Abstract: Wave attenuation systems are disclosed. For example, a wave-attenuating panel can define a plane, a center-of buoyancy and a center-of-mass spaced from the center-of-buoyancy such that the panel is stably buoyant in a liquid with the plane oriented vertically. Wave attenuators are also disclosed. Such a wave attenuator can comprise a first row of support members extending vertically relative to a seabed and a second row of support members spaced from the first row. A vertically oriented, movable panel can be positioned between the first row and the second row, such that the panel is configured to rise and fall in a substantially vertical plane. Such wave attenuators can also comprise a second, fixed panel that remains submerged.

Abstract: Wave attenuation systems are disclosed. For example, a wave-attenuating panel can define a plane, a center-of buoyancy and a center-of-mass spaced from the center-of-buoyancy such that the panel is stably buoyant in a liquid with the plane oriented vertically. Wave attenuators are also disclosed. Such a wave attenuator can comprise a first row of support members extending vertically relative to a seabed and a second row of support members spaced from the first row. A vertically oriented, movable panel can be positioned between the first row and the second row, such that the panel is configured to rise and fall in a substantially vertical plane. Such wave attenuators can also comprise a second, fixed panel that remains submerged.

Abstract: Connectors having redundant fasteners for interconnecting adjacent structures are disclosed. Some connectors have first and second bearing bodies and a member disposed between the bearing bodies. A first fastener is held in tension and extends through the bearing bodies and the member. The tension in the first fastener urges the bearing bodies against each other in compression. A second fastener held in loose engagement relative to the bearing bodies and the member extends through the bearing bodies. On release of the tension in the first fastener, such as by failure of the first fastener, the second fastener is placed in tension.

Abstract: Wave attenuation systems are disclosed. For example, a wave-attenuating panel can define a plane, a center-of buoyancy and a center-of-mass spaced from the center-of-buoyancy such that the panel is stably buoyant in a liquid with the plane oriented vertically. Wave attenuators are also disclosed. Such a wave attenuator can comprise a first row of support members extending vertically relative to a seabed and a second row of support members spaced from the first row. A vertically oriented, movable panel can be positioned between the first row and the second row, such that the panel is configured to rise and fall in a substantially vertical plane. Such wave attenuators can also comprise a second, fixed panel that remains submerged.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, a connection assembly for interconnecting two adjacent floats includes first and second hinge mounting members that are secured to respective floats, such as floating concrete dock sections, and a flexible hinge that is releasably connected at each end to the hinge mounting members so as to interconnect the two floats. The hinge mounting members can be, for example, rigid housings that are disposed in respective recesses formed in the concrete dock sections. The flexible hinge includes at least one layer of a flexible material, such as elastomeric belting material, and desirably includes several layers of flexible material, which can be placed in tension across the two floats. In certain embodiments, the hinge mounting members can be easily accessed from the side of the floats adjacent the joint in order to disconnect and remove the hinge for repair or replacement, without having to physically separate the floats.

Abstract: Wave attenuation systems are disclosed. For example, a wave-attenuating panel can define a plane, a center-of buoyancy and a center-of-mass spaced from the center-of-buoyancy such that the panel is stably buoyant in a liquid with the plane oriented vertically. Wave attenuators are also disclosed. Such a wave attenuator can comprise a first row of support members extending vertically relative to a seabed and a second row of support members spaced from the first row. A vertically oriented, movable panel can be positioned between the first row and the second row, such that the panel is configured to rise and fall in a substantially vertical plane. Such wave attenuators can also comprise a second, fixed panel that remains submerged.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, a connection assembly for interconnecting two adjacent floats includes first and second hinge mounting members that are secured to respective floats, such as floating concrete dock sections, and a flexible hinge that is releasably connected at each end to the hinge mounting members so as to interconnect the two floats. The hinge mounting members can be, for example, rigid housings that are disposed in respective recesses formed in the concrete dock sections. The flexible hinge includes at least one layer of a flexible material, such as elastomeric belting material, and desirably includes several layers of flexible material, which can be placed in tension across the two floats. In certain embodiments, the hinge mounting members can be easily accessed from the side of the floats adjacent the joint in order to disconnect and remove the hinge for repair or replacement, without having to physically separate the floats.

Abstract: Connectors having redundant fasteners for interconnecting adjacent structures are disclosed. Some connectors have first and second bearing bodies and a member disposed between the bearing bodies. A first fastener is held in tension and extends through the bearing bodies and the member. The tension in the first fastener urges the bearing bodies against each other in compression. A second fastener held in loose engagement relative to the bearing bodies and the member extends through the bearing bodies. On release of the tension in the first fastener, such as by failure of the first fastener, the second fastener is placed in tension.

Abstract: A wave-attenuating system. The wave-attenuating system includes a flexible, resilient barrier member that is disposed in a body of water and oriented to interrupt and dissipate the wave action of oncoming waves. The barrier member desirably is constructed from a substantially neutrally or slightly negatively buoyant material so that the overall depth, length, and/or thickness can be increased as needed for a particular application while adding little deadweight to the system in water. The barrier member can be supported by a flotation device in a floating breakwater, or alternatively, the barrier member can be secured to a stationary structure in a fixed breakwater.

Abstract: A floating dock assembly comprising a plurality of interconnected concrete float sections is disclosed. Each float section comprises a concrete shell having a deck portion, opposing side walls, opposing end walls, and an open bottom which together define a flotation container. A self-centering flotation core is disposed in the flotation container and has a bottom portion that extends outside thereof to increase the freeboard of the float section. The concrete shell further includes a pair of opposing, horizontally projecting concrete structural side flanges extending along the length of each side wall and a pair of opposing, horizontally projecting concrete end flanges extending along the length of each end wall. Each flange is of sufficient thickness to permit direct attachment of mooring accessories and dock hinges for interconnecting adjacent float sections without additional structural components such as conventional timber wales.

Abstract: A floating dock assembly comprising a plurality of interconnected concrete float sections is disclosed. Each float section comprises a concrete shell having a deck portion, opposing side walls, opposing end walls, and an open bottom which together define a flotation container. A self-centering flotation core is disposed in the flotation container and has a bottom portion that extends outside thereof to increase the freeboard of the float section. The flotation core is configured such that each side of the bottom portion abuts against the inside surface of an adjacent formwork wall when it is placed in a formwork for casting the concrete shell. The flotation core is therefore prevented from shifting off-center during the casting process and the balance of the float section is substantially improved.

Abstract: A semi-flexible hinge for interconnecting a floating dock wherein the dock is comprised of a pair of floating, rectangular sections positioned end-to-end in spaced-apart relation. The adjacent ends of the floating dock sections each have a vertical, planar face, facing and parallel to the face of the adjacent dock section. The semi-flexible hinge includes a channel member mounted to each of said adjacent dock faces. Each channel member has a pair of opposing flanges extending horizontally and perpendicularly in relation to the dock face. Each channel member has a plurality of U-shaped knuckles mounted thereon. The knuckles are comprised of a length of semi-flexible material. A hinge pin passes through the aperture of the aligned knuckles attached to both channel members such that the dock sections can pivot, twist, and move vertically relative to one another. In another illustrative embodiment, the semi-flexible hinge includes top and bottom hinge straps interconnecting the floating dock sections.

Abstract: A floating dock that includes one or more box-like elements, each defined by a pair of spaced-apart, elongate, rigid beams between which extend top and bottom plates and end walls. The chamber so formed is partially filled with blocks of closed-cell EPS foam, the lower portion of the chamber being adapted to receive water from the body on which the float is positioned to act as ballast. Tie rods extend between the beams to retain them in engagement with the top and bottom plates.

Abstract: A floating dock includes a plurality of float modules comprised of containers having opposing walls, a deck with opposing edges mounted in spaced relationship above the float modules, and a pair of wales extending along opposing walls of the float modules and opposing edges of the deck. Compression rods extend between the wales and act on the pair of wales such that the compression rods exert compression force on the float modules and deck. A compression beam or plywood panel extends between the opposing walls of the container below the compression rod to create a box beam in combination with the wales and deck, therefore rigidifying the dock to enhance its portability on land and wave resistance properties in water. The float modules are spaced apart longitudinally of the dock to allow wave transparency and wash space for debris. The space between the deck and float modules forms a passageway for utility conduits.

Abstract: A floating dock includes a plurality of float modules comprised of containers having opposing walls, a deck with opposing edges mounted in spaced relationship above the float modules, and a pair of wales extending along opposing walls of the float modules and opposing edges of the deck. Compression rods extend between the wales and act on the pair of wales such that the compression rods exert compression force on the float modules and deck. A compression beam or plywood panel extends between the opposing walls of the container below the compression rod to create a box beam in combination with the wales and deck, therefore rigidifying the dock to enhance its portability on land and wave resistance properties in water. The float modules are spaced apart longitudinally of the dock to allow wave transparency and wash space for debris. The space betwen the deck and float modules forms a passageway for utility conduits.

Abstract: A floating dock includes a plurality of float modules comprised of containers having opposing walls, a deck with opposing edges mounted in spaced relationship above the float modules, and a pair of wales extending along opposing walls of the float modules and opposing edges of the dock. Compression rods extend between the wales above the modules and act on the pair of wales such that the compression rods exert compression force on the float modules and deck. A compression beam extends between the opposing walls of the container below the compression rod to create a box beam in combination with the wales and deck, therefore rigidifying the dock to enhance its portability on land and wave resistance properties in water. The float modules are spaced apart longitudinally of the dock to allow wave transparency and wash space for debris.