- New podcast episode - Dyke reinforcement in France
New podcast episode - Dyke reinforcement in France
This episode presents a project in France, for a significant flood prevention action program for the lower Var river valley, focusing on the reinforcement of the dyke at Saint-Laurent-du-Var. This project aimed to protect nearly 2,000 inhabitants and critical infrastructure against floods up to a reference level of 5,000 m3/s. The reinforcement spans 1.6 kilometers along road number 95 and involves constructing a double sheet pile wall system using over 2,300 tonnes of specialized steel piles, like the AZ 23-800 and AZ 18-800 profiles. Learn about the technical specifications of the construction, including the driving methods for the steel sheet piles, the use of eccentric anchors, and the project timeline, with work occurring between 2016 and 2017. The episode also highlights cost savings achieved by substituting lighter, equivalent steel profiles after successful driving tests.
🎧 New episode alert: protecting neighborhoods with a dyke reinforcement programme using steel sheet piles!
In this episode we dive into the details of the Saint-Laurent-du-Var dyke reinforcement project in France! Protecting nearly 2,000 inhabitants, an industrial park, and vital town center infrastructure against an exceptional flood Q = 5,000 m³/s requires precision and strength. This 1.6 km reinforcement project relied on a robust double sheet pile wall system.
Here’s why steel sheet piles were the game-changer in this project:
• Optimized performance & value: The contractor demonstrated the superior behavior of the newly developed AZ®-800 range (specifically the AZ 23-800 and AZ 18-800 profiles) through rigorous driving tests. Despite working in challenging compact alluvial soils where pressuremeter test limit pressures exceeded 5 MPa in some areas, the performance allowed for a profile substitution.
• Significant savings: By replacing the originally planned AZ 24-700 with the equivalent but lighter AZ 23-800 profile, the project achieved remarkable savings of around 14%!
• Advanced structural design: The 2,315 tonnes of S 355 GP steel were integrated using a sophisticated design featuring an eccentric anchor system made of GEWI bars (Ø 32 mm). This design was developed through collaboration with the Institute of Steel Construction of RWTH Aachen Polytechnic University.
• Complex installation: Discover the intricate construction methods, including the use of the panel driving method for the main wall installation and specialized equipment, ensuring stability against hazards like external and internal erosion, overflow, and overall instability.
Listen to our audio overview to uncover the technical details, the driving test results, and the innovative geotechnical solutions implemented. Get inspired for your next major flood defense or earth retention challenge!
Download the full PDF case study.
