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 temporary platform or roadway is created using one or a plurality of optionally connected support components to form a top surface upon which panels are placed. The support components are comprised of gabion containers having one or a plurality of compartments into which a filler material is inserted. The filler material can optionally be composed of a buoyant material such as expanded polystyrene to enable flotation. A method for constructing the roadway or platform of the present invention is also disclosed.

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 benthic screen for controlling aquatic plant growth comprising a sheet of flexible material, a plurality of spaced-apart, elongated retaining members that are transversely positioned across the width of the sheet and attachment means for securing each retaining member to the sheet. The sheet of flexible material is typically a polymeric material having low light transmittance such as a woven geotextile polypropylene. The retaining members are preferably a plurality of parallel positioned metal rods. The attachment means is preferably a plurality of PVC pipes wherein each pipe has a slit that passes through the pipe and extends the length thereof. A portion of the sheet is inserted into a slit and looped around a retaining rod that is encased in the pipe. The structure of the screen renders it self anchoring and provides channels for removing plant decomposition gases that would otherwise accumulate under the screen.

Abstract: A method of cabling erosion control blocks of a mat together. The blocks have formed therein cable channels in a cris-cross manner, diagonally between the corners of each block. Cables are threaded through the blocks in a zig-zag manner, from the top of the mat to the bottom of the mat. The ends of the cables are terminated at two opposing sides of the mat so that the mat can be lifted by a spreader bar. The cables at the other two opposing sides of the mat are terminated for attachment to adjacent mats.

Abstract: A revetment block for use forming an articulating revetment mat. The revetment block has first and second ends and first and second sidewalls. The sidewalls have a first lower vertical surface, first and second upper vertical surfaces, and transition surfaces between the upper and lower vertical surfaces. The sidewalls define interlocks which extend outward from the sidewalls and are either normal to the upper vertical surfaces or angled. The sidewalls also design corner spaces comprising a transition surface and at least on vertical surface for operably communicating with an interlock. The revetment block may also comprise a plurality of ducts extending therethrough as well as a dome extending from the top surface of the revetment block. The revetment block may also comprise at least one aperture extend vertically through the block. The aperture may have tapered walls.

Abstract: A revetment for bank, water-retaining structure and the like includes elements made of concrete or a similar material, which elements are approximately prismatic in the height direction and each have two transverse faces and two longitudinal faces which run parallel to their height direction. One transverse face of each element is made a concave shape, and the other transverse face is made a corresponding convex shape, in such a way that the elements can rest with their transverse faces against each other in various rotated positions.

Abstract: A flexible interlocking element (10) having opposing, interlocking ends (12, 14). Element end (12), features a contour, including element top surface segment (16), extending to bend (18), then defining a tongue element (34) extending downwardly along an incline (19), to inverted bend (20), which defines a tongue side (60) having a tangent (62). The contour of the tongue, further extending downward and around to bend (22), which defines a tongue tip (58). The tongue tip (58) having a bottom (54) with a tangent (56). The tongue further extending upward along incline (26), then further extending horizontally to bend (28), then further extending vertically downward to bend (30). Bend (30) defines the lower edge of bottom surface segment (32). Element end (14) features a contour including element top surface segment (36) extending horizontally to bend (38).

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

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

Abstract: In a method of creating a seal in a subsurface environment, a plurality of manufactured composite particles are placed in the subsurface environment, the composite particles including a sealant material. The sealant material is hydrated to create a cohesive seal. In a method of controlling erosion of a periodically or continuously inundated surface, a plurality of manufactured composite particles are placed around erosion-control objects. The composite particles include a sealant material which is a cohesive, low-permeability material when hydrated. The sealant material physically stabilizes the erosion-control objects on the surface. The invention also relates to compositions and properties of the composite particles.

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

Abstract: A method of stabilizing slopes of a soil embankment is provided using a stabilization system for slopes having generally less than 45 degrees of inclination from horizontal. The system comprises a plurality of soil nails which are penetrated into the slopes to provide internal soil stability and a biotechnical facing on a surface of the slope to inhibit surface erosion and shallow failure of the slope. A geosynthetic layer comprising a mat, mesh or fibrous material is laid across the slope adjacent the surface to assist in establishing vegetation thereon. A retaining wall structure is preferably mounted on the crest of the slope to extend transversely to the slope. The retaining wall structure at the crest provides a stable base for supporting the embankment shoulder.

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

Abstract: A method of forming a support structure on a base from a framework (10) comprising a tube (12) of a flexible material divided by dividing walls (14) of a flexible material into an array of compartment (16), is disclosed. The method includes the steps of locating flexible strings (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34) through lines of compartments (16) at or near each edge of the framework (10) and through lines of compartments (16) intermediate the edge lines of compartments (16), attaching the ends of the strings (20 to 34) to fixed objects (36) to support the framework (10) with a first end of the tube (12) on the base and a second end of the tube (12) above the first end, and filling some or all of the compartments (16) with a suitable filler material. The strings or stays assist in supporting the framework (10) when it is being filled with the filler material.

Abstract: A storm water or flood water containment bag constructed of lightweight, inexpensive material with a quantity of absorbent material therein, for use in constructing dykes or dams to stop encroachment of water, or other liquid, the bag having an at least partially porous or permeable cover containing a liquid absorbing filler material composed of recycled carpet in a mixture of about 15 to 40% polypropylene, about 20 to 45% polyester, about 40 to 60% nylon, and about 5% or less of wool, rubber and/or fiber pad. The bag can be easily and quickly transported to a point of use and arranged to form a water barrier or wall.

Abstract: Concrete blocks with an open cell structure extending throughout the block are assembled in substantially parallel columns and rows to from a mat structure capable of articulating over underwater structures. The blocks are assembled by flexible cables that pass through the center of each block through perpendicular apertures, which are located on different horizontal planes to prevent intersection of the cables. A removable abrasive resistant pad is placed on one surface of the blocks to prevent the concrete block from causing damage to the structure. The pad is comprised of a solid base with an opening matching the opening on the block. It also has a plurality of upwardly extending post which serve as a contact point between the pad and the underwater structure and at least one self-locking dowel extending downward, which are inserted into dowel holes on one surface of the block, after the concrete has hardened. The entire pad is one homogeneous material.

Abstract: A lifting and placement device for seabed mats. The device has a frame made of a first and second support beam each of which have a release shaft located adjacent thereto. The release shafts are rotatably engaged to a central actuation shaft that when turned cause the release shafts to rotate thereby removing displaceable support pins from retaining supports. Once the support pins are released from the supports, a seabed mat which is supported below the device is released on all sides of the frame. The device has the ability to connect a plurality of frames in end to end relationship allowing a single rotational force applied to an actuation lever to be transmitted along the conjoined frames.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide an improved method for securing, stabilizing and recovering areas of land and subsoil above and below water. To this end, interlinked (used) motor vehicle tires (7) are used to secure the land. The necessary weighting is provided by concrete (19) injected into a protective casing (30).

Abstract: The depth of sediment material under a body of water having a minimum desirable consistency or strength for a dredging operation is determined by an arm assembly having one end portion pivotally connected to a substantially horizontal platform, and a plate member associated with the opposite end having a predetermined cross-sectional area for encountering a resistance force from the sediment material and causing the arm assembly to pivotally rotate relative to the horizontal member. A mechanism exerts a biasing force on the arm assembly which acts against the resistance force of the sediment material. The arm assembly achieves an equilibrium position determining the depth of the sediment material having a minimum desirable consistency or strength for a particular dredging operation.

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

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for and a method of constructing a concrete block mat consisting of unit concrete blocks interlocked together in the form of a mat by way of connections for adjacent interlocking members of those unit concrete blocks. There are also provided an apparatus for and a method of planarizing the ground under water using the concrete block mat. The apparatus for constructing a concrete block mat includes a frame, a plurality of frame, a plurality of block mat. The planarizing apparatus includes a configuration for maintaining those of the unit concrete blocks positioned at opposite ends of the concrete block mat to be inclined with respect to a plane of the concrete block mat in such a fashion that the concrete block mat has resistance reducing surfaces.

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: 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 mat support system is disclosed, wherein there is included a series of straps supporting a mat, wherein the straps are quickly releasable from a position where the mats are supported to a position where the mat is released. The quick release mechanism substantially simultaneously releases all supports for the mats. A safety lock is includes to prevent inadvertent operation of the quick release mechanism.

Abstract: A mat support system is disclosed, wherein there is included a series of straps supporting a mat, wherein the straps are quickly releasable from a position where the mats are supported to a position where the mat is released. The quick release mechanism substantially simultaneously releases all supports for the mats. A safety lock is includes to prevent inadvertent operation of the quick release mechanism.

Abstract: An improved geotextile container of the type for maintaining fill material includes a geotextile fabric configured into a tubular shape and having stitched, multi-layer, flanged seams with the stitched flange disposed inside the container. Due to this construction, outwardly directed forces imparted by the fill material will be directed against the stitching. An embodiment with an outer layer of geotextile material has an inner liner of geotextile material.

Abstract: Non-abrasive and non-shielding pads are attached to the at least one side of concrete elements with polymeric based fasteners that are embedded into a cast material, such as concrete, when the latter is soft. A flexible rope is laced through the center of each element in two directions to form a mat in a row-column array, and a groove is established to interconnect two mats together. Adequate spacing is provided between each element to allow the mat to conform to an uneven seabed or structure. The non-abrasive non-shielding pads separate the elements from the underwater installation to prevent the elements from scratching and permitting cathodic protection of the structures. Grooves are provided in selected elements, and loops are provided at the outer edges of the mat to enable several mats to be linked together.

Abstract: A flowable material to isolate or treat a surface consists of a plurality of manufactured composite particles. Each composite particle includes a core, and a sealant layer at least partially encapsulating the core. The core is relatively dense compared to the sealant layer, and the composite particle has a specific gravity greater than one. The sealant layer includes a clay mineral, a pozzolanic material and/or activated carbon. A sealant layer formed of a pozzolanic material creates a hardened underwater barrier layer. The sealant layer can also include natural fibers such as cellulose or man-made fibers such as glass, carbon or plastics to mechanically improve the geotechnical properties of the layer when hydrated. The composite particles can also include a material to treat the contaminants or otherwise improve the surrounding environment.

Abstract: An elongated narrow bulk delivery and depositing bouyant conveyor belt device is operable to shore up bridges, docks and/or piers in environments having operating space confined by low overhead and narrow berths between adjacent spaced apart pilings. The bouyant conveyor belt structure is alternately extendable and retractable in each of shallow and deep water. The bouyant conveyor belt structure is stabilized by one or between two linear axially extending substantially parallel sides of spaced apart floating platform barges. The barge(s) typically mount hopper and vibratable chute structure receivable of bulk typically rip rap fill material and feedable thereof onto the bouyant conveyor belt structure, thereafter deposited by a revolving of the conveyor belt structure.

Abstract: Non-abrasive pads are attached to the at least one side of concrete elements with nylon rivets that are embedded into the concrete when the latter is soft. A flexible rope is laced through the center of each element in two directions to form a mat in a row-column array. Adequate spacing is provided between each element to allow the mat to conform to an uneven seabed and cover the underwater installation. The non-abrasive pads separate the concrete elements from the underwater installation to prevent the concrete elements from scratching and ablating the delicate underwater installations. Grooves are provided in selected elements, and loops are provided at the outer edges of the mat to enable several mats to be linked together.

Abstract: Each module includes a tubular member filled with filling material, such as concrete, and a tube located in the filling material and extending longitudinally of the tubular member. Tubes or holes extend transversely through the tubular member and the filling material. The longitudinal tube facilitates connection of the module in end-to-end relationship with the modules using connecting mechanisms. The transverse tubes or holes facilitate securing the module to one or more like modules in side-by-side relationship using securing mechanisms. The modules may be assembled together so as to form, for example, a pipeline stabilizing and protection mat to ballast and protect underwater pipelines.

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 capping vessel and method for the low-turbidity delivery of a desired depth of capping materials to the sediment surface of a body of water along a predetermined course, the vessel comprising at least one floatable platform; a plurality of generally vertically submerged tremies comprising an array, the array of tremies depending from the at least one platform and extending to a predetermined height above the sediment surface, for the delivery of capping material to the sediment surface; at least one delivery hopper for the apportioning and feeding of capping material to the array of tremies; at least one rotary feeder interposed between the array of tremies and the delivery hopper for delivering the capping material to the array of tremies at a controlled rate; rotation control means for controlling the rate of rotation of the at least one rotary feeder in predetermined relationship to the forward velocity of the platform and the desired depth of capping material; and navigation control means for controllin

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 bead for forming a barrier layer over an underwater surface. Generally, a plurality of such beads are required to form an effective underwater barrier layer. Each of the beads comprises a core, preferably formed of a piece of gravel. A sealant layer is provided which at least partially encapsulates this core. The sealant layer includes a clay and a binder. The binder facilitates the adhesion of the sealant layer to the core of the bead. To form such an underwater barrier layer over contaminated sediments beneath a body of water, a plurality of the beads are deposited on top of the contaminated sediments.

Abstract: An interlocking grid matrix system is adapted for placement over terrain for use as a revetment. The grid matrix system includes a plurality of substantially identical revetment blocks which are interconnected to allow for omnidirectional movements relative to each other. Each revetment block includes a precast grid body having a first major surface, a second major surface, and an edge extending between the major surfaces to define a periphery for the grid body. The grid body further includes a plurality of spaced ears which are joined to and extend from the edge and a plurality of locking channels disposed inwardly of the edge between the ears. Each channel opens to each major surface and the edge and is specifically configured to releasably interlock with an ear of an adjacent grid body such that movement in any direction is permitted between adjacent revetment blocks while maintaining an interlocking relationship therebetween.

Abstract: An underwater soil retention and reinforcement structure comprises a sequence of synthetic buoyant fronds (11) arranged side-by-side to form a frond line. The frond line is folded back and forth to form an array of fronds, and the successive folded sections (14) of the frond line have aligned openings (20) threaded by at least one anchor line (19) for anchoring the array to the soil bed.

Abstract: This revetment system and device maybe employed in controlling any environmental erosion comprising a matrix of interlocking blocks stabilized through a plurality of openings or any other securing device may pass therethrough.

Abstract: Decontamination of a beach or soil area that has hydrocarbon contamination including removing hydrocarbon contaminated sand or soil from an area; mixing the contaminated soil or sand with cement and water; and forming concrete from the mix.

Abstract: Bionic dunes for stabilizing an ocean beach and preventing the erosion thereof comprising a sheet extending the length of the beach having a vertically extending concave surface to turn back breaking waves. The toe midpoint and crest of the sheet are fixed by pilings while the sheet is backed up by water-packed sand below which a thin layer of aggregate is placed around the long pilings. The top surface of the crest and the sand is provided with vegetation to stabilize the top surface of the dune.

Abstract: A weighed water permeable fabric is laid over a bottom sediment and an adjacent seawall structure. A layer of integral paired star-shaped blocks is laid over the bottom covering fabric in an interrelated pattern in a horizontal and vertical plane. A bore is located within each star-shaped portion of the block and these bores are aligned with corresponding bores in blocks mounted vertically. A concrete piling is drilled or poured in place through the bores to the bottom sediment to hold the structure in place against severe storm surges and resist outward movement of the seawall.

Abstract: A cover for covering cultures so as to improve soil conditions and plant growth includes a first, top layer of biological material such as straw, bark, peat, wood shavings, etc., a lower layer of UV-degradable synthetic material sewn to the first layer to thereby establish stitch holes which are water permeable, and another perforated layer of synthetic material e.g. a fleece is welded or bonded to said lowest layer, such that its perforations do not optically align with the stitch holes, but water can flow in between the two synthetic layers.

Abstract: An organization including angular chutes to accommodate waves directed thereon, wherein the chutes direct the water from the waves into a rearwardly directed trough longitudinally oriented and generally parallel relative to a shoreline. The water is directed through oil absorbent material mounted within an elongate trough. The trough includes an apertured floor and forward wall to permit drainage of water from the trough into a housing defined by the organization and drained forwardly thereof through forward slots arranged generally orthogonally relative to a forward edge of the bottom wall of the apparatus.

Abstract: A Subsurface Dune Restoration System making use of large sand-filled geotextile containers which become somewhat fluid and flexible during wave run-up on a surface being protected providing a soft revetment. A fluid transfer system is operable to both fill the containers and support them in an installed position. The containers are effective to dissipate wave action and aid natural accretion by slowing water velocity while not providing a rigid or hard revetment. The reduction of the wave force and water velocity and the soft revetment surfaces are the result of use of container materials having predetermined permeability and weather resistant characteristics. The permeability is limited to ranges permitting seepage of water while retaining the sand within the containers.

Abstract: An anti-scouring device for preventing scouring of the bed of a flowing stream at an upstream or downstream location proximate a dam has a plurality of rows of concrete members, positioned in the direction of flow of the stream, on the bed of the stream. The concrete members have a base and at least one downwardly extending penetrating member which secures the member to the bed. The concrete members may have downwardly extending legs and upwardly extending retention posts and be linked together in the rows by a flexible linkage. Or, the concrete members may have downwardly extending intersecting webs to serve in securing the members to the bed. Methods for forming the anti-scouring device on the bed are also provided.

Abstract: An erosion control structure and method involves placing a large permeable mat with peripheral weighted pockets around and attached to the mat on the bottom of the body of water such that at least a portion of the mat extends to a location where currents have a velocity sufficient to erode the bottom. The peripheral pockets are filled with a weighted material, such as sand. Large weighted stabilizers are placed on the mat and positioned in the areas where the currents exceed the erosion velocity such that the stabilizers are below the surface of the water. The stabilizers are elongated tubular elements filled with a cementitious material, are preferably a large diameter tubular element is secured between two smaller diameter tubular elements. The smaller tubular elements are filled first in order to control the position of the larger diameter tubular element during filling.

Abstract: A method for the forming and the deposition in a selected place of a bulk consisting substantially of loose or lightly cohesive material, such as sand or other ground material, for example for use as the core or base of a dam, quay, a bank reinforcement, a jetty or a breakwater, for filing holes or trenches in the bed of a waterway, or for the packaging and storage of contaminated material. The invention has for its purpose to carry out a method of the type in such manner that it can be performed very inexpensively and quickly, while nonetheless ensuring an excellent durability of the formed bulk, both in the short and the long term.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structure for covering of submarine elements of elongated shape, in particular conduits laid on the ocean floor.It comprises at least one closed flattened tubular element (1), the element or each of the elements comprising at least one orifice (4) for injection of a hardenable material, particularly cement.