Eco Xbloc

Transitional areas between land and water are of great value to nature. Therefore ecological and environmental aspects have recently become part of the design regulations of marine structures and shore protection works, besides usual technical and nautical requirements.

Development

The Xbloc® armour unit fits well into this new design philosophy, due to the great porosity and random structure of the armour layer, which provides a good habitat for marine vegetation and animals. DMC developed the Eco Xbloc to stimulate marine growth. The surfaces of the Eco Xbloc are roughened with a particular pattern using NOEPlast inside the mould. The surfaces can be adjusted to the ecological demands on a particular location. Currently ecological tests with different surfaces on the Xblocs are carried out at the breakwater of IJmuiden.

Advantages of Eco Xbloc

Increase in marine growth on units
Improvement of ecological value of marine structure
Surfaces of Eco Xbloc can be adjusted to local ecological demands
Use of same mould for Eco Xblocs and regular Xblocs

Aesthetics

The different design patterns of the surface of the Eco Xblocs can also be used out for aesthetic reasons. Using new patterns on the Xbloc® above the waterline will give architectural design of a breakwater or shore protection a new dimension.