Port construction is a complex and multifaceted process requiring advanced technologies and materials. Geosynthetics is one of the key elements of increasing effectiveness and durability of port structures. They are widely used in various spheres of port construction, ensuring strength, stability and environmental safety.
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Benefits
Capability to improve soil properties is one of the main benefits of geosynthetic materials. Port construction often requires reinforcement of soft soils, such as clayey sand and sandstone. In such cases, geosynthetics, such as geotextile, geogrids or geomat, may be used to provide a stable base. They prevent soil erosion, increase its bearing capacity and reduce probability of deformations, such as failure and displacement.
Corrosion protection is another important aspect of geosynthetics use in port construction. Ports are often exposed to corrosive environment, such as salty water and chemicals. Geosynthetic materials, such as geomembranes and geocomposites, are highly resistant to corrosion and chemical impact. They put a reliable barrier between port facilities and corrosive environment, preventing penetration of moisture and chemicals into the structures, thus contributing to their durability and lowering the need of repair and replacement.
Safety is one of the main priorities in port construction. Geosynthetics can increase port facilities safety by preventing the environment negative impact.
While considering geosynthetics application in port construction, it should be noted that they play an important role in shoreline protection against waves and erosion. Waves is a constant challenge for port facilities, so geosynthetics, such as geotextile sacks and geotubes, can be used to shield and protect the coastal areas from destructive waves. This contributes to port infrastructure safekeeping and preventing damage caused by erosion of sandy beaches and embankment slopes.
Types of structure
Geosynthetics are used for providing a-certain-purpose-oriented structures in port construction.
Wave-breaking structures: Geosynthetic sacks and tubes are used for making wave-breakers protecting jetties and wharves from destructive waves. Geotubes are represented by Geospan GT in Geospan range.
Shoreline protection: geosynthetic materials are used for shoreline reinforcement and erosion protection. This is especially important for ports located on sandy beaches or rivers. Geogrid is used for this purpose. It helps avoid soil erosion and maintain a shoreline as envisaged. Geogrids are represented by Geospan GC (GCP) in Geospan range.
Soil structures: Geotextile, geogrid and geomat are used for soft soil reinforcement, carrying capacity boost and deformation and pothole prevention. Geospan range includes Geospan GT PP and Geospan BB geotextile fabrics, Geospan GC geogrid and Geospan PE geomat.
Corrosion protection: Geomembranes and geocomposites are used for making a barrier preventing moisture and chemicals penetration into the port facilities and securing their durability. Geomembranes and geocomposites are represented by Geospan GT M and Geospan GT D in Geospan range.
Fencing and watering: Geosynthetic materials are used for making fencing, watering and counter-erosion structures ensuring safety and stability of the port facilities.
Track record
Geosynthetics application in port construction is an essential aspect ensuring stability, protection and durability of the port facilities. Russia is also a place where geosynthetics were utilized to improve infrastructure and secure safety of sea terminals, for example:
Saint Petersburg port is one of the major sea ports in Russia. Geosynthetics such as geotextile and geogrid were used for shoreline reinforcement, erosion prevention and wave protection in Saint Petersburg port construction and refurbishment. These materials ensure jetty stability and durability, and protect port facilities from negative environmental impact.
Novorossiysk port on the Black Sea coast. Geosynthetics, including geotextile and geomembrane, were used in the process of the port construction and development. Geotextile was used for shoreline reinforcement, preventing soil erosion and filtration, and securing the port facilities stability. Geomembrane was used for making a sealing layer preventing water penetration and safekeeping the port facilities.
Vladivostok port is a most important transporting hub in the Far East of Russia. Geotextile fabrics and geomembranes were used in its construction. Their application was necessary for the soil erosion protection, drainage and reinforcement, as well as securing stability of the port jetties and piers.
Rostov-upon-Don port located on the river Don. During its construction, geotextile and geomembranes were used to ensure a stable foundation and prevent erosion of the soil around its jetties and terminals. This allowed securing safe vessel loading and unloading, as well as safeguarding the port infrastructure from destructive water flow impact.
Caucasus port located on the Black Sea coast. Geosynthetic materials were used here to reinforce the shoreline and prevent the soil wash-out, and protect the port facilities from wave impact. Such materials as geotextile and geogrid ensure the port infrastructure durability and stability, also improving the navigation conditions.
Geosynthetics application in construction of the Russian ports enhances the port infrastructure quality and ensures their stability and durability.
Conclusions
Saint Petersburg port, Novorossiysk port, Vladivostok port, Rostov port and Caucasus port are a sound evidence of the value and effectiveness of geosynthetics application for securing stability, protection and durability of the Russian port infrastructure. Such innovative solutions contribute to the port infrastructure development and secure marine safety and effectiveness.
