Dun Laoghaire Harbour breakwater project
As part of the ongoing development of Dun Laoghaire Harbour, a 430 m long breakwater was required. During the project tender, the main contractor, Ascon Ltd, proposed an alternative design using the Geoquest precast concrete panel system with geosynthetic soil reinforcements. This innovative solution offered significant cost savings compared to the reinforced concrete caissons outlined in the original tender documents.
Construction began in the summer of 2000 after the completion of dredging works and the placement of the submerged rock fill core. By November 2000, the breakwater was substantially complete. The construction process was carried out between tides, starting from the shore and advancing into the harbour. This approach allowed all labor, materials, and equipment to travel along the partially completed breakwater, eliminating the need for expensive floating plant and significantly reducing costs.
The Geoquest breakwater was designed to withstand traffic loading, diurnal tidal variations, and substantial lateral wave forces from the specified design wave. By incorporating a synthetic soil reinforcement strip and connection system, the design also avoided potential corrosion issues, ensuring long-term durability in a harsh marine environment.
This project highlights the cost-effectiveness and reliability of Geoquest polymeric reinforcement systems for marine and coastal applications, showcasing their suitability for challenging environments.
Similar projects
