Alternative Fillings for Sandbags P. I. Simone Stewart C. I. Zachary Rosen David Chasteen-Boyd Clifton Reese December 21, 2011 Governor’s School for Science and Technology

Acknowledgements Kyle Shepherd, for making our paint tray Mrs. Bartgis, for consultation and allowing us access to her tools All of our parents for funding us and driving

Outline Conflicting instruction in flood prevention material Designing an experiment Data gathered Rating materials Conclusion

Contradicting Methodology “A heavy bodied or sandy soil is most desirable for filling sandbags…” -Flood Fighting: How to Use Sandbags “Sand is the easiest material for filling and shaping sandbags.” –Sandbagging for Flood Protection

Contradicting Methodology “…they can be filled with practically anything.” –Sandbags “Straw or wood chips can be used…” –Homeowners’ Guide for Flood, Debris, and Erosion Control after Fires

Designing an Experiment Constants Water flow Cloth type Time interval Angle of paint tray Bag size Insert photo of paint tray or materials

Experimental Design hose

Data MaterialTrial 1Trial 2Trial 3Average Sand1 cup1.5 cups2.5 cups1.67 cups Gravel3 cups 2.75 cups2.92 cups Soil/Clay2.25 cups2.75 cups2.9 cups2.63 cups Styrofoam4.5 cups5 cups5.75 cups5.08 cups Wood Shavings2.25 cups2 cups 2.08 cups Each material was tested for 10 seconds in each trial. This graph shows how much water passed each bag. Each material was soaked in their bag and then weighed.

Rankings Weight 5. Styrofoam 4. Wood Shavings 3. Soil 2. Sand 1. Gravel Water Blocked 5. Sand 4. Wood Shavings 3. Soil 2. Gravel 1.Styrofoam

Interpretation We wanted the amount of water stopped to be more important than the weight of the bag Wood Shavings: 3(4) + 4(4) = 28 Sand: 3(2) + 4(5) = 26 Soil: 3(3) + 4(3) = 21 Styrofoam: 3(5) + 4(1) = 19 Gravel: 3(1) + 4(2) = 11

Conclusion We concluded that wood shavings are the best filling for a sandbag, however the low weight of wood shavings brings up a small problem. soil is a reasonable alternative in the absence of the above materials Styrofoam and gravel are relatively ineffective as sandbag fillings