Platform on civil engineering, underground infrastructure, energy, construction equipment & construction machinery
Low & Bonar has combined its geosynthetics and civil engineering activities under Enka Solutions. Enka Solutions offers total solutions in erosion protection, drainage, vibration damping, soil consolidation, soil reinforcement, stabilization and more.
With production sites in Europe, the United States and Asia, Low & Bonar is a global player for good reason. "Since mid-2020, we have been part of Freudenberg Performance Materials. With this, we not only benefit from economies of scale, but also from knowledge sharing. We complement each other perfectly," emphasizes Kennard van Malenstein of Low & Bonar.
Enka's products are at the heart of civil engineering applications with geosynthetics. This history begins in the 1950s. At that time, large Enka sandbags made of high-strength fabric were used in the Delta Works to protect the coast of Zeeland. From there, Enka applications in the civil sector were further developed. This has led to a very broad portfolio of solution-oriented geosynthetics, specialized knowledge and ever-new, innovative applications that take place worldwide.
Enka Solutions' solutions are also frequently incorporated into various projects within the Dutch infrastructure. Van Malenstein: "EnkaGrid, EnkaMat, EnkaDrain, EnkaBag, EnkaTube, EnkaMattress and Colbonddrain are regularly applied. For example, EnkaDrain CK20 is currently being used on a large scale as a lost formwork mat in the Nieuwe Sluis Terneuzen and millions of meters of Colbonddrain are being used in the Groene Boog in Rotterdam (A13/A16) to accelerate and control the consolidation process. To prevent erosion and obtain reinforced grass, EnkaMat is the solution for both dry and wet situations. EnkaMat A20 is thereby a permanent erosion protection on vegetated banks with varying water levels and higher flow velocities and has proven functional durability for more than 35 years."
Circumstances are different on every project. That is why the best solution and most suitable type of product is considered in consultation with a client, Van Malenstein continues. "Our portfolio offers every possibility for this. For example, EnkaGrid includes an extensive range of uni-axial and bi-axial geogrids. By using special prestressed strips, EnkaGrids distinguish themselves with high-quality performance. The TRC version with unique aramid fibers laminated between two nonwoven webs is a three-in-one solution: filtration, separation and reinforcement. So in projects where ground reinforcement or soil stabilization are required, such as roads, terminals and crane stands on poorly bearing substrates, our wide range of geogrids will always be able to provide the right solution."
"From our expertise, we stand for high quality and durable quality products. We have our own R&D, testing laboratories and high-quality production facilities. Many of our products offer proven functionality for more than 50 years. This is partly because we not only supply the product, but also offer technical support with design proposals and possibly further detailing during project preparation. In doing so, our specialists are often in direct contact with engineering firms, contractors or clients to determine the most optimal solution. This is how we make the difference, and that is appreciated by many parties," Van Malenstein concludes.
