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LBO301 Bi-
oriented polypropylene geogrid and Fabri-form polyester woven multifilament
grout injected mattress
Table 3
Geotextile Tube Characteristics
Thickness CBR Burst
Tensile
strength
Seam
Strength
5.5mm 10 kN @ 60%
65kN/m XD
38kN/m MD
Min. 80% of
base fabric
Table 4
Geogrid Characteristics
Aperture
Tensile
strength
Elongation
40mm x 30mm
31kN/m XD
19kN/m MD
11%
16%
Table 5
Mattress Characteristics
Thickness CBR Burst
Tensile
strength
Seam
Strength
No information available
2.3.11 Evaluation and Comment
Six years after installation, the groyne structures are performing in accordance
with the design expectations, and the amenity of the area is vastly improved.
Wide beach widths are now the norm with no nourishment taking place. The
grout-injected mattress used to protect structure has prevented vandalism
however the fabric portion of the mattress has deteriorated substantially exposing
sharp grout edges and this could pose some health and safety risks to
pedestrians. This type of rigid cover/facing is not suited to a flexible geotextile
structures, hence the investigation into flexible hardwearing cover layers, such as
impregnated and composite fabrics which when combined provide strength,
elongation and high wearing and puncture resistance.
2.4 Stockton Beach Revetment
Fig. 6. Stockton Beach December 2000
2.4.1 Project location
Stockton Beach is located to the north of the Hunter River trained entrance in
Newcastle.
2.4.2 Date constructed
1996
2.4.3 Principal
Newcastle City Council
2.4.4 Description
48m long by 4.5m high double layer sand container revetment, at a 1.5H:1V
slope.
2.4.5 Cost
Aus$24,000 (materials only)
2.4.6 Project objectives
To provide temporary erosion protection to the Surf club. Severe erosion to the
beachfront at Stockton beach had placed the Stockton Beach Surf Lifesaving
Club in danger of collapse. Due to state government regulatory requirements an
interim measure was the only rapid solution whilst a coastal management plan
was finalised.
2.4.7 Site conditions
Exposed ocean beach with wave heights of greater than 5m.
2.4.8 Community requirements and constraints
A user-friendly aesthetically pleasing structure.
2.4.9 Construction techniques
The empty geotextile containers are placed in a filling frame and filled using an
excavator, the container is then sewn closed using a hand held sewing machine.
The containers are then lifted and placed using a modified rock grab, the rock
grab is modified in such a way as to limit the stress on the geotextile during the
lifting operation.
The containers when full were 1.5m x 1.1m x 0.4m and were laid in a
stretcher bond format to ensure maximum interlock at a 1.5H:1V slope. A self-
healing Dutch Toe was incorporated into the design to prevent scouring of the
toe of the wall during large storm events. The figure 7 shows the as built double
skin container layout and the self-healing toe detail.
1000
2152R (2 tonne)
Soft Rock Containers
terrafix 900R
Toe Detail
0.0 AHD
-1.0 AHD
terrafix 900R
2152R (2 tonne)
Soft Rock Container
2152R (2 tonne)
Soft Rock Container
Encapsulated self healing toe
Wall X-Section
Toe Detail
-1.0 AHD
terrafix 900R
Fig. 7. Wall Section & Self Healing Toe Detail
2.4.10 Geosynthetics used
2t Terrafix
Soft Rock
900R)
Table 6
Geotextile Container Characteristics
Thickness CBR Burst
Tensile
strength
Seam
Strength
5.3mm 7.0 kN @ 60%
42kN/m XD
27kN/m MD
Min. 80% of
base fabric
Table 7
Geotextile characteristics
Thickness CBR Burst
Tensile
strength
5.3mm 7.9 kN @ 60%
50kN/m XD
28kN/m MD
2.4.11 Evaluation and comment
This was the first of the engineered sandbag revetments constructed to protect
oceanfront properties. The option to construct in this manner was largely
influenced by the immediate need for protection of the site. The revetment was
built as a temporary/removable structure, as approvals for a permanent structure
would not have been issued without a full environmental assessment, into the
impact of the long term/permanent proposal. Time taken to prepare the
documentation and receive approvals for a permanent solution, i.e. the more
conventional rock wall approach, would have delayed the project for some
months and would undoubtable have lead the loss of the valuable surf lifesaving
club buildings. The loss of the structure was unacceptable to both the Newcastle
City Council (owners of the property) and the general public.
Despite the temporary nature of the structure, the non-woven geotextile
containers have withstood a number of storm cycles over five years of service.
This installation has outlived the original design requirements and met the
objectives of protecting the surf club whilst complying with providing a soft
interim solution to the total coastal management problem at this site. The soft
solution has also proven popular with beach goers who find the structure a user
friendly option when compared with conventional rock and concrete structures.
To date no permanent works have been carried out and further extensive
works, using Sand Containers, have been proposed for the properties adjacent to
the site with construction due to begin in late 2002.
The success of this revetment has lead to a number of other areas such
as Belongil Spit at Byron Bay, Airlie Is in W.A, Troubridge Is in S.A. utilising
similar site appropriate techniques. The colour of the geotextile was important to
some clients who wanted the structure to blend in with the natural surroundings
to make the structure as unobtrusive as possible. The advantage on the
nonwoven geotextile in regard to this requirement is that the open structure traps
the local soil / sand and therefore takes on the colour of the surrounding area.
2.5 Narrowneck Reef
Fig. 8. Narrowneck Artificial Reef Aerial View
2.5.1 Project location
A narrow isthmus between Surfers Paradise and Main Beach, Gold Coast,
Queensland
2.5.2 Date Constructed
1999-2001
2.5.3 Principal
Gold Coast City Council
2.5.4 Description
400m x 200m Submerged reef
2.5.5 Cost
Aus$2.5M (The cost of rock was estimated at ~$5M)
2.5.6 Site conditions
Easterly facing open surf beach with an offshore max design wave height of
>12m.
2.5.7 Project objectives
The reef is an integral part of the Northern Gold Coast Beach Protection Strategy
whose aim was to widen and protect the northern beaches as well as enhancing
the surfing amenity. The reef would provide a low profile, near shore control point
to retain approximately 80,000m
3
of the 500,000m
3
of sand transported each
year to the north along this shoreline.
2.5.8 Community requirements and constraints
The public supported a user-friendly structure, the stakeholders identified at time
of design was the surfing community however now that the reef has matured the
fishing community is also making use of the facility. A condition of approval was
for modification and even total removal if required. The mega sand containers
facilitated these requirements.
2.5.9 Construction techniques
Nearly 400 mega sand containers varying from 3.0 metres to 4.6 metres in
diameter, were placed using a split hulled, trailing suction hopper dredge fitted
with computer interfaced DGPS. The containers were accurately filled utilising a
calibrated density metre, ensuring repeatability and consistency of the
construction. Containers were dropped in depths of water ranging from 3m to
11m, onto a sandy seabed.
2.5.10 Geosynthetics used
3 4.5m x 20m (max 400tonne) Soft Rock
).
Table 8
Geotextile Container Characteristics
Thickness CBR Burst
Tensile
strength
Seam
Strength
5.3mm 10 kN @ 60%
65kN/m XD
38kN/m MD
Min. 80% of
base fabric
2.5.11 Evaluation and Comment
The ability to fill to a pre-determined shape and accurately place very large
geotextile containers at a very low unit cost was conclusively proven. During
construction total supplier and installer alike revised methodology, these
improvements were implemented to ensure the durability and longevity of the
structure.
Initially some failures occurred, during filling and release of the containers,
along the seams. With improvements to the calibration of the dredge feed and
container shape these types of failures were eliminated. Damage also occurred
to some containers during laying, generally due to contact with the dredge in
shallow water. Very effective underwater patching techniques were developed to
repair this damage. The holes are sealed with a silicone based adhesive and a
patch is screwed down over the hole, using nylon wall screws, to provide added
protection.
Various coatings were trialled for the crest bags with mixed success but
towards the end of the construction a durable composite (hybrid) material was
developed and tested with great success. Initial trials made use on a spray on
polyurethane coating of various thicknesses, however this product became rigid
once exposed to water and in fact made the products more susceptible to impact
and wave damage. The composite material, consisting of two layers of non
woven geotextile, used towards the end of the project allows entrapment of
approximately 4kg/m
2
of sand and shell particles within its structure, once the
geotextile is impregnated with these particles the puncture resistance of the
geotextile shows significant improvement.
The porus nature of the non woven geotextile makes it an ideal platform
for marine growth, within months the containers are covered with a thick growth
of seaweed. This structure is now host to a large number of marine creatures and
the reef has now become a popular fishing spot. An investigation into the
environmental impact of the reef on the marine life is underway at the moment.
Although some top up is still required, monitoring has shown a clear
salient at times and enhanced surfing conditions. Full details of the numerical
modeling for the design of the surfing wave break on the reef are covered in the
paper by Mead & Black; Design of the Gold Coast Reef for Surfing, Public
Amenity and Coastal Protection: Surfing Aspects (2001).
As construction progressed positioning of the dredge and placement of the
Mega Containers became more difficult as the wave characteristics changed
above the existing containers. This reinforced the concept that filling in place
would be very difficult if not impossible, concluding that the method adopted was
both effective and efficient.
2.6 Maroochydore Beach Revetment
2.6.1 Project Location
This beach is located at the dynamic mouth of the Maroochy River, Queensland
intersected by Pincushion Island.
2.6.2 Date Constructed
2000-2001
2.6.3 Principal
Maroochy Shire Council
2.6.4 Description
200m long by 2.5m high single layer sand container revetment, angle of repose
75 deg.
2.6.5 Cost
Not Available
2.6.6 Project objectives
Interim protection measures to stabilise the foreshore.
2.6.7 Site conditions
The mouth, continuing a trend identified in the late 80s and early 90s, reverted
to a more southerly discharge. During November 2000, the erosion problem on
Maroochy Beach had propagated to such an extent that the foreshore and
caravan park were likely to be threatened during the imminent cyclonic season
and king tides.
2.6.8 Construction techniques
Utilising two small excavators, (5 tonne and 8 tonne), 3000 nonwoven geotextile
units were filled and placed as a defence barrier in the dunal system.
2.6.9 Geosynthetics used
2t Terrafix
Soft Rock
600R)
Table 9
Geotextile Container Characteristics
Thickness CBR Burst
Tensile
strength
Seam
Strength
5.3mm 7.0 kN @ 60%
42kN/m XD
27kN/m MD
Min. 80% of
base fabric
Table 10
Geotextile Characteristics
Thickness CBR Burst
Tensile
strength
5.0mm 5.4 kN @ 60%
31kN/m XD
16kN/m MD
2.6.10 Evaluation and Comment
During the early months of 2001, king tides repeatedly tested the interim defence
barrier. Observations of direct overtopping during consistent 2m-wave attack,
proved that the stability of such structures was higher than expected. Some
undermining of the toe occurred during king tides and 3m swell in J anuary 2002
(Figure 9), which resulted in the settlement of approximately 35m of the wall.
Such conditions would have resulted in a failure of a rubble wall with the same
design (2.5m high 1.1m thick @ 15deg. off vertical). Toe protection of the
structure was identified as a very important feature of any wall, correct depth of
base and a self-healing toe (figure 7) will ensure the durability of the structure.
Fig. 9. King tides and 3m swell J anuary 2002
The self-healing qualities of high elongation flexible Soft Rock
containers
have been proven. Some containers have been damaged but the integrity of the
structure has not been compromised, as the containers have been able to mould
themselves into the void left by the damaged container (Figure. 10).
Fig. 10. Self healing characteristics of Soft Rock
wall
Although not the first application of its kind the success of the project
(withstanding severe storm attack) has lead to the construction of a groyne as
part of the works using innovative products and construction techniques.
2.7 Maroochydore Beach Groyne
Fig. 11. Maroochydore Groyne November 2001
2.7.1 Project location
Maroochydore Main Beach, Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2.7.2 Date constructed
November 2001
2.7.3 Principal
Maroochy shire Council
2.7.4 Description
100m long x 2.5m high sand-filled groyne
2.7.5 Cost
Aus$210,000
2.7.6 Project objectives
To stabilise the Maroochydore main beach which had eroded by approximately
75m within 2 years. The structure had to be easily removable should it be
detrimental to the beaches north of the groyne.
2.7.7 Site conditions
Easterly facing open surf beach with an offshore max wave height of >10m.
2.7.8 Community requirements and constraints
As the existing Soft Rock
Soft Rock