FDG • June 7, 2023

Flood Defense Group Protects Oil & Gas Facilities in Louisiana from Mississippi River Flooding And Modifications to a HESCO Bastion Floodwall

HESCO provides flood protection for Oil and Gas facilities in Louisiana and this is a site that required a versatile flood barrier capable of allowing existing pipework to transition through it while also tying the barrier into and a sloped embankment.  Additionally, this project needed to be 8’ tall and capable of being left in place for a number of years without significant maintenance requirements.

HESCO Bastion was the clear flood protection system of choice in this project for a variety of reasons.

  • HESCO Bastion easily stacks to achieve 8’ in protective height
  • HESCO Bastion offers robust protection against flood waters and the power of the Mississippi River
  • HESCO Bastion is easily modified to conform around existing pipework
  • HESCO Bastion can be left in place for many years with minimal maintenance
  • HESCO Bastion is the most economical and effective option on the market in achieving greater heights of flood protection which can easily be built higher at a later date as required

Below are some of the features of this project

How to build a flood barrier around pipes using HESCO Bastion

We enjoy working with this product in difficult locations such as this because HESCO provides flood protection that is easy to modify during construction for a good fit when the situation requires. In this example, the barrier had to transition through the pipes pictured and into the berm on the left side of the photo.

Flood Barrier Around Pipe Step 1 - HESCO Bastion
Flood Barrier around Pipes step 1 - HESCO Bastion

Step 1 – We started by placing a unit of HESCO Bastion on either side of the pipes as seen in the photo to the left and the photo below.

Flood Barrier Around Pipe Step 1 - HESCO Bastion

Step 2 – Wire the two units together around the pipes to be sealed. This can be done in a variety of different ways but in this example, we did the following

A) We cut two strips of a single square strip of the welded wire mesh and attached it vertically to the HESCO Bastion units on either side of the pipes as shown
NOTE:  These strips allow you working space and an anchor point for step B

B) We then cut strips of welded wire mesh which were transitioned from side to side and between the pipes

C) Use a coil on either side of the pipes to screw the vertical and horizontal wire panel pieces together therefore connecting the HESCO Bastion on either side and between the pipes.

HESCO Flood Barrier Modification around pipes - Floodwall
Flood Barrier Around Pipe Geotextile Tightening - HESCO Bastion

Step 3 – Line your modified cell with geotextile fabric and carefully fill the dirt/sand up and around the pipes making sure the geotextile forms a complete seal around the pipe and that fill material cannot escape. Compact the fill material in 1’ lifts throughout the filling process.
NOTE: We normally do not use water to create compaction but in this case, we did use water to ensure the sand was consolidated and well compact around the pipes throughout this cell prior to stacking the 2 layer high HESCO Bastion.

Step 4 – Spray Foam Seal for Good Measure
In this case, because of the number of pipes, we felt a layer of spray foam around the point of entry of the pipes into the HESCO Bastion was a good idea as foam is a great tool in sealing up areas where seepage may occur during a flood event.
NOTE: Don’t forget, Spray Foam is a wonderful tool in sealing up gaps that may occur within your flood defense perimeter!

Flood Defense Group Protects Oil & Gas Facilities in Louisiana

How to tie a HESCO Bastion floodwall into an earthen embankment?

Normally, there are two common methods of doing this.

  • Dig a keyhole into your berm and backfill around your barrier upon completion
  • Modify the HESCO Bastion by cutting it down to size such that it appears to disappear into the berm without digging into the berm at all

In this case, we went with option 2 and modified the HESCO Bastion to conform it to the earthen berm. This is easily done by taking a new unit of HESCO Bastion and completely disassembling it. This will allow you to modify/cut the material and reconnect it one cell at a time while you conform it to the embankment you are tying into.

We did this because there was a lot of vegetation (root structures) within the berm as well as a layer of seashells on the surface of the berm which are all great additions to prevent erosion of the berm during a flood event. Digging into a berm creates a vulnerability for erosion and we were happy not to disturb the existing soil/berm

NOTE: Freshly disturbed dirt is prone to erosion from moving water during a flood event. This is also why we did not want to dig into the berm. If you ever do dig into a berm and have freshly disturbed soil, it may be wise to cover it with stone which is helpful in preventing erosion from floodwater during a flood event as water starts swirl around the area.

Flood Barrier tied into existing berm
Flood Defense Group Protects Oil & Gas

Create additional stability or support for your HESCO Bastion Floodwall

HESCO Bastion Buttress Cells Installed 1
HESCO Bastion Floodwall Buttress Cells Installed

It is simple and inexpensive to install ‘buttress walls’ or ‘buttress cells’ to a line of HESCO Bastion for added stability as desired. The photos above show how we were able to take a few cells and attach them to main line of HESCO Bastion close to where the floodwall ties into to an earthen berm on either side of the facility being protected for some easy reinforcement at this tie-in point.
Perhaps this could be considered ‘overkill’, but the speed and ease associated with simply adding some buttress cells along the way gives us added comfort when floodwaters arrive and are near the top of your barrier! This buttress cells can be added during construction or even years later as desired.

Conclusion: HESCO provides flood protection you can count on and this product was a great fit for this location.  The description of our modifications to the HESCO Bastion product during construction detailed above are designed to give possible end users an idea of product capability should you have a similar situation. We understand that modifications of HESCO Bastion (or any flood defense barrier) voids any manufacturers warrantee associated with the product and ‘done at your own risk’. We regularly modify the HESCO Bastion product if/when required to suit the location with great and continued success which is always up to the client or the end user to endorse as we do not assume liability for the final outcome of any project. This description of for general knowledge and understanding of our work with the HESCO Bastion product which may prove helpful during the evaluation of this product for potential end users. It’s an amazing product which is extremely versatile!

HESCO flood barrier ties into a levee with modified buttress cell visible
Flood Defense Group Protects Oil & Gas Facilities
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Table of Contents Why Storm Season is More Dangerous How Our Flood Barriers Offer Stronger Defense Flood Wall Panels for Reliable Storm Protection Our Residential Flood Protection Solutions The Bottom Line Frequently Asked Questions Why Storm Season is More Dangerous Storm season is becoming more intense and unpredictable across the country. With stronger hurricanes, heavier rainfall, and rising sea levels, floods are affecting areas that never used to face such risks. This change is not temporary. According to NOAA, flooding remains one of the most damaging natural disasters in the United States every year. We see how these challenges affect homeowners, businesses, and entire communities. Every season, families lose their homes, and companies face costly shutdowns because of water damage. Our goal is to help people prepare before the storm arrives. That’s why we continue to design, build, and supply systems that work fast and perform under pressure. The more prepared we are, the more we reduce the impact. It is no longer enough to rely on outdated methods like sandbags. Flood conditions have changed, and the tools we use must evolve as well. How Our Flood Barriers Offer Stronger Defense We have worked with property owners across the country and seen firsthand how fast water can rise. That’s why we’ve made our barriers faster to deploy, easier to store, and more reliable in real conditions. When you get a flood warning, there’s no time to waste. Our systems are designed to go up quickly so you can protect your space right away. Compared to traditional sandbags, our flood barriers provide a better seal and are much easier to install. You don’t need a team or heavy lifting. Many of our systems, like our water-filled and air-filled barriers, can be set up by just one or two people. That means faster response and better coverage in less time. We also build our barriers to last. Floods are not one-time events, especially in high-risk areas. That’s why reusability is a key part of what we offer. Our barriers are strong enough to stand up to repeated use, season after season, without losing their protective power. And because different properties have different needs, we provide systems that adjust to fit. Whether it’s a small doorway or a wide building front, we make sure there’s a solution that works. Flood Wall Panels for Reliable Storm Protection Among our most trusted products are our flood wall panels. These are durable, easy to install, and built for long-term protection. We’ve seen them perform in homes, commercial buildings, and critical infrastructure sites with great success. Take our Hammerhead Aluminum Flood Wall System , for example. It’s a strong, dependable barrier that uses solid aluminum planks to form a tight seal. This system is ideal for locations that need heavy-duty protection against powerful floodwaters. It fits custom openings and stays in place, even during long storms. We also offer the Mayim Flood Barrier, which features a modular, interlocking design. It’s lightweight and easy to stack, yet offers excellent water resistance. It’s great for areas that need full perimeter protection or L-shaped coverage. Both systems have been used across the country in real storm events. From public works projects in coastal towns to residential homes in Florida, our flood wall panels are proving to be a reliable first line of defense. These panels are also reusable, meaning they can be stored and deployed as needed, saving costs over time. For families or property managers in flood-prone areas, this is an investment that brings real peace of mind. Our Residential Flood Protection Solutions We believe every property deserves the right level of flood defense. That’s why our range of flood protection solutions is one of the largest in the country. We don’t rely on a single product. We offer systems that work with different ground conditions, property sizes, and risk levels. Some homes may need a portable water-filled barrier. Others benefit more from a strong panel system. We have both, and more. From soil-filled barriers to flexible wall systems, we design solutions that match the situation. We understand that flood preparation starts with knowledge. That’s why we help our customers choose the system that fits their property best. Every home is different. Some have low entrances, while others face runoff from nearby streets. That’s why we take the time to match the right solution to the risk. Our residential customers rely on these systems to protect not just their buildings, but their belongings and families. And because these products are reusable, they’re ready for future seasons. With a proper plan in place and our equipment ready to deploy, families can feel more secure when storms approach. The Bottom Line We provide more than just barriers. We provide security. As flood events become more frequent, fast action and strong defenses are essential. Our wall panels offer a dependable shield against water damage. Along with our residential flood protection solutions , we help homeowners and businesses stay ahead of the storm. At Flood Defense Group, we believe in offering the right product for each situation. That’s why our lineup includes soil-filled, water-filled, air-filled, and anchored systems. And with products like the Hammerhead and Mayim barriers, we bring advanced technology to where it matters most. By choosing our systems, you’re not just preparing for one storm. You’re preparing for every storm that might come. And we’ll be here to support you with the best tools, real expertise, and tested protection that works when you need it most. Frequently Asked Questions