Abstract: A method and apparatus for shoreline reclamation which includes the deployment of groyne structures including supporting stanchions to which are mounted at least one porous and pliable screen material wherein the screen is formed of biodegradable materials.

Abstract: Artificial reef structures include various building components that are performed from concrete and the like. The components include square blocks having mounting grooves on the upper and lower surfaces. The blocks can include a center base plate, a circular opening instead of a center base plate, or be completely hollow. Optional metal bolts can be threaded through the center base plate. A hollowed out dome structure component includes through-holes and triangular type side openings. An arch component includes ribs separated and connected together by perpendicular rectangular beams. All the structure components can be used separately by themselves, in identical groups or in combination with one another either stacked or interlocked. For example, the blocks can be interlocked together with two blocks side by side and connected together by at least a third block on a second level. The domes can be fit over the blocks. The arch component can be positioned over the blocks as well.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling, reducing and preventing beach erosion comprises an elongated barrier formed of an apertured support grid and mesh material, where the mesh material is permeable to water but not to sand and where the mesh material comprises a number of flaps able to open only in the on-shore direction, such that water flow in the on-shore direction will cause the flaps to open, but water flow in the off-shore direction will cause the flaps to close against the support grid. Water will permeate through mesh apertures in the mesh material but sand particles will be retained on the on-shore side of the mesh material.

Abstract: A silt fencing for use at a construction site to prevent soil erosion by wind and water forces and comprises in combination a flexible plastic fencing material, a plurality of post units comprising about three contiguous elongated hollow tubes, consisting of a central tube adapted to receive a retractable stabilizing component such as a steel rebar for insertion in the ground and two outer tubes each having a slit along their length to accommodate the rigid rods attached to the fencing material.

Abstract: This patent consists of an INTEGRATED, MULTIPHASE, ENERGY-DISSIPATING ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEM, applicable in forming sheltered port and coastal areas. Its channels and basins act as an integrated, hydrodynamic, energy-dissipating unit as their boundaries are formed by linear, low crown level structuring elements, preferably nonreflecting, overflowable, preferably formed by overflowable rubblemound breakwaters and/or permeable quays, if necessary with these elements discontinuous, dissipating short period gravity waves, their reflection and possible resonances and allowing overflow waters and coastal currents to circulate.Because of its low crown level and the specificities characterizing its structuring elements, this System preserves sea views and allows surface air to freely circulate and basin water to be renewed., with consequent functional, environmental and scenic advantages. (FIG. 3).

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.

Abstract: A dynamic reef is provided in accordance with the invention. The dynamic reef includes anchoring means for anchoring the reef in a substantially fixed position with respect to a shoreline, an elastic rubber tubing secured to the anchoring means, and at least one flotation collar positioned so as to be rotatable about the rubber tubing for the purpose of dissipating wave energy. A solar strobe unit may be positioned on the rubber tubing at the end opposite the anchoring means and functions as a warning device. A method for preventing shoreline erosion and a system for reducing the effects of waves on a shoreline are also provided in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: Systems for reinforcing various waterfront properties such as riverbanks, lake shores and beaches of oceans, bays and the like to protect them from erosion and encourage accretion of beach sand and gravel are disclosed. Improved seawalls and the like can be built from L-shaped members having a vertical wall portion, a horizontal footer, a vertical key protruding below the footer and an angular splash plate protruding from the wall opposite the footer. Systems based upon such seawalls may further comprise groins perpendicular thereto which are built from inverted "T"-shaped members, and optionally rows of such inverted "T" members parallel to the seawall as well. Further, erosion of the bank above the seawall and/or the beach below same may be reduced by partially covering them with water-permeable concrete mats. One or more groins extending perpendicular from the seawall may preferably be fabricated of inverted "Double T" members and adapted to support a pier.

Abstract: An ecological fiber roll element for use in protecting a shoreline to prevent erosion and to the protected shoreline. The roll element comprises a generally cylindrical roll, with or without aquatic plants therein, the roll element consisting essentially of coir material. The roll element includes a netting material about the exterior surface of the roll. A plurality of the roll elements are arranged on a shoreline and secured usually by stakes to the shoreline.

Abstract: A method and system 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 brace configured for connection to the posts. The 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. The method also includes driving at least two of the posts into the channel bed and securely connecting at least one brace to the posts at the anchor sites. An agglomeration matrix may be positioned against the brace for supporting and accumulating materials which amplify the flow modification effect of the brace and matrix. The flow modifier modifies the flow of water by creating a weir, by diverting the flow, by reinforcing the channel bank, by creating a favorable habitat for plant life, or by some combination of these effects.

Abstract: A device and method for anchoring a silt barrier curtain intermediate primary barrier supports to enhance erosion control. The device has interlocking members protruding from a base designed to clamp onto the lower edge of a silt curtain. The device and the silt curtain locked therein are then buried during barrier construction to a predetermined depth. Indicia on the exterior of the device allow easy verification of proper burial depth. The device may be used on cyclone style fences, or used in aquatic environments to prevent silt or floating debris from intruding into a protected area.

Abstract: A shoreline erosion control structure comprises a longitudinally extending upright wall portion (10) for installation across the path of oncoming sea waves (44) and a floor portion (12) extending laterally from the seaward side of said wall and slanting downwardly so as to cause oncoming waves to travel up the length of said floor facing and said wall. Preferably, the structure is made up of a plurality of contiguous units. The invention also includes a method of preventing soil erosion using the structure. The structure is provided with grounding means (22) which extends downwardly from the base of said wall portion (10) below the floor portion and which can be driven into the ground to keep the structure in the upright position.

Abstract: A bulkhead system to resist waterfront wave forces and reduce or eliminate erosion damage to waterfront property and structures. The bulkhead system is comprised of one or more rows of spaced nominally vertical piles, the piles extending into and above a ground surface in a self-supporting configuration. A stack of annular units, each in the form of a vehicle tire filled with concrete or other ballast material, is positioned on each of a plurality of the piles. Adjacent piles are positioned to have a pile-to-pile spacing to accommodate adjacent stacks of annular units and to form a substantially continuous wall or bulkhead. Intercoupling means, such as cabling, is also provided to couple adjacent groupings of piles so that wave forces incident on one or more piles are distributed to other piles on a shared basis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a revetment and a revetment system and method for the protection of the banks of water courses, canals, flowing and still water bodies or the like. The revetment consists of chambers with a net-like encasement on all sides, filled with particulate substrate material and bound together into a single unit.

Abstract: A shoreline erosion-reversing system and method provides seawards and landwards "quiet" zones which cooperate to promote landwards soil deposition and to mitigate seawards soil scouring. In accord therewith, a series of one or more upstanding, vertically-movable and negatively-buoyant apertured sections are arrayed on a shoreline to be protected. Each section is comprised by a hydrodynamic fence subassembly having a lattice of slats fastened in spaced-apart relation to top and bottom horizontal support members and by a pile subassembly having at least one pile member, which subassemblies cooperate to allow the hydrodynamic fence subassembly to move in a binding-free manner relative to the pile subassembly. The top and bottom horizontal members may be singly and/or doubly arranged and may be implemented with either flexible or rigid members. The slats of the lattice of slats may be singly, doubly and/or triply arranged. End assemblies are disclosed for terminating flexible horizontal support members.

Abstract: An improved gabion system comprising at least one separator wall to partition the interior of the gabion wire mesh basket to form a chamber having an outer face and an insert or facing to fill the chamber. The facing may have an intermediate member extending through the mesh to disguise or cover the wire mesh of the outer face. The facing may serve as a surface for mounting solidifying facing materials as well as solid face covers. The facing provides support to the outer face and provides an aesthetically improved appearance to the outer face. The insert may also provide a support along the outer face for various purposes.

Abstract: The water, sediment and erosion control apparatus of the present invention includes a water-permeable foam barrier extending generally longitudinal. The barrier has an upstream surface and a downstream surface. The apparatus also includes an apron extending laterally away from at least one surface of the barrier. The apparatus is reconfigurable for different applications by rotating the barrier relative to the apron. The method of the present invention comprises providing a reusable apparatus having an angled barrier and a protective apron, and anchoring the apparatus generally perpendicular to a natural flow of water, such that the water carrying the sediment is slowed and sediment is deposited upstream of the apparatus.

Abstract: A three dimensional topography stabilization structure system of preformed, notched and pinned plastic plank to provide a means to form preplanned contours of earth medium cells adjacent to and at the land and water interface; and on land. The system creates contoured slopes above and below water at zero degree to forty five degrees. Within the cells are grown terrestrial vegetation, emergent aquatic vegetation and associated micro flora. The necessary environment of inclined planes, elevations and orientation is created to provide the nourishment balance of solar insolation, water cover, atmosphere and nutrient compulsory to sustain the flora and fauna specifically planned for the area. In addition said plank may be grooved and provided with splines to retain impervious sheet membrane at contours to form and retain selected earth medium filled channels for controlled fluid flow and basins for fluid retention.

Abstract: A modular barrier system and component bags are provided characterized by the component bags being stacked in layers and interconnected to form a retaining wall. Each bag is constructed of a woven tubular sheet that has a rectangular shape when pressed flat. One end of the bag is sealed and the other end is left open to receive sand for filling. Dual elongated straps are bonded to the lower surface of the bag and extend over the side edges. The straps are positioned at 1/5 L, 2/5 L, 1/5 L spacing to be vertically aligned for easy interconnection when the bags are stacked to form the wall. The ends of each strap are folded back to form a loop that receives the strap/loop from a bag in the layer immediately above. The loops also function as handles that allow the bags to be easily lifted and carried.

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: The artificial reef of the present invention is constructed from a plurality of structural units each of which is a tetrahedron-shaped sandbag, which are arranged in a talus pile. The reefs are formed by dropping the structural units in the desired locations. The tetrahedron-shape of the structural units provides a self-interlocking structure which can be placed en mass on the sea floor without individual alignment of each bag. The geometry of the reef structure is a sloped bar, a parallel bar, or a V-shaped bar, or combinations thereof. The parallel bars, which run parallel to the shoreline, trap standing waves between the bars to reinforce the incoming waves with a maximum energy focused where the rays of trapped waves cross the wave rays of the incoming swell. A multiple V-shaped bar configuration, with the apex of the V pointing diagonal to the incoming waves creates Bragg reflection patterns which cause crossing wave rays to form local concentrations of wave energy.

Abstract: A wave suppression device, for use in suppressing large waves formed by ships, tides and wind and for use in harbor and marina areas and the demarcation of swimming areas, comprised of a cylindrical core having a plurality of fins radially extending from its outer surface. The fins are positioned substantially coextensively along the length of the core. Two disc members are circumferentially positioned substantially perpendicular about and connected to each end of the core member and fins. An opening in the core provides a means for introducing water to the hollow interior area of the assembly to provide a desired buoyancy, which opening interacts with a plug top provide a water-tight seal. The flotation assembly includes a central axial opening for receiving a cable or like device for stringing a plurality of wave suppression devices together to form a lane demarcation.

Abstract: The present invention describes a cylindrical armor unit for use in a revent structure, herein referred to as Vatia Stone. These units are shaped for: i) optimal strength, positional stability and durability; ii) interlocking along all major axes; iii) flexible interlocking capability with each other for abrupt transitions in shorelines; and iv) natural aesthetic qualities. These qualities in combination provide a significant improvement over existing structures. The Vatia Stones are uniformly placed over an erosion controlled shoreline surface and have an optimal interlocking capability between individual units for maximum stabilization. Each unit has an upper and lower surface which can be shaped geometrically to fit the natural surroundings, e.g. look like natural stone as one example.

Abstract: A dynamic shoreline erosion control system includes a plurality of large rotatable hollow spheres spaced along a line at a distance from the shoreline. The spheres are held together by a heavy duty strong flexible netting which permits movement of the spheres with the incoming and outgoing waves. Openings in the spheres permit the sea water to pass through. A plurality of smaller air-filled balls are disposed within the spheres to likewise rotate under the influence of water flow and provide buoyancy. A group of spheres within a common netting is tied to a pair of pilings at the ends of the netting to limit the extent of movement. Narrower sections of the netting between spheres provide a link and spacing for adjacent elements. Like groups of spheres in nettings can be disposed in parallel pairs with staggered spacing and an array of spaced groups in various geometric arrangements can extend along a large shore area.

Abstract: A dam spillway system for embankment dam overtopping protection comprising a layer of free-draining, angular, gravel filter material, a plurality of rows of overlapping, tapered, concrete blocks assembled over the filter material in shingle-fashion, from the toe of the dam, up the slope to the top of the dam, and a plurality of fixed concrete toe blocks located at the toe of the dam, usually beneath the tailwater, and supporting each of the rows of concrete blocks.

Abstract: A wave-damping underwater truss structure for simultaneously resolving all problems such as the damping of undulation including sluggish waves and the reduction of weight and cost of members. That truss has a number of brims, each having a plurality of openings with rugged rim or rims. The opening is circularly or rectangularly formed.

Abstract: A plurality of individual modules including individual support platforms for cylindrical hollow core risers are installed in side-by-side interlocked relationship to construct a semi-permeable barrier that is oriented in load distributing relationship approximately parallel to the shoreline. This semi-permeable barrier forms a hollow core and high profile breakwater that is intended to dissipate the energy of incoming waves before they reach the shoreline. Gaps between modules, and between high profile sections of the breakwater allow free flow of water between the landward and seaward sides of the barrier to prevent elevated water levels behind the barrier. An upper riser section of each module is partially submerged at high tide and emerged at low tide. The seaward facing lower section of the module has an inclined ramp that absorbs reflected wave energy and inhibits toe scour. Precast wafers of concrete can be added or removed from the modules as required for ballast.

Abstract: An adjustable erosion control wall includes a plurality of individual panels, each panel having a tongue projecting from one end and a groove formed in the opposing end. The panels of the retaining wall are pivotally and vertically slidably connected with the tongue of one panel engaged within the groove of an adjacent panel. Preferably, the tongue and groove have a generally cylindrical shape, and the panels have perforations therethrough of a diameter to permit water to flow therethrough but prevent the passage of soil therethrough.

Abstract: An instant block levy system, for constructing a levy, comprising a plurality of blocks, a plurality of connecting pegs, and a plurality of stakes. The block has a top surface and bottom surface, upper shaftways extending vertically into the top surface, and lower shaftways extending vertically into the bottom surface. The block has a ballasting chamber, and a fill hole in fluid communication with the ballasting chamber. The blocks may be stacked, such that a lower shaftway from a top block is concentric with a upper shaftway from a bottom block, so that the upper and lower shaftways can be connected with the connecting peg. The block has stake shaftways, extending through the block from the top surface to the bottom surface, so that the stake may be inserted therethrough, to anchor the block to the ground.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a beach-front ecosystem erosion prevention system which can be comprised of the combination of a sand ladder located at a sand dune of the beach-front ecosystem and a sand ladder reef submerged in the water of the beach-front ecosystem. The sand ladder has a curved surface facing the water, while the sand ladder reef has at least one such curved surface facing the shore-line of the beach-front ecosystem. Each of the curved surfaces of the sand ladder and/or sand ladder reef is comprised of a plurality of individual plank members arranged in an overlapping, non-touching manner so that openings between the plank members are created. The curved surfaces of the sand ladder and sand ladder reef are concave in shape and act to work with the force of the approaching wave, or retreating undertow wave.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for constructing an artificial ocean reef for use below the ocean surface to serve as an offshore breakwater for inbound waves and thereby prevent beach erosion. The reef has a plurality of adjacent sections, each of which comprises an arched wall having a series of side-by-side transverse concrete blocks, and flexible interconnections between the blocks at adjacent lateral edges to provide a generally smooth outer surface. The arched wall sections are each formed above the water surface on a barge or the like and then submerged with a shoreward side having a shoreward end resting on the floor of the ocean and a seaward side with a seaward end resting on the floor of the ocean outwardly from the shoreward end to present the smooth outer surface on the seaward side of the wall to incoming waves. Adjacent sections are secured together to form a continuous barrier aligned with the shore line of the beach being protected.

Abstract: A device for creating a specific but temporary aquatic passage in an artificial or natural river. The device includes bases which rest on the bottom of a river and elements which extend upwardly from the bases. The bases have holes formed therein which receive rods that extend downwardly from the elements. Placement of the bases in the river bed, and subsequent installation of elements into the bases, allows obstacles to be created in the river which are desirable for canoeing and kayaking.

Abstract: A reusable flood barrier is provided to erect reusable flood barrier banks. The flood barrier comprises (a) a front panel having a front face, a rear face, a top edge, a pair of side edges, and a base; (b) a rear support attached to the rear face of the front panel to prop the front panel on the base; and (c) an elongated clamp removably and adjustably affixed to the front face of the front panel. The clamp has an edge disposed proximate and substantially parallel to each side edge of the front panel respectively. The clamp is capable of anchoring a long edge of an elongated interconnection gasket. The gasket is capable of placement over the gap between a side edge of the front panel of a first flood barrier and an abutting side edge of the front panel of an adjacent flood barrier. The anchoring action of the clamp on adjacent flood barrier front panels enables the gasket to provide a water seal between the front panels.

Abstract: A floating breakwater structure that can be positioned adjacent to a boat dock or other area to be shielded from the effect of waves, the structure having a framework supported by floating members to maintain the framework above the water's surface and a plurality of adjacently positioned weighted rectangular concrete slabs pendulously supported into the water from the framework at least along one side of the structure, the concrete slabs being from about 8 to 12 feet in length, from 3 to 6 feet wide and 3 to 8 inches thick.

Abstract: An underwater truss structure is formed by continuously linking a plurality of unit structures. Each of the unit structures is formed by assembling a plurality of shafts and ball members so as to form a triangle with the ball members respectively positioned at the vertexes of the triangle to connect the shafts at their ends. The shaft includes a compression-resistant tubular member and a tension-resistant tension rod extending inside the tubular member in the axial direction thereof. The tubular member is divided into a plurality of tubular pieces in the longitudinal direction thereof so that they are movable relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the tubular member and the overall length of the tubular member can be varied by moving the tubular pieces relative to each other in the longitudinal direction of the tubular member. The tension rod is divided into a plurality of rod pieces in the longitudinal direction thereof and the rod pieces are respectively connected to said tubular pieces.

Abstract: A plant riprap material for use in a shoreline to prevent erosion, which plant riprap material comprises a felt material, a substrate within the felt material, a plurality of aquatic plants in the substrate, a geotextile material over the top of the felt material and a netting material to retain the plant riprap material in shape.

Abstract: An elongated tubular assembly comprising a plurality of tubular units disposed in end-to-end relationship, each unit comprising a lower section (1) composed of a variably rigid impermeable contact base (3), and an upper section (2) with a variably rigid protruding hull (5) designed to deviate surrounding fluid flows, the lower (1) and upper (2) parts being connected to each other at least along their longitudinal edges encompassing to such extent an internal space in which a ballast (15) can be admitted through registered hull openings (7), such flexible base and hull combination being designed to give stability to a light-weight version of said unit even in an environnment of heavy fluids, somewhat in the manner of a flat fish, for works including but not limited to ground erosion control and flood control.

Abstract: An underground agricultural irrigation system in which annular semi-cylindrical or concave-convex water reservoirs, formed by splitting used or abandoned vehicle tire casings in half, are buried concave side up at appropriate subsurface depths to trap and retain moisture used to nurture overgrowing plant roots. In a modified version concave moisture retaining caps are mounted over the open centers of each reservoir to increase moisture retention capacity.

Abstract: A retaining wall is formed from a plurality of segmented automobile tires. The sidewall segments are disposed horizontally to form a row with the ends of adjacent segments overlapping. Openings near the respective ends are aligned to cooperate with one another. A plurality of rows are formed and the openings are vertically aligned to form a height of the wall. Rods are disposed through the aligned openings to interconnect the rows. Tread segments of the tires are connected to the sidewall segments with the tread segments extending outwardly. The tread segments form support sections and may be connected to pilings to provide additional support for the wall.

Abstract: A low relief artificial reef made of one or more threads of automobile tires partially buried in a sedimentary bottom and partially protruding above it. The artificial reef can be built on land and conveyed floating to the site of installment. It can also be built on a boat and dropped directly onto the water bottom.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention there is provided an erosion barrier, and revetments made therefrom, for reducing erosion of shoreline and building shoreline including a plurality of vehicle tires connected together by cables to form a mat or mesh which may be placed along a shoreline or the bottom of the marsh or sea.

Abstract: A geotechnical mat for stabilizing soil and controlling erosion comprising a plurality of flat strips of tire tread oriented in a planar array, and means for connecting said strips to one another in said planar array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ascertaining and implementing the permeability effective for preventing and repairing scour or erosion in a control zone associated with a river or shoreline having a bank and a bed associated with a moving fluid. The method provides for preventing and repairing scour or erosion in a control zone associated with a river or shoreline having a bank and a bed associated with a moving fluid. Associated therewith, a variably permeable jetty system (Palisade.TM. system) is provided for preventing and repairing scour or erosion in a control zone associated with a river or shoreline having a bank and a bed associated with a moving fluid.

Abstract: An arrangement for the construction, maintenance and protection of a shoreline having a variable level of water is disclosed. The arrangement utilizes a plurality of ecological-botanical elements (12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 26, and 30 implanted among construction materials (10, 11, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 31, and 32) for stabilization and maintenance of shoreline shape and location. The ecological-botanical elements comprise precultivated, emergent aquatic plants (14) called plant plugs (12) whose roots are held within a water-permeable, biodegradable vegetative carrier system (13). Another ecological-botanical element is a fiber roll (17) comprising slowly decaying fibrous material in which are rooted precultivated, emergent aquatic plants (14). Appropriately arranged combinations of ecological-botanical elements implanted among construction materials stabilize and maintain shorelines.

Abstract: Disclosed is an open ocean farm structure for attachment of macroalgal plants. The farm structure is made up of linear elements connected with nodes to form a three dimensional truss. The linear elements are composed of tubes containing solid rods which are screw connected to the nodes. The ends of the tubes abut the nodes so that screwing the rods into the nodes puts the tubes in compression. The truss structure thus formed is strong and flexible. Because the truss structure is made of tubes having minimal cross-sectional area, the structure is relatively transparent to the forces of wave motion.

Abstract: A dynamic floating breakwater or dock device is disclosed which is generally T-shaped in cross-section, having a platform beam, a vertical beam and a keel member. The density of the device varies from top to bottom, such that the platform beam is the least dense and the keel member is the most dense, with the overall density of the device remaining less than that of water. The center of gravity of the device is located in or near the keel member, such that the device will pivot when encountering oncoming waves, the pivoting motion in conjunction with the vertical motion acting to create anti-waves which cancel or lessen the oncoming wave. The device is preferably constructed of a concrete having lightweight material such as polystyrene beads used for the aggregate.

Abstract: Coastal stabilization with multiple flow control of water to and from foraminous pipes and adjacent subsoil. Offshore underwater subsoil is fluidized by injection of water via underlying foraminous piping, thereby increasing the concentration of subsoil suspended in the overlying water during its onrush onto the shore. Under normal conditions beach subsoil is dewatered by withdrawing water therefrom via adjacent foraminous piping, and under stormy conditions subsoil further onshore is dewatered via foraminous piping adjacent thereto, inducing deposition of the suspended subsoil onto the adjacent land. Water collected by such dewatering can be stored temporarily and be discharged by use in such fluidization or be discharged to the sea.

Abstract: An essentially equilateral tetrahedron having essentially four equilateral sides, each of which, in turn, an equilateral triangle is disclosed. The reef module may be any size, but for practical purposes in excess of one foot on an edge, and not necessarily exceeding six feet on an edge by a significant amount. The medium primarily employed to hold the implanted tire chips in place is cement, or its equivalent. Desirably a hydraulic cement is employed because of its high strength capability as well as durability. A related aspect of the present invention looks to the provision of lifting means on each such equilateral tetrahedron to permit the same, with relatively crude equipment, to be moved about in a factory sight, on to trucks, on to barges, and off barge to its ultimate resting place at the bottom of the sea. In connection with the method of forming the modules, an open-ended three sided mold is formed in the shape of a tetrahedron with the open end up.

Abstract: A self-anchoring, artificial reef, and a self-anchoring beach stabilizer locatable to the bottom of a body of water, is provided from an assemblage (22, 22A, 22B) of used vehicle tires. Each vehicle tire (10) has sidewalls (16) and an interconnecting tread (12). At least some of the vehicle tires are radially severed completely through the sidewalls (16) and tread (12) to form opposite out ends (24), and partially severed substantially through the sidewalls (16) while maintaining an uncut tread portion (26). A plurality of cut tires (32) may be positioned together to form an assemblage (22, 22A, 22B). In the assemblage (22, 22A, 22B), the cut ends (24) of each severed tire (32) are oriented apart from each other. The configuration of the structure provides safe havens (14) for aquatic life when employed as a reef, and provides erosion stabilization characteristics when employed as a beach stabilizer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of using sidewalls from discarded automobile, truck, and other tires to manufacture drainage culverts. It also relates to the culverts manufactured by this process, and to assembly devices useful for assembling and holding together such culverts. These culverts are made by means of a simple cutting operation which removes both sidewalls from a discarded tire. The tread portion is made available for any other desired use, and is not further involved herein. The two sidewall portions are laid flat together and drilled with holes which allows them to be mounted on parallel bars which have been welded to a circular steel base plate having roughly the same dimensions as the sidewalls. When a suitable number of sidewalls (such as about 50 to 150) have been mounted on the bars, a steel closure plate having matching holes is slid onto the bars, pressed hard against the sidewalls using a press, and welded to the protruding bars.