Abstract: The disclosed systems, methods, and apparatuses may combat coastal erosion using a shell module shaped to enable retention of sand on a beach and shore face. The shell module may be shaped to minimizing interference with recreational use of the beach and providing a beneficial environment for desirable sea life. The modular shell can be conveniently transported and emplaced in shell reefs. These shell reefs may comprise multiple, optionally interlocking shell modules. These shell reefs can prevent fill, such as sand, de-watered sand, or sand slurry from being scoured and sluiced out to sea. The disclosed systems and methods harness the energy of incoming and returning waves, including tidal and surf action, to assist in spreading the fill, recreating a natural beach, complete with layers of sand capable of resisting the scouring force of ocean waves and currents.

Abstract: A sand and soil internal reinforcement system including a plurality of individual modules removably connectable together act to reinforce sand and/or soil against shifting caused by erosive forces such as water and wind in high energy environments such as coastal beaches and watershed areas which produce large volumes of runoff or in hill sides subject to sliding due to ground water hydrostatic pressure. The modules include a cell having a front panel, rearward extending side walls which are held together by an open soil ballast and anchor membrane, and a refractor panel. Fill placed on top of the ballast and anchor membrane provides structural stability for each individual module independent of other adjoining modules of the reinforcement system. The interface established between adjacent modules requires no supplemental coupling devices, such as shear and alignment pins, to removably secure them together.