure chamber and what is available at hand, both water and air may be used. The air serving especially the purpose of filling the upper part of the inflatable body to ensure it floats on the water when inflated. But use of another liquid and/or another gas is possible as well.

The water barrier 1 on the right of figure 4 and in figure 5b is shown in inflated condition. As one can see on the right side of figure 4, the vertical height of the water barrier is in maximally inflated condition substantially higher than the regular water level 14 on the landside 20. In order to protect the landside 20 against high water level 16 on the sea/lake- side 19, the height of the water barrier may, in inflated condition be between 2-10 meters, such as about 5 meters, higher than the regular water level 14 on the landside 20.

- 25. The membrane 2 is in itself shape unstable or formless so that it may take a shape upon pressurizing the pressure chamber 4 and so that it may be folded or compacted in any suitable manner to be stored in a compacted configuration when deflated.

As can be seen in figure 5b, the flexible membrane may take, viewed from inside the pressure chamber 4, a concave shape when inflated.

The inflatable water barrier 1 according to the invention may be lowered by depressurizing or deflating the pressure chamber.

Depressurizing or deflating may be done by opening one or more vents.

However, in order to speed up the depressurizing and thus to speed up lowering of the water barrier, the pressure device 5 may be used for depressurizing as well.

An open water barrier 1, with deflated inflatable body 8 is shown on the left side of figure 4 and in figure 5a.

In general, the pressure chamber 4 is established by the frame 3 and the flexible membrane 2 attached to each other.

This may be in accordance with the design as shown in figures 5a and 5b, but this is not mandatory.

The frame 3 may also be shaped differently.

The frame 3 may for example be shaped as a flat plate of about the same width W as the frame 3 shown in figure 5 or may be shaped much smaller as a strip onto which both length sides 22 are mounted in overlapping or non-overlapping configuration.

It is also conceivable that the length sides 22 of the flexible membrane 2 are sealingly attached to each other to form a tube, closed along its length, and that this tube is attached to the frame 3 extending along the bottom from one bank to another bank.

In the specific design of figures 5a and 5b, the frame 3 is shaped as a through having two opposing side walls 6 and inside the trough, parallel to the side walls 6, one or more spaced, raised walls 7. As shown in figure 5a this allows the flexible membrane to be efficiently stored essentially inside the trough.

Although the width W of the frame is smaller than the width of membrane (viewed in direction W), the excess width of the membrane 2 is stored in the trough due to the membrane following the contour of the trough and raised walls 7 when the pressure chamber 4is deflated.

As said this specific design is not mandatory.

According to a further embodiment, the water barrier 1 may be provided with a control system 21 configured for controlling the pump device 5 to inflate the inflatable body 8 in case of high water or forecast of high water and to deflate the inflatable body when the high water or risk for high water has disappeared.

A flexible membrane obtained with the method according to the first aspect of the invention and/or obtained with the method according to the second aspect of the invention, may also be used as inflatable body of a device known in Dutch as ‘klepstuw’, which is in English

-26- known as ‘tilting weir’ or tilting gate weir’. A tilting (gate) weir is a weir comprising a plate tilting around a horizontal axis extending along the bottom. The plate may tilt from a lowered condition - in which the plate is below water level and extends essentially along the bottom - to a raised condition - in which the plate projects from the bottom to above the water level to prevent any water from passing -, and vice versa. The tilting is achieved by means of the inflatable body which is attached or connected to the plate such that the plate tilts from lowered condition to raised condition when inflating the inflatable body and returns to the lowered condition when deflating the inflatable body. Referring to claims 1-10, the invention thus similarly relates to a same ‘Method of making a flexible membrane for an inflatable body of a tilting weir (instead of an inflatable water barrier). And referring to claims 11-30, the invention thus similarly relates to a same ‘Method of making a flexible membrane for an inflatable body of a tilting weir (instead of an inflatable water barrier). Embodiments of the several aspects of the invention may additionally and/or alternatively be described as worded in the next following clauses: 1) Method of making a flexible membrane for an inflatable body of an inflatable water barrier or tilting weir, wherein the method comprises the steps of: — providing a first plurality of mutually parallel first reinforcement fibres extending in a first direction; — providing a second plurality of mutually parallel second reinforcement fibres extending in a second direction crosswise to the first direction; — applying a liquid first polymeric compound onto the first and second plurality of reinforcement wires; and — allowing the liquid first polymeric compound to cure sulphurless and to bind with the first plurality of first reinforcement wires and with the second plurality of second reinforcement wires to obtain a flexible membrane; wherein the first polymeric compound is a sulphurless curing compound which is flexible when cured.

“2) Method according to clause 1, further comprising the steps of: — providing the flexible membrane earlier obtained (in accordance with clause 1 or this clause 2) with at least one further plurality of mutually parallel reinforcement fibres; — applying a liquid second polymeric compound onto the further plurality of reinforcement fibres and/or onto the earlier obtained flexible membrane;

-27- — allowing the second polymeric compound to cure sulphurless and to bind with the further plurality of reinforcement wires and with the earlier obtained flexible membrane to obtain a further flexible membrane; wherein the second polymeric compound is a sulphurless curing compound which is flexible when cured.

=~=3)} Method according to clause 2, wherein the steps of clause 2 are repeated.

=~=4)} Method according to clause 2 or 3, wherein the further plurality of mutually parallel fibres extend in the first and/or second direction.

~=5) Method according to one of clauses 1-4, comprising the further step of coating the flexible membrane obtained in accordance with one or more of the clauses 1-4 on one or both sides with a polymeric coating compound. ~=5} Method according to one of clauses 1-5, wherein the liquid first polymeric compound and/or liquid second polymeric compound and/or the polymeric coating compound is a compound curing at a temperature of 50 °C or lower, such as at a temperature of 40 °C or lower, like at a temperature of 30 °C or lower.

“{) Method according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the liquid first polymeric compound and/or liquid second polymeric compound and/or the polymeric coating compound is a compound curing at atmospheric conditions.

3) Method according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the liquid first polymeric compound and/or liquid second polymeric compound and/or the polymeric coating compound comprises a hardener.

~=9} Method according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the liquid first polymeric compound and/or liquid second polymeric compound and/or the polymeric coating compound comprises one or more of the group comprising: polyurethane, silicone, epoxy, polyvinylchloride. ~=10) Method according to one of the clauses 1-8, wherein the liquid first polymeric compound and/or liquid second polymeric compound and/or the polymeric coating compound is a polyurethane.

-=11) Method of making a flexible membrane for an inflatable body of an inflatable water barrier or tilting weir, wherein the method comprises the steps of: A) providing a first roll comprising a multiple of first bands rolled-up around a first roll axis, wherein the rolled-up first bands are mutually aligned along the first roll axis and each have a plurality of mutually parallel first reinforcement fibres

-28- extending in a length direction of the respective first band transverse to the first roll axis;

B) unrolling the first roll and placing a section of an unrolled part of the first roll on a working surface, wherein the unrolled part has a first and second side edge transverse to the first roll axis;

C) arranging a layer of one or more second bands onto the unrolled part placed on the working surface to obtain an overlapping section of overlapping first and second bands, each second band extending from the first side edge to the second side edge and having a plurality of mutually parallel second reinforcement fibres extending transverse to the first reinforcement fibres;

D) wetting the section of step B) and/or the overlapping section of step C) with a liquid first polymeric compound;

E) allowing the liquid first polymeric compound to cure for binding the first bands with the second bands to obtain a cured section; and

F) repeating one or more times: i) step B) whilst simultaneously rolling up the cured section around a second roll axis to obtain a second roll, and ii) step C), iil step Dj, and iv) step E). 12) Method according to clause 11, further comprising the steps of:

G) providing a third roll comprising a multiple of third bands rolled-up around a third roll axis, wherein the rolled-up third bands are mutually aligned along the third roll axis and each have a plurality of mutually parallel third reinforcement fibres extending in a length direction of the respective third band transverse to the third roll axis;

H) unrolling the second roll and placing a section of an unrolled part of the second roll on a working surface;

I) unrolling the third roll and placing a section of an unrolled part of the third roll onto the unrolled part of the second roll to obtain a section of overlapping parts of the second and third roll;

J) wetting the section obtained in step I} with a liquid second polymeric compound;

K) allowing the liquid second polymeric compound to cure and to bind the overlapping parts of the second and third roll to each other to obtain a cured section of overlapping parts; and

L} repeating one or more times:

-29- i) simultaneously steps H) and |) whilst simultaneously rolling up the cured section of overlapping parts around a fourth roll axis to a fourth roll, ii) step J), and iii) step K).

“13) Method according to clause 12, wherein the unrolled part of the third roll is arranged on top of the second bands such that the seconds bands become sandwiched between the first and third bands. ~=14) Method according to one of the clauses 11-13, wherein the first roll is a said second roll obtained with clause 11.

15) Method according to one of the clauses 11-14, wherein the first roll is a said fourth roll obtained with clause 12. ~=16) Method according to one of the clauses 11-15, wherein a web to be coated is defined as a layered structure of a said second roll resulting from steps A} up to F) or of a said fourth roll resulting from steps G) up to I), and wherein the method further comprises a step of coating the web on one or both sides with a polymeric coating compound. 17) Method according to clause 16, wherein the step of coating comprises the steps of: i) unrolling the layered structure, ii) applying a first liquid coating onto an upwardly facing area of a first of both sides and allowing the first liquid coating to cure; vi) applying a second liquid coating onto an upwardly facing area of a second of both sides and allowing the second liquid coating to cure; vii) rolling up the layered structure with the cured first and second coating (facing each other). ~=18) Method according to clause 17, wherein in step i) the layered structure is unrolled with the first of both sides facing upwardly, and wherein between steps ii) and vi), the following steps take place: iii) rolling up the layered structure with the cured first coating; Vv) unrolling the rolled up layered structure with the second of both sides facing upwardly. -=19) Method according to clause 18, wherein between steps iii) and v) a step iv) takes place in which the rolled up layered structure is turned 180 degrees around an axis transverse to the length axis of the roll. -=20) Method according to one of clauses 16-19, wherein the first coating differs from the second coating.

-30- -=21) Method according to one of clauses 16-20, wherein the first coating and second coating are both water-resistant, such as resistant to salt water, and/or at least one of the first and second coatings is UV-resistant. -=22) Method according to one of the clauses 11-21, wherein the first roll and/or second roll and/or third roll and/or fourth roll have, viewed in their length direction, a length in the range of 20 to 40 meters. ~=23) Method according to one of the clauses 11-22, wherein the length of the first roll is Lr1, wherein the first band has, viewed in a direction transverse to the length direction of the first reinforcement fibres, a width Wes, and wherein Lg: = n : Wes, with n being an integer >1, such as in the range of 2 to 20, for example in the range of 10 to 20. ~=24) Method according to clause 23, wherein We: is in the range of 2 to 5 meters, such as in the range of 2 to 4 meters. ~=25) Method according to one of the clauses 11-24, wherein the unrolled part of step B) has, viewed in a direction transverse to the length direction of the first roll, a length Lyar, wherein the second band has, viewed in a direction transverse to the length direction of the second reinforcement fibres, a width Wez, and wherein Lpar=h - Wez, with n being an integer >0, such as 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5.

-=26) Method according to clause 25, wherein We: is in the range of 2 to 5 meters, such as in the range of 2 to 4 meters.

“27) Method according to one of the clauses 11-26, wherein the liquid first polymeric compound and/or liquid second polymeric compound and/or the polymeric coating compound is a compound curing at a temperature of 50 °C or lower, such as at a temperature of 40 °C or lower, like at a temperature of 30 °C or lower.

28) Method according to one of the clauses 11-27, wherein the liquid first polymeric compound and/or liquid second polymeric compound and/or the polymeric coating compound is a compound curing at atmospheric conditions. ~=29) Method according to one of the clauses 11-28, wherein the liquid first polymeric compound and/or liquid second polymeric compound and/or the polymeric coating compound comprises a hardener.

“30) Method according to one of the clauses 11-29, wherein the liquid first polymeric compound and/or liquid second polymeric compound and/or the polymeric coating compound comprises one or more of the group comprising: polyurethane, silicone, epoxy, polyvinylchloride.

31) Use of a flexible membrane obtained with the method according to one of the clauses 1-30 in an inflatable body of an inflatable water barrier or of a tilting weir.

-31- 32) Flexible membrane obtained with the method according to one of the clauses 1-30. 33) Inflatable water barrier for providing a barrier in a water passage delimitated by a first bank, a second bank and a bottom extending between the first bank and the second bank, wherein the water barrier comprises: — a flexible membrane obtained with the method according to one of the clauses 1-30 and extending from the first bank to the second bank, and — a frame extending from the first bank to the second bank along the bottom and arranged below the membrane; wherein the membrane and frame are sealingly attached to each other to define an inflatable body extending from the first bank to the second bank; wherein the water barrier further comprises a pumping device which is in fluid connection with the inflatable body and configured to pump a fluid into the inflatable body to inflate the inflatable body from a deflated condition to an inflated condition; wherein, in the deflated condition, the inflatable body is sunk at the bottom of the water passage and wherein, in the inflated condition, the inflatable body projects from the bottom upwards acting water barrier. =34) Tilting weir for providing a barrier in a water passage delimitated by a first bank, a second bank and a bottom extending between the first bank and the second bank, wherein the weir comprises: — a plate extending from the first bank to the second bank and having a horizontal axis extending along the bottom, the plate being rotatable around the horizontal axis between a lowered position in which the plate in which the plate is below water level and extends essentially along the bottom and a raised position in which the plate projects from the bottom to above the water level to prevent any water from passing; — an inflatable body comprising a flexible membrane obtained with the method according to one of the clauses 1-30, and wherein the inflatable body is mounted to the plate such that plate is in raised position when the inflatable body is inflated and in lowered position when the inflatable body is deflated; wherein the weir further comprises a pumping device which is in fluid connection with the inflatable body and configured to pump a fluid into the inflatable body to inflate the inflatable body from a deflated condition to an inflated condition.

Claims (34)

-32. CONCLUSIES-32. CONCLUSIONS 1. Werkwijze voor het maken van een flexibel membraan voor een opblaasbaar lichaam van een opblaasbare waterbarriére op klepstuw, waarbij de werkwijze omvat de stappen; — het verschaffen van een eerste veelheid van onderling evenwijdige eerste verster- kingsdraden die zich uitstrekken in een eerste richting; — het verschaffen van een tweede veelheid van onderling evenwijdige tweede verster- kingsdraden die zich uitstrekken in een tweede richting kruiselings op de eerste rich- ting; — het aanbrengen van vloeibare eerste polymeer-samenstelling op de eerste en tweede veelheid versterkingsdraden; en — het de vloeibare eerste polymeer-samenstelling zwavelloos laten harden en binden met de eerste veelheid eerste versterkingsdraden en met de tweede veelheid tweede versterkingsdraden om een flexibel membraan te verkrijgen; waarbij de eerste polymeer-samenstelling een zwavelloos hardende samenstelling is die, wanneer deze gehard is, flexibel is.A method for making a flexible membrane for an inflatable body of an inflatable water barrier on valve weir, the method comprising the steps; - providing a first plurality of mutually parallel first reinforcing wires extending in a first direction; - providing a second plurality of mutually parallel second reinforcing wires extending in a second direction crosswise to the first direction; - applying liquid first polymer composition to the first and second plurality of reinforcing wires; and - allowing the liquid first polymer composition to cure and bond in a sulfurless manner with the first plurality of first reinforcing threads and with the second plurality of second reinforcing threads to obtain a flexible membrane; wherein the first polymer composition is a sulfurless curing composition which, when cured, is flexible. 2. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 1, verder omvattende de stappen: - het het eerder verkregen flexibele membraan voorzien van ten minste één verdere veelheid onderling evenwijdige versterkingsdraden; — het aanbrengen van een vloeibare tweede polymeer-samenstelling op de verdere veelheid van versterkingsdraden en/of op het eerder verkregen flexibele membraan; — het de tweede polymeer-samenstelling zwavelloos laten harden en binden met de verdere veelheid van versterkingsdraden en met de eerder verkregen flexibele mem- braan om een verder flexibel membraan te verkrijgen; waarbij de tweede polymeer-samenstelling een zwavelloos hardende samenstelling is die, wanner deze gehard is, flexibel is.Method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of: - providing the previously obtained flexible membrane with at least one further plurality of mutually parallel reinforcing wires; - applying a liquid second polymer composition to the further plurality of reinforcing wires and/or to the previously obtained flexible membrane; - curing and bonding the second polymer composition sulfurless with the further plurality of reinforcing wires and with the previously obtained flexible membrane to obtain a further flexible membrane; wherein the second polymer composition is a sulfurless curing composition which, when cured, is flexible. 3. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 2, waarbij de stappen van conclusie 2 herhaald worden.The method of claim 2, wherein the steps of claim 2 are repeated. 4. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 2 of 3, waarbij de verdere veelheid van onderling even- wijdige draden zich uitstrekt in de eerste en/of tweede richting.A method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the further plurality of mutually parallel wires extend in the first and/or second direction. 5. Werkwijze volgens een van de conclusies 1-4, omvattende de verdere stap: het op één of beide zijden met een polymere bekledingssamenstelling bekleden van het flexibel membraan verkregen volgens één of meer van de conclusies 1-4.A method according to any one of claims 1-4, comprising the further step of: coating the flexible membrane obtained according to one or more of claims 1-4 with a polymeric coating composition on one or both sides. -33--33- 6. Werkwijze volgens een van de conclusies 1-5, waarbij de vloeibare eerste polymeer-samenstelling en/of vloeibare tweede polymeer- samenstelling en/of de polymere bekledingssamenstelling een samenstelling is die hard bij een temperatuur van 50°C of lager, zoals bij een temperatuur van 40°C of lager, zoals bij een temperatuur van 30°C of lager.A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the liquid first polymer composition and/or liquid second polymer composition and/or the polymer coating composition is a composition which sets at a temperature of 50°C or lower, such as at a temperature of 40°C or less, such as at a temperature of 30°C or less. 7. Werkwijze volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de vloeibare eerste polymeer-samenstelling en/of vloeibare tweede polymeer- samenstelling en/of de polymere bekledingssamenstelling een samenstelling is die hardt bij atmosferische omstandigheden.A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid first polymer composition and/or liquid second polymer composition and/or the polymeric coating composition is a composition which cures at atmospheric conditions. 8. Werkwijze volgens een van de voorgaande conclusie, waarbij de vloeibare eerste polymeer-samenstelling en/of vloeibare tweede polymeer- samenstelling en/of de polymere bekledingssamenstelling een hardingsmiddel omvatten.A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the liquid first polymer composition and/or liquid second polymer composition and/or the polymeric coating composition comprise a curing agent. 9. Werkwijze volgens een van de voorgaande conclusies, waarbij de vloeibare eerste polymeer-samenstelling en/of vloeibare tweede polymeer- samenstelling en/of de polymere bekledingssamenstelling één of meer omvatten uit de groep omvattende: polyurethaan, silicone, epoxy, polyvinylchloride.A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid first polymer composition and/or liquid second polymer composition and/or the polymeric coating composition comprise one or more from the group comprising: polyurethane, silicone, epoxy, polyvinyl chloride. 10. Werkwijze volgens een van de conclusies 1-8, waarbij de vloeibare eerste polymeer-samenstelling en/of vloeibare tweede polymeer- samenstelling en/of de polymere bekledingssamenstelling een polyurethaan is.A method according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the liquid first polymer composition and/or liquid second polymer composition and/or the polymeric coating composition is a polyurethane. 11. Werkwijze voor het maken van een flexibel membraan voor een opblaasbaar lichaam van een opblaasbare waterbarrière of een klepstuw, waarbij de werkwijze omvat de stappen: A) het verschaffen van een eerste rol omvattende een veelheid rond een eerste rol hart- lijn opgerolde eerste stroken, waarbij de opgerolde eerste stroken onderling zijn uitge- lijnd langs de eerste rol hartlijn en elk een veelheid onderling evenwijdige eerste ver- sterkingsdraden hebben die zich uitstrekken in een lengterichting van de respectieve eerste strook dwars op de eerste rol hartlijn; B) het afrollen van de eerste rol en het plaatsen van een sectie van een afgerold gedeel- te van de eerste rol op een werkoppervlak, waarbij het afgerolde deel een eerste en tweede zijrand heeft dwars op de eerste rol hartlijn;A method of making a flexible membrane for an inflatable body of an inflatable water barrier or a valve weir, the method comprising the steps of: A) providing a first roll comprising a plurality of first strips coiled about a first roll axis wherein the coiled first strips are mutually aligned along the first roll axis and each has a plurality of mutually parallel first reinforcing yarns extending in a longitudinal direction of the respective first strip transverse to the first roll axis; B) uncoiling the first roll and placing a section of an unwound portion of the first roll on a work surface, the unwound portion having first and second side edges transverse to the first roll axis; -34- C) het aanbrengen van een laag van één of meer tweede stroken op het op het werkop- pervlak geplaatste afgerolde gedeelte om een overlappende sectie van overlappende eerste en tweede stroken te verkrijgen, waarbij elke tweede strook zich uitstrekt vanaf de eerste zijrand naar de tweede zijrand en een veelheid onderling evenwijdige twee- de versterkingsdraden heeft die zich uitstrekken dwars op de eerste versterkingsdra- den; D) het natmaken van de eerste sectie van stap B) en/of de overlappende sectie van stap C) met een vloeibare eerste polymeer-samenstelling; E) het toelaten dat de vloeibare eerste polymeer-samenstelling hardt en dat de eerste stroken met de tweede stroken binden om een geharde sectie te verkrijgen; en F) het één of meer keer herhalen van: i) stap B) terwijl tegelijkertijd de geharde sectie rond een tweede rol hart- lijn wordt opgerold om een tweede rol te verkrijgen, en ii) stap C), iii) stap D), en iv) stap E).-34-C) applying a layer of one or more second strips to the unrolled portion placed on the work surface to obtain an overlapping section of overlapping first and second strips, each second strip extending from the first side edge to the second side edge and a plurality of mutually parallel second reinforcing threads extending transversely of the first reinforcing threads; D) wetting the first section of step B) and/or the overlapping section of step C) with a liquid first polymer composition; E) allowing the liquid first polymer composition to set and the first strips to bond with the second strips to obtain a cured section; and F) repeating: i) step B) one or more times while simultaneously winding the hardened section around a second roll axis to obtain a second roll, and ii) step C), iii) step D), and iv) step E). 12. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 11, verder omvattende de stappen: G) het verschaffen van een derde rol omvattende een veelheid rond een derde rol hartlijn opgerolde derde banden, waarbij de opgerolde derde banden onderling zijn uitgelijnd langs de derde rolhartlijn en elk een veelheid onderling evenwijdige derde verster- kingsdraden hebben die zich uitstrekken in een lengterichting van de respectieve der- de strook dwars op de derde rol hartlijn; H) het afrollen van de tweede rol en het plaatsen van een sectie van een afgerold ge- deelte van de tweede rol op een werkoppervlak; I) het afrollen van de derde rol en het plaatsen van een sectie van een afgerold gedeel- te van de derde rol op het afgerolde gedeelte van de tweede rol om een sectie van overlappende gedeeltes van de tweede en derde rol te verkrijgen; J) het natmaken van de in stap |) verkregen sectie met een vloeibare tweede polymeer- samenstelling; K) het toelaten dat de vloeibare tweede polymeer-samenstelling hardt en dat de overlap- pende gedeeltes van de tweede en derde rol met elkaar binden om een geharde sec- tie van overlappende gedeeltes te verkrijgen; en L} het één of meer keer herhalen van: i) gelijktijdig stappen H) en |) terwijl tegelijkertijd de geharde sectie van overlappende gedeeltes rond een vierde rol hartlijn op een vierde rol wordt op- gerold,The method of claim 11, further comprising the steps of: G) providing a third roll comprising a plurality of third tapes coiled about a third coil axis, wherein the coiled third tapes are mutually aligned along the third coil axis and each a plurality of mutually parallel have third reinforcing wires extending in a longitudinal direction of the respective third strip transverse to the third roll axis; H) unrolling the second roll and placing a section of an unwound portion of the second roll on a work surface; I) uncoiling the third roll and placing a section of an unwound portion of the third roll on the unwound portion of the second roll to obtain a section of overlapping portions of the second and third rolls; J) wetting the section obtained in step |) with a liquid second polymer composition; K) allowing the liquid second polymer composition to set and the overlapping portions of the second and third rolls to bond together to form a cured section of overlapping portions; and L} repeating: i) simultaneously steps H) and |) one or more times while simultaneously winding the hardened section of overlapping portions about a fourth roll centerline onto a fourth roll, -35.- ii) stap J), en iii) stap K).-35.- ii) step J), and iii) step K). 13. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 12, waarbij het afgerolde gedeelte van de derde rol wordt aangebracht boven op de tweede stroken zodat de tweede stroken gesandwiched worden tussen de eerste en derde stroken.The method of claim 12, wherein the unwound portion of the third roll is applied on top of the second strips so that the second strips are sandwiched between the first and third strips. 14. Werkwijze volgens een van de conclusies 11-13, waarbij de eerste rol een genoemde tweede rol verkregen volgens conclusie 11 is.A method according to any one of claims 11-13, wherein the first roll is a said second roll obtained according to claim 11. 15. Werkwijze volgens een van de conclusies 11-14, waarbij de eerste rol een genoemde vierde rol verkregen volgens conclusie 12 is.A method according to any one of claims 11-14, wherein the first roll is a said fourth roll obtained according to claim 12. 16. Werkwijze volgens een van de conclusies 11-15, waarbij een te bekleden baan is ge- definieerd als een gelaagde structuur van een genoemde tweede rol resulterend uit stappen A) tot en met F) of van een genoemde vierde rol resulterend uit stappen G) tot en met |), en waarbij de werkwijze verder omvat een stap van het bekleden van de baan aan één of beide zijden met een polymere bekledingssamenstelling.A method according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein a web to be coated is defined as a layered structure of said second roll resulting from steps A) to F) or of said fourth roll resulting from steps G ) through |), and wherein the method further comprises a step of coating the web on one or both sides with a polymeric coating composition. 17. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 18, waarbij de stap van het bekleden omvat de stappen: i) het afrollen van de gelaagde structuur, ii) het aanbrengen van een eerste vloeibare bekleding op een naar boven ge- keerd oppervlak van een eerste van beide zijden en het laten dat de eerste vloeibare bekleding hardt; vi) het aanbrengen van een tweede vloeibare bekleding op een naar boven ge- keerd oppervlak van een tweede van beide zijden en het laten harden van de tweede vloeibare bekleding; vii) het oprollen van de gelaagde structuur met de eerste en tweede bekleding (naar elkaar toegekeerd).The method of claim 18, wherein the coating step comprises the steps of: i) unrolling the layered structure, ii) applying a first liquid coating to an upwardly facing surface of a first of both sides, and allowing the first liquid coating to set; vi) applying a second liquid coating to an upwardly facing surface of a second of both sides and allowing the second liquid coating to cure; vii) rolling up the layered structure with the first and second coatings (facing each other). 18. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 17, waarbij in stap i) de gelaagde structuur wordt afge- rold met de eerste van beide zijden omhoog gekeerd, en waarbij tussen stappen ii) en vi), de volgende stappen plaatsvinden: iii) het oprollen van de gelaagde structuur met de geharde eerste bekleding; Vv) het afrollen van de opgerolde gelaagde structuur met de tweede van beide zij- den naar boven gekeerd.The method of claim 17, wherein in step i) the layered structure is unrolled with the first of both sides facing up, and wherein between steps ii) and vi), the following steps take place: iii) rolling up the layer structure with the cured first coating; vv) unrolling the coiled layered structure with the second of both sides facing up. -36--36- 19. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 18, waarbij tussen stappen iii) en v) een stap iv) plaats- vind, waarin de opgerolde gelaagde structuur 180° gedraaid wordt rond een hartlijn dwars op de lengtehartlijn van de rol.The method of claim 18, wherein between steps iii) and v) there is a step iv) in which the coiled layered structure is rotated 180° about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the roll. 20. Werkwijze volgens een van de conclusies 16-19, waarbij de eerste bekleding verschilt van de tweede bekleding.A method according to any one of claims 16-19, wherein the first coating is different from the second coating. 21. Werkwijze volgens een van de conclusies 16-20, waarbij de eerste bekleding en tweede bekleding beide waterbestendig zijn, zoals bestendig tegen zout water, en/of waarbij ten minste één van de eerste en tweede bekledingen UV bestendig is.The method of any one of claims 16-20, wherein the first coating and second coating are both water resistant, such as salt water resistant, and/or wherein at least one of the first and second coatings is UV resistant. 22. Werkwijze volgens een van de conclusies 11-21, waarbij de eerste rol en/of tweede rol en/of derde rol en/of vierde rol, gezien in hun lengterichting, een lengte hebben in het be- reik van 20 tot 40 meter.A method according to any one of claims 11 to 21, wherein the first roll and/or second roll and/or third roll and/or fourth roll, viewed in their longitudinal direction, have a length in the range of 20 to 40 meters. . 23. Werkwijze volgens een van de conclusies 11-22, waarbij de lengte van de eerste rol Lr is, waarbij de eerste strook, gezien in een richting dwars op de lengterichting van de eer- ste versterkingsdraden, een breedte Ws: heeft, en waarbij Lri=n-Wg1, waarin n een geheel getal >1 is, zoals in het bereik van 2 tot 20, bijvoorbeeld in het bereik van 10 tot 20.A method according to any one of claims 11 to 22, wherein the length of the first roll is Lr, the first strip, viewed in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the first reinforcing threads, has a width Ws:, and wherein Lri=n-Wg1, where n is an integer >1, such as in the range of 2 to 20, e.g. in the range of 10 to 20. 24. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 23, waarbij We: ligt in het bereik van 2 tot 5 meter, zoals in het bereik van 2 tot 4 meter.The method of claim 23, wherein We: is in the range of 2 to 5 meters, such as in the range of 2 to 4 meters. 25. Werkwijze volgens een van de conclusies 11-24, waarbij het afgerolde gedeelte van stap B}, gezien in een richting dwars op de lengterichting van de eerste rol, een lengte Lpan heeft, waarbij de tweede strook, gezien in een richting dwars op de lengterichting van de tweede versterkingsdraden, een breedte We: heeft, en waarbij Liar=n' Wez, waarin n een ge- heel getal >0 is, zoals 1, 2, 3, 4 of 5.A method according to any one of claims 11-24, wherein the unwound portion of step B}, viewed in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the first roll, has a length Lpan, the second strip, viewed in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the second reinforcing wires, has a width We: , and where Liar=n' Wez, where n is an integer >0, such as 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5. 26. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 25, waarbij We2 ligt in het bereik van 2 tot 5 meter, zoals in het bereik van 2 tot 4 meter.The method of claim 25, wherein We 2 is in the range of 2 to 5 meters, such as in the range of 2 to 4 meters. 27. Werkwijze volgens een van de conclusies 11-26, waarbij de vloeibare eerste poly- meer-samenstelling en/of vloeibare tweede polymeer-samenstelling en/of de polymere be- kledingssamenstelling een samenstelling is die hardt bij een temperatuur van 50°C of lager, zoals bij een temperatuur van 40°C of lager, zoals bij een temperatuur van 30°C of lager.A method according to any one of claims 11 to 26, wherein the liquid first polymer composition and/or liquid second polymer composition and/or the polymer coating composition is a composition which cures at a temperature of 50°C or lower, such as at a temperature of 40°C or lower, such as at a temperature of 30°C or lower. -37--37- 28. Werkwijze volgens een van de conclusies 11-27, waarbij de vloeibare eerste poly- meer-samenstelling en/of vloeibare tweede polymeer-samenstelling en/of de polymere be- kledingssamenstelling een samenstelling is die hardt bij atmosferische omstandigheden.A method according to any one of claims 11-27, wherein the liquid first polymer composition and/or liquid second polymer composition and/or the polymeric coating composition is a composition that cures at atmospheric conditions. 29 Werkwijze volgens een van de conclusies 11 tot 28, waarbij de vloeibare eerste poly- meer-samenstelling en/of vloeibare tweede polymeer-samenstelling en/of de polymere be- kledingssamenstelling een hardingsmiddel omvat.A method according to any one of claims 11 to 28, wherein the liquid first polymer composition and/or liquid second polymer composition and/or the polymer coating composition comprises a curing agent. 30. Werkwijze volgens een van de conclusies 11-29, waarbij de vloeibare eerste poly- meer-samenstelling en/of vloeibare tweede polymeer-samenstelling en/of de polymere be- kledingssamenstelling één of meer van de groepen omvat omvattende: polyurethaan, silico- nen, epoxy, polyvinylchloride.A method according to any one of claims 11-29, wherein the liquid first polymer composition and/or liquid second polymer composition and/or the polymeric coating composition comprises one or more of the groups comprising: polyurethane, silico- nen, epoxy, polyvinyl chloride. 31. Gebruik van een flexibel membraan verkregen met de werkwijze volgens een van de conclusies 1-30 in een opblaasbaar lichaam van een opblaasbare waterbarrière of in een klepstuw.Use of a flexible membrane obtained by the method according to any one of claims 1-30 in an inflatable body of an inflatable water barrier or in a valve weir. 32. Flexibel membraan verkregen met de werkwijze volgens een van de conclusies 1-30.A flexible membrane obtained by the method according to any one of claims 1-30. 33. Opblaasbare waterbarrière voor het verschaffen van een barrière in een waterdoor- gang begrensd door een eerste oever, een tweede oever en een bodem die zich uitstrekt tussen de eerste oever en de tweede oever, waarbij de waterbarrière omvat: — een flexibel membraan verkregen met de werkwijze volgens een van de conclusies 1- en zich uitstrekkend vanaf de eerste oever naar de tweede oever, en — een frame dat zich uitstrekt vanaf de eerste oever naar de tweede oever langs de bo- dem en dat onder het membraan is aangebracht; waarbij het membraan en het frame afdichtend aan elkaar zijn bevestigd ten einde een op- blaasbaar lichaam te bepalen dat zich uitstrekt vanaf de eerste oever naar de tweede oever; 30 waarbij de waterbarrière verder omvat een pompinrichting die in fluidumverbinding is met het opblaasbare lichaam en geconfigureerd is om een fluïdum in het opblaasbare lichaam te pompen om het opblaasbare lichaam op te blazen vanuit een leeggelopen toestand naar een opgeblazen toestand; waarbij, in de leeggelopen toestand, het opblaasbare lichaam is afgezonken op de bodem van de waterdoorgang en waarbij, in opgeblazen toestand, het opblaasbare lichaam vanaf de bodem omhoog uitsteekt om als waterbarrière te werken.33. Inflatable water barrier for providing a barrier in a water passage bounded by a first bank, a second bank and a bottom extending between the first bank and the second bank, the water barrier comprising: - a flexible membrane obtained with the method according to any one of claims 1 and extending from the first bank to the second bank, and - a frame extending from the first bank to the second bank along the bottom and arranged below the membrane; wherein the membrane and the frame are sealingly attached to each other to define an inflatable body extending from the first bank to the second bank; wherein the water barrier further comprises a pump device in fluid communication with the inflatable body and configured to pump a fluid into the inflatable body to inflate the inflatable body from a deflated state to an inflated state; wherein, in the deflated state, the inflatable body is submerged on the bottom of the water passage and wherein, when inflated, the inflatable body projects upwards from the bottom to act as a water barrier. -38--38- 34. Klepstuw voor het verschaffen van een barriére in een waterdoorgang begrensd door een eerste oever, een tweede oever en een bodem die zicht uitstrekt tussen de eerste oever en de tweede oever, waarbij de stuw omvat: — een plaat die zich uitstrekt vanaf de eerste oever naar de tweede oever en die een ho- rizontale as heeft die zich uitstrekt langs de bodem, waarbij de plaat roteerbaar is rond de horizontale as tussen een neergelaten positie waarin de plaat zich onder de waterspiegel bevindt en zich uitstrekt langs in wezen de bodem en een verhoogde positie waarin de plaat vanaf de bodem tot boven de waterspiegel uitsteekt om te voorkomen dat enig water passeert; en - een opblaasbaar lichaam omvattende een flexibel membraan verkregen met de werkwijze volgens een van de conclusies 1-30, en waarbij het opblaasbare lichaam aan de plaat is bevestigd zodanig dat de plaat in verhoogde positie is wanneer het opblaasbare lichaam is opgeblazen en in neergelaten positie wanneer het opblaasbare lichaam is leeggelopen; waarbij de stuw verder omvat een pompinrichting die een fluidumverbinding is met het op- blaasbare lichaam en geconfigureerd is om fluidum in het opblaasbare lichaam te pompen om het opblaasbare lichaam op te blazen vanuit een leeggelopen toestand naar een opge- blazen toestand.34. Flap weir for providing a barrier in a water passage bounded by a first bank, a second bank and a bottom extending between the first bank and the second bank, the weir comprising: — a plate extending from the first bank bank to the second bank and having a horizontal axis extending along the bottom, the plate being rotatable about the horizontal axis between a lowered position in which the plate is below the water surface and extending along substantially the bottom and an elevated position in which the plate extends from the bottom to above the water level to prevent any water from passing; and - an inflatable body comprising a flexible membrane obtained by the method according to any one of claims 1-30, and wherein the inflatable body is attached to the plate such that the plate is in an elevated position when the inflatable body is inflated and in a lowered position when the inflatable body is deflated; the weir further comprising a pump device in fluid communication with the inflatable body and configured to pump fluid into the inflatable body to inflate the inflatable body from a deflated state to an inflated state.