4 minute read
Port of Málaga
Málaga, Spain
Placing ecological blocks for structural integrity and sustainability. Recent studies have proven that slight structural modifications to increase habitat heterogeneity and surface complexity increase colonization and enhance biodiversity of marine species on different forms of coastal and marine infrastructure (CMI). This improvement can be encouraged through science-based, cost-effective enhancements in accordance with ecological engineering principles. These design approaches have been proven to provide not only significant ecological advantages over traditionally engineered CMI but also valuable structural advantages, contributing to a structure’s strength, stability, and lifespan. Island Global Yachting (IGY) Marinas turned the harbor located in Málaga in Southern Spain into a superyacht marina and ecologically enhanced it by incorporating ECOncrete into a vertical breakwater. The bioenhancing solution was integrated into eight-cubic-meter concrete blocks, applying the specified concrete composition and surface design. The result is a healthy ecosystem developing on the concrete, quickly generating a layer of bioprotection to strengthen the structure and reduce maintenance. The increased biodiversity also improved water quality and serves as a natural carbon sink, actively sequestering carbon dioxide during the lifetime of the structure. The applied technology meets internationally recognized concrete standards, and neither the manufacturing nor the installation required modification of standard construction processes.
Article Cover: Port of Málaga marina pier installation. Integration of ECOncrete technology during the construction of a vertical breakwater to include nature-inclusive engineering features that are designed to promote marine biodiversity and limit project impact. (Photo by ECOncrete Inc.)
Producing Efficiencies
The ecological blocks, developed to mitigate the pier’s ecological impact and improve the durability of marine structures, consisted of multiple elements working together to decrease the ecological footprint and enable the growth of marine life on concrete structures. The admixture—a key component of the patented bioenhancing concrete solution—seals the concrete internally to improve impermeability, chloride penetration, and structural lifespan. Customized, locally produced reusable liners were fitted to the existing breakwater formwork by project contractors. These liners, coupled with mold-modifying agents and coatings, create complex surface textures that allow rich, diverse marine life to develop.
Using Natural Processes
Addressing the chemical composition and surface of the concrete on a micro and macro level has promoted the growth of organisms like oysters, coral, and barnacles, which act as biological glue to enhance structural strength, durability, stability, and longevity. A proprietary bioenhancing admixture produces a chemically balanced concrete, creating a neutralized surface and environment that enables healthy and diverse marine ecosystems to develop. The surface complexity of the concrete blocks is based on biomimicry design principles and adapted to support the natural development of local species.
Broadening Benefits
With the marina’s location in a heavily trafficked maritime region, the incorporation of ECOncrete structures into the project design has created marine life and habitat opportunities traditionally unavailable in the marina. The structures will now foster local species settlement, minimize typical invasive species dominance found at marinas, and improve overall water quality throughout the harbor. Within less than a year postinstallation, local species were seen proliferating on the top part of the structure, and fan worms (Sabella), calcareous sponges (Calcarea), snakelocks (Anemonia viridis), sea anemones (Actiniaria), and brown algae (Phaeophyceae) have been identified.
Promoting Collaboration
The enhanced vertical breakwater has encouraged and enhanced biodiversity, enabling important ecosystem services and strengthening the structure. Through ECOncrete’s partnership with IGY Marinas, the project has enabled IGY Marinas to promote environmental stewardship and the value of working with nature to achieve analogous structural objectives. The marina was motivated to develop greener alternatives for their operations and identify applicable market solutions. For its sustainable approach, the project received the Excelencias Turísticas Azul Award in 2021.
