What Are Geo-textile Containers and How Do They Work in Coastal ...

Geotextile containers are structures made of woven geotextile fabric that are filled with granular materials, usually sand, and then sealed. Once they are  sealed, the containers are moved to the desired location, such as coastal areas, riverbanks, or construction sites. The geotextile fabric is designed to be both durable and permeable, allowing it to hold the fill material securely while letting water pass through.

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Geotextile containers are often used for coastal protection to prevent erosion and stabilise shorelines. They work by acting as barriers against waves and storm surges, helping to reduce their impact on the shore. These containers can be placed along beaches to protect against land loss. They are flexible and can adapt to the natural shape of the coastline.

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1. Geotextile Tubes

Geotextile tubes are flexible, long tubes made from high-strength woven geotextile material. They typically range from 1 to 5 metres in diameter and 20 to 40 metres in length. The geotextile used is durable, UV-resistant, and designed for high performance. For improved performance and longevity, protective measures such as multilayer geotextile or an armour layer using polymer rope gabion are recommended. Geotextile tubes can be arranged in various patterns and configurations based on wave direction, wave height, and the intended purpose of the structure. These tubes are filled with dredged sand or locally available soil, making them cost-effective than traditional materials, depending on site conditions.

The tubes reduce the force of incoming waves by absorbing and dissipating wave energy, which prevents erosion and minimises scouring at the base of coastal structures. By configuring these tubes in specific patterns to counter wave direction and height, they create a solid barrier that reduces erosion while providing added stability to coastal areas. Also, their flexibility allows them to adapt to changing environmental conditions without losing effectiveness.

GarTube® technology uses high-strength woven geotextile material to construct large tubes with diameters ranging from 3 to 5 metres and lengths between 20 to 40 metres. These tubes are filled with locally available sand or slurry, making them both cost-effective and practical. By using local materials, the overall environmental impact is reduced, and the construction process is simplified. GarTube® technology is designed for a wide range of coastal and marine applications where protection and reinforcement are required.

The applications of GarTube® are diverse and include the protection of reclaimed land, shoreline protection, and rebuilding beaches. These tubes are also used in other marine works where stability and protection are needed. They are effective in reducing erosion and maintaining the integrity of coastal structures.

2. Geotextile Bags

Geotextile bags are small containers made from high-strength woven geotextiles, available in various shapes such as pillow or box forms, depending on the application. These bags are filled with suitable materials, and the volume of each unit ranges from 0.05 m³ to 5 m³.

They are often used to reinforce weak spots along the shore or as an additional layer to existing structures. The bags, filled with sand or soil, act as individual building blocks that can be stacked or arranged to resist wave action and minimise erosion. Their small size and versatility make them especially effective for patching or reinforcing specific areas vulnerable to erosion. They also create a permeable barrier, allowing water to pass through while retaining soil, which helps to prevent further coastal degradation.

GarBox® technology uses geotextile fabric forms made of woven geotextile to act as a filtration and separation medium. This helps dissipate wave energy and reduces shore or bank erosion. The system consists of geotextile bags stacked in specific patterns based on site requirements. GarBox® units come in various shapes and sizes to suit different applications, such as pillow or general container shapes. Let’s explore the container shapes:

Type – Pillow Shaped

●       The container is in a pillow-like shape, meaning it’s flat and somewhat rounded, similar to a cushion.

●       Dimensions: The length can range from 0.5 metres to 3 metres, while the width and height may vary depending on the project needs.

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●       Fill Material: The bags can be filled with sand or soil, which adds weight and helps protect the area by holding back water and reducing erosion.

Type – Rectangular (Box) Shaped

●       This type of container is shaped like a rectangular box.

●       Dimensions: The length can range from 1 metre to 4 metres, while the width and height also vary according to specific requirements.

●       Fill Material: Like the pillow-shaped containers, these are filled with sand or soil, making them effective for controlling erosion and stabilising vulnerable areas.

3. Sand Mattress

Sand mattresses are flat structures made from high-strength woven geotextiles filled with sand. They are used for scour protection and serve as filter material in coastal protection and river training structures. Sand mattresses provide coastal protection by acting as a foundation layer that prevents erosion beneath coastal structures, such as seawalls, groynes, or revetments. They absorb the energy from waves and water currents, reducing the risk of soil erosion underneath these structures. By stabilising the base, sand mattresses help maintain the integrity and longevity of coastal protection systems.

Geotextile containers are a versatile tool for coastal protection as they address a wide range of challenges. They play a crucial role in preventing erosion by acting as a physical barrier that dissipates wave energy. By absorbing and reducing wave impact, geotextile containers help maintain the integrity of shorelines and riverbanks. They minimise land loss and the degradation of coastal landscapes. This makes them a valuable asset in managing the long-term stability of vulnerable areas.

Geotextile containers are also valuable for beach nourishment and habitat restoration efforts. They can be filled with sand and strategically placed to stabilise eroded beaches. This helps replenish lost sediment and maintain the natural form of the coastline. Also, these structures create favourable conditions for the restoration of coastal habitats, such as salt marshes and mangroves.

They also help in flood management. During extreme high tides, storm surges, or river overflows, geotextile containers can be used as temporary barriers to prevent flooding. They are particularly useful in areas that lack permanent defences. They offer an adaptable solution to minimise property damage and safeguard communities. The flexibility of these containers allows them to conform to the natural shape of the coastline.

The need for coastal protection has been underscored by past disasters, such as the January 31, storm surge that affected the Netherlands, Belgium, and the United Kingdom. Known as the North Sea flood, it was the most severe storm surge recorded in the region, causing widespread devastation. In the Netherlands, around 400,000 acres were flooded, resulting in at least 1,800 deaths and extensive property damage. In eastern England, the floodwaters inundated approximately 180,000 acres, leading to around 300 fatalities.

Events like the storm surge prompted numerous national initiatives to enhance coastal protection measures, highlighting the importance of robust defences. Geotextile containers have become an integral part of these efforts, providing a practical and adaptable solution for safeguarding coastal areas.

Garware Technical Fibres Ltd., founded in , is a pioneer in the polymer industry in India and a leading global manufacturer of synthetic cordage, netting, fabrics, and geotextile products. We are ISO : and ISO : certified by BVQI. Our Geosynthetic Laboratory is accredited by NABL and GAI-LAP (USA). Our PP and PET woven geotextiles are CE certified and NTPEP compliant. We supply these products to various infrastructure projects across the USA, LATAM, and EU markets. To know more about us, visit our website.

The company is the world’s best geo bags supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.