In-situ Concrete Mattress: A solution for Scour Protection and Erosion
Marine and coastal infrastructure are often vulnerable to marine scour and erosion. However, an in-situ concrete mattress can help protect the structural integrity of infrastructures such as ports, bridges and revetments and is often the preferred solution in marine engineering for erosion control.
Marine Engineering Solutions Since 1966
Proserve has been at the forefront of this technology, pioneering in-situ concrete mattresses since 1966. It offers proven, long-lasting solutions across a range of marine engineering projects worldwide.
What are In-situ Concrete Mattresses?
An in-situ concrete mattress is created when a specially woven geotextile fabric is pump-filled with concrete. The concrete sets and forms a plain, highly durable concrete apron that can range in thickness from as little as 10 cm to as much as 1 metre depending on project requirements.
Concrerte is Stronger in Fabric
When concrete is pump-filled into fabric formwork, the water seeps out while sand and cement particles are retained. This process creates a high-strength dense concrete slab than traditional formwork methods, ensuring durable concrete protection over marine infrastructure areas. By this process, it guarantees protection from scour and erosion, extending the lifespan of the structure and, therefore, reducing maintenance costs.
Tailor the Concrete Mattress to your Required Needs
One of the major benefits of in-situ concrete mattresses is the ability to tailor the fabric formwork to the specific area needing protection. This includes uneven surfaces and areas of difficult accessibility, in this way our marine engineers can ensure that scour is completely mitigated, preventing erosion from compromsing your strucutre.
Protects the Environment and is Cost Effective
In-situ concrete mattresses require less concrete material and thickness than traditional methods like rock armour. This reduction in deadweight and material usage makes the solution not only more efficient but also environmentally friendly, as less material needs to be transported and placed.
Efficient Transportation and Installtion Process
The installation process of in-situ concrete mattresses is straightforward and streamlined, even in hard-to-reach areas. The lightweight fabric formwork is easy to handle and position, and once installed, it is pump-filled with concrete.
Types of In Situ Concrete Mattress
In situ concrete mattresses come in various types, each tailored to address different environmental and structural needs. Below is an overview of the main types and their applications.
1. Contant Thickness Concrete Mattress
Constant-thickness mattresses maintain a uniform thickness across the installation area, making them particularly suited for flat seabeds or areas that require even protection. These mattresses provide reliable scour prevention with reduced material usage.
2. Flex Concrete Mattress
Flex mattresses are designed to adapt to uneven or sloping seabeds. Their flexible formwork allows them to conform to irregular surfaces, providing close-fitting protection in dynamic environments where the seabed profile may change over time.
3. Open-Hole Concrete Mattress
Open-hole mattresses incorporate voids or apertures within the formwork, allowing water and sediment to pass through while still providing structural protection. This makes them ideal for areas where maintaining natural water flow and drainage is critical.
4. CT Bulk Concrete Mattress
CT Bulk (Constant Thickness Bulk) Mattresses are designed for heavy-duty applications where additional mass and stability are required. They provide extra weight, making them suitable for large fill projects or areas requiring significant deadweight.
Conclusion:
In situ concrete mattresses offer a versatile and effective solution for protecting marine and coastal infrastructure from scour and erosion. By utilising porous yet grout-tight formwork and the ability to tailor the concrete apron’s coverage and thickness, these mattresses provide reliable protection with less material than traditional methods.
Whether it’s constant thickness, flex, open hole, or CT bulk mattresses, this technology allows for highly customised, site-specific solutions that ensure the long-term stability of structures like ports, jetties, revetments, bridges, canals, and breakwaters.
Proserve has successfully installed this adaptable technology since 1966, offering engineers a proven method of safeguarding critical infrastructure.
