Jute ground cloth applied at sustainable quay reinforcement in Giessenburg
Clearly reinforced with understanding of underground
Water Board Rivierenland manages a large number of flood defenses in the Alblasserwaard-Vijfheerenlanden region, including the basin dike along the Peursumsche Vliet in Giessenburg. This dike proved unstable and posed a risk to both water safety and the infrastructure above it, including an important bicycle path.
The challenge in this project was not only in strengthening the quay, but especially in respecting the natural settlement processes. By applying soil in controlled layers and giving these layers time to settle in, a lasting stability is built up.
TEFAB was involved from the beginning as a knowledge partner. In consultation with Waterschap Rivierenland and Aannemingsbedrijf van der Lee BV an approach was developed in which strengthening the quay goes hand in hand with careful phasing, insight in soil dynamics and sustainable material choices. Thus, TEFAB not only provided products, but also advice on how to apply these in an environment where each layer of soil must first set before the next step can be taken. An approach that requires technical knowledge, experience with soil properties and an eye for the long term.
"A safe and sustainable solution in which TEFAB thought carefully about the best materials from the start. The organic jute construction is a nice step towards environmentally friendly water management."
- Nico Maat, Senior Project Leader, Rivierenland Water Board
Starting points
✓ Reinforcement of an unstable storage basin dike along the Peursumsche Vliet
✓ Replacement and widening of a sagging bicycle path
✓ Use of biodegradable, sustainable materials
✓ Optimal guidance of settlement processes in time and execution
Click on the photo in the slider below to get a better view of the entire project:
Our approach
In collaboration with Waterschap Rivierenland and Aannemingsbedrijf van der Lee BV, TEFAB was actively involved in thinking about the best phasing and support for the quay repairs. By building up the quay in layers and giving each layer the chance to settle in, instability is prevented in the long run.
In this process, TEFAB advised on the use of a natural covering layer in the form of jute ground cloth. In order to cover the entire width of the bosom embankment in one work step, two 5-meter strips of jute were assembled into one made-up strip 10 meters wide. This connection was made with a specially selected, biodegradable wire that is resistant to processing in the field, but completely degradable over time. Whereas plastic wire is still often used in similar projects, an all-natural alternative was explicitly chosen here. This solution fits perfectly with the desire to minimize ecological impact and optimize feasibility.
Nice technical detail: the applied dredge was pressed onto the canvas with the help of reinforcement, after which it was immediately sucked away with a cutter suction dredger. This method made it possible to position the canvas tightly and in a controlled manner, without damaging the subsoil or disturbing the surroundings.
The collaboration is characterized by short lines of communication, technical content coordination and a shared vision of future-proof, nature-inclusive construction. In a later phase of the project, the bike path will be completely renewed and reinforced with a biaxial geogrid, supplied by TEFAB.
Making up the jute
Geotechnical applications that have been used
Jute ground cloth
A natural, biodegradable jute ground cloth that prevents erosion and provides stability during the settlement phase. Applied in this project in wide strips of 10 meters, attached together with a biological thread.
Biaxial geogrid (later phase).
An Enkagrid MAX geogrid may be installed under the bike path in the next phase for foundation reinforcement and long-term pavement stability. This is recommended in any case.
Results achieved
✓ The storage basin dike was strengthened in a sustainable way
✓ Bicycle safety is restored with a widened path
✓ Biological material contributes to circular area development
Project Details
Project name: Quay reinforcement Peursumsche Vliet - Giessenburg
Assignment to TEFAB: Advice and supply of jute ground cloth and geogrid
Materials: Jute ground cloth, Enkagrid MAX biaxial geogrid
Client: Rivierenland Water Board
Contractor & executor: Aannemingsbedrijf van der Lee BV, Bruchem
Wondering what TEFAB can do for your project? Contact our sales department at sales@tefab.nl or on +31 (0)162 455 515.
