Babcon Uganda Limited (BUL) is one of the leading Companies in Infrastructure Development in Uganda. BUL has partnered with a Canadian firm, M/s International Erosion Control Systems Ltd. (IECS), Canada, to provide Erosion Control System Solutions that are innovative, durable and cost-effective in Uganda and surrounding countries.
Topographical features and associated heavy rains in our region have posed a big challenge to roads and other infrastructure in terms of erosion control and drainage. Rampant deaths of human beings, animals and destruction of the environment have been experienced. The Bududa and Kabale steep hills are good examples.
The flooding in Bwaise and other low lying areas in Kampala is a common occurrence.
About Cable Concrete®
Cable Concrete® is an articulated concrete block system that is shaped like a pyramid with a geo-textile filter cloth attached to the bottom and is available in various thicknesses. It has up to 40% surface aeration which encourages vegetation growth, thereby becoming an environmentally friendly product. Cable Concrete® is one of the most proven forms of erosion protection available in the market today. It has been widely used. It is a one-time investment, a permanent solution and is a fully engineered system. It is maintenance-free and easily installed. Because of 40% space, it allows growth of vegetation. Cable Concrete® has been extensively tested using widely known technological methods at the University of Minnesota, Colorado State University and the University of Windsor in Canada. Babcon is in the process of repeating similar tests in Uganda and the neighbouring regions to show that Cable Concrete® is a unique solution to our erosion and drainage challenges. These tests, to be done by the Ministry of Works and Transport will include, among others, wave impact testing and block wave impact testing in accordance with reorganized coastal engineering manuals.
Babcon are the exclusive producers and marketers of Cable Concrete®, a certified Articulated Concrete Block System (ACBS) in Uganda.
Summary advantages and benefits of using Cable Concrete
It exhibits unparalled erosion control performance due to its articulation, flexibility and versatility;
It maintains uniform alignment;
It enhances aesthetics and provides habitat, thus encouraging fast full vegetation growth;
It is quick and easy to install, up to 100 sq.m. per hour.
Cable Concrete® specifications
| System | Minimum block weight | Minimum block height | Open Area % | ||
| kgs/sm | lbs/sf | mm | inches | ||
| CC G2 | 122.22-136.89 | 25-28 | 80-88 | 3 1/8-3 7/16 | 40 |
| CC 35 | 180.65-195.30 | 37-40 | 114.3-127.0 | 4 ½-5 | 20 |
| CC 45 | 229.47-253.88 | 47-52 | 139.7-152.4 | 5 ½-6 | 20 |
| CC70 | 351.53-380.83 | 72-78 | 215.9-228.6 | 8 ½-9 | 20 |
Applications of Cable Concrete®
Cable Concrete® has been used in more than these applications:
- High flow spillways
- Maintenance of access roads
- Channel linings
- Outfalls
- Low water crossings
- Overflow weirs
- Fore bay pond lining
- Boat ramps
- Wave impact protections
- Landfill closures
- Heavy vehicle crossings
- Wing-wall protections
- Pipeline protections and a lot
Careful analysis will show that our terrain needs most of the applications sited above.
More about Cable Concrete® and available Sizes
Cable Concrete® is made from a mould and it comes in 3 thicknesses. The cc 35, the cc 45 and the cc 70, the heaviest mat used for high velocity flows. Each Cable Concrete® is strung together with a stainless steel cable
and a geo-textile mat attached underneath. Each thickness is appropriate for a specific flow. Babcon Uganda Limited may be contacted for specifications and designs to show required sizes of the Cable Concrete®.
About the Cable Concrete® CCG2
The CCG2 is an articulated concrete block revetment system specifically designed for permeable paving applications such as vehicular access roads, pedestrian pathways, low flow and gentle slope applications to control various types of erosion due to water, wind, and vehicle traffic. The standard mats are 2.44m x 6.1m long (8’x20’) placed side by side to provide a protective system. The mats can easily be cut at provided cut lines to obtain lengths of 2, 3 and 4 metres when required. The mats consist of concrete blocks interlocked by polyester or stainless steel cables, which are poured through each block in both directions. Spacing between blocks provide ± 40% opening for vegetation or granular backfill. The blocks typically have 190.5mm (7.5”) hexagonal top faces and 228.6mm (9.0”) hexagonal bottoms.
Some projects done with Cable Concrete®
Project 1: 2013 Debris Flood in Cougar Creek – Canmore Alberta
Location: Canmore, Alberta, Canada
Description: Every June there is a large meltdown of snow from the Rocky Mountains creating a large volume of water coming through the creek. The Town of Canmore had problems with the banks of Cougar Creek eroding away and flooding all the homes that are located along this creek. Cable Concrete was chosen to resolve this problem with 1.5km of creek bank protection on both sides.
Scope of Project: CC 70 – 52,000 sq. m.
Installation date: January 2014
Owner: Town of Canmore
Why was Cable Concrete® Selected?
Cable Concrete® was selected as a product of choice to stabilize the channel banks since it has;
- Highest factor of safety of any ACB in the market (Bed & Side Slope)
- Extensively engineered, IECS assisted in detailed design specifics
Cable Concrete® can be easily produced in Uganda.
Project 2: Mexico – Project Description
Location: Motozintla, Mexico
Description: During a hurricane in 2005, Motozintla experienced two full days of endless rain. There is a channel that passes through the city is used to drain the run-off from the surrounding mountains and also to drain the entire storm sewer system of the city; however, the channel was completely flooded and surging flow over topped the banks majorly flooding the city, destroying many homes, and creating many casualties.
To combat future storms, the banks were raised and then lined with Cable Concrete®
®to protect against critical flows that could be generated. IECS manufactured the Cable Concrete® on-site using all local laborers from the City of Motozintla, as well as purchasing the ready mix from local concrete companies.
Scope of Project: CC-70 mats (460,800 sq foot = 42,854 sq metres)
Installation Date: July 2007
Owner: City of Motozintla