The solutions are relatively simple and \"common sense\" but have alluded us for so long. Sometimes, it\'s the evolutionary advancements that are more spectacular than the revolutionary ones.

Could make Earthbag home construction (a growing alternative to adobe construction) less labor intensive, and more structurally robust.

Potentially, low cost robust permanent retaining walls could be built using Sand Bricks with Barb Wire \"mortar\", and an external surface coat for U.V. protection (techniques similar to that in earthbag home construction).

I recall a tube device (sort of a scoup / funnel in one tool) for rapid filling of sand bags on some invention competition TV program, Google search came up with this flat panel gadget for near instant filling of a sandbag by one person, and with capability for being used as a shovel. It woud work well with the sand brick too.
http://www.angelguardproducts.com/industrial/ezbagger/ezbagger.htm

25 lbs verses 40 lbs of sand does NOT translate into less bricks. It is more. To achive the same volume yes though the 2-1 will provide less numbers. I would like to see real world 2-1 proven.

I love private enterprise! Always building a better mousetrap. Good Luck and God Bless your enterprise with bountiful contracts!

Helping untrained personnel build adequate protection is always better and not having contaminated sand to dispose of is a plus, but sandbags still cost about $12 each to deploy and redeploy. This makes a 3\' high barrier cost over $200 a foot to put in place and remove after the flood. Then you have to deal with hundreds of pounds of plastic bags that will be very difficult to reuse or recycle.
An easily better option is www.floodwalls.com.

it would be a good idea if people pre-filled their sandbags to cope with a sudden emergency, instead of panicking at the last minute. Perhaps the local council could have a stock of pre-filled bags made available as necessary. How about a 50-50 mix of sand and expanded polystyrene beads? This would cut the weight in half.

Some times low tech innovations are just as important as high tech breakthroughs. Great re-think of an old design that no one has tried to improve upon in a long time!

Nice.
The world can always use fresh and innovative thinking!

First trip out with the SES saw me filling a pile of sandbags. I nicked a road cone on the way home, chopped the top and bottom off it and we\'ve been using that ever since for filling sandbags. Saves your fingers, and makes it easier as you\'ve a bigger target to chuck shovel loads of sand at. :-)