Sustainable and innovative solutions with geo-building materials from Naue

Sustainability is an increasingly important issue in GWW projects. Naue has years of experience with sustainable building materials and total solutions. Rijk Gerritsen, manager Geotechnical and Hydraulic Engineering at Naue Prosé Geotechniek B.V., says enthusiastically, "It is super to be able to actively contribute to sustainable solutions for the GWW. With the linking of design, material supply and execution, I have one of the most enjoyable jobs in the Netherlands."

Naue Prosé supplies geo-construction materials that significantly improve the execution of GWW projects. "With our high-quality materials, structures are designed and executed in a better way. Our geo-plastics are high-quality construction materials that are designed for a long service life of 50 to up to 120 years."

"Our materials are used to build durable structures. Even in very challenging conditions, such as weak soil (clay/peat) or limited working space. Think of applications for roads, railroads and dikes. For example, we optimize road foundations, prevent leaching of embankments with erosion protection or ensure sufficient strength and water sealing at a dike." 

Building smarter

By applying geo-construction materials, GWW projects are being built smarter. "Constructions become more sustainable. It limits risks, reduces maintenance, reduces transportation, lowers construction costs and speeds up execution. Compared to traditional construction methods, there is also substantially less CO₂-emissions. It can also reduce the use of primary raw materials such as sand, gravel and clay."

"With Naue Prosé, we are leading the way in the development of new materials. We focus on materials with a sustainable basis. For example, we are the only provider of a completely biobased and biodegradable non-woven fleece. There is no plastic in this material, which can be of great value in some applications." 

Faster implementation

Geo-building materials offer great added value to GWW. "Recently we had a first. We installed bentonite mats in a number of dike sections near Beesel. This unique pilot was carried out in cooperation with Waterschap Limburg, Mourik Infra and FL."

A bentonite mat is a self-sealing geo-composite consisting of two layers of high-quality geotextile filled with natural bentonite powder. "This mat is about 1 centimeter thick and has the same waterproofing as one meter of clay, which is almost unimaginable. Just to paint a picture: one truck of bentonite mats is roughly equivalent to 250 trucks of clay."

"With the application, local soil can be reused as much as possible within a project. This is very attractive to both a water board and a contractor. Not only is there 250 times less CO₂-emissions, the pressure on the environment is also reduced. Residents naturally experience much less nuisance from one truck. In other words: good for people, surroundings and the environment."     

ADDED VALUE
- Numerous applications and benefits with geosynthetics in ground, road and hydraulic engineering projects. For example, roads, work platforms, flood defenses and coastal protection.
- Innovative and sustainable solutions with bentonite mats (GCL) and foil structures (seals), geogrids (soil and foundation reinforcement), nonwoven geotextiles (filtration, separation and protection), erosion protection systems and drainage mats.
- Proven solutions that can be adapted to challenging project site conditions.
- Support from initial feasibility, design with calculations and drawings, supply of materials and installation.