Geo Textiles

Why They Are An Option For Coastal Erosion?

By David J Whyte

Whether global warming is the cause of climate change or not, recent extreme weather events are an observable fact. There is no doubt they have put additional pressure on coastal environments.

A large proportion of the Australian population and many parts of the world live in coastal communities and so coastal erosion is a major concern.

Most available protective solutions against erosion-causing forces are either too expensive and/or likely to have adverse consequential effects on other parts of the coastline. University of NSW coastal engineering studies attest to this. A seawall built at point A, can change the forces at work at point B further up or down the coast.

It’s a complex system that cannot be universally addressed by man-made solutions.

So without interfering with nature’s forces by building sea walls, reefs, or similar, can buffering of existing coastal landforms provide some remedy ,interim or longer term, using a relatively low cost approach that geotextiles provide?

Geotextile grout mattress systems have been extensively used in many areas relating to water and water erosion, including the protection of embankments on roads and bridges, wharves and harbours. Its versatility is further demonstrated by its use in lining dams, ponds, waterways, channels, spillways, drains and culverts.

It’s also been used for sea walls and beach protection in circumstances of mild wave action.