EcoBale was created to provide a cost-effective solution for protecting shorelines. It is a lightweight breakwater that reduces waves and collects sediments and is durable enough to withstand high energy environments.
Because it’s not a wall, it’s a great product for this application because waves can penetrate it. The cylinder shape of EcoBale gives it the advantage of having an open structure while retaining strength. It is strong enough to reduce erosion by performing as a breakwater.
The 96% void space also provides shoreline stabilization through the collection of sediments. This facilitates the growth of natural marsh, vegetation, and ecological habitats. It is also effective at creating a visible protective boundary for pipelines.
Beyond Shoreline Protection
While this was the original application, EcoBale can be used to serve a variety of purposes because of the flexibility of installation. We are working on projects now in which it is being used to solve unique challenges in a cost-effective way. Using EcoBale rather than other solutions such as rocks can be 25-30% less expensive! With the proper design, it can also meet the challenges of sea level rise.
It’s all in the installation: Vertically, EcoBale can be installed in a zig-zag pattern to dampen waves without blocking them. But it can also be installed in a tight format for the opposite effect, to create a wall. It can be used to block boat traffic for private waterways and create boundaries depending on how closely they are installed. Horizontally, it can be installed to contain sediments and/or dredge material for marsh creation projects.
Benefits of EcoBale
- Wave Dissipation
- Lightweight
- Cost-Effective
- Installation requires minimal equipment and no subgrade improvements
Installation
EcoBale is manufactured off site, delivered to the landing area, and loaded onto barge for delivery to the project site with minimal labor and equipment. The lightweight design of EcoBale allows for maximizing the barge load, which minimizes the number of trips. The need for dredging to allow access in shallow project areas is all but eliminated. These characteristics allow for decrease in both equipment and personnel for mobilization of the material.
EcoBale’s modular design provides a standard approach to installation. Vertically deployed to meet design depths, it is also lightweight with minimal loading of the sub grade. This mitigates the need for sub grade improvements such as geo-textiles.
Contact us directly at 225-292-6750 for more information about this cost-effective, sustainable coastal solution!
