ECOncrete® blocks are bio-enhanced supplies for sustainable marine building
econcrete®, a durable material replacing rock ripraps
since 2012, israeli company ECOncreteTECH has been developing its unique patented technology called ECOncrete® that would, in its own words, ‘enable responsible building underwater‘ and meet climate action goals.
designed using biomimicry, the innovative concrete material provides a sustainable and ecological alternative to inorganic ripraps, traditionally used to stabilize and secure shores in marine construction.
all images © ECOncreteTECH
how ECOncrete® works: ecological and structural benefits
essentially, ECOncrete® is endowed with a ‘three-part innovation that […] enables the growth of marine life on concrete infrastructures,‘ states the company. the first element is a bio-enhancing agent (admix) to balance out the concrete’s chemical composition; the second is a textured agent to create complex surfaces where organisms can thrive; the third is mold-inserts to provide added strength and durability.
by addressing the micro and macro levels, the material can successfully promote ‘the growth of organisms like oysters, corals, or barnacles, which act as biological glue, enhancing the strength and durability of structures, and adding to their stability and longevity. we call it bioprotection’, explains ECOncreteTECH.
enabling ecological flourishing and a strong armoring system along any coastline
launching coastalock at the port of san diego
from this innovative biotechnology, the company launched COASTALOCK as a durable and sustainable building block for coastal infrastructure. it is currently being used at the port of san diego to construct a climate-adaptable, resilient, and low-impact shore protection system.
to do so, ‘74 interlocking single-layer armor units were deployed in two pilot sections…the units were rotated to mimic tidepool and cave habitats for local marine life. after a successful 3-day installation, the port is working with ECOncrete to install 1,000 additional feet of coastal protection,’ shares ECOncreteTECH.
each block features a complex surface to enable marine life to thrive
small ‘pools’ for organisms to inhabit
ecological adaptation: COASTALOCK colonized fully by marine life
COASTALOCK being installed on the shore of san diego
the port of san diego getting a makeover
project info:
name: ECOncrete® COASTALOCK
company: ECOncreteTECH
composition: bio-enhancing admix, mold-inserts, and texture agents
all images by: ECOncreteTECH
