Geosynthetics in Dyke construction

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
Dyke sealing system with Bentofix® geosynthetic clay liners (Here: waterside dyke slope and foreland)
Dyke sealing system with Bentofix® geosynthetic clay liners (Here: waterside dyke slope and foreland)

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
Needle-punched nonwoven filter geotextile (Secutex® H or Secutex®) installed for long-term filtration stability between dyke core, subsoil, and drainage layer
Needle-punched nonwoven filter geotextile (Secutex® H or Secutex®) installed for long-term filtration stability between dyke core, subsoil, and drainage layer

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
Enhanced stability of dykes on softsubsoils by Secugrid® geogrid reinforcement installed at the base of the dyke
Enhanced stability of dykes on softsubsoils by Secugrid® geogrid reinforcement installed at the base of the dyke

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
Secugrid® reinforced soilstructure on a site with limited space
Secugrid® reinforced soilstructure on a site with limited space
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