Fig.1 Nordsee Luftbilder project

The Greenstick Method

Fig.2 the existing method of creating embankment dams using reclaimed soil where, 1 = earthen dam; 2 = reclaimed pulp; 3 = dam reclamation 2 nd layer; 4 = draining layer; 5 = slurry pipeline

The Greenstick Wall Technology, as previously described, may be used in the creation of artificial territory to be utilised for commercial gain or for using the newly formed landmass for environmental and natural purposes. The Greenstick wall system is less invasive than traditional methods of land reclamation and, due to the lightweight nature of the simple design, likely to be a quicker and less expensive option.

The image of the Nordsee Luftbilder project (Fig 1) shows an example of an existing method of creating artificial territory where the gap in the structure allows the ebb tide to escape whilst retaining as much of the silt as possible within. A Greenstick wall could replace this method and function without need for the gap. By sloping the walls at an appropriate angle, the ebb tide would be able to flow freely over the top of the structure whilst more of the silt would remain inside, thereby speeding up the process, saving both time and cost.

Creation of Artificial Territories

for commercial or environmental use

Less environmentally damaging disposal of dredging soil

It is well known that cleaning the bottom of a river or estuary by dredging and dumping the soil at sea is environmentally damaging, primarily because the discharged slurry is spread by waves and currents for tens of kilometres, destroying essential sea bacteria through deprivation of oxygen. It is also financially costly, given that the soil has to be transported from the site to the sea by land vehicles or sea vessels both of which incur the additional costs of crew, fuel and time. Since the volume of repairs and new digging in ports and channels is increasingly annually, so the costs, both environmentally and financially, will also increase if the dumping of dredged soil in the sea continues. The Greenstick wall technology can be used in the development of a more cost effective and environmentally sound solution, that being the adoption and improvement of the “pre-load” method where dredged soil can be utilised on site and retained via the Greenstick wall.

Greenstick wall technology can be used to accelerate reclaimed soil consolidation and is likely to be significantly cheaper and quicker than the existing method of creating soil dams with bulldozers by using the pre-load method, as shown at Fig.2. The pre-load method relies on a layering system where each layer is left to drain before a further layer is added and so on.

In contrast, the Greenstick wall can be built up to retain the soil, intact, while still allowing excess water to drain, creating a solid earth mass, as shown at Fig.3.

Fig.3 Proposed Greenstick Wall method where the reclaimed soil is held in place using Greensticks combined with FRP panels Where 1 = Greenstick piles; 2 = Pivoting adjustable shafts; 3 = FRP Panel; 4 = Permeable or non-permeable membrane; 5 = Reclaimed pulp. A = Starting water level; A-A1 = Tidal range

The best way to protect the coast line is to hold the sea back using reclaimed land. Firstly, a water proof or porous membrane is deployed, the exceptionally strong Greenstick walls are then built to produce the desired territory - pier, port and marina. Dredging operations complete the territory without the current environmental impact of deoxygenating and pollution in the vicinity.

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