BEACH ACCRETION DEVICE AND SYSTEM THAT INDUCES ACCUMULATION OF SEDIMENT SUSPENDED BY BEACH WAVES

Abstract

A beach sand accretion and collection apparatus has a base that supports a bow sheet, a port athwart sheet, and a starboard athwart sheet along a foreshore of a beach so that the sheets have bilaterally symmetry about an x-y plane. Each sheet is planar from a lower edge to an upper edge, wherein the upper edges define an apex of the apparatus; and each sheet has an acute angle of incidence relative to the x-y plane as the sheet extends rearward from the lower edge to the upper edge.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE SUBJECT DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to coastal engineering and, more particularly, to a beach accretion device and system that induces accumulation of sediment suspended by beach waves.

A beach is a landform alongside a body of water which consists of loose particles known as sediment. Sediments settle along the beach depending on, among other things but chiefly, the local wave action and geomorphic features that compose what is called the beach profile. The beach profile changes due to the wave energy it experiences. Waves tend to mobilize sediment from the shallows, keeping it in suspension where it is prone to be carried along the beach by longshore currents or carried out to sea. When wave action is reduced, the waver water becomes essentially “stagnant”. When wave water movement becomes stagnant the sediment has time to settle, whereby the sediment suspended in the wave tends to be deposited.

Since selective creation and manipulation of a beach is desirous to many who live along a beach and businesses that depend on the beaches, for instance hotels, there are current solutions for doing such, but they require being made of or filled with cement and/or significantly backfilled to stay in place when being subject to wave action. The self-weight or the backfill requirement of current solutions makes deployment of current solutions impractical without heavy equipment and thus prohibitively expensive for a vast majority of those interested in beach creation and manipulation.

Using seawalls have their own drawbacks, causing beach loss directly in front of the seawall and in adjacent areas of the beach that do not have seawalls, this phenomenon is caused “flanking erosion”, and it takes place at the ends of seawalls. Because the appearance of a beach without sea walls or anything man made to stabilize is not desirable, obtaining a permit from government agencies can be difficult even when saving one's home.

As can be seen, there is a need for a cost-effective beach accretion device and system that induces accumulation of sediment suspended by beach waves, whereby the systemic device is self-backfilling and so can be lightweight and provide a permanent solution.

SUMMARY OF THE SUBJECT DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure cost-effectively stops beach erosion by being configured to build the beach sand higher and further out by itself.

Simplicity in design and thus construction is a key advantage of the subject disclosure; building and installing embodiments of the subject disclosure is straightforward. The device can be made of any size and in many configurations to accommodate the application, desired outcome results and budgets. The fabricated details can be made at any fabrication shop in the country local to the job sight. Very large projects requiring heavy equipment down to do-it-yourself projects merely require purchase of formed sheets from their local fabrication shop, and then a stop at a hardware store for the remaining components needed for completion.

The subject disclosure may be embodied in a system, whereby a plurality of embodiments may be simultaneously deployed along a beach to create or expand long stretches of a beach. The devices may be installed intermittently for the sides to force the water together because of the angle of the sides. This creates the hydraulic pressure required to raise the wave water above the device apex and further back towards the berm, causing wave water to become somewhat stagnant, providing time for the sediments to settle.

An apparatus embodying the subject disclosure is configured to dissipate the energy of waves so that sediment suspended therein is accreted onto the beach prior to being carried back to the body of water. It is contemplated that a portion of the wave passes over the top of the apparatus so that a portion of the above-mentioned accretion is along a backside of the apparatus, thereby facilitating “self-backfilling” of the apparatus. By backfilling itself, thereby alleviating users of the need for labor and equipment intensive backfilling.

When the areas behind the devices become flooded “in unison” the natural flow out is between the devices. As the sediment builds up behind and above the devices, it also builds up between the devices, causing beach areas between the devices to collect sediment automatically to a higher elevation and extend further out away from the berm.

The subject disclosure enables intermittent installation, then buries itself always allowing access to the water, thereby enabling permanence-i.e., no repeated beach renourishment required.

The subject disclosure collects sand above the apparatus, on a positive angle behind “and around and between” the energy-dissipating sheets, which is configured to not cut off access to the water.

The subject disclosure accretes sand over its front face and eventually is buried by the accumulated sand no longer visible. Buried and so not visible is preferred because of the appearance, making it difficult for those aiming to thwart such efforts.

The subject disclosure extends and raises the beach on any scale and size, in scale with the project, when a plurality of beach accretion apparatuses are used systemically in concert, and wherein the beach said accretion apparatuses can be constructed to any scale and size.

The apparatuses of the subject disclosure can be pre-assembled to any stage desired to minimize the final assembly at the job site.

The subject disclosure can be used for the accumulation of other sediments or material beyond sand.

In one aspect of the subject disclosure, a beach sand accretion and collection apparatus, the apparatus includes the following: a base for supporting a bow sheet, a port athwart sheet, and a starboard athwart sheet along a foreshore of a beach so that said sheets have bilaterally symmetry along an x-y plane; each said sheet is planar from a lower edge to an upper edge, and wherein the upper edges define an apex of the apparatus; and each said sheet is oriented at an acute angle of incidence relative to the x-y plane as said sheet extends rearward from the lower edge to the upper edge.

In another aspect of the subject disclosure, the beach sand accretion and collection apparatus further includes wherein x-y plane is substantially parallel with a placid water surface of the beach, wherein the athwart sheets have an obtuse footprint angle relative to the bow sheet, wherein the base further provides a platform portion interfacing the foreshore, wherein the apex is configured to be above the foreshore so that a crest of a wave flows over the apex, whereby accretion of sediment suspended in the wave accumulates on the platform portion and there behind.

In yet another aspect of the subject disclosure, a method of accreting and collecting sediment along a beach includes placing the foregoing apparatus along a foreshore of the beach so that a front surface of the bow sheet faces incoming waves or wherein with nothing behind areas between a plurality of apparatuses.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the subject disclosure will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, shown in use after some accumulation of sediment has accrued because of the wave action and the sand settling when the water action becomes stagnant.

FIG. 2 is a top schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, showing motion of the water earlier in the process.

FIG. 3 is a section view taken along lines 3-3 in FIG. 2, illustrating a pre-accretion condition upon initial installation, shown with the wave crest below an apex of the apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a continuation of FIG. 3, illustrating post-initial installation having accumulation of sand along the backside of the apparatus, thereby self-backfilling the apparatus, shown with the wave crest about the apex of the apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a section view continuing from FIG. 4, illustrating the accumulation of sand above an apex of the apparatus, also on an inclined angle above the apex of the apparatus, also the collection of sand over the face of the apparatus making the device no longer visible, thereby providing self-accretion permanence.

FIG. 6 is a top schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, shown deploying a plurality of apparatuses installed perpendicular to the beach front to form a deposition promontory.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a top schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a detailed elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of a viewed 90-degrees from FIG. 10, looking into the inside of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a section view taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a section view taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 10.

FIG. 14 is a section view taken along line 14-14 in FIG. 10.

FIG. 15 is a section view taken along line 15-15 in FIG. 10.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a section view taken along line 17-17 in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a detailed view of an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, illustrating the typical means of fastening the assembly shown in FIG. 16 to the beach bed.

FIG. 19 is a section view taken along line 19-19 in FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a front elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of the subject disclosure, illustrating the fixture scenario leaving only a plastic membrane behind to continue working after the fixture is removed to be used again of the subject disclosure. This scenario is used to further lower the costs of beach accretion. The fixture sheets 212 and 214 are rapped on the inside with the plastic membrane 216 and set and anchored in place. After the face sheet 214 is completely covered with sediment and the load on the face sheet 214 becomes stagnant, the fixture can be removed to be reused multiple times leaving only the plastic membrane behind. The cost for the remaining material is minimal, and this also does not leave materials behind, for example steel that corrodes requiring maintenance

FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of an exemplary embodiment of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a section view taken along line 22-22 in FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is a section view taken along line 23-23 in FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SUBJECT DISCLOSURE

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 23, the subject disclosure may include a beach sand accretion apparatus 100. The beach sand accretion apparatus 100 includes three wave-energy sheets 30, 32, and 34 attached to a base, wherein the wave-energy sheets 30, 32, and 34 are configurable for dissipating and redirecting wave energy. The bow sheet 30, the port athwart sheet 32, and the starboard athwart sheet 34 are arranged with bilaterally symmetry along an athwartships perspective/axis as well as from a bow-to-stern perspective/axis. The bilaterally symmetry is critical to both dissipating waves that may strike from offset angles as well as the beach sand accretion apparatus 100 maintaining its steady state during wave strikes, especially immediately after deployment prior to significant accumulation of sand along portions of the base 40, which would act as backfill. Each sheet 30, 32, and 34 may be made up of a plurality of panels. The material of the three sheets 30. 32, and 34, may be molded fiberglass, Kevlar material and any material suitable for handling the stresses of local wave action, including new composites not currently known.

The base 40 may provide one or more baffle angled arms or struts 12 or otherwise designed to support the beach sand accretion apparatus 100 to rest on the sand 16 of the foreshore/swash zone/beach face below the still water level. The base 40 may have a platform portion that lays across the sand 16 so that accumulated sand overlays the platform portion, effectively backfilling the beach sand accretion apparatus 100. The baffles may be selectively installed at different angles relative to the coastline to accommodate the increased water depth.

Sand 16 accumulates along the platform portion, thereby enabling the self-backfilling functionality of the subject disclosure. Accordingly, the subject disclosure is designed so that a portion of the wave water 18, and thus the sediment suspended therein, overflows the apex of the bow sheet 30. In other words, this wall-like configuration is not intended to block the entire wave; rather, it is desirous that the upper portion or crest of the wave flow over the apex to deposit said aft the sheets 30, 32, and 34.

The rear surface 14 of the sheets 30, 32, and 34 traps the sand 16 before so that it cannot migrate so far out to sea.

A filter (landscape cloth) 112 can be held in place with bar 110 and clamping device 120. A plastic membrane 216 is optional if the sheets 30, 32, and 34 are not deep enough. The beach sand accretion apparatus 100 may be held in place with ground anchors 118 so that the anchor 118 can be uprooted, and the accretion apparatus moved to another location. The anchor 118 may be deployed with fasteners 114 and 116.

For the reusable fixture scenario leaving only a plastic membrane 216 provides a means of lifting the front 214 and sides 212 and hinge pin 218. A lifting lug 210 may be used for the fixture sections being removed, leaving only the plastic membrane behind.

The subject disclosure includes a method on accretion of sediment beyond the nominal water line by installing the apparatus in the water, beyond the water line effectively extending the beach into the ocean by itself, including accretion over the apex of the apparatus causing the increase of elevation of the beach elevation.

This method includes self-backfilling by allowing the waves with sediment to flow over the apex of the apparatus. The apparatus then resets the wave water flow back, making the water flow essentially stagnant back to the body of water creating a flood plain, thereby allowing time for the sediments to settle and the water to dissipate into the beach sand.

The method of accretion of sediment happens between the apparatuses by allowing sediment to settle between the apparatuses because of the increase of stagnant water flow between the apparatuses. Water dissipates into the beach in an area with nothing behind or in front of this area extending and raising the beach elevation. After the sediment is over the apex of the apparatus the sediment continues to collect on an increased angle when the water flow back has been restricted, and in the time when the water flow stagnates then changes directions.

The apparatuses may be installed separately to create the water flow between them to be further raised due to the angled sides of the separated apparatuses creating hydraulic pressure pushing the water further up the beach to a higher elevation. After the sediment has reached its increased angle, it spills forward covering the face bow, so it is no longer visible causing the beach to migrate forward extending and raising the beach level on its own.

The method of accreting sediment includes extending and raising the beach elevation without cutting off access to the water and ocean by not creating a wall, or steep slope particularly between the apparatuses.

The method may also provide description disclosures relating to items 210 through 220 in FIG. 22, through 23, including a methodology of leaving only a plastic membrane behind a reusable fixture scenario is used. This avoids leaving behind steel and other structures behind that corrode and requires maintenance, wherein a solid apparatus as previously described is now made to be removed and reused again reducing costs of materials. The apparatus is lined with the plastic membrane on the inside, and so after the sediment has substantially covered the front bow face and the load on the bow face becomes essentially stagnant the fixture is removed leaving behind only the plastic membrane. The pins are pulled, and the sides then face are pulled out on the angle there on.

As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number. And the term “substantially” refers to up to 80% or more of an entirety. Recitation of ranges of values herein are not intended to be limiting, referring instead individually to any and all values falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated, and each separate value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “aligned” means parallel, substantially parallel, or forming an angle of less than 35.0 degrees. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “transverse” means perpendicular, substantially perpendicular, or forming an angle between 55.0 and 125.0 degrees. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “length” means the longest dimension of an object. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “width” means the dimension of an object from side to side. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “above” generally means superjacent, substantially superjacent, or higher than another object although not directly overlying the object. Further, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “mechanical communication” generally refers to components being in direct physical contact with each other or being in indirect physical contact with each other where movement of one component affect the position of the other.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (“e.g.,” “such as,” or the like) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the embodiments or the claims. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosed embodiments.

In the following description, it is understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “up,” “down,” and the like, are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms unless specifically stated to the contrary.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A beach sand accretion and collection apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

a footprint defined by an athwartship axis and a bow-to-stern axis;

a base extending in a parallel orientation relative to the footprint;

a port athwart sheet, and

a starboard athwart sheet;

each said athwart sheet is planar from a lower edge to an upper edge, wherein the lower edge is supported by the base, and wherein the upper edge defines, in part, an apex of the apparatus;

wherein the port athwart sheet and the starboard athwart sheet are disposed on opposing sides of the bow-stern axis such that the port athwart sheet and the starboard athwart sheet extend in opposing directions along or at least parallel with the athwartship axis;

the base extending between the two athwart sheets for receiving accreted beach sand thereon; and

each said athwart sheet is oriented at an acute angle of incidence relative to the footprint as said sheet extends rearward from the lower edge to the upper edge,

whereby a void is defined by the upper edges of said athwart sheets.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a bow sheet extending between respective proximal edges of said athwart sheets.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a rigid membrane along an interior surface of each of the bow sheet and the athwart sheets.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the base further comprises a platform portion of the base.

5. apparatus of claim 4, wherein the bow sheet connected to the base so as to define an included angle relative thereto, wherein the included angle is less than ninety degrees, whereby a crest of a wave flows over the apex so that accretion of sediment suspended in the wave accumulates on the platform portion.

6. A method of accreting and collecting sediment along a beach, the method comprising:

placing the apparatus of claim 1, along a foreshore of the beach so that a front surface of the bow sheet facing incoming waves.

7. A method of accreting and collecting sediment along a beach to create a deposition promontory extending from the beach, the method comprising:

placing a plurality of apparatuses of the apparatus claimed in claim 1 within the foreshore of the beach, wherein the plurality of apparatuses are spaced apart intermittently in two rows, wherein the athwart axis of each said apparatus is oriented generally normal relative to a beach front of the beach.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein a water pressure building between the spaced apart apparatus forcing the water aft-ward.

9. A method of reusing an apparatus of claim 3, the method comprising:

placing the apparatus of claim 3 along a foreshore of a beach; and

moving all by the rigid member of the apparatus of claim 3 to another portion of the foreshore of the beach.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each athwart sheet has four sides.