What Are Sandbags Used For?

Flood Control

• Flood control is the most common application of sandbags. Sandbags used for this purpose are typically made from plastic or polypropylene because of it's durability against water erosion and water seepage. The ability to easily stack sandbags also makes them ideal for flood control. In areas where flooding is a problem, such as Chattanooga, Tennessee, in the U.S. and Bolivia, sandbags are kept on hand to prepare to counter against potential water damage.

Erosion Control

• Roadways in danger of eroding under the power of consistent flowing water are often lined with sandbags. Sandbags used for this purpose are typically made of burlap. Sandbags made of burlap allow plant life to grow up into the bag, both anchoring it and the earth below. Without the burlap sandbag in place, water would run until the dirt washed away -- before plant life could grow to a substantial enough size to anchor the ground.

Military

• The military implemented the widespread use of sandbags in defense and structure building during World War II and the Korean War. Due to their stackability, sandbags create easy-to-build and durable fortifications. Common military uses for sandbags include stacking sandbags against buildings to provide strength to resist artillery blasts and breaking glass.

Sandbag Structures

• Alternative homes are growing in popularity as living costs rise in western civilization. Sandbag homes are just one of those alternative home styles, and they're growing in popularity. Sandbag homes can be sturdy and well-insulated if built properly. Using the stackable nature of sandbags, one can even create vaulted ceilings and windows, and earth or plaster may be smeared to create a unified look, much like any modern structure. They are weather tight, easy to build and environmentally friendly.