Abstract: A floating modular system for the protection of harbours and the transformation of energy, consisting of: a plurality of modules (1) made of metal and/or reinforced marine concrete box-structure, comprising internal air spaces (2) for determining the floating thereof and a lower flooded room (4) for the stabilization, under the impact of the sea waves against the level surfaces (6) for their reflection, for the protection of the opposed harbour environment (AP), provided with floating quays (7); a series of floats (8) applied to the wave front of the modules (1), operated by the wave motion for absorbing their energy by double effect pumps (9) with the successive transformation into electric energy; a self-levelling system for the anchorage of each of the modules (1), with self-distributed traction; a system for balancing the tide variations and for levelling the modules (1); a system of joints for coupling the modules (1) according to the extension.

Abstract: A spillway for use in a sloped embankment which defines a top and a toe. The spillway is adapted to dissipate the kinetic energy of water flowing downwardly from the top of the embankment to the toe thereof in a primary flow direction. The spillway comprises a plurality of building blocks arranged in rows which are stacked upon each other in a shingle-like overlap such that the building blocks of each row are offset relative to the building blocks of each adjacent row and a series of steps are defined thereby. The building blocks are sized and configured such that water cascading down the steps defined thereby is caused to flow in three dimensions so as to impart velocity components to the falling water that act at generally right angles relative to the primary flow direction and generate turbulence which dissipates the kinetic energy of the water.

Abstract: A method for making a breakwater includes the steps of making cubic blocks each with interlocking grooves and ribs respectively formed on opposite corners of the cubic block; progressively interlocking the cubic blocks from shallow water to deep water by sliding the ribs in the corresponding grooves; flushing the top faces of the interlocked cubic blocks; and securing the engaged cubic blocks.

Abstract: A wave-resistant mega-float comprises a first flat plate provided on a front end portion of a large-sized floating body, penetrating a water surface, and extending downward below a bottom surface of the floating body, the front end portion of the floating body being located on an upstream side in a direction from which waves travel, and a second flat plate attached substantially perpendicularly to a lower end portion of the first flat plate such that the second flat plate extends toward the upstream side.

Abstract: A method and means for making and using three composite concrete construction components that share a common matrix. The articles are comprised of: discarded whole tires 2, axially aligned, with rebar formed washers 4, transversely placed at intervals between the tires 2. The tire bundle 2, with the washers 4, are compressed, banded with metal or fiber strapping 1, reinforced with wire mesh 5, and rebar rods 6, and encased in a concrete shell 3, to form: cylinders; rectangular-blocks; or, half blocks. The concrete composite articles can be molded with hollow cores and used individually or in multiple configurations to construct environmentally safe structures such as: artificial reefs, beach erosion inhibitors, jetties and artificial islands; imbricated walls for: highway dividers, noise abatement, retaining and security walls around airports and buildings.

Abstract: A portable levee system includes a bag having a preselected geometric shape. The bag is continuous in that it has a length at least equal to its width, and is preferably many times as long. A top portion of the bag is open for receiving fill material. A preferred geometric shape is a trapezoid. The bag is removably mounted to a dispenser and the dispenser dispenses the bag from a rear portion of the dispenser. A preferred dispenser is towed behind a tractor or truck and the bag is filled within the dispenser and deposited onto the ground. A method of providing a portable levee is taught wherein a levee is created in a fraction of the time required to build an equivalently-sized levee utilizing current emergency levee construction systems.

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: An integral concrete body for erosion control includes three separate sections of differing configuration. The sections include a lower tapered section that is in the form of an elongated tapered pile-like member. The upper section of the concrete body is generally rectangular. A transitional section that is also tapered forms a connection between the upper and lower portions of the concrete body. The plurality of the concrete bodies can be installed side by side with tongue and groove connections interlocking the bodies upon assembly. A plurality of the concrete bodies can be placed side by side to form a bulkhead or breakwater. In one embodiment, each concrete body can be comprised of separate connectable members. Anchors can be used to support the concrete bodies laterally, to prevent tilting or tipping when exposed to erosion, wind, or wave action.

Abstract: A flood control barrier for separating water in a wet area from an area to be maintained substantially dry comprises a flexible exterior membrane made of liquid impervious material and including elongated upper and lower membrane sections joined at a closed longitudinal downstream end of the exterior membrane opposed to an open longitudinal upstream end thereof. The upper and lower membrane sections are connected by internal partition walls and are displaceable between expanded and collapsed positions, wherein in the collapsed position, the upper membrane section overlies the lower membrane section, whereas in the expanded position, the upper membrane section is spaced from the lower membrane section at the open end of the exterior membrane such that water may flow through the open end and be received between the upper and lower membrane sections such as to be trapped therein, i.e. by the closed downstream end thereof which prevents the water from flowing past the barrier.

Abstract: A barrier dissipates energy from wakes from high speed vessels. Pilings embedded in the seabed slidably extend through openings in a flotation section below the surface of the water and through apertures in a gate section above the surface of the water. Struts on the flotation section extend through the surface of the water to hold the gate section a predetermined height above the surface. An inclined ramp extends from the flotation section below the surface and progressively reduces the depth of the water above the ramp portion as the distance to the flotation section becomes less. The progressively reduced depth builds-up the incoming wake, and the gate section cuts off the crest of the built-up wake to dissipate energy. Systems of barriers may be located in various patterns of spaced apart arrangements along waterways to intercept and reduce the effects of wakes produced by numerous high speed vessels.

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: The invention of this application relates to a method for utilizing tires for vehicles whereby the tires are introduced into a water such as rivers, seas, oceans or lakes, and thereby is used to improve the environment of the water and also the general environment. The method includes the step of cutting into and/or removing a portion of the rubber element of the type to expose the metal therein to the water when the tire is submerged in the same. The exposure of the metal to the water allows the same to corrode and allows the introduction of elements of the metal into the water. This creates increased oxygenation of the water which, in turn, improves the quality, and, by photosynthesis, reduces the carbon dioxide content in the water and hence reduces the level of pollution in the same. Preferably a number of tires are linked together to form barriers and/or reefs within the body of water and said barriers and reefs also act as a suitable habitat for marine and river life.

Abstract: In an underwater truss structure including a large number of mutually nonparallel rods 11 provided with brims 32′, the shape of the brims 32′ is made a polygonal shape that enables gaps 33, 34 between adjacent brims to be adjusted between touching and a desired size. This enables shield factor to be markedly improved to effectively achieve diverse interference control and to be made freely adjustable.

Abstract: An offshore reef assembly includes semi-cylindrical reef members extending generally perpendicular to the shore line and arranged in upper and lower tiers so that the open side of the upper tier faces downwardly and the open side of the lower tier faces upwardly. The semi-cylindrical members in the upper tier are offset from those of the lower tier to divide and deflect vertically moving water laterally through an ogee curvature from one reef member to a laterally offset and inverted reef member, thus dividing and dissipating the kinetic energy of the water to cause the deposition of sand and particulates on the bottom around the reef assembly. The reef assembly is inexpensive both to construct and install.

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: 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: A system for combating coastal erosion comprised of a sufficient number of sand trapping assemblies that include a conical member and a hexagonal base. The conical member has upper and lower ends with respective openings for receiving and discharging the sand brought by the water currents. Contiguous assemblies are disposed so that the entire bottom surface is covered. The hexagonal base interlocks the different assemblies. If necessary, one way stakes can be used to further secure the assemblies to the bottom of the body of water being protected.

Abstract: A wave barrier for protecting users and their possessions at a beach location close to the water from becoming wet from waves crashing into their location. The wave barrier includes a flexible wall sheet with a plurality of spaced apart elongate poles coupled thereto. The lower ends of the poles are downwardly extended from a bottom edge of the wall sheet. The proximal edge of a ground sheet is coupled to the wall sheet along the bottom edge of the wall sheet.

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 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 plurality of bottom structure members for controlling a tidal oscillation flow are disposed on a bottom in a sea area, thereby creating a new tidal residual current.

Abstract: A break intercepts waves moving in an anticipated direction along a water surface. Modular elongated floats are aligned end-to-end and extend generally perpendicular to the anticipated direction of the waves. Modular elongated ballast containers aligned end-to-end depend from the floats. The float is wider than the waves. Ballast in the containers is coordinated with the buoyancy of the floats so that the floats extend higher above the water surface than the waves and the container depends below the water surface by a distance greater than the width of the waves. The lower portion of the ballast container face which intercepts the waves is disposed at an angle so as to downwardly deflect the waves. Thus, the float is wide enough to cut off the upper portion of the waves and the lower portion of the container is positioned to intercept and downwardly deflect the lower portion of the waves.

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: WavBrakerSteps is a hydrodynamic structure comprising a main form (20, 22, 24, 26), a series of inclined upward ramped steps in the shape of a sine wave curve. WavBrakerSteps redirect and dissipate the relentless attacks by energizes and forces of sea waves, wind waves, tidal forces, ship and boat wakes. These energies and forces scour and erode the base or toe, the supporting structures, of waterfront bulkheads, seawalls and seacoasts. The action by waves flowing upward and then downward over the inclined, curved and ramped WavBrakerSteps prevents undercutting, undermining and sinking from occurring. These natural actions protect the beach environment.

Abstract: An equilateral tetrahedral frame, comprising six concrete beams inserted through the center of a number of automotive tires. The ends of the concrete beams are fastened together at four points. These four points are covered by a cap of concrete to seal the fastening points. The reef device may be of any size. The design permits ease of transport due to its ability to stack one upon another uniqueness of this reef is in the design. Once the reef is transported to its desired location, it can lowered or dropped to the sea floor.

Abstract: A sea wall able to diffuse sheets of wind borne water being blown over the sea wall by a strong wind. The sea wall has a vertically extending barrier, preferably topped by a cap, and wind diverting member mounted above the uppermost surface of the barrier, or cap, if the cap is provided and is disposed above the barrier. The wind diverting member has curved internal air passages gathering air from the water side of the sea wall and discharging air upwardly. The air passages optionally accelerate gathered air by causing the air outlets to be of smaller cross sectional area than that of the air inlets. The sea wall includes drains for disposing of water gathering on the sea wall and the wind diverting member.

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: 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: A method and apparatus 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.

Abstract: A method of regenerating tidal mud flats which have a degraded or eroding profile includes the steps of ascertaining the ambient tidal range and wave climate of a mud flat to be regenerated and deriving from these data a new, regenerated profile for the mud flat, and depositing densified or dewatered mud or clay on the mud flat to build the new profile. The wave climate, and hence the sedimentary regime, of the mud flat is modified by breakwater or barrier means to render the mud flat receptive to deposition and retentive of the deposited mud or clay to preserve the regenerated profile. The breakwater or barrier means may be an offshore, floating breakwater adapted to suppress high and short-period waves but to permit the passage of low and long-period waves.

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: The formation of artificial reef modules which are primarily cast from concrete. Optionally, tire chips may be added to the concrete is disclosed. Most desirably, the concrete is "waste" concrete obtained from ready mix trucks which have a portion of their load to discharge at the termination of any given job. When tire chips are employed they, of course, are a product of salvaging automobile tires whether for crumb rubber, or otherwise. The modules are formed in an open mold which resembles various geometric solid shapes. Desirably the sides are roughened to have a washboard corrugated type configuration to cause undulations in the module itself which has been demonstrated to be further means of attracting marine life. A related aspect of the present invention looks to the provision of lifting means on each such module to permit the same, with relatively crude equipment, to be moved about in a factory site, onto trucks, onto barges, and off the barge to its ultimate resting place at the bottom of the sea.

Abstract: A system of plastic pipes which are anchored vertically in place along a shoreline by a concrete form that will position the pipes with a specific distance between pipes. Once the pipes are positioned, a concrete cap will be poured to permanently secure the pipes, after which the concrete form can be removed and moved to a new location.

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 has a helical seam along the length thereof instead of one or more longitudinal straight seams. An alternative container embodiment with a helical seam along the length thereof, has an inner liner of geotextile material having one or more longitudinal straight seams. Another alternative container embodiment with an outer layer of geotextile material having an helical seam along the length thereof, has an inner liner of geotextile material having its own helical seam configured with a different pitch than the helical seam in the outer layer.

Abstract: A beach building structure for underwater installation along the shoreline of a body of water having periodic onshore wave action. The structure includes a base frame adapted to rest on the bottom of the body of water, a ballast supporting member secured to the base frame in order to receive ballast such as rocks to help anchor the structure in position. A barrier plate is secured to the seaward portion of the base frame and is angularly disposed to slope upwardly and toward the shoreline and to extend above the mean water level to present a sloping surface to onshore waves.

Abstract: A beach replenishment system comprising a plurality of barriers mutually separated by troughs. Each barrier comprises two arms mutually attached at a barrier arm angle. The intersection of the arms defines a barrier vertex. An extreme of each arm opposite the barrier vertex terminates in a barrier arm end wall. Each arm comprises a descending series of parallel terraces. Each terrace comprises a shoulder and a valley, or, in an alternate embodiment, a land separated from a shoulder by a valley. The lowermost shoulder borders a ramp which is substantially parallel to a surface upon which the barrier rests, whereby receding water is projected away from the barrier and erosion under the barrier is thus minimized. Each arm is supported by vertical and horizontal braces. Runout posts are installed opposite the troughs, and barrier posts are installed opposite each barrier.

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 sub-tidal platform adapted to be placed under water in front of a beach comprises a support structure having at least two upwardly extending, spaced-apart side walls extending along vertical planes. Each side wall has a bottom adapted to rest on a generally horizontal surface, and a sloping, upwardly extending edge which is at an acute angle with respect to the bottom. A plurality of interconnecting members extend between the side walls for maintaining them in an upright position. The interconnecting members are positioned adjacent to the sloping edge of the side walls. A plurality of gates are pivotally connected to the interconnecting members of the support structure for controlling fluid flow through the space between the side walls. The gates open in response to incoming fluid flow through the gates, and close in response to outgoing fluid flow in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An energy dissipating assembly for flowing water is provided which consists of a plurality of modules, each one of the modules being a buoyant body consisting of a continuous envelope defining a hollow watertight chamber, the envelope having a plurality of intersecting planar surfaces and an attaching members connected to at least two spaced locations on the continuous envelope to attach the buoyant body in a three dimensional relationship. Parts are also provided to adjust the buoyancy and mass of the buoyant body so that the assembly can be tuned for the wave activity of the water in which the system is disposed. A method of disrupting the wave action is also provided.

Abstract: An underwater erosion control system that has viscous drag elements for increasing the effect of viscous drag and disrupting laminar flow on the water current has a frame that includes two longitudinal supports that extend along the length of the underwater erosion control system near its bottom portion. The longitudinal supports extend at opposite sides of the viscous drag elements. A plurality of rungs traverse the longitudinal supports and are spaced some distance apart from each other. The viscous drag elements may be panels secured to the rungs along their retaining portion. Apertures are formed within the retaining portion of the panels and are used to retain the panels from lateral movement by passing an inner support through the apertures parallel to the longitudinal supports. The frame may be flexible or rigid. A novel installation frame and a method for installing the rigid frame embodiment also are disclosed.

Abstract: An underwater erosion control system (10, 110) has an array of panels of material (12, 112). Each generally rectangular panel of material has a retaining portion (20, 120) and at least one sheet (16, 116). Each sheet contains a plurality of slits, (22, 122) which are generally perpendicular to the retaining portion (20, 120). The slitted sheets disrupt laminar flow in the vicinity of the erosion control system and promote rapid precipitation of particulates out of suspension. The slits (22, 122) begin at the retaining portion and terminate at the top edge (18, 118) of the sheet. The retaining portion (20, 120) may contain openings (26, 126) sized to receive an anchor component (28) that is anchored to the sea or river bed. The panel of material (12, 112) is durable and buoyant having a polymer backing (40) laminated to a closed cell polymer foam (42).

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 sea wall able to diffuse sheets of wind borne water being blown over the sea wall by a strong wind. The sea wall has a vertically extending barrier, preferably topped by a cap, and wind diverting member mounted above the uppermost surface of the barrier, or cap, if the cap is provided and is disposed above the barrier. The wind diverting member has curved internal air passages gathering air from the water side of the sea wall and discharging air upwardly. The air passages optionally accelerate gathered air by causing the air outlets to be of smaller cross sectional area than that of the air inlets. The sea wall includes drains for disposing of water gathering on the sea wall and the wind diverting member.

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 method for modifying the flow of water in a channel includes creating a flow modifier by first obtaining a plurality of rigid substantially linear posts and obtaining at least one prefabricated brace configured for connection to the posts. The prefabricated brace is configured with two spaced apart rigid anchor ends, one of which has at least two spaced apart anchor sites. A plurality of rigid cross beams connect the anchor ends, with the cross beams and the anchor ends all substantially coplanar. A plurality of vertically extending vanes may also be arrayed across the prefabricated brace. The method also includes driving at least two of the posts into the channel bed and securely connecting at least one prefabricated brace to the posts at the anchor sites. An agglomeration matrix may be positioned against the prefabricated brace for supporting and accumulating materials which amplify the flow modification effect of the prefabricated brace and matrix.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for producing artificial reef modules which can be deposited on the ocean floor for permitting growth of coral and other marine growth thereon. The reef balls can be left permanently at a particular location to develop an artificial reef or can be harvested for use in aquariums.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for regulating shoreline change in cases where the magnitude of the longshore transport rate varies along a shoreline and is subject to periodic reversals. The method operates by selectively restricting the longshore sediment transport in one of the two possible shore-parallel directions. Some versions of the directional groin operate by changing the effective height of a low profile structure, while in others segments of the structure are selectively opened or restricted to sediment transport. The transport-obstructing portions of the groin may be positioned by flowing water, or may be moved by an electromechanical actuator acting under control of a microprocessor-based control system that also measures the direction of water flow.

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: An artificial reef (10) that can provide a safehaven for small aquatic life and promotes phytoplankton growth (37), of which phytoplankton is food for the small aquatic life. The reef (10) includes at least one tubular vehicle tire (12) having a wall (14) that defines an exterior (16) and a hollow interior (18). The wall (14) includes oppositely situated sidewalls (20) that are interconnected by a treadwall (22) to provide a substantially U-shaped radial cross-section (23). At least one elongated corrodible iron insert (24) is inserted through each wall (14). Each insert (24) has a first end (26), a second end (28) and a center (30). The first end extends into the hollow. interior (18), the center (30) is securely positioned through wall (14) between the exterior (16) and the interior (18), and the second end extends externally of the exterior (16). The insert (24) is preferably a nail, but may be a staple or other shape.