idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
idw - Informationsdienst
Wissenschaft
Banks along inland waterways are exposed to shipping and tidal forces. In order to prevent erosion, these are usually technically secured by stone embankments or walls. However, this has a negative impact on the ecosystems. In the joint research project "Bioshoreline" - funded by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture - the researchers, led by Fraunhofer UMSICHT, developed a biodegradable geotextile made from renewable raw materials that serves as a temporary filter for bank protection on inland waterways.
Shipping traffic leads to a particular hydraulic load on the banks. In order to promote the ecosystem and thus the habitat for typical riparian plants and animals, more plants should be used instead of technically secured banks - which is also required by the European Water Framework Directive (WFD). However, until the plants have formed sufficient roots, additional bank reinforcements are necessary: e.g. temporary geotextile filter.
Stable and degradable at the same time
The aim of the project was to develop a geotextile filter for biological bank stabilization systems. This filter should stabilize the soil before the bank is stabilized by plants and then completely degrade as soon as the plant roots can take over this task.
The innovative geotextile consists of a mixture of rapidly degradable natural fibers and bio-based, slowly degradable synthetic fibers. This combination ensures the required stability for at least three years while at the same time being completely biodegradable. "One of the challenges of the project was to develop a stable geotextile that would also allow plants to root through it and completely degrade after a certain period of time. After many optimization steps, we have now succeeded in producing a suitable prototype," explains project manager Pia Borelbach from Fraunhofer UMSICHT.
First prototypes in use
In January 2020, the first prototypes were installed on a test section on the Rhine near Worms. The general rootability of the geotextile filters produced was demonstrated with willow spread layers as planting both in special test boxes and in the field. Samples were taken and tested after one, two and three years. The results showed that degradation processes had begun.
Based on the findings from field and rooting tests, the researchers optimized the geotextile again to further improve its rootability. This prototype has now been in use under stone mattresses since March 2023 and under willow spread layers and seed mats on the test track since April 2024.
The project opens up new possibilities for near-natural hydraulic engineering and opens up a new field of application for bio-based and biodegradable plastics.
Results in a webinar
On February 11, researchers will present the results of the project in a webinar from 13:30 to 15:30. The online event (in German) is aimed at manufacturers of geotextiles, filaments and technical textiles, experts in GALA construction and structural engineering as well as tendering authorities and potential project partners interested in biodegradable projects. Registration is requested.
https://www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de/de/messen-veranstaltungen/2025/biologisch-abba... (Infos on the webinar)
https://www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de/en/circulareconomy/bio-based-plastics.html (Bio-based plastics)
https://www.umsicht.fraunhofer.de/en/about-fraunhofer-umsicht/departments/circul... (Circular and Bio-based Plastics)
The biodegradable geotextile is made from renewable raw materials and serves as a temporary filter f ...
Fraunhofer UMSICHT
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