Menu
Port Scour Protection with In-Situ Concrete Mattress
Port Scour Protection: Combatting Erosion with Concrete Mattresses
Port scour is a major issue for marine infrastructure, as the erosion of the seabed caused by water flow, vessel movements, and tidal forces can undermine the foundations of vital structures. Without effective scour protection, port facilities such as jetties and quays can suffer from significant structural damage, leading to expensive repairs or even operational failure.
At Proserve Ltd, we provide industry-leading scour protection solutions using concrete mattresses, a highly durable and cost-effective method to prevent and mitigate the effects of seabed erosion around marine infrastructure.
What is Port Scour and Why is Scour Protection Important?
Port scour occurs when water currents or turbulence erode sediment from the seabed, particularly around the foundations of structures like quays and piled jetties. Over time, this creates depressions or “scour holes,” which can lead to a loss of support for these structures. If left untreated, this can result in severe damage, safety risks, and costly downtime for ports and harbours.
Implementing scour protection measures such as concrete mattresses is critical in maintaining the stability and longevity of marine infrastructure. At Proserve Ltd, we specialise in the design, manufacture, and installation support of concrete mattress systems to protect ports from the detrimental effects of scour.
Concrete Mattresses: The Ideal Solution for Scour Protection
Concrete mattresses are widely recognised as one of the most effective solutions for protecting marine structures from scour. The formwork is placed over the protection area and filled with concrete, pumped from the surface. Once the concrete has set, the formwork creates a durable concrete apron that seals against structures and forms interlocking joints between panels. Due to its sealed nature, the concrete apron can be much thinner than rock armour layers or other precast mattress technologies, requiring significantly less deadweight to withstand similar scour forces.
Why use concrete mattresses for scour protection?
1. Durable and Long-Lasting
Concrete mattresses have been used in ports for over 40 years, demonstrating proven performance. The formwork casts a plain concrete slab with high surface abrasion resistance, ensuring long-term durability in harsh marine environments.
40 Years of Performace
Read our case study on the work we completed in the Port of Belawan 40 years ago
2. Flexible and Adaptive
As the in situ concrete mattress is cast directly on the seabed, it conforms to the natural contours, providing comprehensive coverage and stability. It seals against the wall and forms shear joints with neighbouring panels, ensuring a secure and continuous protective apron.
3. Cost-Effective Installation
Compared to traditional rock armour, in situ concrete mattresses offer significant cost savings. These savings arise from the reduced material required, as concrete mattresses can be up to seven times thinner. Additionally, formwork can be shipped on pallets, while rock armour often requires long-distance transportation. Concrete is pumped from the quayside with minimal diver activity, unlike the heavy marine equipment needed for rock armour installation.
4. Protection Against Extreme Marine Forces
Ports are exposed to strong currents, waves, and the propeller wash of vessels, all of which can contribute to seabed erosion. Concrete mattresses provide a protective armour layer that absorbs these forces and prevents the seabed from eroding, especially in high-traffic areas such as berthing zones and alongside quay walls.
5. Berth Deepening
Due to the reduced deadweight required for in situ concrete mattresses, they can be up to seven times thinner than traditional rock armour. This is especially beneficial for vertical quay wall structures, where concrete mattresses allow for minimal wall embedding or protection, maximising the full draft of the berth.
6. New Port Construction
Due to the required depth of the scour protection being significantly reduced with in situ concrete mattress port walls can be designed to a lesser extent providing significant cost savings for the overall project.
How Proserve Ltd Tackles Port Scour with Concrete Mattresses
At Proserve Ltd, we bring decades of expertise in scour protection and marine engineering to every project. Our team of specialists work closely with port operators and marine contractors to design customised solutions that address the specific scour challenges of each site
Our Process:
- Site Assessment: We begin by conducting detailed surveys and studies to assess the severity of scour and the environmental conditions.
- Design and Manufacture: Based on the site data, we develop tailored concrete mattress solutions that ensure optimal protection and durability.
- Installation: We support Contractors and Divers globally with site preparation and training to ensure a fast installation on plan.
- Maintenance and Monitoring: We also offer maintenance services to ensure that concrete mattresses continue to provide effective scour protection over time.
Why Choose Proserve Ltd for Concrete Mattress and Scour Protection Solutions?
- Unrivalled Expertise: Proserve Ltd has a proven track record of delivering high-quality scour protection solutions in ports and marine environments around the world.
- Tailored Solutions: We understand that each port has unique challenges. Our team creates bespoke concrete mattress systems that are specifically designed to tackle the scour issues at your facility.
- Sustainability Focus: We are committed to delivering environmentally friendly solutions that protect both your infrastructure and the surrounding marine ecosystem.
- Comprehensive Service: Your partner from project inception laying out initial design scope to ensuring the correct monitoring and maintenance to ensure the design life achieved.
