COASTALOCK, a bio-enhanced material for marine construction

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) that balances out the concrete’s chemical composition; the second is a textured agent that creates complex surfaces where organisms can thrive; the third is mold inserts that 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 was born COASTALOCK, a durable and sustainable building block for coastal infrastructure. it is currently being used at the port of san diego to construct a climate-adapted, resilient, and low-impact shore protection system.

specifically, ‘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