Flood protection in hydraulic engineering describes the design and construction of dykes, levees, embankments and revetments that safeguard communities, infrastructure and agricultural land from inundation. Soft subsoil, wave attack and seepage pose critical challenges. Bentofix® geosynthetic clay liners, Secugrid® HS geogrids and Secutex® H geotextiles provide proven sealing, reinforcement and filtration solutions that comply with national and European standards.
Naue geosynthetics are applied wherever long-term hydraulic sealing, structural reinforcement and filtration performance are required in water-retaining structures.
Permanent flood defence for rivers: waterside sealing and base reinforcement on soft subsoil.
Wave-resistant protection for coastal communities using robust GCL sealing systems.
Waterproof containment for stormwater retention and controlled flood discharge zones.
Low-permeability lining of irrigation and navigation canals to prevent seepage loss.
Hydraulic engineering projects demand materials that withstand both construction traffic and long-term hydraulic loads. Bentofix® geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) are installed by rolling out panels on the prepared slope and overlapping seams by the specified minimum width. The self-sealing bentonite core activates upon contact with moisture, eliminating the need for additional sealing measures at overlaps.
Practical advantages:
Two distinct failure mechanisms drive geosynthetic selection in hydraulic engineering. First, uncontrolled seepage through the dyke body or foundation can cause internal erosion (piping) and ultimately slope failure. Second, migration of fine particles from the subsoil into coarse drainage material can block the drainage prism and reduce hydraulic efficiency.
Key principle: Sealing prevents seepage. Filtration prevents piping. Both are required for long-term dyke stability.
The correct product selection depends on the hydraulic function required, the subsoil conditions and the applicable design standard. Use the decision matrix below to identify the appropriate Naue system for your project or use the digital SolutionFinder for question-based guidance.
| Criterion | Subgrade type | Load class | Filtration/sealing need | Recommended product |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dyke with soft / organic subsoil | Peat, organic silt, soft clay | High (flood pressure, permanent) | Sealing: high priority | Bentofix® NSP 4900 + Secugrid® HS |
| Dyke on sandy gravel fill | Sandy gravel, non-cohesive | Medium-high | Sealing required; filtration moderate | Bentofix® NSP 4900 |
| Filter/drainage layer in toe prism | Granular drainage material | Low-medium | Filtration: critical | Secutex® HB (sand mat) |
| Basal reinforcement for embankment | Soft subsoil (peat/silt) | High axial loads | Reinforcement: critical | Secugrid® HS (high-strength) |
| Coastal/tidal protection slope | Variable (sand, silt) | Very high (wave action) | Sealing + robustness | Bentofix® B 4000 BRAD16 |
Proven compliance for planners and engineers
Bentofix® GCLs approved under BAW TLG 2018, BRAD16 and EN 13361. Secugrid® HS tested to EN ISO 10319; basal reinforcement design per DIN 4084/EC7. Design documentation and technical data sheets available for specification.
Simple installation for site managers
Self-sealing GCL overlaps: no welding and no adhesive for faster progress on site. Panels rolled out with standard equipment; no specialised machinery required. Secugrid® HS installed with spreader bar for uniform placement on soft subsoil.
Long-term filter efficiency
Secutex® H filter geotextiles are BAW-tested to TLG 2018. Long-term filter efficiency prevents piping and maintains drainage layer performance throughout the design life of the structure.
Geosynthetic flood protection uses engineered geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs), geogrids and geotextiles to seal, reinforce and filter flood defence structures such as dykes and levees. It is required wherever soft subsoil, limited clay availability or strict hydraulic standards make conventional earthwork solutions uneconomical or impractical.
Selection depends on the primary function required. Bentofix® provides water-side sealing; Secugrid® HS provides basal reinforcement on soft subsoil; Secutex® H and HB provide filter and protection performance at the drainage prism. Many projects require two or all three products working as a complementary system. Use the Naue SolutionFinder for digital question-based guidance or contact Naue technical support.
Key standards include DIN 19712 (flood protection dykes in Germany), BAW Technical Delivery Conditions TLG 2018 (geotextiles in hydraulic engineering), BAW test method RPG (dynamic perforation), EN 13361 (geosynthetic barriers for reservoirs and dams) and EN 14150 (hydraulic conductivity of GCLs). For levee construction in Brandenburg, the BRAD16 guideline applies explicitly.
Bentofix® panels are rolled out down the slope from crest to toe and overlapped by the specified seam width (typically 300–500 mm). Seams self-seal through bentonite hydration so that no welding or adhesive is required. A protective cover layer of non-cohesive soil and topsoil is placed over the GCL and seeded with grass. Secugrid® HS is laid horizontally at the dyke base using a spreader bar; adjacent panels overlap by 50 cm transverse to the installation direction.
Yes. Bentofix® GCLs are tested and approved in accordance with BAW TLG 2018 and the BRAD16 Brandenburg levee guideline. Secutex® HB sand mats are assessed for hydraulic filtration efficiency against soil types A, B and C per BAW RPG. Secugrid® HS meets EN ISO 10319 tensile requirements for basal reinforcement applications. Full approval documentation is available upon request.
Yes. Reference projects include the 3 km Oder dyke reconstruction between Friedrichsthal and Gartz (Secugrid® HS, 63,000 m², completed 2019), the Neuzeller Niederung levee in Brandenburg (Bentofix® B 4000 BRAD16, 3 km section, completed 2020) and the Onod dyke in Hungary (Bentofix® NSP 4900, 64,000 m², 2011). More info and further project reports are provided in our case studies.
BRAD16 is the Brandenburg state guideline for the use of geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) in levee construction, first published in 2016. It defines technical requirements for the GCL product, the design of the sealing system and the installation process on water-retaining earthwork structures. Bentofix® B 4000 BRAD16 is the specific Naue product grade designed and tested to comply fully with BRAD16 requirements for permanent levee applications in Brandenburg and comparable regulatory frameworks.
Naue Bentofix® GCLs can be used in marine and tidal environments, subject to site-specific design assessment. Sodium bentonite GCLs require fresh or brackish water for adequate hydration; performance in high-salinity conditions must be confirmed with technical support before specification. For coastal dyke applications requiring both sealing and installation stability under wave action, Bentofix® scrim-reinforced grades with nonwoven on both faces provide enhanced interface friction and puncture resistance.
Sizing of geosynthetic systems for flood protection follows recognised international standards. Naue provides technical support, product data sheets and design guidance to assist engineers in specifying the correct system for each project.
Naue Bentofix® is a geosynthetic clay liner (GCL) for waterproofing in landfill engineering, groundwater protection and hydraulic applications.
Naue Secugrid® HS is a high strength geogrid for soil reinforcement in embankments and load transfer platforms on soft soils.
Naue Secutex® H is a geotextile for separation and filtration in hydraulic engineering, coastal protection and waterway construction.
