Inflatable pneumatic cofferdam system for waterfront flood resilience and infrastructure protection
An inflatable, permanently anchored coastal resilience system that functions as a low-profile boardwalk during normal conditions and deploys in under 16 minutes to create a watertight flood barrier. This patented technology provides rapid, unobtrusive protection for homes, data centers, and critical infrastructure, representing a significant advancement in flood mitigation without the need for heavy machinery or permanent, unsightly walls.
Overview
The Dynamic Low Visibility Pneumatic Cofferdam is a patented, inflatable flood protection system designed for rapid deployment in vulnerable waterfront environments. This innovative technology serves as a dual-purpose infrastructure solution: it functions as a low-profile, unobtrusive boardwalk under normal conditions while providing a robust, watertight barrier when activated. By integrating seamlessly into existing landscapes, it offers a sophisticated alternative to permanent, visually obstructive flood walls or expensive, difficult-to-store temporary barriers.
Technical specifications
- Rapid Deployment: The system inflates within 16 minutes to create a secure, watertight seal without requiring heavy machinery.
- Design: Consists of adjustable planar components and inflatable hermetic chambers. It can be permanently anchored to seawalls, sidewalks, or other coastal infrastructure.
- Versatility: Modular units can be sized and configured to mate with adjacent sections, allowing for custom perimeters around critical sites.
- Visibility: Features a low-profile design that remains unobtrusive when not in use, preserving the aesthetic value of waterfront properties.
- Durability: Engineered for flood mitigation and prevention in diverse environments, including near ponds, lakes, streams, and coastal regions.
Technology readiness level
The technology is currently at a prototype development stage. It has been successfully patented and licensed to Valorlox LLC under Virginia’s Lab-to-Launch initiative, marking a key commercialization milestone. The team is actively working on prototype development to move the innovation toward market-ready deployment. The system is assessed at TRL 5.
About George Mason University
George Mason University is a large comprehensive public research university serving the Washington, DC region through campuses in Fairfax, Arlington, and Prince William County. Its Arlington site anchors an innovation district that co-locates faculty, startups, and corporate partners, while Fairfax and Prince William host shared core labs and specialized facilities. Proximity to federal agencies and the Northern Virginia technology corridor enables collaborative R&D, sponsored projects, and robust internship and hiring pipelines. The university also maintains a close partnership with a major regional health system to support clinical research and translational studies. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, and the Department of Defense, and a dedicated technology transfer office with incubator programs streamlines IP, licensing, and startup formation.
delivered to your inbox.