Case studies showing the growth and development of geotextile sand containers: an Australian perspective

Soil Filters Australia Pty Ltd has been involved in the manufacture and installation of geotextile containers in a variety of forms since early 1984, this relates to 17 years experience in the field. This paper outlines the historical development of the types of materials used for geotextile containers and the diversity of applications in which these containers are being used. The type of geotextile used for the containers varies depending on installation conditions. This information has been compiled from years of experience. The range of application for these products is extensive and covers areas such as scour protection, groynes, berms, artificial reefs and containment of hazardous materials. The development of this form of coastal protection has developed to such a stage that in many cases it is no longer regarded as an alternative construction method but rather the desired solution. This is not to say that there is not a great deal still to be learnt from this type of protection Initially the main emphasis was on hydraulically filled geotextile tubes (typically 1.2 m circle divide) used mainly as groynes to protect beaches. With time this focus has changed to individual containers used in coastline protection and marine structures (reefs). (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.