The application of flexible and porous concrete structures in training works and scour protection

Abstract

Concrete armour units such as Xbloc have been applied as armour layer for breakwaters and bank protections for years. These smartly shaped blocks were invented to offer efficient protection at more exposed locations by applying blocks that work together with neighbouring units to withstand high wave loads (Interlocking). Also material use was lowered since steeper slopes could be realized compared to conventional rock structures.

Xstream and Xstone can be applied in a large range of applications that are traditionally built with loose rock, pitched rock or smooth block revetments such as:

-     Bed protection (e.g. offshore wind foundations)

-     River training works

-     Detached breakwaters

-     Quay wall protection in harbours

-     Revetment structures

This  abstract elaborates on why flexible and porous structures made of these small-scale [0.2 – 0.6m] concrete armour units are an interesting, low CO₂ and eco-friendly alternative for bed protections and river training works.