High density polyethylene (HOPE) geogrids are being utilized for a variety of shoreline protection applications including wavebreaks, jetties, dikes and revetments. Al though available in a variety of forms, the most widely used configuration of geogrids is termed Geocell∼. Geocells are a patented cellular confinement system for hydraulic fill that is comprised of a cylindrical hoop of geogrid contained by a geogrid base and lid. A variety of forms is available from repeating circular cofferdams to box like mattresses. This paper describes the features and benefits of the geocells and highlights the practicality of their construction, even below water.
Marine applications for shoreline protection have and will continue to play an increasingly important role in engineering practice. The use of such systems has become more common as sea levels rise in certain areas while growth in development in these same areas continues. citing the recent United states Supreme Court decision in Lucas v. South Carolina Coastal Council, 112 S. ct. 2886 (1992) as an example. This case demonstrates the legal tension between beachfront development private property rights and public concerns to prevent erosion of natural shorelines. In this case the Supreme Court determined that South Carolina must compensate the owner of two residential lots if it wishes to prevent construction, regardless of the environmental necessi ty. Internationally one must suspect that similar findings will also hold in this fashion because of the long standing traditions of property rights being much more firmly entrenched in legal precedent than the more recent concerns over the environment. In light of these legal findings, the ability to protect environmental interests at a reasonable or low cost without sacrificing private property in-shore development rights will be a primary focus within the engineering community.
