Abstract: There is disclosed a barrier assembly (1) for shoreline preservation or restoration comprising a gabion having opposed side walls (13,15) connected together at spaced intervals along the length of the gabion by a plurality of partition walls (7,9), the spaces between neighbouring pairs of partition walls defining, together with the side walls, at least one individual compartment (7) of the gabion, the at least one individual compartment of the gabion being bounded by the respective opposed side walls or by opposed side wall sections of the respective opposed side walls, the partition walls being pivotally connected to the side walls, the individual compartment of the gabion having extending therefrom in a direction away from the individual compartment convergent at least partly open framework panels (21) forming or forming part of a protuberant compartment (5) on the gabion. A method of preserving and restoring a shoreline, and use of a barrier assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a retaining wall construction system for preventing tsunamis and flood damages and a construction method thereof. The retaining wall construction system for preventing tsunamis and flood damages includes hexagonal multi-layered interlocking blocks (10) built in a plurality of lines for forming a retaining wall, wherein S-shaped connection sections (11) are formed on an outer periphery for a plurality of interlocking blocks, and hexagonal multi-layered interlocking blocks (10), which are adjacent to each other and different from each other, are connected to each other via the S-shaped connection sections (11) to be movable in the vertical direction. According to the present invention above, it is possible to semi-permanently maintain a stable state at the basic lower portions of the structure as the vertically interlocked blocks lower like a shutter to block caved-in spaces when the basic portions of the structure are caved in by waves or flowing water.

Abstract: Stabilized, durable stream crossings are built from contained plant growth medium secured to the stream banks, bridge footings installed behind the contained growth medium, and an open-construction bridge deck spanning the footings that permits light and rain water to reach the growth medium on the banks underneath the bridge.

Abstract: An attenuating element includes a head part, neck part and base part. The neck part is narrower compared to the head part and neck parts of adjacent attenuating elements form a continuous channel. Via the head parts, this channel is connected so that the cross-sectional area of the head parts is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the base parts. In this way, a water-control structure, sound-attenuating wall and the like can be provided. Such attenuating elements can be produced in a very simple manner by dividing them vertically and producing each of the vertical parts from concrete in a mould.

Abstract: The invention is a system and related method to reduce erosion caused by storm runoff. Eco-friendly erosion reduction assemblies help reduce the effects of both sheet and rill erosion. The assemblies comprise a receptacle housing a perforated water velocity reduction wall embedded in media. The wall may be constructed from recycled tires and the media utilized may be from on-site materials. A series of such assemblies in an erosion zone limits erosion by reducing water velocity.

Abstract: A novel design for eliminating bank and cliff erosion on sandy beaches and having a very small width footprint on the beach is provided by an adjustable metal frame main structure with curved corrugated steel sheets coated with a special sandy colored polyurethane attached to the frame so as to curve upwardly to a generally vertical upper edge. A base sheet of the frame is held down against the sand by heavy rock so that the toe of the curved sheet is buried three feet below the sand surface. The design does not require any armor rock in front of the curved sheet.

Abstract: A method for landscaping an area using an earth-reinforcing revetment includes the steps of providing a first structure of at least one landscaping apparatus having a measure of openings and a base region, providing a second structure of the at least one landscaping apparatus having a measure of openings greater than the measure of openings of the second structure, arranging the second structure at an angle relative to the first structure such that the angle defines a landscaping feature, arranging at least a portion of the first structure on a landscaping region of the area such that the landscaping region at least partially supports base region of the first structure, and disposing landscaping material on the first structure of the landscaping apparatus so as to define a feature for the area. Also, a landscaping apparatus of an earth-reinforcing revetment includes the above described structures.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for the treatment of liquid runoff, such as rainfall, irrigation, and waste or produced water, utilizing aboveground, modular, permeable barriers containing reactive media that can immobilize particular solutes of concern, removing them from the liquid runoff. The modular design allows construction of a relatively-uniform barrier, or media volume, that is self-supporting and easily assembled, maintained, modified, and augmented. A permeable reactive barrier constructed according to the present invention provides significant contact between the reactive media and the solutes of concern while allowing the runoff stream to flow through the structure relatively unimpeded.

Abstract: A bag for retaining structures, includes a plurality of cells aligned side-by-side in a continuous manner and configured to be filled with a filling material. Each cell of the bag includes a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a back wall, and a front wall, the front wall being longer than the back wall. Furthermore, the first and second side walls each include a) a first corner located where the back wall connects with the bottom wall, said first corner being substantially 90 degrees; and b) a second corner located where a respective top edge of each side wall connects with the rear wall, said second corner being substantially 90 degrees.

Abstract: An engineering-purpose netted vegetation blanket including a plurality of mesh units arrayed and interwoven into rows. The mesh units each have borders loop-knitted using threads to form a double-layer structure including an upper and a lower thread layer, and a plurality of curved threads that are so woven to locate between the upper and the lower thread layer and be sequentially arrayed and extended between two adjacent ones of the borders while protruding from a plane defined by the borders. The mesh units are so arrayed that the mesh units in any two adjacent rows are in staggered relation, such that a void is formed between any two adjacent mesh units.

Abstract: Armor units for rubble mound structures including breakwaters, revetments, groins, jetties, and the like. Embodiments are appropriate for ocean, river, lake and reservoir structure armoring, to prevent erosion from damaging hydrodynamic forces resulting from waves and water currents, and the like. An embodiment includes a central rectangular section, three “half H-shaped” appendages, two identical frusta (end members), and a flat bottom with two extrusions, nominally smaller than other appendages and frusta. An embodiment is symmetric about two perpendicularly intersecting vertical planes extending through the centroid of the unit. The three half H-shaped members are connected to outer parts of a side defined as the top and the two longitudinal sides of the central section. The three half H-shaped members and the two end members comprise four-sided frusta that taper from a base at the central rectangular section to four-sided distal ends. For select embodiments, the frusta are generally symmetric.

Abstract: A concrete interlocking revetment block having a pair of arms and a pair of sockets. The arms have enlarged ends and the sockets have enlarged cavities to interlock similar blocks together and prevent lateral separation. The arms extend outwardly from respective side edges of the block, with radial axes orthogonal to each other so as to be adjacent to each other. The sockets are formed into respective side edges of the block, with radial axes orthogonal to each other so as to also be adjacent to each other. The depth of at least one socket is less than the thickness of the block. A portion of the socket is thus covered with concrete to thereby provide reinforcement between adjacent sockets of the block, and reduce incidences of breakage. At least one arm is also formed with a thickness less than the thickness of the block.

Abstract: A concrete revetment block having interlocking arms and sockets and an array of vegetation holes. Two arms and two sockets are formed in the block to provide interlocking capabilities with neighbor blocks of a mat. One arm of the block is constructed with a partial thickness and one socket is constructed with a partial depth, thereby providing vertical interlocking capabilities with the neighbor blocks. An array of holes is formed through the block to allow vegetation to grow therethrough. Various holes are located in the block to allow easy grasping of the block by a workman for lifting the same. The holes are formed in the core square of the block, with respective diameters related to the thickness of the block to maximize the hydraulic stability of the block.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling water flow, soil erosion, and/or sediment flow in and around a construction site. The apparatus includes a three-dimensional, water-permeable polypropylene filled geotextile pocket that is secured to the ground with a supporting structure. The apparatus includes a tail portion that is placed flat against the ground, facing upstream against the direction of water flow. The tail portion can be secured with pins that provide protection against movement of the tail portion and reduce an amount of sediment passing under the apparatus.

Abstract: A structure for forming a barrier for an adjacent level of water comprises a plurality of “A” panels and a plurality of “X” panels. The A panels have at least two slots each extending from one of first and second long edges of the A panel to a slot terminus between the two edges. The X panels each have at least two slots each extending from an intersection with one of first and second edges of the X panel to a slot terminus between the two edges. Placing the X panels in a crossed and interlocked relationship with the A panels forms four sides of at least one cell. A container filled with water is within each of the cells. The container is formed of flexible material impervious to water and defining a closed volume having an unstressed shape approximating that of the cell's four sides.

Abstract: There is disclosed a barrier assembly for shoreline preservation or restoration comprising a gabion having opposed side walls connected together at spaced intervals along the length of the gabion by a plurality of partition walls, the spaces between neighboring pairs of partition walls defining, together with the side walls, at least one individual compartment of the gabion, the at least one individual compartment of the gabion being bounded by the respective opposed side walls or by opposed side wall sections of the respective opposed side walls, the partition walls being pivotally connected to the side walls, the individual compartment of the gabion having extending therefrom in a direction away from the individual compartment convergent at least partly open framework panels forming or forming part of a protuberant compartment on the gabion. A method of preserving and restoring a shoreline, and use of a barrier assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide shoreline restoration modules which may be anchored together along a shoreline of a body of water, such as a lake or pond, to facilitate restoration of the shoreline. The shoreline restoration modules may include a photodegradable material selected to degrade over a period of years, such as four years or five years, while maintaining strength over the period of years to prevent breakdown of a media enclosed by the shoreline restoration modules. In some embodiments, the shoreline restoration modules also provide beneficial run off nutrient, silt, and other particulate matter trapping and filtering.

Abstract: An erosion control wall system is provided and methods of making it that protect a bank, beach or bluff from soil/sand erosion. The erosion control system includes a plurality of wall members, each formed to have a front face that dissipates and deflects the energy from oncoming waves and a rear face with a stabilizing member extending therefrom for securing the wall member in position along a bank or bluff, or in the water adjacent to a bank, bluff or beach for example. The wall sections are self-stabilizing by action of sand, gravel and/or stone flowing over the wall section and anchoring the stabilizing member. The erosion control wall sections may be constructed on-site using slip form construction methods.

Abstract: A method for controlling dust on a saline lakebed is disclosed comprising several methods such as a Brine Membrane method, an Interim method and a Springtime Conservation method. The Brine Membrane method comprises creating or locating an existing wetting basin, depositing precipitated salts in the basin, and depositing a brine over the salts to form a brine membrane.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for coating the surface of substrates such as a sheet, film, foam, fiber, etc., with a curable liquid resin or solution of curable resin, then in one embodiment, stably attaching a superabsorbent polymeric powder to such resin, and then curing the resin to form a coated superabsorbent product. Such substrates may include polymeric materials. Other process embodiments utilizing curable and thermoplastic resinous powders may be used instead of curable liquid resins and resulting products are included in the invention. The coated product may be utilized for water and nutrient retention in combination with irrigation, erosion control, to direct plant root growth, and to clean up standing water and petroleum spills.

Abstract: Methods of producing precast concrete structures, installing them to form larger structures along shorelines or underwater and the structures produced thereby are disclosed. Certain preferred embodiments can be employed as underwater shellfish habitats for raising oysters, mussels and the like.

Abstract: Slags, including the harmful-substance-containing slags, are not directly melted but are neutralized and processed into eco-resource materials, so that the slugs can be effectively utilized to purify and revive a large area of polluted water without any burden on the environment. Predetermined proportions of a non-recyclable harmful-substance-containing unused slag selected from by-product slags produced during the refining of a metal such as iron, copper, or aluminum from an ore, a porcelain clay for ceramics, and a mineral clay for ceramics, such as a quartz powder or an alumina powder, are kneaded to form a clay material with a suitable size. The clay material is burnt in a burning oven for ceramics at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time so that a liquid glaze can sufficiently penetrate into the inner region of the clay material, thereby forming a biscuit clay material.

Abstract: A method is provided for maintaining the structured stability and configuration of golf course sand bunker borders which method comprises excavating the soil area adjacent the bunker edge, rigidly positioning adjacent open-top, uniquely designed compartments in the excavated area along the edge of the bunker, filling the compartment with soil to the top of each compartment and leveling the soil on top of the compartments. Each compartment comprises side panels, front and back panels and a bottom closure panel. The compartment is rigidly positioned by means of spikes driven through the back and front panel into the soil at the edge of the bunker and a spike through the bottom closure into the soil beneath the sand in the bunker.

Abstract: An erosion control system for reducing shoreline erosion resulting from wave action, runoff and hydrostatic pressure. The system includes a flexible geotextile provided over a shoreline. A plurality of rigid erosion control mats are provided over the flexible geotextile and secured in place by a plurality of anchors secured into the shoreline. The geotextile, erosion control mat and anchors may be adjusted to accommodate shorelines of varying slopes and susceptibility to erosion.

Abstract: A bulk container and method suitable for forming an interlinked wall. In one embodiment, the bulk container may generally include sidewalls, lifting straps for transporting the container, and a closeable top. Linking loops may be provided on at least one sidewall which are each configured to be engaged by connecting members to link adjacent bulk containers together for forming an interlinked wall. In one embodiment, the connecting member is a belt which may be tensioned. Another possible embodiment includes a linking strap affixed to the sidewall panel and to which the linking loops may be attached or formed as an integral part thereof. A barrier wall system and method of forming the same from interlinked bulk containers is also provided. The barrier wall system is suitable for use in, but not limited to, shoreline erosion protection and flood control applications.

Abstract: A geotextile tube is provided. The geotextile tube includes a first sheet and second sheet that both have first portions with a first weave pattern and second portions with a second weave pattern. The first portion of the first sheet covers a larger surface area than the second portion of the first sheet. Likewise, the first portion of the second sheet covers a larger surface area than the second portion of the second sheet. A seam contacts and attaches the second portion of the first sheet to the second portion of the second sheet.

Abstract: A method for landscaping an area using an earth-reinforcing revetment includes the steps of providing a first structure of at least one landscaping apparatus having a measure of openings and a base region, providing a second structure of the at least one landscaping apparatus having a measure of openings greater than the measure of openings of the second structure, arranging the second structure at an angle relative to the first structure such that the angle defines a landscaping feature, arranging at least a portion of the first structure on a landscaping region of the area such that the landscaping region at least partially supports base region of the first structure, and disposing landscaping material on the first structure of the landscaping apparatus so as to define a feature for the area. Also, a landscaping apparatus of an earth-reinforcing revetment includes the above described structures.

Abstract: A barrier is disclosed which includes a connected pair of upstanding and equidistantly spaced first and second walls which together define a channel having a bottom and an open top. Dirt or rock fill (or fill of any other non-vegetative material) is poured into or otherwise placed in the channel between the walls to cover the bottom of the channel and at least partially fill the channel. The area of the channel containing the fill may be lined with geo-textile material to help contain the fill.

Abstract: A protective module for use as a water shielding part of a barrier, said barrier being adapted to be positioned between a body of water and an area of land to be protected. The protective module has a main plane and a first, second, third and fourth side, which sides define a main surface of the protective module, in the main plane of the protective module, the first and second sides being arranged opposite each other. A method of manufacturing a protective module according to the invention, concerning a barrier made up of interconnected protective modules and a barrier system including two or more protective modules, the protective modules being adapted to be joined together in such a manner as to form a barrier.

Abstract: This process will provides an efficient cost effective method for reducing and potentially alleviating high bank erosion without using rip rap stone. The process will utilize a series of geotextile islands and sand bag walls interconnected into energy deflecting, erosion control structures. Each geotextile island is constructed from a water-permeable fabric tube with a diameter up to 45 feet. This fabric may be cut into lengths of approximately five to twelve feet, with one end subsequently folded and secured to become a drop shaped geotextile island. The islands will be placed as a hard point connecting structure with an interlocking sand bag wall.

Abstract: An erosion control system for reducing erosion under effluent flow conditions. The system includes an erosion control mat anchored over an erosion susceptible area. The anchoring system uses an anchor positioned below the soil, connected to the mat by a flexible strap. Due to its high shear resistance, the system may be used in high effluent flow areas, such as drainage ditches and creeks.

Abstract: An erosion control system for reducing shoreline erosion resulting from wave action, runoff and hydrostatic pressure. The system includes a flexible geotextile provided over a shoreline. A plurality of rigid erosion control mats are provided over the flexible geotextile and secured in place by a plurality of anchors secured into the shoreline. The geotextile, erosion control mat and anchors may be adjusted to accommodate shorelines of varying slopes and susceptibility to erosion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrophilic revetment block constructed on the slope of seashore, harbor, river, reservoir, dam, etc. Whereas conventional revetment blocks are focused on their individual functional advantages, the revetment block of the present invention offers a variety of functions, namely, space for plants, conservation of ecosystem and protection of lakeshore through wave dissipation and reduction of water flow rate at once. On the block is provided a space for plants. The block is constructed lower than the water surface to offer living space for fish. Projections are formed at the front bottom of the block to prevent collapse of a revetment block by waves or water flow. The projections serve the purpose of stirs, so that people may have easy access to the shore. The space for water outflow and fish growing dissipates the energy of the water which flowed in through the water inlets formed at the bottom of the block, thereby offering better stability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stairs-type hydrophilic revetment block having seawater flow ports and a construction method thereof. The existing coastal breakwaters, embankment, revetments, etc. are constructed to pacify the sea areas. However, because of occlusiveness of their structure, seawater flow is significantly reduced and pollutants are accumulated without being diffused to the open sea. As a result, the self-cleaning action is interrupted and the benthic ecosystem is in danger of being destroyed due to oxygen deficiency as the accumulated organic materials are decomposed. And, the conventional structures are designed and constructed mainly to block waves in order to pacify the sea areas and protect harbor facilities.

Abstract: A cellular reinforcement for soil particle confinement. Transverse reinforcement cords and longitudinal reinforcement cords are interlaced with each other to form a netlike sheet having openings of a preset size, and after fusion-welding the sheets formed in this way at regular intervals in a widthwise direction, by pulling a resultant structure in both directions, a plurality of honeycombed cell nets is formed.

Abstract: Armor units for rubble mound structures including breakwaters, revetments, groins, jetties, and the like. Embodiments are appropriate for ocean, river, lake and reservoir structure armoring, to prevent erosion from damaging hydrodynamic forces resulting from waves and water currents, and the like. An embodiment includes a central rectangular section, three “half H-shaped” appendages, two identical frusta (end members), and a flat bottom with two extrusions, nominally smaller than other appendages and frusta. An embodiment is symmetric about two perpendicularly intersecting vertical planes extending through the centroid of the unit. The three half H-shaped members are connected to outer parts of a side defined as the top and the two longitudinal sides of the central section. The three half H-shaped members and the two end members comprise four-sided frusta that taper from a base at the central rectangular section to four-sided distal ends. For select embodiments, the frusta are generally symmetric.

Abstract: An erosion control system for reducing shoreline erosion resulting from wave action, run-off and hydrostatic pressure. The system includes a flexible geotextile provided over a shoreline. A plurality of rigid erosion control mats are provided over the flexible geotextile and secured in place by a plurality of anchors secured into the shoreline. The geotextile, erosion control mat and anchors may be adjusted to accommodate shorelines of varying slopes and susceptibility to erosion.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide shoreline restoration modules which may be anchored together along a shoreline of a body of water, such as a lake or pond, to facilitate restoration of the shoreline. The shoreline restoration modules may include a photodegradable material selected to degrade over a period of years, such as four years or five years, while maintaining strength over the period of years to prevent breakdown of a media enclosed by the shoreline restoration modules. In some embodiments, the shoreline restoration modules also provide beneficial run off nutrient, silt, and other particulate matter trapping and filtering.

Abstract: A geotextile tube is provided. The geotextile tube includes a first sheet and second sheet that both have first portions with a first weave pattern and second portions with a second weave pattern. The first portion of the first sheet covers a larger surface area than the second portion of the first sheet. Likewise, the first portion of the second sheet covers a larger surface area than the second portion of the second sheet. A seam contacts and attaches the second portion of the first sheet to the second portion of the second sheet.

Abstract: Dump element for forming a spatial structure (500, 501) such as a filtering or skeleton construction with such dumped dump elements. The dump element (99) comprises a first elongated, curved hook part (1), a second elongated, curved hook part (2), and a spacer (3) between the first (1) and the second hook part (2), which spacer holds said hook parts (1, 2) spaced apart and interlocks them. With a method for forming a spatial structure, dumped dump elements randomly interlock. In a spatial structure, hook parts of individual dump elements lying near each other interlock while then, the hook parts intersect in their longitudinal directions.

Abstract: A floating levee sheet which prevents the river water from overflowing the levee, and a plurality of which are interconnected to cover the waterside levee slope comprising; a watertight sheet body that forms an internal space by being upwardly folded at the upper end; and a loading bag section constructed at the lower end of the sheet body with an open top portion; and a float which is fixed on the sheet body in the across-the-width direction at the upper part of the internal space, and is filled with air and hermetically sealed; and a plurality of joining members whose one end is secured to the upper end of the sheet body, and whose other end comprises an anchoring section to be anchored to the levee top over the anchoring section of the sheet body, and through the intervals of which the overflowing water enters the internal space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stairs-type hydrophilic revetment block having seawater flow ports and a construction method thereof. The existing coastal breakwaters, embankment, revetments, etc. are constructed to pacify the sea areas. However, because of occlusiveness of their structure, seawater flow is significantly reduced and pollutants are accumulated without being diffused to the open sea. As a result, the self-cleaning action is interrupted and the benthic ecosystem is in danger of being destroyed due to oxygen deficiency as the accumulated organic materials are decomposed. And, the conventional structures are designed and constructed mainly to block waves in order to pacify the sea areas and protect harbor facilities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrophilic revetment block constructed on the slope of seashore, harbor, river, reservoir, dam, etc. Whereas conventional revetment blocks are focused on their individual functional advantages, the revetment block of the present invention offers a variety of functions, namely, space for plants, conservation of ecosystem and protection of lakeshore through wave dissipation and reduction of water flow rate at once. On the block is provided a space for plants. The block is constructed lower than the water surface to offer living space for fish. Projections are formed at the front bottom of the block to prevent collapse of a revetment block by waves or water flow. The projections serve the purpose of stirs, so that people may have easy access to the shore. The space for water outflow and fish growing dissipates the energy of the water which flowed in through the water inlets formed at the bottom of the block, thereby offering better stability.

Abstract: A bag made from a length of material (10) divided into a series of three or more substantially equal sized sections (12, 14, 16, 18, 20). Every other section is filled with sand (14, 18), or other particulate material and there is an unfilled section (12, 20) at each end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an embankment block. There are provided a base frame 30 having a center with a through hole, and a plurality of connection members 32 that are downwardly extended from an outer surface of a rim of the base frame 30 wherein a front end of the same has an outwardly bent connection part 38. A plurality of through holes 34 are formed in a rim of the base frame 30 wherein said through holes 34 vertically pass through by the partition plate 36. The connection member 32 is widened in an outer direction of the rim of the base frame 30 and is slanted at a certain slope.

Abstract: Drainage units and methods of their manufacture, the drainage units comprising lightweight aggregate held within a sleeve having an exterior surface with at least a portion of exterior surface comprising a barrier material substantially impervious to solids.

Abstract: An erosion control device for use on beach and land areas subject to erosion includes: (a) an elongated beam portion comprising a first wall and a first base; (b) a cross-beam portion having a length that is less than half the length of the elongated beam portion, the cross-beam portion including a second wall and a second base; and (c) a mechanism for connecting the device to a second erosion control device; wherein the cross-beam portion extends transversely through the elongated beam portion at about a mid-point of the elongated beam portion. Also included herein is a matrix of interconnectable, relatively uniform erosion control devices.

Abstract: A constructing method by using waste tires includes cutting sidewalls from waste tires; connecting multiple waste tires in series together by the sidewalls to form a layer of waste tires; filling the waste tires with ballast; and stacking another layer of waste tires on the previous layer with a staggered arrangement. An end member, being composed of a cut waste tire with two ends connected to an outer periphery of an unbroken waste tire, is provided at an end portion of the layers. Whereby, the construction built from waste tires can be used in projects such as a protection slope, road berm, riverbank, riverbed, etc., and has a good strength and a low cost.

Abstract: A sub surface aquatic weed barrier consisting of a strip of plastic held to the aquatic substrate by transverse weights bonded to the plastic strip. Gas release ports are located in the plastic sheet, positioned midway between the transverse weights.

Abstract: A flexible, molded, polymeric grid is embedded in a predominantly concrete mat comprising a concrete slab having relatively thicker portions defining blocks connected by relatively thinner portions, along which the concrete slab is breakable. The flexible grid has two longitudinal edges, two transverse edges, longitudinally extending members, and transversely extending members, where the longitudinally and transversely extending members connect the blocks to one another when the concrete slab is broken along the relatively thinner portions. The longitudinally and transversely extending members meet at nodes, which are spaced uniformly from one another, both longitudinally and transversely, except that, along the longitudinal and transverse edges, each node is spaced more distantly from the nodes nearest to the node. When the longitudinal and transverse members are disposed in an imaginary plane and the flexible grid is not stressed, fingers, which are unitary with the grid, extend from the imaginary plane.