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In dike reinforcement projects, geotextiles, drainage mats, and other geosynthetic materials ensure that water is drained away, the subgrade remains stable, and structures continue to function over the long term. For the dike reinforcement project in Arcen, TEFAB not only supplied these materials but also collaborated with the client to determine the most suitable application for the specific on-site conditions.
One of the specific challenges arose in Arcen Midden, where the self-closing flood barrier was constructed. A section of the original dike still lies beneath the residents“ backyards. During heavy rainfall, this creates a risk that rainwater cannot drain away sufficiently, causing the soil to become saturated. Jeroen Verhoef, technical sales engineer at TEFAB: ”For this application, we opted, among other things, for a rigid drainage mat that drains the water in a controlled manner and ensures the structure functions properly. By considering water management as early as the design phase, we were able to select a solution that aligns with the specific on-site conditions.”
In addition, TEFAB supplied the TF 80/80 woven geotextile. This was installed beneath the access paths to the dike. “This heavy-duty geotextile is widely used in civil engineering projects where separation, reinforcement, and stability of the subgrade are essential,” said Jeroen. “It prevents different soil layers from mixing and ensures that the access paths remain stable even under heavy loads during construction.”
According to Jeroen, the project in Arcen demonstrates the role the company aims to play in dike reinforcement and projects under the Flood Protection Program (HWBP). Not just as a supplier of geosynthetic materials, but as a geotechnical specialist who contributes ideas from the very beginning regarding the overall construction: subsoil, water management, loads, feasibility, maintenance, and service life. “Our approach isn’t limited to drainage and geotextiles. We also provide advice on geogrids, erosion protection for slopes and riverbanks, the use of bentonite mats to prevent piping, for example, and project-specific custom solutions—where possible, using sustainable or bio-based alternatives.” This role is strengthened by the fact that TEFAB is the exclusive distributor in the Netherlands of EnkaMat® and EnkaGrid®, from Enka Solutions by Freudenberg Performance Materials. Jeroen: “This allows us to liaise directly with the engineering team at Enka Solutions on issues such as those in Arcen.”
