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

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