Mattress reinforcement for riverbanks

The Dutch are used to deploying fascine mattresses, which Maritime Journal reported on earlier this year.

They are essentially large woven mats made of brushwood or twigs, and are placed in rivers to strengthen banks and coastal structures such as groynes. They can also be used to protect river and seabeds from scour.

Van Oord is working with Van Aalsburg in developing sustainable willow products, it says.

Because these mattresses are used so widely in the Netherlands, the materials required to make them are harvested in specially created plantations. In this project, a jute cloth will be used to stop soil being washed away as an alternative to the usual geotextile cloth used for this kind pf project, says Paans Van Oord.

The bank along the River Kerkvaart is in need of major maintenance, says the company, to protect the hinterland from flooding. The mattresses are weighted down with quarry stone.

The work has been commissioned by the Brabantse Delta Water Board.

“We are very happy with this assignment,” said Van Oord commercial director of Dredging & Infra Carlos Mollet. “We recently signed the cooperation agreement with Van Aalsburg with the aim of further developing, realising and applying biobased fascine mattresses.

“The fact that we are now applying it to a project is great, and it represents another step in our commitment to creating sustainable solutions and using natural materials. We greatly appreciate that the Brabantse Delta water board is allowing room for this initiative. That attitude will help the sector take steps towards sustainability.”

Work will start in mid-August and be completed by the end of September.