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Innovative Solution for Safe Dikes
As part of the dike reinforcement project in Arcen, plastic sheet piles were chosen as an anti-piping barrier for a section of the dike. This application is in line with a trend that is becoming increasingly common within the Flood Protection Program (HWBP): for each section of the dike, the solution best suited to the specific challenge is evaluated. Profextru, the only Dutch manufacturer of PVC sheet pile systems, supplied the Prolock Epsilon plastic screens for this project.
“Not every dike reinforcement project requires the same construction,” begins Henry Hoekman of Profextru. “Conditions vary by location, and so does the technical solution. While steel sheet piles may be necessary to ensure a dike’s stability, plastic sheet piles are actually very well-suited for preventing piping.” ”In this way, they make an important contribution to flood protection. Precisely because the solution required is assessed on a section-by-section basis, plastic sheet piles have become an increasingly common part of dike reinforcement projects in recent years.”
For the dike reinforcement project near Arcen, the company supplied Prolock Epsilon plastic screens. The screens were installed over a length of more than 500 meters, in various lengths up to 4.5 meters. “The Prolock Epsilon is made from 100 percent recycled PVC and has a unique effective width of 735 mm per profile,” Henry explains. “As a result, fewer profiles are needed per linear meter, which speeds up installation. Furthermore, the screens can be installed using lighter equipment thanks to their relatively low weight. This makes the installation process efficient while also minimizing the impact on the environment. Combined with its long service life and maintenance-free nature, plastic offers a sustainable and financially attractive alternative to traditional solutions.”
Production also contributes to the system’s sustainability. Profextru develops and manufactures all Prolock plastic sheet piles entirely in the Netherlands, at its production facility in Hardenberg. Henry: “Because the sheet piles don’t have to be imported from abroad, transportation distances are kept to a minimum. This results in lower CO2 emissions and a favorable Environmental Cost Indicator (MKI) score. Moreover, we can respond quickly to our clients” needs.”
Because every dike project is different, Profextru continues to invest in the development of new solutions for the water safety market. In addition to the Prolock Epsilon, the product line includes the Prolock Delta, a lightweight plastic barrier specifically designed to prevent piping by effectively controlling seepage flow. Screen depths of up to 14 meters have now been achieved in pilot projects. In addition, the company developed the patented Prolock Filter Screen. Unlike traditional barrier screens, which block groundwater flow, the filter screen retains sand particles while allowing groundwater to continue flowing in a controlled manner. This prevents the development of piping without the need for deep vertical screen structures. As a result, Profextru offers various innovative solutions for a wide range of challenges within the Dutch dike reinforcement program.
