Abutment Protection Works using TechFab Metal Gabions & Mattress along Sabarmati River at Paldi, Gujarat

Paldi, Gujarat, India | PWD Khambhat

Overview

Paldi, situated along the Sabarmati River Coast in the Ahmedabad district of Gujarat, faced substantial challenges due to the continuous and forceful flow of Sabarmati River. The Paldi Abutment was susceptible to erosion, weathering, and scouring necessitating urgent intervention. The relentless flow of the river not only compromised the stability of the abutment but also posed potential threats to the surrounding environment, including the adjacent flood plains.

In response to these challenges, the Abutment Protection Works was initiated, focusing on the development of a robust protection system. The conventional erosion protection methods proved inadequate against high flow velocities and turbulence. Balancing the need for environmentally friendly solutions with the primary goal of bank stabilization is essential.

Challenge

Erosion, weathering, and scouring pose constant threats, necessitating a solution capable of withstanding high flow velocities and turbulence. Achieving an environmentally acceptable protection system while ensuring effective bank stabilization adds complexity to the project. Striking the right balance between ecological considerations and structural stability is a key challenge.

Solution

To protect the Abutment in case of flood situation, official authority wanted a solution to reduce the flood/erosion losses and protect the flood plains near the Abutment area. After discussion of Authority officials, consultant & TechFab Engineers it was decided to propose the system which will help to reclaim the eroded land.

Based upon the site conditions and project requirements, TechFab India has decided to construct Gabion Toe wall with stable slope (1V:2H) which will provide a sustainable, environmentally friendly solutions for this project.

The maximum height of retention was 4m. This not only addresses the immediate threats posed by flooding but also ensures the long-term stability of the Abutment. To fortify the protective measures and safeguard the wall foundation from scouring, a flexible launching apron with Gabion Mattress is recommended at the river bed level.

This comprehensive strategy integrates engineering expertise with environmental consciousness, offering a sustainable solution to reclaim eroded land and fortify the resilience of the Abutment against the forces of nature.

Project Outcome & Performance

The project was successfully completed and the structure is serving the desired objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs)

The Paldi Abutment along the Sabarmati River was highly vulnerable to erosion, weathering, and scouring due to continuous high-velocity river flows. This posed risks to structural stability and threatened the adjacent flood plains, necessitating urgent intervention.

  • Continuous high flow velocities and turbulence of the Sabarmati River.
  • Inadequacy of conventional erosion protection methods.
  • Need to balance structural stability with environmental sustainability.
  • Reclaiming eroded land while ensuring long-term resilience.

TechFab India proposed a Gabion Toe Wall with a stable slope of 1V:2H, combined with:

  • TechFab Metal Gabions for robust structural protection.
  • Gabion Mattress as a flexible launching apron at riverbed level to prevent scouring.
  • TechGeo PP Nonwoven Geotextile as filter media for drainage and soil retention.

This integrated system provided a sustainable, eco-friendly solution that reclaimed eroded land and stabilized the abutment.

The maximum height of retention was 4 meters, designed to withstand flood situations and ensure long-term stability of the abutment.

The gabion-based system offered:

  • Flexibility to adapt to hydraulic forces.
  • Permeability to relieve pore water pressure.
  • Durability against erosion and scouring.
  • Eco-friendliness, blending with the natural river environment.

The project was successfully completed, delivering:

  • Stabilized abutment against erosion and flooding.
  • Reclaimed land near the flood plains.
  • Long-term resilience of the structure.
  • A solution that met both engineering performance and environmental sustainability goals.
  • TechFab Metal Gabion & Mattress
  • TechGeo PP Nonwoven Geotextile