Case Study
How Eurobodalla Council Used Sandbags to Protect Long Beach
The Project
The Long Beach Coastal Erosion Control project, initiated in response to significant erosion caused by an east coast low in April 2022, aimed to protect the shoreline and Bay Road from potential collapse while preserving the natural environment and community access to the beach. The erosion had left a critical section of the coastline vulnerable, jeopardizing both road access to beachside properties and the stability of the Bay Road area.
The Challenge
The dynamic coastal environment presented several challenges. The erosion posed a threat to the road's stability, making it imperative to find a solution that would reduce the likelihood of further erosion. Additionally, preserving the visual amenity and natural character of the foreshore, maintaining access to the beach, and safeguarding mature Norfolk Island pine trees were essential community priorities.
Our Solution
To address these challenges, Eurobodalla Council implemented a multi-phase approach. In the short-term, utilizing sandbagging and beach nourishment methods to mitigate immediate risks. However as further significant erosion occurred with another large swell event passing the coastline. Council recognized the need for a more robust and sustainable medium to long term solution. To this end council turned to Global Synthetics for a suitable product. We offered our range of Secutex® Soft Rock Geotextile Sand Containers, it was decided that council would purchase 550 units of 1.2m³ Soft Rock Antivandal Bags which have a very robust woolly vandal resistant outer protection layer of geotextile bound to a more conventional geotextile inner layer to confine the locally sourced material.
Secutex® Soft Rock Bags offered several advantages for this project:
In-situ Soil as Fill Material: The ability to fill these geotextile sand containers with locally available sand provided significant cost savings. This approach reduced construction time, material costs, and transportation distances, all contributing to a more efficient and cost-effective solution.
Stability under Hydraulic Load: The soft rock bags' lightweight and robust nonwoven construction offered long-term erosion control measures. They encapsulated local sand, providing durable protection against the dynamic interaction of waves and currents, minimizing the environmental impact.
CO2 Reduction: Utilizing geosynthetics like Soft Rock Bags reduced the need for conventional construction materials, such large rock armour . This leads to fewer materials being transported, thereby significantly reducing carbon emissions and degradation of local roads. Overall outcome is a significant environmental improvement over more conventional methods
The Results
As of August 2023, the medium-term works have been completed, and the Secutex® Soft Rock Bags are effectively fulfilling their role in protecting the shoreline and Bay Road. The project has achieved several significant results:
Reduced Erosion: The geotextile sandbag structure has substantially reduced the likelihood of further erosion, providing stability to the coastline.
Preserved Access: The project ensured continued access to the beach and private properties, addressing the critical needs of the community.
Maintained Visual Amenity: The natural character of the foreshore has been preserved, and the protection measures have not compromised the amenity of the beach.
CO2 Reduction: By utilizing Secutex® Soft Rock Bags and reducing the need for conventional construction materials, the project contributed to CO2 reduction and environmentally responsible construction practices.
In conclusion, the Long Beach Coastal Erosion Control project faced unique challenges posed by dynamic coastal conditions and community priorities. The implementation of Geotextile Sand Containers, specifically Soft Rock Bags, has proven to be an effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly solution.
For unparalleled expertise and tailored solutions for your upcoming projects, look no further than Global Synthetics. Our team is ready to guide and support you every step of the way. Elevate the quality and reliability of your construction by tapping into our wealth of experience. Contact us today!
