Weirs, Culverts and Transverse Structures
2020
AMBON - MALUKU - Indonesia
MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS
RIVER REVETMENT WAY RUHU
Weir Construction
Gabion Concrete Capping
RIVER REVETMENT WAY RUHU_2
Weir during operation
Problem
The Public Works Department planned to build a check dam on the river Ruhu with flood control and sediment catchment purpose in order to stabilize the river basin surrounding the populated areas.
Solution
The check dam is 3,5 m high and 35 m wide provided with a 15 m long stilling basin. The weir and the stilling basin are entirely built using flexible and 1,0 m Gabions and 30 cm Reno Mattresses. Mattresses are flexible modular elements which allow high levels of deformation and settlements without compromising the weir body integrity. The metallic structures are concrete capped to prevent the excessive abrasion of the double twist mesh due to debris and sediment impact. After the weir construction, the structure experienced a severe flood without any visible damage. Gabions and Reno Mattresses have shown to be a valid alternative to the use of reinforced concrete for weir construction traditionally used in Indonesia both in terms of flexibility, durability and cost effectiveness.