Reconstruction of the North Breakwater Using BS2 Blocks

The complete reconstruction of the North Breakwater of the Port of Argelès-sur-Mer was successfully completed in 2024, and the structure was accepted without reservations.

CLAS mobilized a specialized team to provide technical supervision, training of installation crews, and quality certification of the breakwater construction works.

The former armour units were removed. Some were reused inside the port. The majority of the armour layer was constructed using BS2 blocks under the BREAKWATER SOLUTION™ trademark registered by CLAS.

Vue drone de la digue d’Argelès en construction avec la mise en œuvre des blocs BS2.

CLAS Technical Assistance and Certification

The CLAS intervention covered:

  • preparation of the placement drawings;

  • training of operators in the installation of BS2 concrete armour units;

  • supervision of underwater placement operations and quality control of the foundations and interlocking of the artificial blocks;

  • final validation of the structural conformity of the structure.

This mission ensured the construction of a stable single-layer armour, compliant with Class A Breakwater requirements as defined in the CLAS certification standards.

Contrôle des blocs BS2 fraîchement fabriqués à Argelès-sur-Mer

Implementation of the BREAKWATER SOLUTION™ concept

The works were carried out in accordance with the BREAKWATER SOLUTION™ concept, which brings together the technical and methodological tools required to deliver a high-performance single-layer armour:

  • implementation of BS1 and BS2 blocks, royalty-free and without any license fees;

  • preparation of the placement drawings and installation procedures;

  • application of the CLAS technical reference framework;

  • full-time monitoring by a CLAS consultant;

  • and final quality certification, issued for a Class A structure.

Thanks to this integrated approach, the armour provides excellent hydraulic stability, enhanced durability, and full structural compliance, in accordance with the CEREMA Rock Armour Guidelines and the requirements of the project owner.

Vue drone de la zone de fabrication avec les coffrages des blocs artificiels en béton BS2.

Formwork compatibility between licensed and license-free armour units

The Razel-Bec / Buesa TMF / TDA / Guintoli joint venture chose to use a license-free armour unit, derived from a patent that has entered the public domain, as permitted under public procurement regulations.

This project illustrates the compatibility between licensed and license-free systems: the same formwork and the same hydraulic performance. What makes the difference are the methods implemented by CLAS, which ensure immediate high interlocking, delivery on schedule, and acceptance of the works without reservations.