Remediation of contaminated marine sediments at Port Ouest, La Grande-Motte using GEOTUBE dewatering systems
Contaminated sediments were dredged from Port Ouest in La Grande-Motte and dewatered using GEOTUBE technology to support port modernization while meeting environmental requirements.
GSE HD geomembrane lined salt ponds ensure long-term brine containment
GSE® HD geomembrane lined over 3.4 million m² of evaporation ponds to prevent brine seepage under extreme heat and UV exposure. This continuous barrier eliminated salt discharge and protected the surrounding environment.
Ensuring secure tailings containment at Saudi Arabia’s Umm Wu’al Phosphate Project
Solmax supplied 900,000 m² of double-sided GSE® HD FrictionFlex geomembrane for Maaden’s Umm Wu’al tailings ponds in Saudi Arabia, meeting strict quality controls and ensuring flawless containment in extreme conditions.
A hotel owner in the hospitality sector operating primarily in Greece recognized the need to enhance the beach experience for his resort guests. The main aim was to provide a pristine beach with reduced maintenance needs. To achieve this, a decision was made to establish a submerged breakwater using the GEOTUBE® systems. This would create a more tranquil sea environment, decreasing wave intensity at the shore. Located near Moudania, Greece, the project commenced in January 2017, targeting completion before that year's Eastern break.
The primary challenge was the collaboration between Aktor and a Thessaloniki-based diving company to install the scour aprons and GEOTUBE systems, all against the backdrop of an impending hotel grand opening during Easter. Standard rubble mount submerged breakwaters would not be suitable due to sharp edged rocks, making the area unsafe for bathers. A soft textile GEOTUBE structure would be more friendly for the beach users.
The dynamic sea environment added layers of complexity, with wave and weather unpredictability posing potential threats. The project required the installation of large structures underwater with relatively small equipment. A major accomplishment was the significant reduction in wave intensity through the newly introduced systems.
To achieve the project's goals, a range of products was utilized, including 5 scour aprons (GT600M) of 40 x 16 m (131 x 52.5 ft) dimensions, as well as 28 GEOTUBE systems (GT1000MB) of varying diameters and a length of 30.2 m (99 ft). These products, manufactured by Solmax, were chosen for their compatibility with the breakwater design, UV stability, beach colour and adherence to quality and safety standards. Notably, each system had a unique ID for full traceability, and for that from every fifth system the seam strength is tested in a lab setting.
The final design, which deviated from the initial proposal of using smaller diameter systems, allowed for greater stability against wave actions. Key learnings from the project included understanding the grain size distribution of fill material to determine filter characteristics and the benefits of larger diameter systems for quicker installations. The installation was completed successfully within the deadline, even in adverse sea conditions.
The project's success was attributed to the experience demonstrated, quality of products used, and the expansive global coverage provided. This triumph set the stage for another project, awaiting installation due to permit considerations.