Abstract: Disclosed is a device for containing granular elements, comprising a metal mesh panel having metal wires welded together, the panel comprising at least one curvature of a first orientation and at least one curvature of a second orientation, the first orientation being characterized by a first axis and the second orientation being characterized by a second axis, the first axis and the second axis being non-collinear.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of constructing an underwater concrete block structure, including: fabricating a plurality of concrete blocks having a vertical hole extending in the vertical direction; forming a foundation concrete block structure by installing the concrete block on the seafloor; vertically installing at least one guide pole in the foundation concrete block structure; forming a concrete block stack by repeating a process of positioning the concrete block to be installed above the surface of the water; and forming a main concrete column for binding the plurality of concrete blocks.

Abstract: A water wave breaker includes an attachment portion and a curved concave portion. The curved concave portion is connected with the attachment portion. When the attachment portion is attached to a substantially vertically extending surface a first end of the curved concave portion, which is disposed laterally farther away from the attachment portion than a second end of the curved concave portion, is disposed above the second end of the curved concave portion with the curved concave portion oriented in a downward direction away from the substantially vertically extending surface.

Abstract: A geogrid and a manufacturing method thereof. The geogrid comprises multiple ribs, and the multiple ribs are connected to each other at multiple junctions to form multiple cells. At each junction, two or more adjacent ribs of the multiple ribs are inserted into each other via inserts, and each junction is covered by a plastic material. The geogrid can easily be extended to a present state at a construction site, prevent tearing of apertures, prevent soil from leaking from the apertures, and prevent the inserts from rusting or corroding. Since the plastic material, the ribs, and the inserts are bonded to each other, separation strength at the junction is markedly increased. Preferably, an end portion of the insert is completely covered by the plastic material to form an end cap, and the plastic material and the ribs and the inserts are bonded to each other to form columns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-purpose tile system, in particular a floor tile system, comprising a plurality of multi-purpose tiles. The invention also relates to a tile covering, in particular floor covering, consisting of mutually coupled tiles according to the invention. The invention further relates to a tile for use in multi-purpose tile system according to the invention.

Abstract: A floor panel arranged to be installed according to the fold-down principle, with a first pair and a second pair of edges. The second pair of edges coupling parts are arranged to be coupled to each other by a downward movement with two contact zones at opposite sides of a male part which fits into a female part. The ratio between the horizontal distance between the middle of the first contact zone and the middle of the second contact zone, and the vertical distance between the middle of the first contact zone and the middle of the second contact zone is more than 5, and/or wherein well-defined support points are applied.

Abstract: A compost filter sock assembly comprising a filter sock and compost filter anchor system comprising one of i) an interconnected series of compost filter sock anchors alternating on the downstream and upstream side of the filter sock, wherein the compost filter sock anchors are interconnected with strapping between adjacent compost filter sock anchors on opposed sides of the filter sock such that the strap traverses the filter sock; or ii) a downstream wooden stake having a fin coupled thereto that extends laterally on both sides of the wooden stake.

Abstract: A floor panel arranged to be installed according to the fold-down principle, with a first pair and a second pair of edges. The second pair of edges coupling parts are arranged to be coupled to each other by a downward movement with two contact zones at opposite sides of a male part which fits into a female part. The ratio between the horizontal distance between the middle of the first contact zone and the middle of the second contact zone, and the vertical distance between the middle of the first contact zone and the middle of the second contact zone is more than 5, and/or wherein well-defined support points are applied.

Abstract: An erosion control apparatus is disclosed herein comprising a filtering member defining a looped portion; a guide member positioned within the looped portion of the filtering member; and a support member insertable in the looped portion of the filtering member. The guide member facilitates insertion of the support member into the looped portion of the filtering member.

Abstract: A floor panel for forming a floor covering, wherein the floor covering consists of floor panels, which, on at least one pair of edges, are provided with coupling parts. The coupling parts substantially are manufactured from the material of the floor panel, and the coupling parts are configured such that two such floor panels, at the pair of edges, can be installed and locked to each other by means of a downward movement and/or by means of the fold-down principle.

Abstract: A lost sand collecting apparatus, according to the present invention, comprises: a filling frame which has a plurality of plates, extends in the lateral direction and forms a plurality of filling spaces; and a collecting means which is provided on the filling frame and is positioned so as to correspond to the filling spaces. The plurality of plates are overlapped so as to be parallel to each other and the plates adjacent with a fixed distance therebetween are partly connected to one another. The collecting means can be formed in a flat structure protruding upward from the filling frame and disposed on the back of the filling spaces with respect to the littoral current toward the sea, and comprises a barrier layer or a web layer. The barrier layer or the web layer is curved toward the littoral current toward the sea.

Abstract: A revetment system includes multiple layers to reinforce a surface exposed to possible high water flow. The revetment system includes both a cellular confinement layer and an articulated block layer. The cellular confinement layer is adapted to be placed on the ground surface to be protected. The block layer is mounted on top of that cellular confinement layer. Optional geosynthetic layers may be mounted under the cellular confinement layer and between the cellular confinement layer and block layers.

Abstract: Seabed scour about a seabed-mounted foundation or renewable energy device or anchor therefore, especially a wind-turbine monopile may be prevented or reduced by installing on or in the seabed area about the foundation or device an arrangement of interconnected sedimentation elements, which by virtue of the elemental structure or interconnective arrangement themselves do not cause or worsen seabed scour by substantially displacing seabed material on which the elements are placed. Elements having a specific gravity, either in situ or inherent, of substantially similar to the seabed material or mobilized seabed material in which they are placed are capable of achieving this. An ideal arrangement of elements (or mat) is one formed of used or discarded vehicle tires.

Abstract: An edging unit comprises a structure having opposed top and bottom surfaces, opposed first and second side surfaces extending between the opposed top and bottom surfaces, and opposed first and second end surfaces extending between the opposed top and bottom surfaces and between the first and second side surfaces. The top surface comprises at least one pair of opposed segments. Each pair of segments includes first and second segments respectively opposing one another with respect to a center of the edging unit. The first segment defines a first upward or downward slope between the first side surface and the second side surface and the second segment defines a second upward or downward slope between the first side surface and the second side surface generally opposite in direction to the first slope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gabion comprising opposed first and second side walls connected together at spaced intervals along the length of the gabion by a plurality of partition walls, the first and second side walls comprising open framework panels, and wherein the first side wall is lined with a first lining material comprising a layer of a sheet material, the sheet material having a relatively low water permeability compared with an unlined open framework panel, and further wherein the second side wall is lined with a second lining material having a higher water permeability than the first lining material. The present invention also relates to a multi-compartmental gabion having similar features. The present invention also relates to a water containment system comprising a gabion or multi-compartmental gabion according to the invention. The present invention also relates to a method of deploying a water containment system.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a scour remediation and mitigation apparatus (100) comprising a plurality of channelled members (108) whereby the channelled members (108) are bound together to form the scour remediation and mitigation apparatus (100). The plurality of channelled members (108) each comprising at least one through hole (105) which forms a channel (105) through the channeled member (108). The plurality of channelled members (108) are bound together such that a plurality of conduits are formed by the channels (105) of the channeled members (108) and by voids (107) intermediate adjacent channelled members (108) within the scour remediation and mitigation apparatus (100). These plurality of conduits allow passage of a moving fluid through the scour remediation and mitigation apparatus (100) whilst simultaneously causing dispersion of kinetic energy of the moving fluid as it passes through the scour remediation and mitigation apparatus (100).

Abstract: A storm-water redistribution device and installation are described for providing headloss and redistribution of a flow of storm-water runoff. The device includes an elongate, tubular, geotextile enclosure having a plurality of transverse partitions therein that form a plurality of segments along the length of the device. Each segment is filled with a particulate material, such as gravel having a desired grade size or distribution thereof. Longitudinal partitions are provided to form one or more transversely positioned compartments. The device is installed perpendicular to a slope to intercept runoff flows. The flow infiltrates the device and is diverted into vertical infiltrating flow, longitudinal flow that distributes the flow along the device length, and transverse flow that exits the opposite side of the device as overland or subsurface flow of reduced velocity. The partitions enable retention of the particulate materials in desired positions within the device during manipulation and use.

Abstract: A method for protecting and/or repairing a shoreline incorporates a liner material laid upon and following a contour of a scoured shoreline, a plurality of filled bags placed upon the liner material in a linear arrangement at or below an extreme low water shoreline and a volume of rock fill placed upon the liner material between a shore wall and the linear arrangement of the filled bags. An upper surface of the rock fill is preferably arranged forming a grading sloping downward from the shore toward the filled bags. A liner return segment is arranged covering the rock fill and secured to the shore. Vegetation is disposed upon and covering an exposed portion of the liner material to complete the restoration construction. The liner material can be a geotextile filter fabric paper. The filled bags can be concrete bags. The rock fill can include an aggregate of fifty-seven rock.

Abstract: A georeinforcing system, comprising a plurality of georeinforcement elements, each georeinforcement element formed from one or more basic connector pieces having one or more tire treads and one or more tire sidewalls fastened together in an alternating pattern with non-metallic screws. The plurality of georeinforcement elements are attached to a facing element and surrounded in particulate matter to support the facing element.

Abstract: A method of building up and maintaining beach sediment, building and changing beach profiles, and controlling beach erosion that uses a series of varying diameter plastic pipes joined to obtain various lengths, laid parallel and on top of each other and situated perpendicular or at various angles to the shoreline. The pipes act to slow bottom currents and promote sand accretion in and around the pipes thereby stabilizing shoreline profiles and controlling beach erosion. The pipes are held together by cables or in a “cradle” to help stabilize the pipes on the sea bottom. Certain pipes have pre-drilled holes of various diameters through their sidewalls to allow in-flow of sand-carrying water such that the pipes become filled with sand acting to stabilize the pipes. Pipe diameter sizes are selected as necessary to accomplish most efficient sediment accumulation around the pipe structures.

Abstract: A coastal recovery module including a body portion defining an interior compartment. The coastal recovery module may also include a selectively sealable fluid conduit. The selectively sealable fluid conduit may provide a fluid communication between the interior compartment and an exterior of the body portion, the fluid conduit configured for selectively flooding and dewatering the interior compartment. The coastal recovery module may further include a wave energy mitigation structure associated with at least a portion of a top surface of the body portion.

Abstract: A reinforced gabion comprising two adjacent walls with a common edge manufactured using a single sheet of double twisted metal mesh fabric formed from metal wires which have two different diameters respectively corresponding to the two walls. Preferably the metal mesh fabric has a mesh with at least one twisted side formed from at least two metal wires woven together in which each twisted side is aligned in the direction of the common edge between the two walls.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for erecting a building structure with construction elements, wherein the construction elements comprise block-shaped bags filled with filling material and having an upper side, a lower side, a front side, a rear side, a right end surface and a left end surface, and wherein the block-shaped, bag-like construction elements of a first type are basic wall elements provided with connecting flaps at least close to the two end surfaces; the method comprising at least the steps of: —arranging at least two basic wall elements adjacently of each other on a ground surface, wherein the right end surface of the first basic wall element and the left end surface of the second basic wall element are placed close to each other; —placing against each other the connecting flaps of respectively the first and second basic wall elements situated close to the end surfaces placed closely together; and—mutually connecting the connecting flaps.

Abstract: Disclosed is a removable erosion-control and fencing (“REAF”) system for shoreline preservation along a line defined by a plurality of posts. An exemplary REAF system comprises first and second post clamp pairs mounted to adjacent posts. Each post clamp pair “sandwiches” a post and is fixedly attached to the post by virtue of fasteners that lock one half of the post clamp pair to its other half. In this way, the post clamp pair “hugs” the post and is secured thereon without having to be permanently fixed to the post or damaging the structural rigidity of the post. Each post clamp pair includes a substantially vertical wall slot such that one or more cross-members may be received into the walls slots to form a wall section in a space defined between the adjacent posts.

Abstract: A bag constructed of a weed suppression material for packaging a ground cover material. When the bag is in a closed configuration, the bag serves as a container for shipping, handling, and storage of the ground cover material. When the bag is opened and unfolded, and the ground cover material within the bag is spread over the opened and unfolded bag, the bag serves as a layer of weed suppression material on top of underlying soil and beneath the ground cover. In addition, the bag may be used for planting individual plants in a planting bed, for establishing a buffer zone around the foundation of a building, or for controlling erosion around a downspout of a building.

Abstract: A floodwater barrier for protecting the shore side of a shoreline from flooding includes at least one self-actuating floodwater barrier unit for installation between a pair of walls transverse to a shoreline. The unit includes a flexible resilient panel, a plurality of rigid members connected to the panel, at least one watertight chamber of size and arrangement to give the unit water buoyancy, hinged to be rotatable upward about a horizontal axis longitudinal to the shoreline under the influence of buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure from a rise of the body of water acting on the unit, and further includes flexible tension members positioned to act on the floodwater barrier unit to limit upward rotation of the unit to a predetermined extent.

Abstract: A weighted bag includes a filler material contained by a sealed bag configured to be substantially impermeable to fluids. The sealed bag may include a generally tubular bag body made from a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated polymer-based textile where the tubular bag body is formed by hot air welding and the bag is sealed using sealing tape applied and bonded at each end of the tubular bag body. The weighted bag may be recovered after use and recycled for reuse in a subsequent installation. The filler material may include a slag, a slag-based material and/or low iron fines which may be residual material from the steel or iron producing industries.

Abstract: One (1) or more cylindrical units of bound and compressed vegetative matter (round hay bales) are aligned along shorelines which are subject to erosion and/or to an influx of petroleum-based pollutants as are released/discharged into waterways following an oil spill. As deployed, these units dissipate wave energy and capture sediment and/or pollutants. Specific embodiments are enumerated.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a liquid retention device comprising: a braced frame mountable on foundations in a plurality of locations, in which said device comprises a base section and at least one upstanding support, and in which said brace further comprises height-adjusting means for adjusting the height of said frame, and in which said device further comprises a face supported by said frame, in which said face is inclined at an angle to the at least one upstanding support, wherein said face is covered by a least one detachable mat.

Abstract: A marine habitat support module including a body having a concrete exterior. The concrete exterior of body defined a plurality of habitat support features. The concrete also has a pH selected to promote biocompatibility. The marine habitat support module also includes an interior chamber defined within the body. A selectively sealable passage is provided between the interior chamber and the exterior of the body. The selectively sealable passage may controllably vary the buoyancy of the marine habitat support module.

Abstract: The invention describes a system for creating potable, porous structures for restoring coastline. The invention provides for a bag with multiple longitudinal pockets. The bag is made of porous natural or synthetic mesh material and the pockets are filled with lightweight, porous manufactured aggregate. In a preferred embodiment, the lightweight aggregate used in this invention is produced by thermal fusion of silicate clays in a rotary kiln. In another preferred embodiment, multiple bags are encased in a flexible grid material to for a mat. In another embodiment, the mat can be rolled into a log. The bags, mats, and logs can be placed on shorelines and other location to restore coastline.

Abstract: An erosion control plank is provided. The plank is a lattice of intersecting vertical walls and horizontal walls and includes an opening to permit a stake to secure the plank over an eroded region. The plank can be secured by a stake. The eroded region is filled with appropriate fill material which would pass through the lattice. Plants and other growth are introduced onto the plank and fill material on or through the lattice where their root networks would help secure the fill and the plank and prevent erosion. The plank is rectangular and includes connectors to permit multiple planks to be secured to one another in both a horizontal and vertical relationship, allowing the erosion control planks to fit over any of a variety of eroded surfaces and to prevent erosion from occurring there again. The erosion control planks may also be used on a non-eroded area to prevent the onset of erosion.

Abstract: Reinforcement system for concrete panel wall, such as I-type flood wall, includes high tensile strength textile attached to wall by adhesive and reinforced by mechanical fasteners. Most preferred embodiment comprises a strip of fiber reinforced plastic spanning multiple panels, with the grain of the textile material extending horizontally. Alternative embodiment includes vertical FRP with bias-grain textile. Fasteners are preferably ductile fiber anchors.

Abstract: A flexible water-permeable geotextile tube having flat ends when filled with fill material. The tube has separate end panels that are attached to a tube body at the tube body's opposing ends. In one embodiment of this invention, the separate end panels are configured to have the same shape as that of a cross-section of the tube body when the tube body is filled and installed. The cross section of the tube body may be determined before installation by determining the relationship between the height, circumference, the fill material, and the surrounding environment into which the tube is planned to be installed.

Abstract: A coastal recovery module including a body portion defining an interior compartment. The coastal recovery module may also include a selectively sealable fluid conduit. The selectively sealable fluid conduit may provide a fluid communication between the interior compartment and an exterior of the body portion, the fluid conduit configured for selectively flooding and dewatering the interior compartment. The coastal recovery module may further include a wave energy mitigation structure associated with at least a portion of a top surface of the body portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a barrier system comprising a barrier wall for stopping a flow of a substance to one side of said wall, wherein said barrier wall comprises a fabric impervious to the flow of said substance and containing high strength polyolefin fibers.

Abstract: A tsunami breakwater wall of retaining wall structure supported by a steel pipe pile 1, includes a steel pipe pile 2 that has a bottom end thereof reach a support layer 18 of a ground 16 and is installed to a ground such that an upper end thereof is positioned to a part below a surface of a ground 16, a retaining wall 3 that is placed on a ground 16 and supported by the steel pipe pile 2, and a ground anchor 6 that connects the retaining wall 3 and a support layer 18 of a ground 16.

Abstract: A flood protection bag system includes a troughlike structure having longitudinally-extending sidewalls and a bottom wall connected therebetween, along with one or more internal walls, the internal walls serving to divide the troughlike structure into a plurality of bag chambers. The longitudinally-extending sidewalls are continuous and seamless between the ends of the troughlike structure, and the bag system can be made of a plastic such as polypropylene. In one embodiment, the bag system may be implemented in conjunction with other such bag system(s). Also, in one embodiment, a frame structure is employed to support the bag chamber(s) during filling thereof with sand or other filling material, in a manner whereby tension is applied to each of the corners of the given bag chamber being filled. Further, in one embodiment, the bag chambers are covered by way of a bag top that is openable or removable relative to the bag system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a barrier are presented. Example embodiments of the disclosed systems protect a selected shoreline or other area from contaminated water. In example embodiments, a support frame is provided and a barrier fabric is attached to the support frame. The support frame is then attached to support poles which have been driven into the earth such that the barrier fabric surrounds the selected area to be protected. Example embodiments of the barrier fabric allow tidal water to flow through the fabric while absorbing the oil and for hindering the oil from passing through. In this way, the selected area is protected from oil contamination.

Abstract: A revetment block comprising a body having a first surface, a second surface and a plurality of peripherally extending side edges. The body has at least two arms extending laterally outwardly from the respective side edges and at least two sockets extending laterally inwardly from the respective side edges. There is at least one hole extending through the body, the hole having a first and a second portion. The first portion of the hole opens through the first surface of the block while the second opens through the second surface of the block. The first and second portions intersect interiorly of the block. The cross-sectional area of the first portion is less than the cross-sectional area of the second portion at the intersection of the first and second portions. Accordingly, the intersection of the first and second portions forms a ledge.

Abstract: An erosion control block having registration ribs and slots on opposite edge surfaces to align neighbor blocks together in a cabled mat of blocks. The blocks have a pair of parallel cable channels therethrough, as well as a single orthogonal cable channel formed therethrough. With this arrangement, the blocks are versatile and can be configured in a mat of side-by-side blocks, or in a mat of staggered blocks. Neighbor mats can be easily fastened together. The parallel cable channels are formed through the block at a location adjacent an articulation edge so that when a mat of cabled blocks are lifted in a catenary, the articulation between blocks is facilitated.

Abstract: A revetment block with a top surface that is tapered upwardly from the upstream end to the downstream end. Thus, when a number of tapered blocks are installed end to end on a grade, the upstream end of any of the blocks can be raised due to underlying ground irregularities without degrading the safety factor of the blocks. The tapered revetment blocks can also be constructed with positive interlocking arms and sockets to enhance the integrity of a matrix of such blocks.

Abstract: A flood wall system and method of constructing same, including providing a first main panel section; attaching sleeves to each side of a main panel prior to configuring the final chamber; providing two sleeves of fabric at the upper opening of each chamber for supporting the chambers while the chambers are being filled with materials such as sane; providing a series of chambers sewn together to define a continuous cellular wall; the final chamber having a horizontal height two feet longer (0.61 meters) than the vertical height further having a front toe portion one foot (0.30 meters) min height; filling each chamber with a quantity of material, such as sand; on each end of a completed chain of chambers, further comprising a set of loops or ties so that a chain of chambers is capable of being tied to other chains of chambers to define the continuous flood wall system.

Abstract: Wall blocks, veneers, veneer connectors, walls, and methods of constructing walls are provided. More particularly, the invention relates to constructing walls in which a veneer panel is attached to a wall block with a connector and in which the front faces of the veneers have a desirable texture.

Abstract: An erosion control ballast and soil confinement mat for use in water flow conditions is provided. The mat is made of a non-buoyant, relatively heavy and substantially flexible material with a plurality of pores stamped or pre-cast therein that allow for the inflow of water, the establishment of vegetation growth through the mat, and the in-filling of the pores with supplemental ballast materials such as gravel or soil. The bottom side of the mat has protrusions that extend into the underlying surface to prevent horizontal shifting and confine soil materials and/or another erosion control mat such as an erosion control blanket or turf reinforcement mat, while also preventing migration of the mat itself under high shear force water flow. The top surface of the mat may be provided with flaps that cover the pore openings during periods of strong water flow to prevent excessive water flow from entering the pores and eroding the underlying soil.

Abstract: An open mat system to reinforce turf includes an anchor arrangement to help secure the mat to the turf. The anchor arrangement includes an anchor head embedded in the earth, a cable connected to the anchor head, a cable connector device, and a brace. The cable is inserted into the connector device, which holds the cable against withdrawal from the connector device. The brace includes a receiver, in which the cable connector device is removably oriented in the receiver.

Abstract: A used radial tyre tread, folded into a minimum of three loops and held in compression, in a lateral external circlip, to form a flexible, resilient, abrasion resistant bollard with anisotropic properties. By extending the lateral external circlip, longitudinally, more tyre treads can be added to form a baffle or a barrier. The removal of the tread section significantly reduces the bulk of the waste tyre.

Abstract: The invention relates to an armor unit to construct armor layers of mound breakwaters, revetments and groins for shore protection or hydraulic and maritime structures featuring a cubic or parallelepiped shape (2) and having one or more protrusions (1) on its faces to prevent coupling between the different armor units and to increase interlocking with the underlayer (3) of the armor layer.

Abstract: Reinforcement system for concrete panel wall, such as I-type flood wall, includes high tensile strength textile attached to wall by adhesive and reinforced by mechanical fasteners. Most preferred embodiment comprises a strip of fiber reinforced plastic spanning multiple panels, with the grain of the textile material extending horizontally. Alternative embodiment includes vertical FRP with bias-grain textile. Fasteners are preferably ductile fiber anchors.

Abstract: A georeinforcing system, comprising a plurality of georeinforcement elements, each georeinforcement element formed from one or more basic connector pieces having one or more tire treads and one or more tire sidewalls fastened together in an alternating pattern with non-metallic screws. The plurality of georeinforcement elements are attached to a facing element and surrounded in particulate matter to support the facing element.