Research facility will add to Xbloc effectiveness

In July 2008 the first project related model tests were carried out investigating both a vertical wall type shore protection and an Xbloc shore protection project in Panama City. The aspects which were investigated are stability of the armour layer, toe and crest stability, overtopping, crown wall stability, reflection and transmission coefficients.

Two more Xbloc projects have also been completed in the last few months. A new, large project started up in May 2008, and the first Eco Xblocs were cast and placed at a test location in IJmuiden.

In June, 10 Eco Xblocs were cast and placed at IJmuiden at the entrance of the Port of Amsterdam. These 4 cu/m units were cast in conventional moulds which were equipped with NOEPlast lining to create a rough surface. The blocks were placed as part of a research programme to improve the ecological value of shore protection structures and breakwaters.

In September, projects at Champerico in Guatemala and Caladh Mor in Ireland were also completed. Both projects comprised Xblocs of 4 cu/m and in total 3,300 blocks were produced and placed. Placement rates varied between 10 units per hour in Guatemala (due to limitations in transport from storage to the breakwater) and 15-20 blocks per hour in Ireland. With the completion of these projects the number of completed Xbloc projects is five, and three projects are currently under construction.

Also in May, a contract for an Xbloc project was signed for a large harbour in the Persian Gulf. Units of 3 cu/m, 4 cu/m and 5 cu/m will be used and, with a total volume of 30,000 cu/m, this is the largest Xbloc project so far. Production of the units is currently ongoing and placement is envisaged to start during the second quarter of 2009.