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Debris Flow & Shallow Landslide Protection - Esentai River 2024

Geobrugg technician on-site next to the newly installed debris-flow barrier

Debris Flow & Shallow Landslide Protection - Esentai River 2024

The Esentai River flows freely through a recreational area, with reinforced embankments preserving both functionality and aesthetics

Debris Flow & Shallow Landslide Protection - Esentai River 2024

Integrated into the concrete riverbanks, the debris-flow barrier offer robust protection while maintaining access to walking paths

Debris Flow & Shallow Landslide Protection - Esentai River 2024

Close-up of the debris flow barrier securing the river bend—engineered to resist high-impact slush flows with minimal visual impact

 

Systems

 

System length

18 m - 24 m

 

Year of installation

2024

Situation

The construction company Zaman Kurylis approached Geobrugg with an urgent request: to implement a protective barrier system against slush-ice flows on the Esentai River, which passes through central Almaty, Kazakhstan. A severe flow event, consisting of water, debris, and ice, had previously caused significant damage to bridges and nearby infrastructure. Videos of this destructive incident remain available online as a testimony to the event’s intensity.

Given the scenic and recreational value of the riverside area, a concrete dam was not viable. The solution had to be lightweight, effective, and minimally intrusive to the surrounding environment.

Description

The contractor discovered Geobrugg’s debris flow barriers online; however, the standard designs did not fully meet the specific conditions of the project. As a result, customized structures were specially developed by Geobrugg engineers, with all project requirements carefully considered. As construction progressed and adjustments were needed, the contractor greatly valued the prompt and ongoing support provided by Geobrugg’s specialists at every stage.

The installed barriers integrate seamlessly with the natural landscape and only minimally obstruct a small section of the river floodplain, which is popular with locals for walking. In addition, GUARD sensors were installed on the barriers, enabling real-time condition monitoring and supporting proactive maintenance planning.

 

Systems: 
Specially adapted UX060L-H4

Country/Region

Kazakhstan

Customer

Protected object

Infrastructure, Other

Your local contact

René Müller
   

René Müller

Country Manager Western Switzerland

Natural Hazards
Hydraulic Engineering
Mining / Tunnels
Monitoring
Geobrugg AG,Industriestrasse 21,5200 Brugg / Switzerland Country Manager Western Switzerland

E-Mail

Olivia Sartorius
   

Olivia Sartorius

Project Manager Sales Eastern and Central Switzerland

Natural Hazards
Hydraulic Engineering
Mining / Tunnels
Monitoring
Geobrugg AG Project Manager Sales Eastern and Central Switzerland

E-Mail

Isacco Toffoletto
   

Isacco Toffoletto

Country Manager Southern Switzerland

Natural Hazards
Hydraulic Engineering
Mining / Tunnels
Monitoring
Geobrugg AG Ticino,Via Brusada 5,6933 Muzzano / Switzerland Country Manager Southern Switzerland

E-Mail