GeoBarrier system at the Furama Riverfront Hotel
singapore
Merit Award, Construction Specialty
Presented by Housing & Development Board, Singapore
Owner: Territorial Authority of Singapore, Singapore
Design firm, contractor and principal civil engineer: Hocklim Engineering Pte. Ltd.
Funding partners: Board of Housing and Promotion; Singapore company
This innovative project addresses slope stability challenges in Singapore’s urban landscape with a first-of-its-kind application that stabilizes a 22-meter high slope with a history of failure. The use of a three-layer system that integrates vegetation, fine-grained and coarse-grained layers effectively controls rainwater infiltration and stabilizes steep slopes in built-up areas.
Unlike traditional concrete solutions that are carbon intensive, the GeoBarrier system uses recycled materials and sustainable features, turning slopes into green assets.
The project demonstrates innovative engineering, collaboration between multiple government agencies and adaptability to complex terrain, the team says. Addressing obstacles such as a high water table and the need for precise compaction, the team devised cost-effective solutions, including a soil blocking system and a semi-automated production system that increases productivity.
Successfully completed in December 2024, the project sets a new benchmark for slope stabilization, attracting international interest, providing a scalable and environmentally friendly solution for urban developments worldwide.
