Dyke construction
Innovative dyke construction solutions with geosynthetics
The roles and advantages of geosynthetics in modern dyke designs are many. Bentofix® geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) are used as waterside sealing systems for dyke slopes and forelands. This geosynthetic barrier solution provides a cost-effective, durable alternative to conventional mineral seals (e.g., compacted clay). Filter geotextiles such as Secutex® H and Secutex® increase the working life of the drainage layer and prevent piping below dykes. Geogrids increase a dyke’s external stability and reinforce affiliated road bases. These solutions also reduce the potential impact of differential settlement in a dyke body. Furthermore, the construction and load-transfer efficiency of geogrid reinforcement enables slopes and walls to be constructed on the water or landside of a dyke with a minimal construction footprint, making reinforcement ideal for sites with limited space.
All of these geosynthetics – GCLs, geotextiles, geogrids – provide proven, site-adaptable technical solutions. And, as geosynthetic design and specification is rooted in repeatable data, documentation is readily available for all products to ensure they meet or exceed a project’s minimum technical requirements.
Advantages of geosynthetic clay liner solutions in dykes
- High swelling sodium bentonite powder ensures exceptional sealing performance
- Encapsulated bentonite powder protected from piping and erosion
- Self-sealing of the GCL and overlaps
- Resistance against desiccation
- Multidirectional shear stress transfer
- Robust against installation damage
- Low installation costs compared to compacted clay layers
Filter geotextile for dyke drainage core
- Improves the long-term drainage efficiency between the dyke core and the drainage core
- Long-term filter efficiency of the geotextile
- Prevents piping
- Selected products are BAW-tested based on the „Guidelines for Testing Geotextiles for Navigable Waterways” (RPG)
- Fast and easy installation by unrolling
- For underwater installation, sandmats are available
Geogrids & composites for construction over soft subsoils and roadway reinforcement
- Laid geogrid made of high-modulus stretched, monolithicfl at bars with welded junctions
- Economic and lightweight solution
- Secugrid® provides an immediate interlocking with the surrounding soil
- High frictional properties further enhance the structural strength
- Flat monolithic bars are extremely robust and resistant to dynamic loads
- Combigrid® combines different functions in one product: reinforcement and stabilisation with Secugrid® geogrid and filtration/separation with Secutex® nonwoven geotextiles
- Combigrid® can be placed directly on soft subsoil and provides separation and filtration
- Secugrid® offers superior chemical resistance, low creep tendency, and extremely high strength at low elongation (high modulus)
- Improves external stability of the dyke
- Reduces differential settlements of dyke bodies and roads
Geosynthetics for dyke retaining walls
- Design of a dyke with a reinforced slope or retaining wall needs less space and gives room for landside infrastructure constructions
- Different types of facings available for reinforced steep slopes and walls
- Inclinations up to 45° can be installed without special facing elements
- Inclinations up to 70° can be installed using a “wrap-around” construction method
- Inclinations up to 90° can be designed using facing elements made of natural stones, gabions, crushed rocks or prefabricated concrete units
