Erosion control for Bridges, Abutments, and Piers
Synthetex manufactures fabric-formed concrete armoring systems to combat underwater scour and erosion at bridge abutments and piers.
When in need of protection against scour or corrosion at a bridge, rely on Synthetex to manufacture a custom solution for you. Our HYDROTEX concrete fabric forms are pumped with fine aggregate concrete. HYDROTEX has the performance to be pumped underwater, creating a concrete mattress that conforms to the shape of the soil at the bridge’s foundation.
The result is a hard armor that combats hydraulic forces and prevents the movement of sediment and soil due to local hydraulic conditions.
How is Hydrotex used in bridge abutment protection projects?
The Problem:
Water velocity, wind, and/or wave run-up cause soil loss and bed degradation at bridge abutments.
When soil is lost underneath the abutment, the structure will settle downward, causing a difference in elevation and forming cracks that will lead to irreparable damage and structural failure.
The Solution:
HYDROTEX Fabric Forms for the In-Situ Casting of Concrete
Prevent failure by using HYDROTEX fabric forms for the in-situ casting of concrete. With a custom-made HYDROTEX fabric form, you can cast a permanent mattress or grout bag that conforms to the scour depth and stabilizes the abutment.
One principal benefit of our product is that it can be installed under water. It’s also much easier to install in low head clearance conditions. Rip rap, for example, isn’t as easy to install in such conditions.
WHEN IS SCOUR PROTECTION, ABUTMENT PROTECTION, OR PILE JACKETS NEEDED?
If you are working on a project that features a bridge, pier, or other structure that crosses water, then you must take the necessary precautions to prevent hydraulic forces from compromising the structure’s stability.
An effective way to do that is by placing HYDROTEX, a concrete armor at the base of the bridge’s piers or piles, which protects against localized vortices that could leave the pile caps exposed.
WHY CHOOSE HYDROTEX® FOR YOUR BRIDGE AND PIER SCOUR PROTECTION
Bridges and piers are subject to underwater scour, leaving the surrounding environment vulnerable to catastrophic structural failure.
HYDROTEX fabric-formed concrete mattresses are designed to be installed both on land and underwater, making them the top solution for engineers, consulting firms, and DOT directors looking to protect bridges from scour before it compromises the bridge’s stability.
The most popular solutions for bridges and piers are scour protection and remediation, abutment protection, and pile jackets and seals.
Our team of highly trained and skilled engineers will carry out all necessary calculations and walk you through our recommended solutions for your specific bridge or pier project. Give us a call at 1-800-253-0561 to connect with one of our engineers today.
HYDROTEX® Articulating Block
Cast an articulating block concrete mattress to protect an abutment with HYDROTEX Articulating Block fabric forms. We manufacture the fabric forms with internal revetment cables that aid articulation and permit flexibility. Once cast in place with fine aggregate concrete, you’ll get a custom mattress that remediates and prevents scour. This is the most popular product for bridge abutment protection projects.
HYDROTEX® Grout Bags for Bridge Abutment Protection
Easily cast a grout bag with a custom-made HYDROTEX grout bag fabric form. Another popular choice for bridge abutment protection projects, a grout bag will fill the scour hole and prop the abutment back up if the local scour has already effected a difference in elevation. Grout bags are made with 100% custom width and height for any type of bridge abutment.
Why choose HYDROTEX for Scour Prevention at Bridge Abutments?
HYDROTEX is easy to install underwater and requires no excavation, making it superior to grouted riprap, gabion baskets, retaining walls, and reinforced soil systems.
The geosynthetic panels are delivered to the project site ready-to-pump, and installation requires no heavy machinery or specialized workforce.
Not convinced? HYDROTEX is permanent, durable, and maintenance-free. Once installed, it is there to stay.
What type of bridges can be protected by HYDROTEX?
Bridges that cross over any body of water—including river bridges, railroad bridges, and highway bridges—can be protected by HYDROTEX fabric-formed concrete.
Because HYDROTEX is custom-manufactured according to the bridge’s specifications, it can provide a level of protection that surpasses that of mass-manufactured scour protection solutions.
Have more questions? Unsure whether this is the right solution for you? Call 1-800-225-0023 for a free consultation with our engineers. We would be happy to help.
HYDROTEX in Action
