Slope Protection | Georgia Pacific – Port Hudson Operations Paper Mill, Zachary, Louisiana
CCX-M® Installed to repair and protect a levee from erosion
Background
In August 2024, Concrete Canvas Ltds CCX-MAT® (CCX-M®) GCCM* was used to repair and protect a levee surrounding a settlement pond at Port Hudson Operations Paper Mill in Zachary, Louisiana, USA.
Owned and run by Georgia Pacific, Port Hudson Operations Paper Mill is one of two facilities in Louisiana. To manage waste water from manufacturing, it is discharged and collected into a settlement pond located adjacent to the factory. The settlement pond was designed with a levee around its perimeter to prevent any excess waste water from spilling and contaminating the surrounding area.
Solution
As part of the levee design, the inner slopes were lined with paved concrete, with an asphalt road on top and the outer slopes exposed. Over time, the outer slopes and road were being eroded by rain, putting the integrity of the levee into question.
To prevent the outer slopes from eroding further, poured concrete and shotcrete were initially suggested. However, when reviewing both solutions, the logistics and timescale of installing made them unsuitable for the project. There were also concerns that digging into the slopes to create foundations for frame works would also compromise the levee’s structure. As neither solution was suitable, CCX-M® was specified for the project as the material doesn’t require large preparation work or specialized equipment and labor, making it easier and faster to install
Design & Installation
- Vegetation growth was removed and voids filled.
- CCX-M® Bulk Rolls specified
- Vertical layup
- To preserve the intergrity of levee, CCX-M® was extended over the road and anchored into the inner slope
- Screwed joints
- Material secured to inner slope using batten bars and concrete anchors
- Hydrated using a water truck and hose
Conclusion
Both the contractor and the owner were pleased with how easily and quickly CCX-M® was installed. The project was successfully completed in 4 days, with a team of 6 from SKR Construction installing 20,000ft2 of CCX-M®.