WHERE WATER AND CONCRETE MEET: THE TETRAPOD MOULD FROM BETONBLOCK®
Tetrapod moulds are by far the most striking shape in the Betonblock® range.
Tetrapods are concrete structures that protect shorelines and river banks by
acting as breakwaters. Tetrapods, after the Greek word for ‘four feet’, are
shaped like a tetrahedron: a triangular pyramid with four faces and four
corners. The legs of the tetrapods hook into each other, creating a row of
stable concrete breakwaters along the coast.
What are Tetrapods?
Tetrapods are originally a French invention but are used worldwide. In fact,
in Japan, the concrete blocks line about half of the country's coastline.
Traditional concrete blocks can easily shift due to the force of the waves,
but concrete tetrapods are a very effective way to break waves, as water can
flow between them. This diminishes the force of the incoming water, with waves
losing force and impact. Tetrapods protect coastlines against high waves
caused by natural hazards like tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes and wind
gusts.
The advantages of Betonblock® tetrapod moulds
Making tetrapods couldn’t be easier with a Betonblock® mould. Simply pour new
or leftover concrete into the mould, wait for the concrete to cure and demould
your brand-new tetrapod! All Betonblock® moulds are made of high-quality
steel and feature a rust, impact and scratch-resistant powder coating to
increase their lifespan. Our moulds are build to last and will keep producing
concrete elements year after year. An additional advantage of the powder
coating is that you can take your pick from a wide range of colours.
Betonblock® tetrapod moulds come with our trademark orange exterior.
What sizes do tetrapod moulds come in?
We carry various different tetrapod moulds, including a 1 tonne, 1.5 tonne, 3
tonne, 5 tonne and 7.8 tonne version (metric tonnes). Because they are very
large and consist of a large amount of concrete, it takes longer to create a
ready-to-use tetrapod than a standard concrete block. While a concrete block
takes approximately 24 hours, it can take anywhere from 48 to 72 hours for a
tetrapod to cure properly and be ready for use, depending on local conditions.
What accessories are there for tetrapods?
Before casting the concrete, we recommend spraying the mould with formwork
oil, using the Betonblock® oil sprayer, which causes the cured concrete to
detach from the steel mould. Every tetrapod mould comes with an alignment tool
as standard in order to reassemble the parts after using the mould and realign
the bolt holes. Finally, we also have a special cast-in anchor which can be
inserted into mould before casting and can be used to lift and move the
concrete tetrapod. We offer two types of anchors with a max. lifting capacity
of 2500kg and 5000kg respectively. For larger tetrapods, we recommend using
multiple cast-in anchors.
Betonblock® carries the following moulds:
· Concrete block moulds
· Retaining wall moulds
· Concrete slab templates
· Barrier moulds
· Tetrapod moulds
Concrete protectors
As explained earlier, tetrapods provide protection against water-related
natural disasters. Concrete blocks and barriers can also be used to provide
protection. Concrete blocks can be used as walls to protect sites against
unauthorised access or serve as collision protection, while barriers can
divert traffic and protect pedestrians or road workers.
Frequently asked questions about Tetrapod moulds
With BETONBLOCK® Tetrapod moulds, you can produce large concrete elements for applications including coastal and shoreline protection. The steel moulds are available in various sizes and are designed for repeated use. Tetrapods can be used along coastlines, riverbanks and harbour structures, among other locations, where their characteristic shape helps reduce the energy of waves and flowing water. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about Tetrapod moulds and their applications.
What sizes of Tetrapod moulds are available?
BETONBLOCK® offers Tetrapod moulds in various weight classes. The standard range consists of moulds for 1T, 1.5T, 3T, 5T and 7.8T Tetrapods. This allows you to choose a mould that matches the required size of the concrete element and the project concerned. The version required for a specific application depends on the technical requirements of the coastal, shoreline or hydraulic engineering project.
What are concrete Tetrapods used for?
Tetrapods are mainly used in coastal and hydraulic engineering. Thanks to their geometric shape, the elements can interlock and help reduce the energy of waves and flowing water. They are used along coastlines and riverbanks, as well as at harbour entrances, sea defences, dikes, piers and docks, among other applications. The final dimensions and placement must always be adapted to the local conditions and the structural requirements of the project.
How do I make a concrete Tetrapod with a Tetrapod mould?
Before pouring, the Tetrapod mould is prepared and treated with a suitable release agent. The concrete is then poured into the mould. Tetrapods must be provided with suitable reinforcement, with the required reinforcement determined on the basis of the structural requirements of the project. Once the concrete has cured sufficiently, the steel mould can be opened and the Tetrapod can be demoulded. The mould can then be cleaned and prepared again for the next production cycle.
Can I use leftover concrete to produce Tetrapods?
Yes. BETONBLOCK® explicitly identifies Tetrapods as concrete elements that can be produced using both new concrete and suitable leftover concrete. This means that concrete remaining from other production processes can be used to make new elements. The concrete used must, of course, still meet the material and structural requirements that apply to the Tetrapod and application concerned.
Are Tetrapod moulds reusable and suitable for intensive production?
Yes. BETONBLOCK® Tetrapod moulds are made from high-quality structural steel and have a powder-coated finish. The moulds are designed for repeated use and, according to BETONBLOCK®, can also be used year after year in intensive production. Correct use, regular cleaning and proper maintenance help keep the mould in good condition over the long term.
Can BETONBLOCK® manufacture custom Tetrapod moulds?
Yes. In addition to the standard versions, BETONBLOCK® offers customisation options for Tetrapod moulds. If different dimensions or a specific colour are required for a project, requirements, ideas or designs can be discussed with BETONBLOCK®. Based on this, it can be determined which customised version is possible for the project concerned.
