For the first time in the Netherlands, fascine mattresses made entirely of natural materials are used to reinforce a river bank. It involves the bank along the Kerkvaart river in Waspik, the Netherlands.
The Brabantse Delta water board has commissioned Paans Van Oord, a subsidiary of Van Oord, to carry out the project.
The bank along the Kerkvaart river, a tributary of the Oude Maasje river, is in need of major maintenance. To protect the hinterland from flooding, the bank must be reinforced and stabilised.
Also read: In pics: A tour of Van Oord’s upgraded Svanen
Biobased fascine mattresses
Paans Van Oord uses fully biobased fascine mattresses for this, which are weighted down with quarry stone. Fascine mattresses are mats of braided willow with a filter cloth, which prevent the soil from washing away, thus protecting it against erosion.
A jute cloth, a natural and sustainable alternative to the usual geotextile cloth, will be used for this project.
Also read: Van Oord wins Nordseecluster offshore wind contract
Shared sustainability ambition
Van Oord is collaborating with Van Aalsburg, a partner specialising in sustainable willow products. Based on a shared sustainability ambition, these partners have joined forces to research and invest in the use of biobased materials as part of “Building with Nature”.
The use of the biobased fascine mattresses in this project is an important step for both parties in the further development and applicability of the product. Work started in mid-August and be completed by the end of September.
‘We recently signed the cooperation agreement with Van Aalsburg with the aim of further developing, realising and applying biobased fascine mattresses,’ says Carlos Mollet, commercial director of Dredging & Infra at Van Oord. ‘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.’
Also read: How reefs made from culled trees can help kickstart sea life