Abstract: A water structure formed from a pair of flexible tubes or sleeves that each receive a volume of water and are maintained within a containment sleeve, and including a vertical tube fitted through the containing sleeve to pass between and is separated from the water filled flexible tubes or sleeves.

Abstract: A covering block for constructing a breakwater comprises a front wall in which horizontal projections are formed up and down transversal rectangularshaped openings therebetween, in parallel rows, side walls left and right jointed at the both ends of the front wall, a partition wall in which multiple holes are formed to communicate with the above said openings, being jointed to the side walls at both ends, and a detention pond surrounded by the above four walls for reserving the overflow waves, are designed concrete stacked, assembling devices which are very convenient for constructing and handling.

Abstract: A geotextile fabric constructed as a bi-axially oriented, open grid of high modulus of elasticity strands impregnated with resinous material which is flexible when cured. The fabric may be stored and installed in roll or sheet form and provides high-strength, low-strain reinforcement of earthen structures which is resistant to abrasion, water and chemical attack from soil.

Abstract: A three-dimensional net includes front and rear base nets interconnected with connecting yarn with a predetermined space therebetween. The front and rear base nets each include braid parts forming a meshed structure which presents mesh openings bounded by intersections of the braid parts, each of the braid parts including at least one wale. The mesh openings of a first of the front and rear base nets is larger than the mesh openings of a second of the front and rear base nets, and the front and rear base nets are connected together by passing the connecting yarns between all the braid parts of the first base net and a corresponding portion of the braid parts of the second base net in positions opposed to the braid parts of the first net.

Abstract: Erosion or collapse of a stream or a river is prevented by mooring timber, stones, or the like with a longitudinal cable (steel cable) (1). Barrier-like members (3) such as timber and stones moored by using the longitudinal cable (1) are arranged substantially stepwise or parallel to each other on the ground near the eroded or collapsed place to prevent mountain landslides.

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. The sell structure may include tendons passing through the walls of the cell.

Abstract: A method for installing and replacing revetment blocks in a cabled matrix. Each revetment block has a large opening therein for access to the cables that pass therethrough. The cable of a broken block is severed in the opening, and the parts of the broken block are removed. The ends of the severed cable are threaded through a replacement revetment block, and the block is lowered into place in conjunction with the neighboring blocks. The ends of the severed cable are pulled into the opening in the block and spliced together, preferably using a ferrule that is crimped to the ends of the severed cable. The large opening in each block also facilitates threading the cables through the rows of blocks in a matrix.

Abstract: A tire block is made of a plurality of elongated tire tread strips arranged end-to-end and wound in a spiral wrap of overlying convolutions. Fasteners secure the tire tread strips together. The tire tread strips are made from motor vehicle tires by removing the side walls and transversely splitting the tread.

Abstract: An erosion control system for protecting a shoreline is provided comprising a first row of starter elements in contact with one another and fixedly attached to the shoreline; a second row of standard elements in contact with one another and matably engaged with the first row, such that the second row is closer to the shoreline and overlaps the first row in an interlocking manner; a third row of standard elements in contact with one another and matably engaged with the second row, such that the third row is closer to the shoreline and overlaps the second row; and wherein each successive row of standard elements is laterally offset from a previous row of standard elements.

Abstract: A paving assembly including a plurality of paving elements interconnected by a joining mesh. The mesh has a number of spaced-apart flat portions between the paving elements and a number of reinforcing portions of generally triangular shape extending into the body of the paving elements. A mold base has recesses to receive settable cementitious material and an insert tool is used to insert the mesh into the settable material. On setting, the paving assembly thus formed is readily removed from the mold base by inverting the base.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in erosion control comprising a primary member and a secondary member pivotally connectable to the primary member to form a unit. The unit can be connected to another like unit to form a protective network of such units.

Abstract: Erosion or collapse of a stream or a river is prevented by mooring timber, stones, or the like with a longitudinal cable (steel cable) (1). Barrier-like members (3) such as timber and stones moored by using the longitudinal cable (1) are arranged substantially stepwise or parallel to each other on the ground near the eroded or collapsed place to prevent mountain landslides.

Abstract: A unidirectional geotextile fabric for use in reinforcement of earthen retaining walls, embankments, slopes and related structures. The fabric is an open grid of high modulus of elasticity strands extending in the weft direction and strands of comparatively lower modulus of elasticity material extending in the warp direction. The fabric is preferably coated with a curable resinous material of sufficient thickness to protect the glass strands from breaking as the fabric is rolled onto cores and unrolled at the job site. When laying the fabric, a roll of the fabric is placed at one end of the face of the earthen structure being constructed and simply unrolled in a direction generally parallel to the structure's face. Because the high modulus strands of the fabric are the weft strands they extend and inhibit soil movement in a direction substantially perpendicular to the face of the structure.

Abstract: A system for preventing erosion and release of chemicals from exposed soil, the system including a pattern of horizontally-disposed, closely-spaced tires substantially filled and surrounded by inorganic fill material for limiting efflux of the exposed soil surface. In a first preferred embodiment, the system comprises the array of tires with an underlayment of open-weave lyophobic textile covering the soil surface. In a second preferred embodiment, the system comprises the array of tires with an underlayment of open-weave lyophobic textile and a fixated fill material for the individual tires with the top of the horizontally-disposed area of exposed fixated fill material containing a surface layer of water-soluble inorganic aggregate.

Abstract: A device for forming a siltation construction comprising a substantially rectangular cloth (1) of water-permeable material, which is anchored on all sides to a water bed by anchoring means. Floating elements (10) are arranged on cloth at a distance from one side (4) thereof and along the other sides (3) are formed pouches (1) open toward the center of the cloth.

Abstract: The method for engaging a geosynthetic or erosion mat including a soil engaging layer to underlying ground includes the steps of feeding a length of twine out over the soil engaging layer of the mat, and pressing a loop of the twine into the ground at intermittent points therealong. If required, an enhancing step of compressing the ground over the pressed in twine may be incorporated into the method.

Abstract: A soil cement bank lining system is provided for substantially reducing or eliminating erosion along the banks of a waterway such as a flood conveyance facility. The system includes at least two soil cement linings arranged at spaced apart locations. One or more over-bank grade control structures are interposed between the first and second linings. The respective linings preferably extend parallel to the body of water, with one lining being disposed farther from the body of water and at a higher elevation than the other lining.

Abstract: An erosion retardation structure to reduce erosion of an underlying granular base at a coastal property, the structure including a plurality of generally rigid material panels, each having a first end, second end, first face and second face, and structured to be coupled to an adjacently disposed panes at generally their corresponding first and second ends so as to define a wall section wherein a first face of a first panel and a second face of a second panel are positioned relative to one another so as to define a front face of the wall section.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fiber strand useful in composites and geosynthetics which includes a plurality of fibers having applied to at least a portion of surfaces thereof a base layer of a base coating composition and thereupon a principal layer of an aqueous coating composition different from the base coating composition, the aqueous coating composition including a blend of (1) a halogenated vinyl polymer and (2) an elastomeric polymer, the blend being essentially free of a monoolefinic material.

Abstract: A protective bank damming device useful for damming and controlling the flow of a liquid, the liquid most commonly being water. The damming device barrier member is inflated with water to provide a form to the barrier member, and anchoring weight to keep the barrier secured to the substrate surface. The barrier member provides support for a skirt member extending from the top side of the barrier to a skirt distal edge abutting against the flood side substrate surface. A skirt sealing means is applied along the skirt distal edge, with the purpose of preventing leakage under the skirt and barrier member, and utilizing natural leakage inherent in this type of liquid-anchored dam, reducing the hydrostatic pressure under the skirt and barrier relative to the dammed water. This pressure differential keeps the damming device securely anchored to the surface.

Abstract: A block assembly and wall system wherein a block of masonry, or other material is provided with a vertical through opening having an enlarged and offset lower portion and a smaller upper portion. An interlock element has an enlarged offset upper portion and a smaller lower portion to provide for insertion of the latter into the upper portion of a block opening. The upper portion of the element is entered into the lower portion of an adjacent block placed atop the first block. The blocks are thus secured in position horizontally and, alternatively, the blocks may be secured vertically or in a "battered" wall construction. That is, with the connecting elements in a first attitude, a conventional vertical wall is provided whereas a 180.degree. (one hundred eighty degrees) rotation of the elements about their vertical axis results in a "battered" wall.

Abstract: A water permeable erosion control bag having a flexible mesh wall with openings through which water can flow. Discrete hammer-milled wood fragments are within the bag.

Abstract: A block for use in a revetment system comprising a plurality of blocks arranged to form a mat. The block has a top surface, a bottom surface and first and second opposed side surfaces that extend between the top and bottom surfaces, and third and fourth opposed side surfaces extending between the top and bottom surfaces and the first and second side surfaces. The first and second opposing side surfaces have a mating recess and projection, such that a recess on a first side surface mates with a projection on a second side surface of an adjacent block in a revetment system. On each of the third and fourth sides is a channel and two interlocking tips disposed on either side of the channel. The interlocking tips of a third or fourth side of one block are adapted to fit into the channel of the third or fourth side of another block. The channel is configured so that there is the possibility of lateral movement when the blocks are configured into a mat.

Abstract: Bonded composite open mesh structural textiles are formed of woven textile. The textile is formed from at least two, and preferably three, components. The first component, or load bearing member, is a high tenacity, high modulus, low elongation mono- or multifilament yarn. The second component is a polymer in yarn or other form which will encapsulate and bond yarns at the junctions to strengthen the junctions. The third component is an optional effect or bulking yarn. In the woven textile, a plurality of warp yarns are woven with a plurality of weft (fill) yarns. The weave preferably includes a half-cross or full-cross leno weave. At least a portion of the warp and weft yarns are first component load bearing yarns. The polymer component is used as required for the bonding properties necessary for the finished product, and especially to provide improved junction or joint strength.

Abstract: A silt fence fabric with an enlarged edge fits into a slotted blade edge, and is paid out through the slot into the ground as the blade cuts a slit in the ground.

Abstract: A mat installation is disclosed which reduces shoreline deterioration due to wave and tide surging, comprising a series of concrete elements, disposed over a set of pipes fastened together, preferably in groups of three, by strapping or other suitable means and protected with a geotextitle fabric. The mat is then placed over the set of pipes and anchored at the onshore side of the pipes, with the pipes laterally facing the wave action.

Abstract: A flood barrier having water fillable elongate tube portions and cylindrical water fillable junction portions. Water fill inlets, water drain outlets, air relief valves, and anchors are formed on the elongate tube portions and cylindrical junction portions. Ends of the elongate tube portions are held in watertight contact with the cylindrical junction portions with straps threaded through the anchors. Saddle portions prevent the elongate portion from rolling. The saddle portion has two loops with tubes placed in the loops, and the elongate tube portion is placed on the saddle portion with tubes straddling the elongate tube portion.

Abstract: The erosion control system includes a plurality of erosion control blocks connected to one another by connectors to form an interconnected network of erosion control blocks conforming to the underlying terrain for erosion prevention. Each erosion control block includes a plurality of apertures therethrough each forming a side wall. The connector includes a pair of projecting legs for insertion into adjacent erosion control blocks. Each leg attachingly engages the side wall of the aperture of an erosion control block for connecting that erosion control block to an adjacent block. The legs include tapered extensions which frictionally engage the side wall, and in one embodiment of the erosion control block, the side wall includes a shoulder which engages the terminal end of the tapered extension. The erosion control block may have one end with convex arcuate surface and another end with a concave arcuate surface for providing an articulating joint between adjacent erosion control blocks.

Abstract: A flood barrier wall consisting of a flexible tubular flood chamber, skirts and an air-filled flotation collar. In its unexpanded and deflated mode the device is relegated to a substantially flattened condition which can be folded, rolled up or placed on a spindle for ease of transport and rapid deployment at a flood site. Deployment consists of placing the barrier on the anticipated flood site, weighting and fastening the skirts to the ground and inflating the collar. As rising flood water enters the flood chamber it expands said chamber, resulting in an effective flood barrier.

Abstract: An erosion control system is useful for coastlines, riverbeds, and the like, to protect against erosion caused by a wavefront. The system typically includes an integrated armor layer mounted upon and covering an embankment adjacent the shoreline. The armor layer comprises a plurality of blocks connected in a chainlike configuration by connecting members disposed between neighboring blocks. Each chain is linearly aligned in a direction generally perpendicular to the shore and wavefront, and each chain abuts neighboring chains, but not affixed in any manner thereto. The connecting members have separate elements for absorbing tension and compression.

Abstract: Bonded composite open mesh structural textiles are formed of woven textile. The textile is formed from at least two, and preferably three, components. The first component, or load bearing member, is a high tenacity, high modulus, low elongation mono- or multifilament yarn. The second component is a polymer in yarn or other form which will encapsulate and bond yarns at the junctions to strengthen the junctions. The third component is an optional effect or bulking yarn. In the woven textile, a plurality of warp yarns are woven with a plurality of weft (fill) yarns. The weave preferably includes a half-cross or full-cross leno weave. At least a portion of the warp and weft yarns are first component load bearing yarns. The polymer component is used as required for the bonding properties necessary for the finished product, and especially to provide improved junction or joint strength.

Abstract: A ditch check for controlling erosion or sediment run-off in a ditch or swale is configured as a generally planar panel. The panel has suitable water-conducting passages to permit and is given holes to insert anchor stakes to anchor the panel to the ground. The panel is preferably made substantially of a polymer or resinous moldable material. The panel is given such formed side edges that adjacent panels can overlap or enmesh one another where they meet to close a gap therebetween. It is optional that the panel be stackable with other like panels, for greater convenience during non-use periods, as while being transported and/or during storage. Given the foregoing, the panel is meant to replace straw bales as ditch checks because the panel is very much lighter, is non-absorbent and inexpensive, and is indefinitely reusable.

Abstract: The revetment mat comprises at least two webs joined together at aligned perimeter edges. Each web comprises a plurality of (a) interior blocks disposed side-by-side in rows and (b) a plurality of edge blocks defining a pair of perimeter edge rows of the web. The interior and edge blocks are interlinked together by threading a revetment cable through tunnels defined in the blocks. Each of the edge blocks defines a recess in one end thereof and further defines a pair of coaxial bores which extend from a first side to an interior face in the recess and from an opposing face in the recess to a second side of the edge block. An elongated rod is received in the bores and thereby extends across a gap in the recess between the opposing interior faces. A plurality of couplers are used to join a first web to a second web, which webs are positioned side-by-side. Each coupler is disposed within one of the recesses.

Abstract: A method for reducing water leakage through sandbag dikes is disclosed, wherein a bentonite or other clay mud slurry is applied to the sandbags. The mud slurry may further include a water loss reducing chemical and/or a water blocking material. The mud slurry may be applied to the river side of the sandbags and may be covered with a plastic sheeting before the river level reaches the sandbags. The mud slurry, and any included chemicals and/or water blocking materials(s), form a coating on both woven plastic fabric and cloth sandbags as well as sandbags of non-porous plastic for reducing water flow through and between the sandbags. The plastic sheeting also makes it feasible to repair the dikes after the sandbags have become submerged by the rising water. That is, hoses can be inserted between the sandbags and the plastic sheeting for injecting the mud slurry at points having excessive leakage.

Abstract: An interconnected block system including a plurality of staggered rows of block members formed of concrete or the like secured to the upper surface only of an underlying, interconnecting, grid-like, matrix sheet. In one embodiment, a plurality of connector elements are connected to the matrix material preferably by bodkin connections to form one or a multiplicity of openings or apertures above the upper surface of the matrix sheet for reception of the block-forming material. The block members are cast on top of the matrix sheet material to capture the connector elements which provides a mechanical interlock between the block member and the matrix. The matrix sheet material preferably includes a layer of geotextile bonded on an opposite side from the block members. An alternate embodiment provides a strip or mat to underly the matrix sheet with a plurality of projections upstanding therefrom and passing through the matrix sheet.

Abstract: A revetment system having a plurality of blocks arranged to form a mat. Each block having top and bottom surfaces and pairs of opposed and substantially parallel side surfaces. One of the side surfaces in each of the opposed pairs has first and second projections and the other of the side surfaces in each of the opposed pairs has first and second recesses. The projections and recesses are sized and configured so that they mate with projections and recesses on the side surfaces of adjacent blocks. The bottom surface of the block may be provided with projections to enhance the frictional stability of the blocks. The blocks are connected together by cables which pass through tunnels between the side surfaces of the blocks. A sleeve fitted into each opening of the tunnel in the side surface is provided to protect the cables from breakage.

Abstract: Interlocking blocks for the stabilization of stream and river banks and ct lines, road bed embankments, and boat ramps, are made of concrete, and have a high proportion of open area. Interlocking connections between adjacent blocks are made by radial projecting members and recesses on the periphery of each block, the projecting members of one block fitting into the recesses on adjacent blocks. Projections and recesses are alternately provided at regular angular intervals such that blocks can be assembled in either square or an equilateral triangular patterns. A layer of filter cloth material is laid on the sloping surface and upon which the blocks are then placed; this filter cloth slows down the leaching of water through the open areas between the interlocking blocks and prevents the washing away of sand and silt by stream or river water or rainwater runoff.

Abstract: A fluid-fillable barrier includes a tubular, impermeable membrane and at least one tension member. The membrane has a first attachment area and a second attachment area. The tension member secures between, and extends from, the first attachment area to the second attachment area. When in tension, the tension member may pivot with respect to the membrane, and has a taut length which is less than one-half of the perimeter of a cross section of the membrane, the length and perimeter being measured at a common cross-section taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the membrane.

Abstract: A liquid-damming protective bank comprises a member abutting against a surface upon which a vertical force acts with the purpose of pressing and anchoring the same against the surface. The bank member has a first long side edge turned towards a flood side and an opposite long side edge turned towards a dry side of the protective bank. Between the surface (2) and the bank member (1) there is applied a device (12) extending axially along the bank, e.g. a mat, the purpose of which is to drain away flood liquid possibly leaking in under the member from the flood side so as to keep the area on the bottom side of the member elongating from the long side edge of the draining device (12) being closest to the flood side to the dry side, at or close to atmospheric pressure in order to obtain a maximum pressure difference in relation to the hydraulic pressure keeping the protective bank sealing against the surface.

Abstract: A combination of a rectangular-shaped landscape tie held in position by a heavy U-shaped member wherein said U-shaped member surrounds three sides of the tie with long pointed arms extending into the ground with the U-shaped member having sufficient strength to withstand driving into the ground by hammering on the top of the U-shaped member.

Abstract: A matrix for aggregate containment and drainage system for road-base construction, or reconstruction--provides by reuse of vehicle tires. Each tire (unit) has one sidewall removed and drain holes provided in the remaining sidewall. A plurality of these units are positioned and fastened together to form a matrix. Each unit open side up, lying flat then receives aggregate construction material. The matrix configuration provides an excellent base for construction, minimizing aggregate loss due to sinking, wash out or lateral movement. A major ecological advantage is the beneficial use of otherwise problem used tires.

Abstract: A system used to insulate soil, most practically in waste sites and the like, including a plurality of geoinsulation blankets and an anchoring means. Each blanket has a flexible plastic casing sealed around its perimeter with at least one air vent through it, a resilient insulation batt contained within the casing, and attachment means of the hook and loop type positioned along its perimeter to adjoin overlapping edges of blankets in the system.

Abstract: An interconnected block system including a plurality of staggered rows of block members formed of concrete or the like secured to the upper surface only of an underlying, interconnecting, grid-like, matrix sheet. In one embodiment, a plurality of connector elements are connected to the matrix material preferably by bodkin connections to form one or a multiplicity of openings or apertures above the upper surface of the matrix sheet for reception of the block-forming material. The block members are cast on top of the matrix sheet material to capture the connector elements which provides a mechanical interlock between the block member and the matrix. The matrix sheet material preferably includes a layer of geotextile bonded on an opposite side from the block members. An alternate embodiment provides a strip or mat to underly the matrix sheet with a plurality of projections upstanding therefrom and passing through the matrix sheet.

Abstract: Support member (10) has stabilizer plate (12) and upper (16) and lower (18) tire holders. Support member (10) spans the diameter of a vehicle tire (22), penetrating the treads of the tire. Upper (16) and lower (18) tire holders are spaced apart so as to closely engage tire (22) and maintain tire (22) at a desired vertical elevation. Cross bar (14) is fastened to support member (10) approximately one half way between upper and lower tire holders (16) and (18), with the ends of cross bar (14) engaging the sidewalls of tire (22), thus preventing rotation of tire (22) about support member (10). The apparatus is installed by driving support member (10) into a water bottom at a desired location, typically near a coastline, with tire (22) direction ally aligned so as to protect the coastline, typically by alignment of the sidewalls or face of the tire perpendicular to prevailing wave and tidal flow.

Abstract: A revetment block for use in a revetment system, the block having top and bottom surfaces and pairs of opposed and substantially parallel side surfaces. One of the side surfaces in each of the opposed pairs has first and second projections and the other of the side surfaces in each of the opposed pairs has first and second recesses. The projections and recesses are sized and configured so that they mate with projections and recesses on the side surfaces of adjacent blocks. The bottom surface of the block may be provided with projections to enhance the frictional stability of the blocks. The blocks are connected together by cables which pass through tunnels between the side surfaces of the blocks. A sleeve fitted into each opening of the tunnel in the side surface is provided to protect the cables from breakage.

Abstract: An erosion control block having a bore formed therein for engaging with an inflatable plug. The inflatable plugs of plural blocks are cabled together so as to engage a matrix of blocks, and when inflated, the plugs allow the cable to lift the entire matrix of blocks. The matrix of erosion control blocks can be lifted by a crane and installed by the utilization of the cabling system having inflatable plugs attached to the cabling and engagable within central bores formed within each block. The inflatable plugs can be deflated and removed with the cabling from the installed matrix of blocks, and reused.

Abstract: The erosion control blanket of blocks comprises a plurality of concrete blocks having a preselected configuration and being joined to adjacent blocks of the configuration by at least one of a plurality of embodiments of a reinforcing lattice structure. Individual blankets may be joined together to create a desired configuration for a substrate covering. Provision of the blocks in a blanket configuration provides a process of laying the blocks with attached lattice which is time and labor saving.

Abstract: A river bottom fish control apparatus, which includes a mesh grid netting for providing a substrate for plants and other benthic organism growth and for decreasing turbidity in a body of water. The mesh grid netting includes a flexible plastic having mesh openings and apertures forming flaps located at spaced intervals. The apertures are relatively larger than the mesh openings. The apertures may form crescent-shaped flaps having an apex end and a hinge end and may have a recessed portion removed from the apex end of the flaps or a thin strip removed contiguous to the length of the aperture.

Abstract: A ground stabilization structure having a plurality of rings secured together at peripherally adjoining surfaces by helical coil fasteners. The rings are arranged in a two dimensional array and the rings may be folded into a stack to provide for easy transportation of the structure. Preferably, the rings are tire beads cut from the rim of a waste tire and having a rigid wire support member embedded therein. The helical fasteners have a diameter sufficient to allow two rings to lie substantially flat on a ground surface with the peripheral surfaces of the rings contacting each other. The diameter of the coil also permits two adjacent secured rings to be folded upon each other to form a stack. A method of forming a ground stabilization structure is also provided in which the helical coils are threaded onto the rings at their peripheral junctions to form a two dimensional array.

Abstract: A method for shoreline reclamation which includes utilizing groyne structures including stanchions to which are mounted at least one porous screen and wherein the screen is vertically adjustable as material is deposited during the reclamation process.