Collaboration leads to a new product

Joosten Kunststoffen, TenCate Geosynthetics, and the Van Oord-Hakkers-Beens consortium have jointly developed a project-specific custom solution to prevent animals such as deer, badgers, and polecats from accidentally drowning in the canal.

Nature-friendly custom solution for the Twente Canals

The Twente Canals are an important logistical link for transporting goods by water to the ports of Almelo, Hengelo, and Enschede. Transport via the Twente Canals is expected to increase further in the future. Rijkswaterstaat commissioned the widening of the canal so that larger and heavier loaded vessels can navigate the Twente Canals more smoothly and safely. The widening also improves accessibility to the ports. This boosts the regional economy and employment, while also taking nature into consideration.

Sealing canal banks as protection against seepage

Due to the difference in water levels between the canal and the groundwater behind the dike, seepage can occur. This is water that seeps under the dike and rises from the soil. While this is a normal phenomenon, it is addressed to ensure that the area behind the dike remains dry at all times. By installing a waterproof liner on the slope, water can no longer flow from the canal under the dike.

Collaboration between client, supplier, manufacturer, and contractor

During the tender phase, Joosten Kunststoffen, TenCate Geosynthetics (Solmax), and the Van Oord-Hakkers-Beens consortium jointly developed a project-specific custom solution: the FRX composite liner.

By installing this special liner on the slope, the seepage path is extended to such an extent that the adjacent area—and thus the groundwater—is no longer reached. TenCate FRX is an HDPE-reinforced membrane with integrated protection against damage from riprap. The Nicolon membrane combined with the Polyfelt fleece was fabricated into a composite at TenCate Geosynthetics’ factory in Hengelo.

On-site practical tests were conducted to simulate the final installation method. The contractor consortium then designed an automated laying frame to efficiently handle the custom rolls on location.

Eco-friendly banks

Previously, animals such as deer, badgers, and polecats that accidentally ended up in the canal or tried to cross it had no way to climb out on their own. By placing stones on the liner, the animals now have enough grip on the surface to get out of the water independently.