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Asset Management / Monitoring - Esentai River 2024

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

Asset Management / Monitoring - Esentai River 2024

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

Asset Management / Monitoring - Esentai River 2024

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

Asset Management / Monitoring - 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

 
 

Year of installation

2024

Initial 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

Saleh Feidi
 

Saleh Feidi

Regional Manager California

Natural Hazards
Impact Protection
Geobrugg North America, LLC,8921 Emperor Ave.,91775 San Gabriel, California / United States Regional Manager California

E-Mail

Bryant Jackson
 

Bryant Jackson

Regional Sales Manager Northeast

Natural Hazards
Impact Protection
Geobrugg North America, LLC,22 Centro Algodones Regional Sales Manager Northeast

E-Mail

John Kalejta
 

John Kalejta

Regional Manager Rocky Mountains / Central USA

Natural Hazards
Impact Protection
Geobrugg North America, LLC,KS 67226 Wichita / United States Regional Manager Rocky Mountains / Central USA

E-Mail

Robert Long
 

Robert Long

Regional Sales Manager Southeast

Natural Hazards
Impact Protection
Geobrugg North America, LLC,24905 Winterberry LN,60585 Plainfield / United States Regional Sales Manager Southeast

E-Mail

Pierce Runnels, Civil Engineer
   

Pierce Runnels

Sales Director North America

Natural Hazards
Geobrugg North America, LLC,22 Centro Algodones , Civil Engineer Sales Director North America

E-Mail

Tim Shevlin
 

Tim Shevlin

Regional Sales Manager Pacific Northwest and Hawaii

Natural Hazards
Impact Protection
Geobrugg North America, LLC,OR 97302 Salem / United States Regional Sales Manager Pacific Northwest and Hawaii

E-Mail