Hillblock

The Hillblock is an innovative dike block with several unique features. This concrete pillar provides significantly stronger wave attenuation and substantially less wave run-up than existing shoreline protection.

The Hillblock, with its ingenious and unique shape, results in reduced wave loading on the concrete pillar. Its form also provides enhanced wave attenuation while maintaining high stability. This allows for the creation of a robust dike lining with less concrete, promoting sustainability.

Evolution of Dike Protection

Dikes have been traditionally constructed using sand, clay, and stones for centuries. Along riverbanks, grass vegetation often suffices as a protective layer. However, in coastal areas or near large lakes, grass alone as the top layer is insufficient, as the waves can damage the dike. Hence, in heavily exposed locations, dike protection used to consist of natural stones such as basalt columns, limestone, or granite blocks.

Approximately 50 years ago, natural stones were replaced by concrete pillars, initially in a manner resembling the old natural stone arrangement. Over the last two decades, there has been rapid progress in product development and improvement

Hillblock: Innovative Paving Stone

The Hillblock is no ordinary paving stone; it's a highly modern one. Its unique shape ensures that waves have less impact on the dike's height. During renovations, despite rising sea levels, dikes do not need to be raised or widened as much as with conventional paving stones. This saves a significant amount of time and mone

Hillblock: Sustainable Paving Stone

But inventor Hill has tackled more challenges with his design. Each stone weighs 30% to 40% less than a conventional paving stone and still performs just as well on the dike. This weight reduction results in significantly less use of sand, gravel, and cement. Less of these materials need to be transported to the factory in Oosterhout, as well as to the dike itself. This also leads to considerable savings in transportation, especially on narrow dike roads and through small villages located just behind those dikes. All these aspects contribute to a substantial CO₂ reduction. With the ambition of all Dutch water authorities to become climate-neutral by 2035, such steps are essential!

Advantages of Hillblock:

1. Wave attenuation;
2. High stability;
3. Low weight;
4. Sustainable and environmentally friendly (in terms of production, transportation, and installation);
5. Reduced need for dike heightening and widening (fewer land expropriations);
6. Can be mechanically installed.