Using coir fibre in protective structures for banks

Abstract

For the past few years, natural coir-fibre or jute based geotextiles have been applied to embankment rehabilitation projects which use biological techniques - constituting a way to widen the field of application for such techniques. With this perspective in mind, we present two examples of the use of coir-fibre net for protecting embankments that are subjected to fluctuations in the water level of a lake (Lake Issarlès) and a river (the Rhone). Such techniques are environmentally safe and will probably become more widespread; with a minimum of maintenance, the stabilizing action of the vegetation thus established intensifies over time and contributes to protect and develop the site.