In June 23, 2016, Thrace Group presented a new solution for flood protection at the conference "SafeEvros 2016: New technologies for Civil Protection"*. The solution takes advantage of the main functions geosynthetics, such as separation, filtration, drainage and reinforcement, through the construction of geogrid gabions to handle and control the interaction of water and soil.
When filled with soil and/or aggregates, geogrid gabions lined with geotextiles can restrict water and prevent floods. The common practice of geogrid cages can replace wire gabions or rock fill structures that require aggregates of larger diameter, on the other hand, though, geogrid gabions can be filled even with fine aggregate which is retained by the geotextile, to act as a filter and allow free drainage. The gabions are placed in the desired area, are laced together and can also be filled with local materials found in the site, thus reducing the cost. Moreover, the geogrid is not oxidized and the cages can be easily transported and installed as they are folded and packed by the manufacturer, having the minimum volume. There is also the possibility to cover the gabions with vegetation in order not to deteriorate the environment. These new geosynthetic structures can be used in areas where the likelihood of corrosion or flood is large, protecting and strengthening the slopes or banks of rivers and streams or even diverting water flow.
For more information on this specialized solution for flood prevention, please contact Stella Karavasili, Civil Engineer – DUTh, Thrace NG (karavasili@thraceplastics.gr, T: +30 210 9875 055, M: +30 6942529999)
* The conference "SafeEvros 2016: New technologies for Civil Protection" was held between 22-25 June 2016, organised by the Democritus University of Thrace in collaboration with the District of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, and with the co-organisation of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Institute of Technology and the Municipality of Alexandroupolis.