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Feb 20,2024

The Power of Geo Tubes

Shoreline erosion and land loss are significant problems that can affect shipping ports. Shoreline erosion usually happens due to storms and construction activities near the shoreline, making the waterfront too shallow or too deep. Coastal land loss also affects the fishing industry. Moreover, the high tide causes the sand to shift, affecting the foundations of houses built along the shoreline. Due to this, the entire settlement has to be moved to another location. 

Why Does Coastal Erosion Happen?

Whether it is the bank of a river or the shoreline of an ocean, human activity and the forces of nature can shift the landscape. The ocean tides or river flow causes the sand and silt to be deposited at the bottom, which reduces the depth of the riverbed or seabed. This can also affect the docking of the ships as the ship's bottom can get stuck in the sand. Hence, the silt and sand must be removed from the river bottom to make way for the vessel. A shallow bed also means that fish cannot thrive and lose their habitat. This silt removal is known as dredging. 

An essential part of dredging is the dewatering process. This consists of removing water from sand or soil so that only solid particles are left. Geotubes are particularly crucial for the dewatering process. 

What is a Geotube?

Geotubes are bags that are shaped like a tube, and these bags are installed along the shoreline. They help separate solid sand particles from the sand-mixed water from waves and river currents. The result is that only clear water without soil or sand returns to the ocean or river. This reduces soil erosion and keeps the shoreline boundary stable. 

The tubes are constructed from a semi-permeable fabric that is durable and tough to withstand the elements. This enables the water to be drained while the sand is held back. 

Geotubes Role in Shore Stabilization Projects

Geotubes are a fantastic solution for shoreline erosion protection. These tubes are manufactured from a durable synthetic woven fabric that can be chosen in various shades to bend in with the surroundings. These tubes are flexible enough to be used in different arrangements, such as shore erosion protection, breakwater walls, or reef-like protection barriers. Let us look at each type of project that incorporates various arrangements.

Controlling Erosion

In this project, the breakwater tubes are placed against the shoreline. The geotextile tubes then trap the sand, and since they are along the coastline, they prevent further erosion. These breakwater tubes are tough enough to withstand elements and prolonged exposure to sunlight, so they do not wear out quickly. Moreover, the color of these breakwater tubes can be altered to match the natural landscape so they do not stand out as an artificial structure. 

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Slope Stabilization

This project emphasizes making the shoreline solid by making the mud bank rigid, and geotubes are ideal for this. The tubes act as a wall. Once they become filled with sediment, they are stable enough to tolerate wave pressure. 

Vertical Sea Barrier

In this arrangement, the geotubes filled with sand are stacked on top of each other to stabilize the shore. This makes a tall wall more effective in stabilizing the shore during rough weather like thunderstorms and hurricanes. 

Breakwater walls

This is the most common arrangement project where geotubes line the beachfront house or accommodation to reduce the impact of crashing waves. Such breakwater tubes are alternatively known as jetties. 

Reef Protection Barrier

Another type of geotextile application is as a reef protection barrier. In this arrangement, geotubes serve as makeshift reefs to reduce the intensity of waves near shorelines. Breakwater geotubes mimic reef structures and retain sediment, preserving nourishing sand for ecosystems. Utilizing geotextile tubes for coastal defense safeguards beachfront properties against waves and erosion.

Installation Method of Geotubes

  1. Constructing a Solid Base 

The first step involves selecting the correct ground surface to place the geotube on. The ground should be free from debris and stones and completely flat. If there are stones and debris, they need to be obliterated.

2. Positioning the Geotube

A geotube must be fixed in a particular position to catch water perfectly. The geotube can be fixed in position by using support equipment like straps and cradles. 

A filled geotube has a height of 150 millimeters. The height is measured between the base and the average top of the filled tube. 

If the specified height has not been reached, then it means that the geotube has room to be filled with more dredged debris. However, an incorrect height may also result if the tube has been damaged and the material spills from somewhere. So the geotube should be replaced. Stuffing the tube beyond its capacity will only mean a failure in its structural integrity, and it can tear.

3. Anchoring the Geotube

The tube should have been supported at fixed points to prevent it from moving by the force of water. This is done through the anchor tubes positioned on the edges of the scour apron to fasten the tube to the foundation.

4. Overlapping the Tubes

The endpoints of the tubes are supposed to overlap when they connect, so there are no gaps. The scour apron corners should also overlap so the rube fabric does not rub against the bare ground.

Benefits of Geotubes

  • Geotubes contribute to making the dredging operation straightforward with their characteristics.
  • They are made of synthetic fabric that can filter at a high flow rate
  • Geotubes can be customized to fit any space and shoreline, whether a river bank or a seashore.
  • They are easy to empty once filled 
  • Being environmentally friendly, they do not contribute to pollution.
  • They are inexpensive and have low maintenance costs. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, utilizing Geo Tubes in shoreline stabilization projects represents a robust coordination between engineering innovation and environmental conservation. Through their ability to mitigate wave energy, promote beach nourishment, and adapt to diverse coastal conditions, Geo Tubes emerge as versatile and practical tools in the ongoing battle against shoreline erosion. 

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A geogrid is a geosynthetic substance that people utilize to reinforce soils and similar substances. Builders commonly utilize geogrids to support retaining walls, subsoils, or subbases beneath structures or roads. Soils pull apart due to tension. Geogrids are tensile elements introduced into grounds to ensure that they do not get weakened by tension and  load beyond their capability. In a simple world, polyester geogrids improve the soil's ability to tolerate loads. A knitted polyester grid comprises a regular network of linked tensile elements composed of high-thread polyester threads with aperture geometry enough to allow crucial mechanical interlock with the surrounding soil. How were polyester geogrids introduced? One kind of geogrids is more textile-like and flexible, utilizing bundles of polythene-covered polyester fibers as their reinforcing part. Around nineteen eighty, a company in the United Kingdom created this kind of geogrid. This helped develop polyester thread geogrids manufactured by the textile weaving equipment. In this procedure, manufacturers gather several continuous fibers to create yarns which are woven into transverse and longitudinal ribs with huge open spaces between. The cross-overs are joined by intertwining or knitting before a subsequent covering safeguards the whole unit. This blog now discusses the significance of polyester geogrid, which will make you purchase them from a polyester geogrid provider. Significance of a polyester geogrid • Polyester geogrids enhance the soils' structural integrity in slopes, walls, and roadways by confining and reinforcing fill substances and dividing load forces. These geogrids are helpful for contractors, developers, and designers who face the challenges posed by soft subgrades and sloping ground. • Polyester geogrids enable soils to stand at virtually every desired angle in grade segregation uses. 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What role do high-density polyethylene geomembranes play in supplying water to people?

Geosynthetic commodities have become an essential part of the construction procedure for many vital industries. Their physical and price properties are significant benefits compared to conventional alternatives. Manufacturers make geosynthetics from different man-made polymers, which people use in conjunction with rock or soil to improve the stability of terrains. Engineering professionals utilize geosynthetic products in transport, mining, and civil infrastructure products due to their capability to solve various engineering problems related to containment, erosion control, and soil reinforcement. A top-rated geosynthetic product is a geomembrane.  Geomembranes  Manufacturers make geomembranes from an impermeable geosynthetic substance comprising thin continuous polymer sheets. They develop an impenetrable barrier that averts the leaking of dangerous chemicals or harmful contaminants into surrounding atmospheres. People regularly utilize geomembranes to contain potable water and meet irrigation storage needs to prevent leakage. They employ them with other geosynthetic commodities to control liquid movement and offer containment in canal construction, sewage treatment, and mining projects.  Kinds of Geomembranes  Depending on the parent resin utilized, many kinds of geomembranes are available. This blog section discusses the various types of waterproof geomembranes you can bulk purchase from a well-reputed waterproof geomembrane producer.   HDPE geomembrane   Engineering professionals often use high-density polyethylene geomembrane as they prefer to utilize it in lining projects because of its robust ultraviolet resistance, sturdiness, and comparatively low material cost. They often select these water-resistant geomembranes for utilization in exposed applications like reservoir covers, landfills, canals, and pond liners. This is because of the low initial substance cost and high chemical resistance. It features higher thicknesses which other kinds of geomembranes do not provide. High-density polyethylene geomembrane is also very sturdy relative to its weight and can tolerate higher temperatures.  An outstanding feature of this geomembrane is its ultraviolet and chemical resistance, making it suit large area applications where sound quality installation is needed. Apart from that, high-density polyethylene is food-safe, permitting people to use it to store potable water.  LLDPE Geomembrane  Linear Low-density polyethylene geomembranes are more flexible than high-density polyethylene, making. Therefore these geomembranes are more appropriate for installation experts who need an impermeable geomembrane. It is composed of virgin polyethylene resins, helping it resist ultraviolet exposure and low temperature. Engineers can utilize linear low-density polyethylene geomembranes in the long term as these geomembranes will remain sturdy and durable for years. Its ideal use is related to industrial services, like fluid storage tanks, animal waste, and environmental containments.  PVC geomembrane   Polyvinyl chloride geomembrane is a thermoplastic water-resistant substance composed of stabilizers, plasticizers, and vinyl. Manufacturers make this polyvinyl chloride geomembrane by breaking ethylene dichloride into a vinyl chloride monomer. Then, they polymerize it to manufacture polyvinyl chloride resin. It is puncture, abrasion, and tear-resistant, which tells us that its substance is best for averting pollutants from entering water sources and upkeeping potable water. Polyvinyl chloride geomembranes are very flexible and best suit wastewater lagoon liners, soil remediation, tank linings, canals, and landfill sites.   EPDM geomembrane  Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer geomembrane is a durable and flexible substance that can tolerate extreme climatic conditions and resist punctures. Its texture is rubber-like and features ultraviolet stability with high strength. Engineers usually utilize ethylene propylene diene monomer geomembranes as surface barriers for dams and the rest of irrigation sites. It is also simple to install. Therefore, backyard landscapers utilize this kind of geomembrane. It also suits agricultural uses like covers, liners, and irrigation ponds.  Applications of waterproof geomembranes Mining    In the nineteen seventies, miners began utilizing geomembranes, which has since increased. Mining experts utilize geomembranes as a lining solution for heap leach pads, tailing impoundments, and evaporation ponds. 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