Embankment Protection

Rehabilitation of embankment where stream leads into river.

GaMabintane, Limpopo, South Africa - Client : Africare SA - Designed and built by Dams for Africa, September 2002

(1) During heavy rains a stream would develop that cut across the canal on its way to the river below. This eventually resulted in major erosion under the canal.

(2) Furthermore, a continuous trickle flow was discovered behind the canal which would cause 'piping' in the embankment leading to erosion. Drainage pipes were installed to prevent this condition.

(3) The eroded embankment was refilled and polyethylene bags, filled with a sand-cement mixture, were used as a retaining wall.

(4) The completed structure - before the side walls were installed. The water coming down during heavy rains will cascade down the sand-cement 'blocks' without eroding them. The reinstated canal once again takes water from the river to the Poplar dam.

(5) The eroded embankment has been filled and water flowing in during downpours is directed away from the sides by the side walls.

(6) The construction team - after lunch, time was made available to pray, and to speak of the love of God and the grace of Jesus Christ.