DEVELOPMENT OF INTEGRATED TIDAL POOLS FOR AN XBOCPLUS ARMOUR LAYER

Marine structures, revetments or breakwaters are often made out of rock and/or concrete. Smooth and slippery concrete surfaces don’t suit well to all plants and animals to settle. In recent projects concrete tidal pools were placed in or near coastal structures to create microclimates that stimulate flora and fauna by its dynamic qualities which increase the local ecological value. XblocPlus, a single layer concrete armour unit placed in a uniform pattern, creates opportunities to integrate tidal pools in revetments. By combining the water-retaining function and ecological enhancement in the structure, a positive effect on biodiversity can be achieved with limited effort. In this study, research has been done into the effect of different climates on tidal pools and which block adjustments will have the most positive ecological impact per climate type. The hydraulic performance of 5 different XblocPlus units with a tidal pool (XP-Tide) is investigated.