Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for pipeline stabilization and shoreline erosion protection, termed a BulkMat device, for protecting and securing pipelines, which are typically located in ditches or on the floor of large bodies of water. In preferred form, the BulkMat comprises a long fabric mat with four to eight fabric compartments sewn onto the mat and filled with dry bulk sand/cement mix. In the preferred embodiment, the BulkMat is comprised of polypropylene. The BulkMat has four lifting loops that are used to pick-up and lower the BulkMat onto the desired location. When the bulk mat is placed on the location, and water sets in, the sand/cement mix in the compartments will harden to concrete. By hardening after it is set in place, the BulkMat will conform completely to the pipeline or covered area to be protected, precisely matching the specific area.

Abstract: An EKG structure comprising geosynthetic material associated with at least one conducting element wherein the structure comprises at least one core element substantially enclosed by at least one sheath, one or both comprising the geosynthetic material; the use thereof as an electrode, a method for treating substrate with the EKG structure, the treated substance obtained thereby

Abstract: A method and apparatus for land reclamation which includes utilizing groyne-like structures including spaced stanchions to which are mounted porous screens and wherein the screens are vertically adjustable either independently of or with the stanchions as material is deposited during the reclamation process. In some embodiments the screens are elevated by elevating the spaced stanchions.

Abstract: A variety of types of wood matter may be used as a starter material. The starter material is processed into wood pieces in the range of about twenty mesh to six inches to form a base product. The base product is installed in windrows along the beach. A fence may be installed between the windrow(s) and the water.

Abstract: A linear modular erosion and sediment control barrier is constructed of fiber logs joined end-to-end, the logs having a maximum length of about 8 feet long. Each fiber log is made of a quantity of loose fibers retained in a tubular casing by a plug. The tubular casing includes an extended section which is peeled back and folds over the end of the coupler fiber log during storage and transportation. When deployed, the extended section is unfolded to receive the end of an adjacent fiber log. The two fiber logs are secured together by a cord and hooks. The combination of a plurality of coupler fiber logs on the surface of a pallet is particularly suited for storing and transporting the logs.

Abstract: A barrier device includes a first containment chamber and a second containment chamber. The first containment chamber is secured to the second containment chamber by a connector. A barrier wall includes a first barrier device having a first containment chamber, a second containment chamber, and a connector. A containment chamber of a second barrier device is positioned between the first containment chamber and the second containment chamber and is positioned in overlying relationship to the connector. A barrier wall is built by positioning a first barrier device, having a first containment chamber, a second containment chamber, and a connector on a support surface. A containment chamber of a second barrier device is positioned between the first containment chamber and the second containment chamber of the first barrier device and overlying the connector.

Abstract: A modular erosion and sediment control barrier. The linear modular erosion and sediment control barrier is constructed of reinforced fiber logs joined end-to-end or side-to-side. Each fiber log is made of a quantity of loose fibers retained in a reinforced tubular casing having at least one closed end wherein the fibers are retained in the casing by either a second closed end or by a plug. The coupler fiber logs are constructed with a reinforced tubular casing comprising at least two layers of a flexible material. The open-ended reinforced coupler fiber log includes an extended section which is peeled back and folds over the end of the coupler fiber log during storage and transportation. When deployed, the extended section is unfolded to receive the end of an adjacent fiber log. Two fiber logs, whether having two closed ends or a single closed end, are secured together by a cord and hooks.

Abstract: Durable flat panels are connectable at their edges and are of appropriate shape and dimension to be quickly and simply assembled and secured into a closed hollow prismatic module configuration. A dense fill material is loaded onto the bottom panel prior to closure providing mass for strength and stability against impacts. The flat panels may be hingeably interconnected and foldable to optionally form a compact stackable configuration for storage and transport. A multiplicity of such modules may be positioned and connected to form a continuous massive wall for such uses as reducing damaging wave action, preventing beach erosion, directing water in flood areas, and providing highway barriers for guidance and safety.

Abstract: An improved device and method for mechanically installing erosion blankets on a ground surface. The device holds a roll of an erosion blanket and provides that the blanket unwind when the device is propelled forward. Upon unwinding, the device positions the blanket on the ground and pins the blanket in position using staples, stakes or the like. Preferred embodiments of the device provide for furrowing of the ground before installation of the blanket.

Abstract: An erosion control device is described. A walled elongated core member is disclosed having a first open end, a second end, an interior space and one or more openings in the wall communicating the interior space with the exterior of the core member. An outer filter member surrounds the core member. One or both the first and second ends of the core member can be open. One or both of the open ends can comprise couplers or connectors for connecting one core member to one or two complimentary core members. The core member may comprise a flexible plastic pipe, such as high-density polyethylene pipe having a plurality of perforations.

Abstract: A variety of types of wood matter may be used as a starter material. The starter material is processed into wood pieces in the range of about twenty mesh to six inches to form a base product. The base product is installed in windrows along the beach. A fence may be installed between the windrow(s) and the water.

Abstract: A fiber block segment suitable for controlling erosion and stabilizing soil is described that comprises an elongated fiber block formed of a densely packed elongated thick fibrous material. The fiber block is wrapped with a fabric around three sides so that the fabric defines a top anchor portion and a bottom anchor portions extending from the block. The fiber block is securely attached to the wrapped fabric by another fabric or twine spanning the fourth side of the block. Additionally, the fabric is wrapped only up to the edges defining one end (a male end) and beyond the edges defining the opposite end (the female end) to define a pouch-like structure at the female end. The fiber block is made of coconut fibers (coir). The fabric is woven from coir twine, and coir twine secures the fabric to the fiber block.

Abstract: In the embodiments described in the specification an artificial reef is assembled from a plurality of superposed layers of modules having similarly shaped projections and recesses located at predetermined specific locations on top and bottom surfaces and having a continuous through hole extending through each module. The projections of modules in one layer are received in recesses of modules in an adjacent layer so that the through holes of the modules in adjacent layers are vertically aligned and continuous columns of concrete formed in the vertically aligned through holes unite the modules to provide a unified artificial reef.

Abstract: A device for installing erosion control blankets is provided. The device comprises a frame, a circular drum, an erosion control blanket mounting device, and a weight support device. The circular drum comprises a plurality of spring loaded pins that are used to punch the erosion control blankets into the ground simultaneously as the device rolls out the erosion control blankets. The spring loaded pins are in the retracted position until the pass over a cam, after which the spring loaded pins extend outwardly to punch the erosion control blankets into the ground. After the spring loaded pins pass over the cam the spring loaded pins return to the retracted position. Weights may be added or removed from the weight support device to obtain the desired erosion control blanket to soil compression.

Abstract: A flood fence wherein a plurality of deflectors or sections are placed end to end and into the soil in upright positions. The sections have a saw tooth bottom edge and downwardly extending uprights that engage within a soil substrate to thereby protect the soil on one side of the fence from water flow against the other side. The areas of joining between adjacent sections also include a support and secondary barriers to minimize seepage therepast as well as to assure that the sections remain engaged.

Abstract: A weight (18) is set into the lower portion of an annular space (34) in a tire (16). The weight (18) may be a precast concrete member shaped to fit into and extend chordwise of the annular space (34). The weight (18) is wider than the distance between the tire sidewalls (24, 26). When inserted into the tire (16), the weight (18) pushes the sidewalls (24, 26) apart and flattens the bottom portion of the tread (32). The weight (18) at the bottom of the tire (16) and an air space (48) at the top of the tire (16) act together to hold the tire (16) in a substantially upright position. Corrodible iron inserts may be added to the tire (16).

Abstract: A sediment control barrier, comprising a ground contacting surface having a length suitable for controlling fluid flow across ground, barrier material extending perpendicularly from the ground contacting surface, means for securing the ground contacting surface to the ground; and the barrier material being structured to conform to a ground contour. A sediment control barrier is proposed that has slots to enable flexing of the barrier material. Another sediment control barrier is proposed having a graded permeability from a first, lower, non-zero permeability adjacent the ground contacting surface to a second, higher, permeability away from the ground contacting surface.

Abstract: An artificial roof unit and method of forming it under water on a base includes locating a tube of a flexible material divided by dividing walls of a flexible material into an array of compartments running the length of the tube, with a first end of the tube on the base and a second end of the tube above the first end of the tube and under water, securing the tube in position on the base using flexible or rigid elements attached to the base; and partially filling some of the compartments with a filler material so that some of the compartments are adjacent two or more other compartments filled with a filler material to support and be supported by the adjacent compartments. The artificial reef unit may be designed to promote an increase in marine life, or to protect a shore line or harbor wall from damage.

Abstract: Porous groynes for shoreline reclamation which include a plurality of spaced stanchions and at least one self supporting screen grid having a plurality of openings therein through which fluid and fluid conveyed solids may pass and wherein the screen grid means is formed of a high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polymers, co-polymers, polymer mixtures or laminates.

Abstract: In an assembly of predominantly concrete revetment, each revetment is a generally rectangular solid having two longitudinal margins and two transverse margins, having two expansive faces, and having an array of apertures, which extend through said revetment, between the expansive faces, and through which vegetation can grow. Each revetment has a grid of embedded reinforcing bars, which include a reinforcing bar extending within each of its longitudinal and transverse margins. Each revetment has, on each of its longitudinal and transverse margins, one or more ribs extending between its expansive faces. At each rib on each of its longitudinal margins or at each rib on each of its longitudinal and transverse margins, each revetment has a cable passage extending through such rib and through the longitudinal margins has such rib and opening into a near aperture of the array of apertures of said revetment.

Abstract: A method of forming a support structure on a base from a framework uses a tube of a flexible material divided by dividing walls of flexible material into an array of compartments. Each compartment includes at least one wall including a hollow protrusion or recess. In use the framework is located on the base and the compartments are filled with the filler material so that each compartment is adjacent to one or more other compartments filled with the filler material and so that each hollow protrusion fills with the filler material so that each compartment protrudes into or is protruded into by at least one adjacent compartment so as to interlock adjacent compartment. This increases the overall strength of the support structure.

Abstract: A system for protecting a coastal land from a rise of the surface of the sea, wherein offshore dams and caissons containing pump-turbines are provided in such a manner that the caissons and dams extend in parallel with the coastline of the land. Partition dams are provided so as to connect the offshore dams and the coastline together to make ponds. The water level of each pond is kept lower than a preset level, which is several meters lower than an average level of the surface of the ocean, by an operation of the pump-turbines and avoiding not only the submergence of the coastal land due to the rise in the sea level caused by global warming, but also expanding the area of offshore land.

Abstract: An erosion fence installation attachment for ditchers and trenchers that is short in length and articulated to pivot in pitch and yaw so as to permit the attachment to follow a ditcher through gullies over mounds and around arcs. The attachment is provided with a barrier material roll unwind, a resilient guide that guides the barrier material into a ditch formed by the ditcher so that the barrier material is pressed against the sides and bottom of the ditch to form an open channel, a first ditch fill disk that pushes fill material into the ditch and into the channel formed in the barrier material, a second ditch fill disk that pushes fill material from the opposite side of the ditch and onto and over the barrier material on that side of the ditch to form a wrap around the fill material deposited by the first fill disk so as to form an elongate anchoring pouch filled with fill material along the bottom of the ditch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for land reclamation which includes utilizing groyne-like structures including spaced stanchions to which are mounted porous screens and wherein the screens are vertically adjustable either independently of or with the stanchions as material is deposited during the reclamation process. In some embodiments the screens are elevated by elevating the spaced stanchions.

Abstract: A block assembly for constructing a seawall and dissipating waves. The block assembly includes a block comprising a front wall, a left side part and a right side part. The left and right side parts include stepped surfaces and a plurality of round shaped projection parts are closely disposed on the front wall. The block further includes two connecting walls having male protrusions and female recesses formed on upper and lower surfaces thereof.

Abstract: In a method for coastal protection, where the coastal area has an underlying freshwater basin and below this a salt water tongue which extends obliquely down into the coastal area, the pressure is equalized in the groundwater basin at least along an area at the shore line completely or partly to the atmosphere through pressure equalization modules, preferably in the form of pipes with a filter at the bottom, which extend down into the groundwater basin. This causes sedimentation of material and thereby an increase in the width of the shore. The resulting sand drift may be utilized for additional building-up of the coastal area by further establishing fascines.

Abstract: A modular erosion and sediment control barrier. The linear modular erosion and sediment control barrier is constructed of fiber logs joined end-to-end. Each fiber log is made of a quantity of loose fibers retained in a tubular casing by a plug. The tubular casing includes an extended section which is peeled back and folds over the end of the coupler fiber log during storage and transportation. When deployed, the extended section is unfolded to receive the end of an adjacent fiber log. The two fiber logs are secured together by a cord and hooks.

Abstract: A weight strip constructed from a plurality of stacked sheets of elastomeric material slackly assembled for resting upon an uneven surface.

Abstract: A slope guard device having one or more panels formed of impervious material, interlocking along their periphery to form a rigid annular unit capable of encircling a planted area on a slope. The panels define an inner side adjacent to roots, and an outer side remote from roots, said panels of varying heights to allow a user to customize a slope profile to a slope where taller panels support the slope above the planted area. Vanes extend from the panels and project inwardly from the inner side of the panels. The vanes direct root growth. Vents are attachable to some of the vanes each having an open upper end and open lower end, said vents providing additional structural support for the slope guard. The vents guide steel stakes that can be driven into the ground.

Abstract: Included in the disclosure are exemplary devices, systems, and methods, embodiments of some of which can be useful for controlling erosion, retaining sediment, preventing siltation, treating runoff, removing pollutants, remediating environmental damage, protecting plants, establishing vegetation, protecting ecosystems, and/or restoring waterways and/or other riparian areas. At least one exemplary device includes a tubular mesh enclosure formed from a mesh material having a nominal opening size of less than 0.5 inches, a ratio of a length of the mesh enclosure to a diameter of the mesh enclosure greater than 40, having an opposing pair of ends, at least one of said ends sealed, said enclosure surrounding a filling. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: A method of construction works for preventing the bed and shore of a torrent from being eroded by using steel cables and steel nets without requiring a huge number of works or huge costs, comprising the steps of fixing at least two longitudinal cables (1) directly or indirectly to lodgments (2), connecting the longitudinal cables by at least two lateral cables (5) at proper intervals, and disposing at least two nets (3), the number of which corresponds to the number of lateral cables, so that the nets are arranged at proper intervals in the direction from upstream to downstream of the torrent and mooring the nets by the longitudinal cables and the lateral cables or mooring cables that are connected to the longitudinal cables so that the nets face the water flow of the torrent.

Abstract: An erosion fence installation attachment for ditchers and trenchers that is short in length and articulated to pivot in pitch and yaw so as to permit the attachment to follow a ditcher through gullies over mounds, and around arcs. The attachment is provided with a barrier material roll unwind, a resilient guide that guides the barrier material into a ditch formed by the ditcher so that the barrier materialP is pressed against the sides and bottom of the ditch to form an open channel, a first ditch fill disk that pushes fill material into the ditch and into the the channel formed in the barrier material, a second ditch fill disk that pushes fill material from the opposite side of the ditch and onto and over the barrier material on that side of the ditch to form a wrap around the fill material deposited by the first fill disk so as to form an elongate anchoring pouch filled with fill material along the bottom of the ditch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for land reclamation which includes utilizing groyne-like structures including spaced stanchions to which are mounted porous screens and wherein the screens are vertically adjustable as material is deposited during the reclamation process. In some embodiments the screens are carried by sleeves slidable on spaced stanchions and in other embodiments the screens may be sectional and carried by multiple sleeves.

Abstract: An erosion control blanket comprises a layer of sand, a layer of polyethylene, a blanket layer, a soil-less mixture layer, and a seed mixture. The components are disposed in a blanket of a predetermined configuration, and rolled or folded. A method of making the blanket comprises the steps of constructing a frame, adding a layer of sand inside the frame, adding a layer of polyethylene over the sand layer, adding a blanket layer over the polyethylene, adding a layer of soil-less mixture over the blanket layer, adding a seed mixture to the soil-less mixture, aging the components, and harvesting the aged components. The step of aging preferably includes the steps of adding fertilizer, adding a water retention substance, and watering the components. Preferably, a poly film covers the frame. The step of harvesting preferably includes the steps of cutting the aged components into a predetermined configuration, and rolling or folding the cut components.

Abstract: A synthetic hay bale and method are used to control water flow, soil erosion, and sediment flow at a construction site. The synthetic hay bale is made from a sheet member formed from ground carpet fibers that are packed together. The sheet member is rolled up to form a body member and the body member may be received within a mesh cover or may be strapped. A rod can be longitudinally inserted into the rolled up body member. The body member is secured to the ground by passing at least one stake through the body member or straddling the body member and inserting the stake into the ground.

Abstract: A modular erosion and sediment control barrier. The linear modular erosion and sediment control barrier is constructed of fiber logs joined end-to-end. Each fiber log is made of a quantity of loose fibers retained in a tubular casing by a plug. The tubular casing includes an extended section which is peeled back and folds over the end of the coupler fiber log during storage and transportation. When deployed, the extended section is unfolded to receive the end of an adjacent fiber log. The two fiber logs are secured together by a cord and hooks.

Abstract: A linear modular erosion and sediment control barrier is constructed of fiber logs joined end-to-end, the logs having a maximum length of about 8 feet long. Each fiber log is made of a quantity of loose fibers retained in a tubular casing by a plug. The tubular casing includes an extended section which is peeled back and folds over the end of the coupler fiber log during storage and transportation. When deployed, the extended section is unfolded to receive the end of an adjacent fiber log. The two fiber logs are secured together by a cord and hooks. The combination of a plurality of coupler fiber logs on the surface of a pallet is particularly suited for storing and transporting the logs.

Abstract: Novel precast concrete boxes which can be assembled together and/or with structural shapes disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,736 to form waterfront structures such as seawalls, boathouses and the like. The boxes can be sized and proportioned so as to be conveniently assembled in such structures and to be easily transported via intermodal transportation media. Novel methods of waterborne transport and installation of the boxes are disclosed. Shellfish habitats based upon the boxes are also disclosed.

Abstract: The Erodible Soil Bulkhead (ESB) is a coastal beach protection system that protects existing coastal bluffs and shorelines from wave erosion while at the same time providing controlled time release of soil to the beach to help sustain natural habitat for marine life. The ESB is intended to provide protection to coastal shoreline areas where conventional “hard” beach protection (e.g., rock, concrete or steel structures) is not preferred or allowed by regulatory agencies due to detrimental effects on the coastal marine environment. The ESB is constructed with natural soils which are strengthened via degradable reinforcing an/or cementing agents to have a greater erosion resistance than untreated fill soil while remaining, to a controlled degree, erodible. By its nature the ESB is disposable and must be re-constructed at the end of its useful life to continue providing protection to the shoreline and/or structures.

Abstract: A synthetic bale and method are used to control water flow, soil erosion, and sediment flow at a construction site. The synthetic bale is made from a sheet member formed from ground carpet fibers that are packed together. The sheet member is rolled up to form a body member and the body member is received within a cover, the cover being made from a mesh material. One or both ends of the cover are tied. The body member is secured to the ground by passing at least one stake through the cover and the body member and into the ground.

Abstract: An engineered wood structure is shown that can be placed in an aquatic or other environment. It is particularly useful in environmental enhancement efforts as a resting place for various avian and aquatic species. The structure is preferably made from small logs. A number of logs are placed side-by-side to form a deck surface. A single log is spaced apart from and generally centered below the deck logs. A pair of spaced apart struts depend from the lower surface of each deck log and are connected into the keel log to form a unitary structure.

Abstract: A storm shelter kit is provided including several enclosure wall panels; wall panel interconnection structures for joining the enclosure wall panels together to define an enclosure having side and top enclosure wall portions; and several soil retaining panels for placement around the enclosure for supporting soil placed around and at least partially covering the enclosure wall panels. The storm shelter kit includes at least one set of the soil retaining panels of progressively decreasing height, for placement in series in progressively increasing distances from the enclosure and for receiving soil between the enclosure and the soil retaining panels and between the soil retaining panels, to define a mound of soil of selectable shape surrounding the enclosure and at least partially covering the wall panels. The wall panels preferably are formed of corrugated steel.

Abstract: A cell confinement structure for confinement of material having a plurality of elongated plastic strips in a side by side relationship bonded together in spaced-apart, limited areas where the plurality of strips are capable of being stretched in width to form a unitary web of cells. The strips forming walls of the cells with at least one of the cell walls having a plurality of apertures in which each diameter is between about 3 mm and 17 mm. Preferably, each of the cell walls has a plurality of apertures with the total area of the apertures in the cell walls being between 19% and 28% of cell wall area.

Abstract: Arrangement for fairways in brackish water tidal zones to prevent or minimize deposits of silt and/or sand in a branch or enlargement of such fairways. The invention is realized by the installation of a flow wall system. At the entrance to the branch or expansion, a current deflection wall is submerged in the fairway at an upper level some distance from the bank so that a channel is formed near the entrance to the branch or enlargement to direct an flood tide into the branch or enlargement and a deflection sill is juxtaposed with the partition at a lower level to divert an incoming near-bed current of the fairway away from the entrance to the branch or enlargement. The cross sectional area of the channel is small when compared with the cross sectional area of the entrance to the branch or enlargement.

Abstract: An engineered wood structure is shown that can be placed in an aquatic or other environment. It is particularly useful in environmental enhancement efforts as a resting place for various avian and aquatic species. The structure is preferably made from small logs. A number of logs are placed side-by-side to form a deck surface. A single log is spaced apart from and generally centered below the deck logs. A pair of spaced apart struts depend from the lower surface of each deck log and are connected into the keel log to form a unitary structure.

Abstract: To battle the problem of sand loss due to wind action on a sandy shore a system is used which pumps water from the nearby water volume and makes the sand wet depending on wind speed and/or other conditions such as rain, moistness of the sand, wind direction and temperature.

Abstract: A detention filter system for the temporary accumulation and storage of storm water runoff is disclosed for limiting the rate of runoff from a developed tract of land to no more than that which was naturally discharged from the same tract when in its prior undeveloped state. The system includes one or more conventional rip rap filled gabion boxes which may be aligned end-to-end along the edge of a developed parcel of real estate so that storm water can run off into the boxes and temporarily accumulate therein. The system also includes a sheet of porous fabric or perforated sheet, attached to and covering a surface of the gabion boxes to restrict the rate of flow of storm water runoff flowing through the boxes and the sheet to a downstream storm drain, storm sewer or stream. The sheet may be formed of two or more layers of the porous fabric or perforated sheet.

Abstract: The modular wall includes a sheet pile wall 12 with support brackets 20 that provide cantilever support to a facade of interlocking rows of blocks 30-34. The support member 20 includes vertical members that extend from the top of the sheet piling part way down the length of the sheet piling. Base members 24 extend from the vertical members and are supported by angled braces 22. Horizontally extending key members rest on the base members and are affixed thereto. The key members provide a key for connecting to a slot of a first row of modular blocks. The modular blocks are stabilized by geogrid 28 that is captured in the key and slot interconnection of the modular blocks and is affixed to the sheet piling 12 or embedded in concrete fill.

Abstract: The Silt terrace erosion prevention inventions called STEP, is directed to a low cost process to reverse soil erosion in a farm field by retaining the silt in a natural watercourse to form grassy terraces behind a series of dam structures built with dirt-filled, non-biodegradable, plastic sacks arranged across the bed of the gully in a “V” shape pointing upstream.

Abstract: A net includes a bag body, an endless suspension rope, and a top closing rope. The bag body prevents scour of an underwater structure, and is formed into a mesh by a knitted fabric. The endless suspension rope is inserted through the mesh adjacent to an opening portion of the bag body. The top closing rope closes the opening of the bag body, and is inserted through a mesh adjacent to the mesh through which the suspension rope is inserted.