Offshore Islands, Abu Dhabi
Xbloc armour units are applied on the shore protection of offshore islands in Abu Dhabi. The islands are being constructed by NMDC.
The size of the Xbloc armour units is 3 m3. the Xblocs are cast in Abu Dhabi at Emarat Europe and transported by barge to the offshore islands. There the Xblocs are placed by hydraulic excavator. Both video cameras and Echoscope 3D sonar mounted on the excavator is apllied to assist in the underwater placement.
The design of the islands has been prepared by Sogreah. 2D and 3D model testing has been carried out at HRWallingford in the United Kingdom.
Location
Project milestones
Start of production
2010
Trial placement
May 2011
Start placement
September 2011
Project completed
May 2013
Project details
Hs
4.1 m
Length of shore protection
4.5 km
Size of Xblocs
3.0 m3
Number of units
27,400
