Efficient and sustainable solutions with geotextiles for challenges in hydraulic engineering

In a time when climate change poses major challenges for hydraulic engineering, the application of geo-construction materials is becoming increasingly important. Rijk Gerritsen, technical director at Naue Nederland and course leader of the PAOTM course Geotextiles in hydraulic engineering, shares his vision on the application of geotextiles as a high-quality construction material for hydraulic engineering.

"With geotextiles in hydraulic engineering, you can build very efficiently," Gerritsen explains. "It reduces costs, shortens construction time and limits construction risks. You make structures more robust than with other solutions." These advantages are crucial in a time when we are dealing with extreme rainfall, longer periods of drought, sea level rise and higher river discharges.

Sustainability aligns with Flood Protection Program policy

In addition to the functional advantages, sustainability is playing an increasingly important role. "If you design with geotextiles, this reduces the MKI value and the CO₂emissions of a project. Solutions with geotextiles are also very cost-efficient. This fits in perfectly with the policy of the High Water Protection Programme, that dike reinforcements must be modest and efficient."

From practical experience to new guidelines

An important part of the course is the attention for the new guideline for geotextiles under stone coverings. "The existing guideline from about eight years ago is no longer sufficient in practice. Specific cases of damage have been observed," says Gerritsen. This was the reason for CROW to set up a working group of about 25 experts.

"Extensive practical tests and trials showed that geotextiles must be much heavier to ensure that they are sufficiently robust and do not get damaged when stones are placed," Gerritsen explains. This important outcome has led to an erratum that is already available on the CROW website, in anticipation of a completely new design guideline that is expected at the end of 2025.

Knowledge gap in the market

It is striking that familiarity with these new insights is still limited. "There are still engineering firms and contractors who are not aware that an erratum has even been issued," Gerritsen points out. This shows the importance of knowledge transfer via courses such as these.

Concrete applications in practice

The possibilities of geotextiles are numerous and offer economic advantages. Gerritsen mentions bentonite mats on dikes as an example: "These can result in enormous cost savings compared to a traditional clay covering." This practical knowledge directly ties in with the current tasks in hydraulic engineering.

Renewed course design with top experts

The course has been renewed compared to previous editions, with an updated program and new lecturers who are among the top in their field. "We have set up a course program that is as interesting as possible. We have also hired new lecturers to get the best knowledge into the course," says Gerritsen.

From traditional thinking to innovative solutions

Gerritsen hopes that the course will help professionals to look beyond traditional solutions. "In hydraulic engineering, there is still a lot of thinking in terms of steel sheet piles and concrete, while so much more is possible. I hope that participants will learn what to do and what not to do, and that they will become aware of the sustainability benefits of various solutions."

The two-day course Geotextiles in hydraulic engineering offers participants a comprehensive overview of known and new applications of geotextiles in hydraulic engineering, with special attention to the new guidelines and their practical application.

Click on the course below for more information and to register.