A-Jacks concrete armor units protect a lake embankment from erosion.

A-Jacks®

A-Jacks concrete armor units are designed to interlock into a flexible, highly permeable matrix. The ability of the A-Jacks system to dissipate energy and resist the erosive forces of flowing water allows it to protect against scour and erosion.

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Streambank Stabilization, Scour Protection and Energy Dissipation

A-Jacks hard armor solutions can be installed either randomly or in a uniform pattern. The voids formed within the A-Jacks matrix provide approximately 40% open space in the uniform placement pattern. These voids provide a habitat for fish and other marine life when applied as a reef, revetment, or soil support system in river applications. In addition, the voids may be backfilled with suitable soils and planted with a variety of vegetation, including grasses, shrubs, and trees above the normal base flow.

A-Jacks provide a cost-effective solution compared to conventional hard armor methods. Field tests and real-world applications confirm A-Jacks provide a flexible, non-eroding barrier. The patented, two-component design allows economical transport and on-site assembly.

Benefits of the A-Jacks System:

  • Unique design - Provide fast, hand-placed installation.
  • Meet guidelines - Adhere to HEC-23 design guidelines.
  • Cost-effective - Reduce velocity less expensively than cast-in-place alternatives.
  • Prevent undermining of stream toe - Help protect the entire slope to alleviate future issues.

Technical information for this product is located in the technical guide’s section. 

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Ajacks concrete armor units protecting a channel drop.
A-Jacks and ArmorFlex for Channel Drop Structures

ArmorFlex articulating concrete block systems and A-Jacks armor units are used to construct highly stable channel drop structures in steep bed grade applications. An efficient and interlocking design, which uses less material compared to conventional techniques such as rip rap, provides maximum energy dissipation. Installation time is also dramatically reduced because of their unique cabled design.

Ajacks concrete armor units protecting a bride from scour.
A-Jacks for Bridge Scour Countermeasures

The A-Jacks system can dissipate energy and resist the erosive forces of flowing water, protecting channel boundaries from scour and erosion. Extensive laboratory research was performed on both model and full scale units in order to evaluate the hydraulic properties of the A-Jacks units. When the concrete armor units are installed along bridge abutments and downstream along the side of the water way, the toe is protected, the slope is stabilized, and the bridge is protected.

ArmorFlex cellular concrete blocks protecting a bridge from erosion and scour.
ArmorFlex and A-Jacks for Pier Scour Protection

ArmorFlex and A-JACKS are accepted pier scour countermeasures according to Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) guidelines. These highly engineered systems provide a maximum factor of safety to critical structures.

ArmorFlex protecting a river bank from erosion.
Armortec Solutions for Shoreline and Stream Bank Protection

The Armotec® Family of Products (ArmorFlex, A-Jacks and Armortec) along with the latest addition of XblocPlus (a revolutionary hard armor system ideal for vast coastlines and breakwaters) offers permanent solutions to erosion by armoring the area of maximum scour. 

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Agency/Regulatory Guidance

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Solution Development

Our engineers can review your requirements, weigh all options, and recommend the optimal solution to integrate with your site designs.

Technical Expertise

Our engineers can assist by providing product specific engineering calculations such as hydraulics, buoyancy, foundation reactions, and unit sizing.

Cost Estimates

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estimates to assist with your solution
selection process.

Site Specific Drawings

Our engineers can provide site-specific drawings for proposals, project meetings, and submittals, helping you be more efficient with your time.

On-site Assistance

Contractors know time is money, so we provide preconstruction meetings, delivery coordination, and on-site installation support to ensure a timely, smooth installation.