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Secutex® Soft Rock Geotextile sand container

Naue Secutex® Soft Rock is a geotextile sand container for coastal protection, scour protection and riverbank stabilisation.

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  • Image of a white Naue Secutex® Soft Rock geotextile sand container (sand bag).
  • Image of a Naue Secutex® Soft Rock geotextile sand container (sand bag).
  • Image of a filled Naue Secutex® Soft Rock Grand geotextile sand container (sand bag).
  • Image of an empty Naue Secutex® Soft Rock Grand geotextile sand container (sand bag).
  • Aerial view of a coastal protection project where Secutex® Soft Rock sand containers are installed at a beach.
  • Photo of a sand-filled geotextile Secutex® Soft Rock being installed on the water for scour protection.
  • Secutex® Soft Rock is a geotextile sand container (GSC) for coastal protection, scour protection and riverbank stabilisation.
  • The container is filled with locally available sand on-site. It provides simultaneous filter and ballast functions. The nonwoven retains fine particles and absorbs wave energy without hard armour.
  • Variants: R 601 (single-layer, unexposed) · RS 801a (double-layer, unexposed) · RS 1201 (double-layer, exposed) · Grand RS 1201 (large-format, exposed) · Grand RS 1601 (large-format, exposed) · Closing technology Smart available for R 601, RS 801a, RS 1201
  • BAW certified (RPG:2021, TLG:2018) · CE marking (EN 13249:2016) · EN ISO 9001:2015 · EN ISO 14001:2015 · DIN 18200 · EPD available

Secutex® Soft Rock is a geotextile sand container system for coastal protection, scour protection and riverbank stabilisation. Filled on site with locally available sand, the needle-punched nonwoven encases the fill material while providing both filter and ballast functions. Fine soil particles are retained, while wave and flow energy can be absorbed without the need for conventional armour stone in many applications.

Where water flow, waves or currents act on unprotected soil, fine particles can be mobilised and transported away. Over time, this may lead to surface erosion, scour formation, instability of banks or structures, and progressive land loss. Conventional revetments made of armour stone combined with a geotextile filter are widely used to prevent this process. Secutex® Soft Rock provides an alternative revetment solution based on sand-filled geotextile containers. The containers help retain soil, stabilise the exposed surface and reduce hydraulic impact.

Secutex® Soft Rock containers are filled with locally available sand. This can reduce the demand for quarried rock, simplify logistics and support flexible installation in coastal, riverbank and scour protection applications. In Scharbeutz, Germany, this avoided the extraction and delivery of approximately 60,000 tonnes of crushed rock. No concrete, no quarrying, no long-distance aggregate supply chain.

The GSC Secutex® Soft Rock RS 1201 (exposed application) delivers tensile strength of 60 kN/m (md/cmd) (EN ISO 10319), characteristic opening size O90 = 0.06 mm (EN ISO 12956), and seam strength of 50 kN/m (EN ISO 10321), with abrasion residual strength > 85% (rotating drum, BAW/TLG:2018). CE marking is per EN 13253:2016. Durability for a service life of 100 years (EN 13249:2016).

Secutex® Soft Rock functions:

  • Filtration

    Filtration

    The permeable geotextile of Secutex® Soft Rock geotextile allows water to pass through while retaining soil particles, preventing washout and internal erosion.

  • Separation

    Separation

    The geotextile creates a stable interface between the existing soil and the fill material of the geotextile sand containers, preventing the mixing of fine subgrade materials and fill.

  • Packaging containment

    Containment

    Sand is securely contained within the high-strength geotextile shell, forming stable construction units that maintain their integrity under hydraulic loading.

Secutex® Soft Rock advantages

Secutex® Soft Rock is the smart alternative to conventional revetment systems. Geotextile sand containers combine filter and ballast function in a single element. They adapt to any subgrade, withstand dynamic wave loading and can be filled with locally available sand.

  • Easy installation

    Practical installation

    Containers are filled on-site with local sand so that no aggregate haulage is required. Containers can be placed from barges or cranes at depth for underwater installation.

  • Filter and ballast in one

    Filter and ballast in one

    Two system components of a revetment system replaced by one: the nonwoven provides filter stability; the sand mass delivers positional stability.

  • Adapte to subsoil

    Adapts to uneven surfaces

    Soft, flexible construction elements conform precisely to irregular bed surfaces.

  • Function duration

    Long service life

    High robustness with residual seam strength > 85% after BAW abrasion test (rotating drum). The double-layer construction comes with a UV-resistant protection layer.

  • Certificate

    BAW certified

    The nonwoven geotextile meets BAW requirements for filter stability, abrasion resistance and puncture resistance (RPG:2021 & TLG:2018).

Application areas

Typical applications:

  • Dune reinforcement and geotextile walls in sensitive coastal environments (SSSI / Natura 2000)
  • Beach erosion control, shoreline restoration and coastal protection
  • Wave energy dissipation and replacement of conventional armour stone revetments

At the German Scharbeutz beach, geotextile sand containers were installed in five layers in front of a flood protection wall, providing erosion and scour protection while replacing approximately 60,000 t of crushed rock. In other projects, stacked containers formed a geotextile wall to reinforce storm-damaged dunes and serve as a final barrier against breakthrough during storm surges.

Geotextile sand containers can also be used as the primary coastal protection measure within a beach nourishment and land reclamation scheme. The system helps restore a coastline that had retreated already, stabilised newly reclaimed land and creates the foundation for a major waterfront development.

Aerial view of a coastal protection project where Secutex® Soft Rock sand containers are installed at a beach.

To the application:

Hydraulic engineering

Typical applications:

  • Seabed scour remediation at harbour quay walls and bridge piers
  • Offshore scour protection for wind turbine foundations
  • Underwater installation without dewatering or divers
  • Riverbank erosion protection from barge installation

Secutex® Soft Rock R 601 is specified for protected/ covered hydraulic applications. In Southampton, UK, 1,160 containers were placed at 22 m depth at the Port of Southampton quay wall. No divers are required and port operations are not disrupted. For the Offshore Wind Park Amrumbank West a scour protection system with Secutex® Soft Rock has been installed for 80 wind turbines at water depths of -19 to -24m LAT .

Photo of a sand-filled geotextile Secutex® Soft Rock being installed on the water for scour protection.

To the application:

Hydraulic engineering

Technical properties

PropertyUnitSoft Rock R 601Soft Rock RS 801 aSoft Rock RS 1201Soft Rock Grand RS 1601
Product and application
Layer construction—Single-layer nonwovenDouble-layer nonwoven: filter layer and abrasion-resistant protection layerDouble-layer nonwoven: filter layer and abrasion-resistant protection layerDouble-layer, robust and abrasion-resistant staple-fibre nonwoven, homogeneously needle-punched
Raw material—Polypropylene (PP)Polypropylene (PP)Polypropylene (PP)UV-stabilised polypropylene (PP)
UV stabilisation—NoNoYesYes
Colour, filter layer / protection layer—WhiteWhite / beigeWhite / beige-brownWhite / beige
Nonwoven
Mass per unit area, total product (EN ISO 9864)g/m²6008001,2001,600
Mass per unit area, filter layer (Secutex® R 601)g/m²—600600approx. 1,000
Mass per unit area, protection layerg/m²—200600approx. 600
Thickness, nominal / minimum (EN ISO 9863-1)mm5.0 / ≥ 4.5——9.0
Max. tensile strength, md / cmd (EN ISO 10319)kN/m45 / 4550 / 5060.0 / 60.065 / 70
Elongation at max. tensile strength, md / cmd (EN ISO 10319)%60 / 6060 / 6060 / 60—
Static puncture resistance, CBR (EN ISO 12236)N8,0008,000—13,500
Displacement at puncture (EN ISO 12236)mm606060—
Dynamic perforation, cone drop test (EN ISO 13433)mm6.06.0——
Characteristic opening size O₉₀ (EN ISO 12956)mm0.080.080.06—
Apparent opening size AOS (ASTM D4751)µm———≤ 75
Water permeability VI(H50) index (EN ISO 11058)m/s3.5 x 10⁻²———
Flow rate (H50) (EN ISO 11058)l/(s·m²)35302515 (at 100 mm head)
Water permeability, k value calculated acc. to TLG 2018m/s2.3 x 10⁻³———
Resistance and durability
Hydraulic filtration efficiency (RPG and TLG 2018 of the BAW)—Soil types A and B———
Resistance to dynamic perforation by ripraps (RPG of the BAW)Nm1,800 – fulfilled———
Abrasion resistance, residual strength (RPG of the BAW, ISO 22182)%> 80> 85> 85> 85
Chemical resistance, residual strength (ASTM D 5322)%100100100100
Weathering resistance after 500 h – nonwoven / seam%———≥ 85 / 100
Friction angle in the shear plane, nonwoven vs nonwoven at 20/40/60 kPa (EN ISO 12957-1)°20———
Design lifetime, oxidation (ISO TS 13434)years100100100100
Container as delivered
Item number, EU product portfolio—832000832110 · 832100832300 · 832310 · 8323208304400
Colour, nonwoven outer / inner / yarn—White / white / blueBeige / white / blue——
Surface colour of the container as delivered—WhiteBeigeBeigeBeige
Tensile strength of the factory-made seam (EN ISO 10321)kN/m354050.040
Finished outer dimensions, empty, width x lengthm1.45 x 2.381.45 x 1.29 · 1.45 x 2.381.45 x 2.38 · 1.45 x 3.18 · 1.90 x 2.782.20 x 2.75
Dimensions when filled, width x length x heightmapprox. 1.25 x 2.05 x 0.44approx. 1.25 x 1.00 x 0.30 · 1.25 x 2.05 x 0.44approx. 1.25 x 2.05 x 0.44 · 1.25 x 2.74 x 0.50 · 1.63 x 2.40 x 0.55approx. 1.89 x 2.36 x 0.60
Theoretical fill volume at 90 % fill ratiom³approx. 1.0approx. 0.43 · approx. 1.0approx. 1.0 · 1.5 · 2.0approx. 2.5
Embedment length rectangular to the slope surfacemapprox. 2.05approx. 1.00 · approx. 2.05approx. 2.05 · 2.74 · 2.40approx. 2.36
Closing on site—Seam closure on site; Smart variant with factory-fitted tool-free closure availableSeam closure on site; Smart variant with factory-fitted tool-free closure availableSeam closure on site; Smart variant with factory-fitted tool-free closure availableFactory-fitted tool-free closing technique; filling via filling ports, cord closure on site
Split technical cross-section under identical wave action, comparing a conventional armour stone revetment with Naue Secutex® Soft Rock geotextile sand containers installed in staggered layers, with the lower containers enclosed by a nonwoven geotextile.
Split technical cross-section under identical wave action, comparing a conventional armour stone revetment with Naue Secutex® Soft Rock geotextile sand containers installed in staggered layers, with the lower containers enclosed by a nonwoven geotextile.
Exemplary illustration. Naue Secutex® Soft Rock combines filtration and ballast in a flexible coastal protection system. The sand-filled containers adapt to the subsoil, distribute loads evenly and dissipate hydraulic forces while helping to prevent erosion of the underlying sediment.
Exemplary illustration. Naue Secutex® Soft Rock combines filtration and ballast in a flexible coastal protection system. The sand-filled containers adapt to the subsoil, distribute loads evenly and dissipate hydraulic forces while helping to prevent erosion of the underlying sediment.

Geotextile sand containers vs. armour stone revetment

Conventional revetments and geotextile sand containers (GSCs) differ fundamentally -— decisive in soft-bottom coastal and riverbank environments.

Conventional armour stone revetments

Two separate layers: a filter retaining fines while passing water, and rip-rap armour resisting hydraulic loads by self-weight and interlocking. The stone reflects wave energy into the substrate, progressively reducing subsoil shear stress and - with the armour's high density - risking differential settlement. A poorly graded or displaced filter additionally allows piping and progressive failure.

Secutex® Soft Rock GSCs

One element, both functions: a needle-punched nonwoven encapsulating local sand retains fines while staying permeable for pressure equalisation, and the sand fill provides ballast against waves and currents. Lower density and flexible geometry distribute pressure homogeneously, keeping subsoil shear stress stable, and the fill absorbs hydraulic energy instead of reflecting it. The roughened nonwoven surface gives markedly higher interface friction than woven containers.

Key parameters (RS 1201): seam tensile strength (CMD) 50 kN/m before and after abrasion (EN ISO 10321), abrasion residual strength > 85 % (rotating drum, BAW/TLG:2018), O90 = 0.06 mm (EN ISO 12956).

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Frequently asked questions

Secutex® Soft Rock is a geotextile sand container (GSC) by Naue for coastal protection, scour remediation and riverbank stabilisation. You fill it on-site with locally available sand. The needle-punched nonwoven provides simultaneous filter and ballast functions. It retains fine sediment and absorbs wave energy. CE marked per EN 13249:2016.

Pricing depends on container grade, quantity, project location and logistics. Contact us at info@naue.com or via contact form below for a project quotation.

Secutex® Soft Rock is preferred where local sand is available, soft substrates are present, or underwater installation is required. Armour stone suits very high-energy wave environments where maximum mass is needed.

Use RS 1201 for exposed applications: open coastline, wave-exposed revetments. RS 1201 has double-layer construction (1200 g/m² total) and seam strength of 50 kN/m. Use R 601 for unexposed, sheltered applications such as interior riverbanks or canal rehabilitation, dune applications as last barrier against break through or as scour protection in harbours or offshore.

The seam is the weakest part of the entire sand container with the lowest tensile strength. Where stress is concentrated, e.g. during installation, it becomes a predetermined breaking point. For RS 1201, seam tensile strength is 50 kN/m (EN ISO 10321) before and after abrasion. Always verify seam strength and abrasion residual values, not fabric tensile alone.

CE marking per EN 13249:2016, BAW basic test report per RPG:2021 and TLG:2018, DIN 18200 internal monitoring, EN ISO 9001:2015 quality management, EN ISO 14001:2015 environmental management.

An EPD is available for Secutex® nonwoven geotextile. The Soft Rock container uses Secutex® R 601 as the filter layer (600 g/m² PP).

Naue Secutex® Soft Rock container dimensions in empty state are as follows:

  • R 601: 1.45 × 2.38 m
  • R 801: 1.45 × 2.38 m | 1.45 × 3.18 m
  • RS 801a: 1.45 x 1.29 m | 1.45 × 2.38 m (std)
  • RS 1201: 1.45 × 2.38 m (std) | 1.90 × 2.38 m | 1.45 × 3.18 m | 2.20 × 2.75 m (rounded edges)
  • Grand RS 1601: 2.20 × 2.75 m (rounded edges)

EN 13249:2016 (CE marking), DIN EN ISO 10319 (tensile), EN ISO 12956 (opening size), EN ISO 12236 (puncture), EN ISO 10321 (seam strength), BAW RPG:2021 + TLG:2018 for hydraulic engineering in Germany. Design life: 100 years per ISO TS 13434.

Yes. Naue provides project-specific container selection, dimensioning and installation guidance. Engineers can access project support software via the Naue Portal or contact the technical sales and engineering team by submitting a project request below.

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