Methods of strengthening the coastline of a natural or artificial reservoir. Our works speak about us better than a lot of beautiful words Ennobled fortified shore

There has long been a trend of popularity land plots near bodies of water, both natural and artificial. Any body of water has the ability to become polluted, and the banks are characterized by destruction and degradation over time. Therefore, to obtain a safe environment, timely strengthening of the banks of the pond is required.

It is very important to monitor the proper condition of the banks when any buildings are located close to the water; crumbling and unclear boundaries can contribute to the destruction of structures. In addition to the necessity, strengthening measures contribute to obtaining a landscaped area.

Existing methods of strengthening the coastline

Long-term success is achieved by using comprehensive measures; methods of strengthening the shore of a pond are divided into:

• biological;
• technical.

The first involves the use of special plants, for example, planting reeds or herbaceous species. They weaken erosion processes and limit runoff surface waters. But as a disadvantage, a noticeable effect from biological techniques can be identified only over time, so the result needs to be consolidated technical means. Techniques include strengthening the coastline with gabion structures, using geogrids or special mattresses. The choice of each method is determined depending on the terrain and existing conditions.

Studying the situation is necessary to determine the measures taken

Engineering preparation of areas for pond bank development involves studying the environmental conditions:

• identification of areas with steep slopes;
• survey of the entire coastal strip;
• determination of water level data and other hydrological indicators.

A reliable coastline is characterized by stability in an unfortified state; otherwise, the steepness of the slopes will have to be changed; the required values ​​are determined by calculations.

Applied technical base

Typically, during bank protection work, heavy equipment is used, such as tractors or bulldozers, dredgers. The latter are necessary for filling geomats and gratings with bottom sediments or other materials. But for small ponds, hand dredgers are quite suitable; they allow you to complete the entire process quickly and efficiently. effective result. Dredgers are lightweight and compact in size, which facilitates manual movement of equipment around the territory.

Basic methods suitable for designing gentle slopes

For a gently sloping shore, the following are used: geomats, gratings, nets and mattresses.

Ways to strengthen steep slopes

When the coastline is steep, the following are used: retaining walls, piles and gabions.

You can absolutely correctly plant beautiful aquatic plants, it’s great to decorate the coastal area, but ruin everything by sloppy design of the border of the pond with the garden. Professional approach addressing this issue will solve not only the problems of decorating a garden pond, but will also eliminate the possibility of bank erosion.

On the Internet there is great amount information about the installation of a reservoir, the choice of materials for waterproofing and edging, the selection of plants, and the technology for designing the border between water and shore is not sufficiently covered.

Materials for designing a pond

Materials for decorating a pond should be harmoniously tied to the size of the garden and the style of the house. The most commonly used materials are natural and artificial stone, crushed rocks, pieces of marble, and pebbles. different colors, ceramic and paving slabs, wood, gravel, sand. For reservoirs with concrete base marble chips, colored glass, fragments of porcelain and ceramics are used, which are fixed to the concrete that has not yet hardened, the fragments are pressed inward with sharp edges.

All decorative elements the shoreline of the reservoir must be properly secured in its positions. Stones, ceramic and paving slabs, bricks are fixed using cement mortar while leaving pockets for planting.

Film pond edging

For a natural transition from the pond to the garden, you can use a special decorative film, which is covered with a layer of gravel, so it perfectly imitates a rocky terrain. Since the film with stones does not retain water by itself, they lay it on top of the waterproofing and carefully line the bottom of the pond so that its rocky edges extend to the shore. It is advisable to secure the edges and seams with film glue. Then large stones are placed in random order on the surface of the film along the edge of the pond, simulating a natural landscape. This film is the most good option to decorate a pond with your own hands, without resorting to the help of professionals.

Coconut mats for edging a pond

If the pond has steep walls, then when water evaporates, filmy edges can be observed. In this case, woven dark brown coconut mats are used for edging, which visually imitate the soil and do not interfere with the growth and development of coastal plants, the latter, growing densely on solid foundation, well decorate and strengthen the banks.

The technology for laying coconut mats is quite simple. The mats are laid without tension, starting from the shore part, they are placed along the border of the future reservoir with the shore, lowering the lower part of the coil about 50 cm into the pit, and carefully securing the upper part to the shore using U-shaped brackets from reinforcement. To secure the mat to PVC, a special mounting adhesive is used. At the junction of coconut sheets, the overlap should be at least 20 cm. When installing, take into account the direction of the overlap - the edges of the sheet should not be visible from the viewing side. From the shore, the mesh structure of the coconut mat is covered with a plant substrate, and that part of the mat that will be in the water is covered with sandy soil mixed with fine gravel.

Option for laying coconut mats

Another option

In this case, you can get by minimum quantity or completely exclude it from the design of the reservoir. This way of design coastal zone a pond models the most natural landscape and is well suited for landscape style.

Advantages of coconut mats for strengthening the banks of a reservoir

1. Environmentally friendly natural material.

2. Does not require large capital investments.

3. Easy to install.

4. Protects the banks from erosion.

5. Provides long service life due to the slow decomposition of coconut fiber.

6. Promote the growth of vegetation and strengthen the soil.

7. Improves water outflow.

8. Resistant to UV/UV radiation.

9. Resistant to decomposition processes of organic substances.

10. Closes the waterproofing of the reservoir when water evaporates.

11. Serves as the basis for the root system of aquatic and coastal plants.

If coconut mats are not used to secure the banks of a reservoir, and only waterproofing is planned around it, then the edges of the film waterproofing can be hidden under the lawn to a depth of 8 - 10 cm. But this method will not help mask the unsightly film edges when water evaporates and will not save you from waterlogging and erosion coastal part if there is an abundance of it. Therefore, after the usual heavy rain, a flooded meadow will suddenly appear in the clearing around the garden pond. In the summer it’s half the trouble, but in the fall? Therefore, there is no need to skimp on strengthening the banks; simply placing a coconut mat under the lawn is enough. There will be no obstacles to the growth of lawn grass, the waterproofing will be closed, and the coastline will be protected from erosion.

There are no special secrets in the technology of transitioning the boundaries of concrete or stone edging with a lawn. Both stone and concrete can directly border water, soil and vegetation.

How to decorate the edges of a pond with stone

The size of the stone framing the edge of the pond should be proportional to the size of the pond itself; large stones are harmoniously combined with a large reservoir, small stones with small ones. The shape and structure of the stones should also be similar. It is not advisable to use several various types stones.

When making a pond from a concrete base or a polymer mold using a stone, it is necessary to prepare a substrate from the shore side - where the stones come into contact with the ground, first lay black lutrasil, cover it with sand, then gravel. Large boulders are placed along the perimeter of the pond so that part of the stone hangs slightly above the water, in which case all the edges of the pond are easily covered.

The small stones with which the bottom of the reservoir is covered should smoothly turn into larger ones towards the shore. Moreover, when laying stones along the perimeter of the coastal zone, you need to make sure that a continuous line does not form. In this case, it is better to make the edging of the reservoir intermittent, alternating stones and plants in random order, avoiding symmetry. Large stones are placed flat, slightly tilted to the side towards the shore.

Before permanently fixing the stones in cement, they should be laid out in their intended places, then you need to examine the composition from all sides and correct any errors. Only after this can the stones be installed on cement mortar, buried in the mortar to 1/3 of their height. Don't forget to leave pockets for planting plants.

How to design the edges of a pond with the correct geometric shapes

Strict edging geometric shapes garden ponds can be made using wooden boards, ceramic tiles, stone slabs, natural or artificial stone. When choosing material for decorating the coastal zone, it is necessary to take into account that after rain wooden boards and glossy ceramic tile become slippery.

Natalya Vysotskaya, dendrologist, landscape designer, Ph.D. -X. sciences

2012 - 2017, . All rights reserved.

An artificial reservoir pleasantly diversifies the landscape, but if mistakes were made during construction, the banks will begin to crumble after a while. The soil “slides”, the pond silts up, the film that lines the pond is visible around the edges, or an ugly concrete base. It is better to immediately strengthen the banks of the pond at the dacha in order to decorate them without fear of erosion. When choosing a method, you need to take into account the size of the reservoir, features of use and your financial capabilities.

The most popular methods for doing the work yourself

The most well-known technical methods for protecting a reservoir from collapse are: gabions and geogrids. Both methods are based on the use of a mesh structure, which protects the walls and banks of the reservoir from crumbling.

Features of geogrid installation

To strengthen the pond with your own hands in this simple way, you will need:

• geogrid with suitable cell size;
• geotextiles for drainage;
• anchors for fastening and pneumatic stapler;
• shovel;
• filler.

The top layer of soil is removed, drainage is laid, and a geogrid is placed on it. The individual sections are fastened together. The cells are filled with crushed stone, frost-resistant concrete, soil or other material. If plants are planted in the soil filling the cells, their roots will additionally strengthen the bank.

Gabion structures for decoration and strengthening

Gabions are one of the most reliable methods for strengthening banks and walls. Boxes made of wire, fastened to each other, are installed along the edge of the reservoir. The corners are fixed. Using gabions, you can build retaining structures along the shore.

Densely filled with crushed stone larger than the openings of the cells, gabions serve not only to strengthen, but also to decorate the reservoir. The porous structure eliminates the need for additional drainage. Over time, this structure becomes even stronger due to filling with soil and the growth of plants.

Biomats and plants – caring for the environment

How to strengthen a pond at the dacha so as not to disturb the existing landscape and give the pond a natural charm? The most environmentally friendly method is to strengthen the shore of the pond using the root system of planted coastal zone plants. However, it is quite difficult to independently select specimens that will prevent shedding. It will take time for the plantings to grow, but there is a risk that they will not take root. For middle zone fit:

• weeping willow;
• sea ​​​​buckthorn;
• Red Ribes;
• sedge;
• marsh iris;
• cattail and other species;

With the help of coconut mats, the strengthening of a pond in a dacha is carried out even with very steep slopes (up to 60%). The slope is leveled, mats of natural fiber. They are attached to the pond film with waterproof assembly adhesive. Then they pour thin layer soil and sow the lawn.

Large stones and boulders look very attractive, which can be used to lay out a fence near the water after installing a geogrid or biomat.

Decorating a steep bank with piles

Piles are the oldest method of strengthening reservoirs. Traditionally, piles were made of wood, but strengthening the shore of a pond with your own hands using wood is not as simple as it seems at first glance. Hardwood piles look impressive, but driving them requires special equipment. Another “minus” is that over time the wood may darken. Special impregnations help, but are not a panacea.

PVC piles are a modern alternative to wood; they will last for decades, but their installation also requires special equipment. For a small reservoir, using the pile method is not very convenient.

The pond will retain its original appearance for a long time if you think about strengthening it at the pit stage. To do this, the work must be supervised by a professional who will assess the steepness of the slope, the size of the reservoir, the characteristics of the soil and advise which type of reinforcement to choose.

After consulting with specialists, you will learn how to strengthen a pond at your dacha with your own hands or, having assessed your strengths, you will be able to order all the work on a turnkey basis.

The problem of collapse and erosion of the banks of reservoirs is much more serious than it might seem at first glance. If a house is located near the coastline or garden plot, they will inevitably suffer if appropriate measures are not taken in time. This applies to any body of water, natural or artificially created.

Strengthening the banks of a pond with your own hands is a doable task. But the success of the event directly depends on how correctly the method of eliminating the problem was chosen and implemented. The choice, in turn, depends on an objective assessment of the situation. For this purpose, several points are clarified:

• shore soil type;
• slope angle;
• collapse occurs above or below the water level;
• when did the first signs of a problem with the coastline appear;
• based on the data obtained, it is necessary to estimate the rate of destruction;
• make a forecast and decide whether there is enough time to prepare for the implementation of methods for thoroughly strengthening the coast or whether it is necessary to act as quickly as possible.

After clarifying the situation, they get acquainted with information about ways to solve it, and choose the most acceptable one for themselves.

Choosing a method for strengthening the shore

From the very beginning, you need to understand that there are no free options for strengthening the coastline. To one degree or another, you will have to spend money. The most difficult, labor-intensive and expensive situation to solve is when the banks are steep and sandy. These will always collapse and strengthening is only a temporary measure to reduce the rate of destruction.

There are not many ways to solve the problem. And, as experts say, each specific case has its own option. But there are practical recommendations that you need to follow.

Options for strengthening a gently sloping bank:

• geomats;
• geogrid;
• geogrid;
• mattresses.

Options for strengthening a steep bank:

• gabions;
• piles;
• construction of supports from concrete walls.

Strengthening the bank of a pond with a larch log

In both cases, it is possible to strengthen the coastal zone with plants (trees and shrubs). This is one of the inexpensive, but not the most reliable methods. More effective solution– an engineering-biological method that combines the use modern materials and planting.

The use of biomaterials is the most troublesome and time-consuming method. In order to achieve the desired result, it is necessary to choose the right tree varieties and take into account the soil characteristics. It requires special knowledge. But if necessary, you can always get advice from a specialist. The main requirement for plants: they must have a powerful, branched and rapidly developing root system.

Rabitz

A low-cost method that is a temporary solution to the problem. It will eliminate it for 2-3 years, depending on the speed of destruction of the banks.

To complete the task you will need:

The method involves performing a large volume earthworks, so you need to prepare the appropriate tools:

• buckets;
• shovels;
• garden wheelbarrow or stretcher.

You will also need a sledgehammer and pliers.

Stages of work:

1. Spread the netting mesh sheets.
2. They are tied together with knitting wire.
3. The mesh is secured to the banks using anchors or metal pins.
4. Soil mixed with grass seeds is filled into the cells.

If you need quick results, you make an effort and create conditions for seed germination: use fertile soil and provide watering. Instead of chain-link, you can use an anti-erosion mesh.

Geogrid

This method requires preliminary planning of the areas to be strengthened. The shore is cleared of the top layer of soil and leveled as much as possible.

1. Non-woven geotextiles are laid on the prepared surfaces.
2. A geogrid is laid on top.
3. The modules are connected to each other using a construction pneumatic stapler.
4. The geogrid is tensioned and secured with anchors (the attachment points should be staggered).
5. The cells are filled with any material suitable for strengthening purposes.

To fill the grid, it is easiest to use stones of medium fraction (20x40 mm). This could be crushed stone, gravel, screenings. The frame can be concreted using frost-resistant concrete and adding an additive that increases moisture resistance (for example, Penetrite).

At the same time as strengthening, the shore can be decorated, made more cozy and comfortable. To do this, the cells are filled with marble chips, sea pebbles, and beautiful colored stones. This method of strengthening the shore allows for the most convenient and safe descent to the water.

Box and cylindrical gabions

Gabions are containers made from single or double metal mesh, filled with stones of medium and large fractions.

Fortified shores of the pond with gabions

There are three types of these products:

1. Box-shaped.
2. Cylindrical.
3. Mattresses.

Sizes may vary. Gabions can be made independently from construction metal mesh and knitting wire. In this case, you will be able to save money, but the manufacturing process will take time. To strengthen the shore of the pond best options structures - box-shaped or mattress.

At in an independent way In production, two types of mesh connections are possible:

• welded;
• tied with wire.

The first ones are more durable, maybe large sizes. If the second method of connecting metal mesh sheets is chosen, it is recommended to make smaller products.

Optimal parameters:

• height 30-40 cm;
• length 1.5-2 m;
• width 1 m.

At self-production The assembly and laying of gabions is carried out at the place where this product will be located. Here they fill it with stones. If you decide to buy gabions, you will need special equipment to unload them.

Cylindrical gabions are made from a “softer” mesh: double-torsion steel. These designs are a kind of “candy” with “tails” on the sides. They are produced faster than box-shaped ones.

Average sizes:

• length 200-400 cm;
• diameter 65-95 cm.

Advantages of shore strengthening with gabions:

• helps solve the problem of bank sliding in cases where all other methods are not suitable;
• environmentally friendly;
• long term operation (at least 50 years);
• externally they look like a stone embankment and blend well with the surrounding landscape;
• plants are planted on the stones and lawn grass, give the shore a well-groomed and cozy appearance.

Gabions are laid along the line of a steep steep bank, constructing a kind of embankment from them. In most cases, installing 2-3 tiers of these metal containers with stones is enough.

Gabion mattresses

Mattresses are flat (23-25 ​​cm high) and wide gabions. They are most convenient and effective when strengthening gently sloping banks. These structures are laid in one or two layers.

Stages of work:

1. In the area to be strengthened, a sand fill 10 cm thick is made. The layer is leveled, moistened and compacted with a vibrating plate or any heavy device.
2. Geotextiles are laid so that there is an overlap of 10-15 cm between the sheets.
3. Lay mesh mattresses.
4. They are reinforced in the corners with pegs made of wooden blocks or reinforcement bars (this will prevent the mattress from moving when filled with stones).
5. Gabions are filled with stones from bottom to top.
6. Close the “mattress covers” and secure them.

Gabion mattresses

Over time, after 1-2 years, compaction of the stones will inevitably occur. There will be voids in metal mattresses, and the upper part of the mesh box may sag. The situation is corrected by adding new stones. It is important to choose the correct fraction so that it matches the cell size. When filling mattresses, the largest stones are driven into a pliable metal mesh with a rubber hammer.

Coconut mats

Coconut mats are otherwise called “biomats”. These products are used to strengthen banks with a slope of no more than 60°. The mats are made from coconut fiber, which is durable and non-hygroscopic. Average density – 700 g/m². These are visually attractive, environmentally friendly products on which plants (including aquatic ones) can be planted. Coconut fiber – good basis for the development of the root system. The average cell size of the mats is 150x150 mm.

Advantages:

• Prevent coastal erosion.
• Protects against weathering of sand and soil.
• They strengthen the slope, including by rooting planted plants.

Stages of work:

Mats must be laid in the direction from the bottom (from the water) up. It is not recommended to stretch the products; an overlap of 10-15 cm is required.

Wooden piles

Installation of wooden piles along the water line is considered traditional way strengthening the shore of the pond. Only two types of wood are suitable for this purpose: larch and oak. These are expensive species, but unbarked sections of logs can be used to install the coastline. They are cheaper.

However the best choice– piles treated with special impregnations that increase the resistance of wood to moisture and slow down the processes of decay. Between the soil of the shore and wooden supports lay a layer of geotextile. It will prevent soil and sand from penetrating through the cracks between the logs.

The piles are installed close to each other, thereby forming a reliable shield. It prevents erosion and collapse of the shore. Installation is carried out using high-pressure pumps. In this case, the shore is not destroyed. Therefore, the installation of wooden piles can be carried out in already landscaped areas. The shore strengthened in this way has a neat and attractive appearance.

Video review of driving a wooden pile to strengthen the bank

PVC tongue and groove piles

An advanced way to strengthen the banks of a pond is to install PVC piles. The technology was developed by European specialists in order to save natural materials and minimizing the costs of strengthening the watershed line. The essence of the method is to erect a waterproof, durable polymer partition between the water and the shore.

Reinforced bank with sheet piles

Features and Benefits:

• Used to form channels.
• Protects slopes from erosion.
• Optimal for installation in places with variable water levels.
• PVC has high strength and is resistant to mechanical stress.
• Not subject to chemical and natural corrosion.
• Resistant to temperature changes.
• Has high bearing capacity– 262 kNm/m.
• Service life of at least 50 years.

Manufacturers offer PVC piles different sizes. The average length is 35 m. All products are equipped with locks, thanks to which the supports are connected to each other.

The convenience of these structures is that the joining can be done at any angle, which allows the formation of curved panels that fully correspond to the landscape.

The strength and high reliability of PVC walls are ensured, among other things, by the fact that the tongue and groove connections are located outside the zone of maximum loads.

Installation of piles is carried out in three ways:

1. Vibratory hammering (most commonly used, performed using a vibratory hammer).
2. Vibration immersion with washing.
3. Vibration immersion with digging.

Concrete piles and walls

Strengthening the shore of a pond with concrete piles is a reliable, but less durable method than using wood or PVC. The reason is the hygroscopicity of concrete and its gradual destruction. But any structures made from this building material that are in direct contact with water will last at least 25 years. This is a long enough time to choose this method.

Technology for strengthening the bank with reinforced concrete:

The thickness of the resulting wall is 40-50 cm, the height is 100-120 cm. From the shore side, sand or gravel is added so as to completely cover the concrete wall.

You can strengthen the shore of the pond different ways. It is important to correctly assess the condition of the slopes and choose the most convenient and reliable option in this case. Most of the work can be done independently, without the involvement of specialists and special equipment.

And if dreams come true, and a beautiful small pond grows before your eyes, it is not the thoughts of Turgenev’s heroes that begin to worry you. Soil erosion is a constant source of unrest. This phenomenon tends to destroy the skillfully made shore, destroying such noble undertakings.

During this natural process, the reservoir begins to lose its perfect shape, a significant part of the bottom silts up, and the graceful pond turns into a swamp. To solve this issue there is a universal construction method– strengthening the coastline.

Why do you need to strengthen the bank?

Water in nature is not capable of creation. Rapid flows of water wear away even solid rocks, and heavy rains cause mudflows. In this regard, although calm water looks much safer, its destructive effect cannot be denied.

Only rocky natural shores can withstand water. But in fairness, we note that rocky formations are found on summer cottages rarely. To preserve the original shape and appearance of the pond, extend it life cycle, it is necessary to turn to technology for strengthening the shore of a reservoir.

To the most effective means Protecting weak soil from erosion usually includes technical procedures using artificial and natural materials. You can determine the appropriateness of using a particular method and material by reading the recommendations of specialists.

How to properly strengthen the shore of a reservoir?

Literate A complex approach to the design of the shore of a reservoir will allow you to obtain an aesthetic appearance, at the same time reliably strengthening the stability of the coastline. This is the only way to prevent the threat of erosion of coastal soil.

At the same time, it is quite easy to find information on the choice of materials, the method of installing waterproofing, edging and other construction operations in the abyss of the Internet. However, clear recommendations regarding shoreline strengthening are not provided online. Let's fill the gap.

Pond with concrete base: what materials to choose?

Due to the fact that the coastline is ideally visible from all points of the site, materials for strengthening and decoration must certainly fit into the overall landscape style. The most common materials for decoration are:

• marble;
• pebbles;
• rocks;
• paving slabs;
• hardwood;
• granite.

Provided that the base of the reservoir is concreted, the best option would be to choose marble chips, mosaics made of glass or ceramic chips. Finishing materials can be effectively laid on cement-sand mortar. At the same time, builders advise to embed shards of glass and ceramics into the concrete, otherwise the sharp edges can then injure.

The main condition for a successful set of works is considered to be the reliable installation of each element, be it a decorative boulder or a reinforcing part in a specific place. So, fastening brick blocks, paving slabs or natural stones carried out using cement mortar using moisture-resistant additives.

Another important point: since plant flora is used when decorating the coastal line, it is recommended to provide areas of soil for planting. Moisture-loving plants and trees go well with an artificial pond.

Pond with film base

If the bottom of the reservoir is isolated using a waterproofing film, a special shoreline can be used decorative film with a gravel coating. Imitation of rock will help hide the artificial origin of the material. The film is installed on top of the main waterproofing layer. The edges of the material are attached adhesive composition to the base. Moreover, it is recommended to choose a special glue for water work. In this case, the rocky edge finishing material will protrude beyond the coastline.

Decorative elements crown the installation process. Along the edge artificial pond install stones various shapes and sizes. At the same time, designers advise creating a unique landscape line reminiscent of a natural picture. This is the most affordable and technologically simplest method of creating a spectacular decor for a pond with your own hands.

Strengthening the bank with coconut mats

Coconut mats are used in the process of strengthening the shoreline of a reservoir with a film base and steep edges. This material has a characteristic dark color, which hides the unsightly appearance of the film when the water level drops. Due to their color similarity to natural soil, the mats camouflage the building parts of an artificial structure. Moreover, moisture-loving flora grows well through the structure of the material. Plants and bushes ideally decorate the coastal line, and the roots of vegetation act as additional strengthening of the soil.

The technological side of laying coconut mats is not complicated. An ordinary average person will be able to understand the intricacies of installation. So, how to strengthen the shore of a reservoir using this material:

1. Laying starts from the coastal part. Wherein construction material does not stretch.
2. The lower part is placed half a meter down along the edge of the reservoir.
3. The upper part is attached to land using reinforcement.
4. To attach the mat to the waterproofing PVC film, water-repellent mounting adhesive is used.
5. The joint of the canvases is fastened using an overlap technology of 20 cm. Please note that the direction of the overlap must be located on the side inaccessible for viewing.
6. The mat on top is covered with plant substrate.
7. The immersed mat is covered with fine-grained gravel and sand.

If it is not possible to decorate the coastline with artificial or natural stone formations, vegetation comes to the rescue. Flora in the form of decoration bordering the pond looks elegant and as natural as possible. Landscape designers use this technique when creating a landscape style.

Advantages of coconut mats

Among the undoubted advantages of coconut mats it is worth noting:

• UV resistance;
• resistance to substances formed as a result of the decomposition of substances of organic origin;
• environmental friendliness;
• ease of installation (you can strengthen the coastline yourself);
• practicality and efficiency ( high-quality protection is protected from washing away for a long time);
• availability of material;
• unique fibrous structure, allowing plants to grow through themselves (they act as additional reinforcement due to the root system).

The mats effectively camouflage the waterproofing layer and act as a habitat for the rhizomes of some plants in the coastal zone.

Of course, you don’t have to use mats for strengthening. Other means will do for this purpose, but the edges of the waterproofing will be disguised as a lawn to a depth of about 10 cm. When the water level inevitably drops, the unsightly film will reveal itself to the world. In addition, a puddle will regularly appear in the coastal area after precipitation. If in the summer the puddles disappear quickly, then in the fall they will often disturb the owner of the pond.

Using mats will solve the whole range of possible troubles:

• will disguise the waterproofing layer;
• will preserve the integrity of the coast;
• will help prevent flooded areas on your lawn.

Other options for strengthening the shore of a reservoir

1. Anti-erosion mesh.

The material is flexible, durable and lightweight. When planting plants, the geomat creates a continuous canvas.

2. Geogrid.

Simple, but no less effective method. The cells, when filled with decorative filling, create an interesting effect.

3. Concrete, metal and plastic piles.

The method is productive on steep slopes.

4. Wood supports.

Larch for steep slopes seems to be the best option.

5. Gabions.

The method involves the construction of retaining walls in the form of boxes into which stones are placed.

6. Plants.

The bank is strengthened by the root system of plants.

How to strengthen the shore of a reservoir with your own hands

Let us consider, as an example, several of the most common options for strengthening the coastline. All methods involve DIY installation.

Strengthening the shore of the pond using geogrid.

For this you will need:

• crushed stone;
• shovel;
• frost-resistant concrete;
• scraper;
• pneumatic stapler;
• anchor;
• non-woven geotextile.

1. The surface of the coastal slope is leveled.
2. The shape of the slope is created (the flatter the slope, the more stable the structure).
3. The geogrid is laid.
4. The material is tensioned and strengthened with anchors using staggered technology.
5. All modules are fixed to each other using a pneumatic stapler.
6. Geogrid cells are filled with concrete, soil, and other additives. Interestingly, filling must be done manually, otherwise the structure of the material can be damaged.

Strengthening the shore of the pond plants

It is difficult to strengthen with your own hands using vegetation. Plants must have a strong branched root system and be resistant to flooding. When strengthening river banks, this method is acceptable if the flow speed does not exceed 1 m/s and the waves do not reach 0.3 m.

Features of strengthening the bank with plants:

1. Shrub and herbaceous species of flora are planted in the above-water zone:

• black poplar;
• sea ​​​​buckthorn;
• amorphous;
• marsh iris;
• manna;
• cattails.

2. Aquatic vegetation (for example, water iris) is planted in the underwater zone.

After planting, mandatory turfing is carried out.

Strengthening the shore of the pond with gabions

1. First, a box is made from galvanized or metal mesh. It will be filled later large stones, covering the parameters of the mesh cell.
2. The empty box is fixed at the corners with rods.
3. Attach the next one to the box and so on.
4. To give additional strength, it is attached to the front side wooden frame. Such a structure does not deform over time, but becomes more reliable thanks to the soil and plants. By filling the cells, plants connect the frame to the ground.

Experts deservedly consider strengthening with gabions to be the most reliable and high-quality. Gabions fit perfectly into the landscape and have a beneficial effect on the formation of microflora in a pond for fish breeding and productive plant growth.

Conclusion

Of course, strengthening the coastline of an artificial reservoir is a complex and responsible task. The most reliable option is the installation of concrete or metal piles. However, this method is irrational for creating a compact country pond. It is not possible to install such supports on your own. The best option will be considered a gabion structure. The technology allows you to carry out a set of strengthening operations on your own, and at the same time improve the pond. The main thing is that it is necessary to carry out work to strengthen the soil at the stage of creating the reservoir itself.