XStream Blocks in the River IJssel

Three flexible river groynes in the River IJssel, the Netherlands, were officially opened yesterday by Nelly Kalfs of Rijkswaterstaat.

The groynes are made fully of XStream blocks which are very small Xbloc units applied in river projects where current loads are dominant over wave loads.

Due to the fact that the groynes are made only of one material, they can be easily adjusted or placed elsewhere if needed due to changing climate conditions.

The flow patterns around the groynes reduce maintenance dredging and their open, permeable structure, provides a habitat for animals.

Further advantages are the reduced costs, material quantities, CO2 emission and construction time.

The XStream blocks are very suitable for bottom protection works for example behind dams, around bridges and around offshore wind turbines.

The project is a close cooperation between Rijkswaterstaat, Deltares, Meteoor Beton, Van den Herik and BAM.