Abstract: A modular scour monitoring device which employs magnets located within a weighted descending collar is designed for placement about bridge piers, abutments and the like, such that the occurrence of scour causes descent of the collar. This descent is carefully monitored against the initial reference point using one of two systems: a magnetic detecting probe unit or a magnetic switch array. The probe unit utilizes a graduated cable with a magnet detector mounted at one end and a signalling device at the other. The switch array system employs electrical components which are selectively activated with the descent of the collar, permitting periodic readings of the arrays various electrical properties to reveal the new depth. A wide variety of accessory systems may be used in conjunction with the present invention to permit remote monitoring, visual, audible or other warning signals, and data storage and control.

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: An improved geotextile container of the type for maintaining fill material. An end portion of the container is constructed to give enhanced strength when compared with the seamed ends in prior designs. Specifically, the closed end of the container is back-folded into the inner cavity to form a pouch. At least one anchor object is positioned in the pouch and tied off by a clamping mechanism situated about a neck portion of the pouch. As a result, the pouch is closed and the anchor object is maintained on the inside thereof. Due to this construction, an axially outward force imparted by the fill material will be directed against the inner surface of the bag instead of directly against the closed end. Various embodiments of this construction may also be used to interconnect small geotextile bags such that a larger container of a desired length may be constructed.

Abstract: A streamwise-vortex generating diverter is placed upstream from a structure to protect the structure. The diverter is positioned to induce a vortex, or rotation, in the current flow whose axis is essentially parallel to the streamwise flow. This rotating flow persists downstream of the diverter effectively guiding debris away from the protected structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a linear revetment system comprising interconnecting erosion prevention curbs having connecting means abd fin-like projections extending downward into the soil to prevent erosion.

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: A geocomposite liner having a first fibrous layer, a second fibrous layer, and a non-fibrous layer secured between the first and second fibrous layers. A plurality of fibers extend from the non-fibrous layer such that the ends of the fibers extend outwardly of an outer surface of the first fibrous layer. The ends are heat fused so as to secure the ends outwardly of the outer surface of the first fibrous layer. The second fibrous layer is needle punched such that the fibers extend from the second fibrous layer through the non-fibrous layer. The ends of the fibers are heat fused such that the ends have a greater diameter exterior of the first fibrous layer than interior of the first fibrous layer. Some of the ends are heat fused together on the outer surface of the first fibrous layer.

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: Mattress Gabions are provided for soil stabilization revetments, designed to halt erosion and/or to consolidate the soil. A protective revetment consisting of a structure of vegetable matter forms a mattress gabion which retains the soil inside each of a multiplicity of individual cells. Each cell of the container can be filled with earth or a soil or soil-forming mixture, encouraging the growth of vegetation inside the mattress, in order to afford a natural protection to the soil of banks or excarpments, etc. Once it has been filled, the mattress is closed by a top cover in double twist steel mesh, after laying a geosynthetic sheet between the two to keep in fine materials.

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 process and fabric for controlling soil erosion which comprises an erosion control mat formed of a scrim having a lightweight web secured thereto to be utilized by applying the erosion control mat to a soil surface. A method of producing such erosion control mat is also disclosed.

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: Improved wood fiber mat comprised of a mixture of thermo-mechanically processed wood fibers and synthetic fibers.

Abstract: A slopeside of mudstone or laccolith is graded into an artificial slopeside and several oblique and parallel drainage channels are arranged on its surface. Several root planting segments are selected and connected with several root planting tubes provided for communication. The tubes are charged with organic fertilizers and are suitable for burial in the artificial slopeside. Bush packs with lateral roots are planted in each of the root planting segments and the lateral roots are inserted into the root planting tubes so that the roots of different packs grow quickly and entangle intimately with each other to form a stable base for greening the artificial slopeside. Vegetative quick greening bags containing organic material based on the different growing time of herbaceous plants are affixed to the slopeside to distribute the organic materials so as to provide an optimum place for the herbaceous plants to bud and fully grow.

Abstract: An upwelling-generating structure is a mound shape structure to be installed on the ground of seabed for generating an upwelling flow. The upwelling-generating structure consists of a summit across a tidal flow, and a gentle slope running from the summit to the seabed.

Abstract: The present invention features a dual-purpose sediment mat for trapping loose sediments that have been disturbed upstream in a riverbed. The mat is generally rectangular in shape and laid horizontally on the riverbed. The low horizontal profile provides a mechanism by which the sediments can be entrapped without unduly disturbing the flow of the river. The sediment mat has a highly porous top surface and a tightly woven bottom surface to entrap the sediments settling thereupon. The mat itself is a loose arrangement of excelsior, straw or other sediment-absorbing material. Wooden stays define modular portions of the sediment mat, maintain its configuration and provide handles for moving the mat. Eyelets disposed at the corners and along the sides of the mat provide a mechanism for staking the mat to the riverbed. Thereafter, the sediment-rich mat can be anchored to the sides of the riverbank. There, it can be seeded to grow vegetation that beautifies and stabilizes the berm.

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: A process and fabric for controlling soil erosion which comprises an erosion control mat formed of a scrim having a lightweight web secured thereto to be utilized by applying the erosion control mat to a soil surface. A method of producing such erosion control mat is also disclosed.

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: A coextruded innerduct which would include an outer layer of polyethylene, impregnated or filled with a filler material, such as calcium carbonate, talc, microglass beads or strands, or any material which would reduce the contraction and expansion properties of the polyethylene innerduct in relation to the properties of the outer casing, and an inner layer of unfilled polyethylene innerduct which would provide for a smooth surface, to lower the coefficient of friction between itself and the fiber optic cables being pulled therethrough. There is further provided a lubricity agent added to the inner layer, and the innerduct is positioned as part of a multi-cell system when installed for use.

Abstract: The construct containing in hydraulic order a sediment basin, level-lip spreader, grassy filter, wetland, and deep pond can be used to remove pollutants from nonpoint source runoff. Wetlands are planted with vegetation that encourages growth of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria which are helpful in removing and detoxifying contaminants.

Abstract: An erosion control structure and method involves placing a large permeable mat with peripheral weighted pockets around and attached to the mat on the bottom of the body of water such that at least a portion of the mat extends to a location where currents have a velocity sufficient to erode the bottom. The peripheral pockets are filled with a weighted material, such as sand. Large weighted stabilizers are placed on the mat and positioned in the areas where the currents exceed the erosion velocity such that the stabilizers are below the surface of the water. The stabilizers are elongated tubular elements filled with a cementitious material, and preferably a large diameter tubular element is secured between two smaller diameter tubular elements. The smaller tubular elements are filled first in order to control the position of the larger diameter tubular element during filling.

Abstract: Beach 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 used in such fluidization.

Abstract: An apparatus wherein individual lock members include interconnecting right and left end walls, with spikes directed through the top and botttom wall for positioning and securement of the barriers to an underlying support or to one another. A fabric flap is mounted to a forward planar wall of each of the blocks for enhanced mounting of the blocks to an underlying surface to minimize cantilevering of the blocks in use. Further, positioning blocks are selectively securable to a top surface of each block and cooperative with rectangular recesses within opposed bottom surfaces of further blocks to provide vertical mounting of the blocks together.

Abstract: A woven silt control fabric comprising substantially flat yarns woven with substantially round monofilament yarns, wherein the flat yarns are compacted, is capable of high water, flow capacity while achieving high soil retention. Preferably, the flat and monofilament yarns are made from substantially polypropylene and the flat yarns are compacted to about one hundred to about one hundred twenty percent coverage.

Abstract: An articulated, predominantly concrete mat. Discrete, concrete blocks conforming generally to rectangular solids are arranged in a grid, preferably a rectangular grid. A geogrid of a type capable of being handled in one piece by itself is embedded in each block. In a preferred form, the geogrid is a flexible, one-piece sheet of oriented, polymeric material. In an alternative form, the geogrid is a weave of flexible, discrete straps of oriented, polymeric material that are joined where they intersect. Each block has a hole extending therethrough and communicating with an aperture of the geogrid.

Abstract: Decontamination of a beach or soil area that has hydrocarbon contamination including removing hydrocarbon contaminated sand or soil from an area; mixing the contaminated soil or sand with cement and water; and forming concrete from the mix.

Abstract: Bionic dunes for stabilizing an ocean beach and preventing the erosion thereof comprising a sheet extending the length of the beach having a vertically extending concave surface to turn back breaking waves. The toe midpoint and crest of the sheet are fixed by pilings while the sheet is backed up by water-packed sand below which a thin layer of aggregate is placed around the long pilings. The top surface of the crest and the sand is provided with vegetation to stabilize the top surface of the dune.

Abstract: Segmented fluidization of underwater subsoils in a manner resembling peristalsis. An array of underwater locations is selected, and water is injected into the subsoil, preferably in a pattern of sequence and duration to generate lateral flow of fluidized subsoil. Apparatus for practicing such method includes a water supply pipe, multiple water-jetting branch tubes interconnected to respective segments of the supply pipe, each such branch tube being individually valved at its junction thereto. Valve-control apparatus is provided to open and close the respective valves at given times and for given durations, as by pre-programming, or optionally controlled according to resulting flow and/or pressure monitored by nearby sensors.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is a system of vegetation strips for protection of slopes against erosion. The system is made with wire netting strips fixed slantwise (at angles ranging between 20.degree. and 40.degree.) to the base wire netting. Wire netting strips 2 are fixed on the base wire netting 1 at distances ranging from 1 m to 3 m. Bottom edges of the wire netting strips 2 are fixed around the base wire netting 1 with wire. Upper edges of the wire netting strips 2 have to be fixed with wire to the points 4 on the base wire netting 1. The "channel" so formed is filled with earth, turf or similar material to allow growth of the vegetation cover.

Abstract: A barrier to be installed on a ground surface includes a tranversely stiff folded longitudinal sheet folded downward about a longitudinal axis to form an apex. The longitudinal edges of the sheet are seated in furrows in the ground surface and secured by bolts to retain the barrier in place. The sheet has a chosen permeability selected according to its intended application. In one embodiment, the barrier may also be longitudinally stiff and include a raised lip for preventing water splashing over the barrier from eroding soil on the downstream side of the barrier. There is also described an apparatus for installing such a longitudinal sheet when the sheet is made of flexible material. The method of installing the barrier includes forming two furrows in the ground, shaping the longitudinal sheet so that it is folded about a longitudinal axis, placing longitudinal edges of the sheet in the furrows and closing the furrows.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing the strength of the nearbottom offsh directed current inside the surfzone thereby promoting and sand accretion on the beach. An arrangement of pipes is placed in the surfzone and operates to sequester a portion of surfzone fluid. The sequestered surfzone fluid is conveyed out to sea by way of the piping system thereby reducing the velocity and quantity of surfzone fluid reducing sand erosion.

Abstract: The critical loss of thousands of acres of shoreline, beaches, and wetlands each year is due to the simple loss of one grain of soil, silt, or sand, one grain at a time. The use of very thin precast concrete trunated conical sections, or "beach-cones" installed with interlocking leak-resistant interstitial "wave-blocks" in a simple geometric pattern, "reverse" the daily cycle of build-up and erosion by accelerating the "build-up" and preventing the recurring "wash-out" of sandy material picked up and carried out by retreating waves. The beach-cone geometry smoothly absorbs the energy of the sand-carried waves, dispersing the energy of the wave and retaining the material deposited into the center of the "beach-cones". This process begins at the next "high-tide" after installation. The critical erosional effect of wave "undertow" is eliminated.

Abstract: A fixation device for securing articles such as benthic barriers to the earth comprising an elongated subteraneanly pivotable plastic body having a strap affixed centrally to one side thereof, and a benthic barrier clamping element with an aperture therethrough that is slidable on the strap. The strap is intended for passage through a hole in a benthic barrier, and the clamping element in ratchet-like fashion secures the benthic barrier to the ground or lake bottom to a desired degree of tightness.

Abstract: A method provides and apparatus for recovering and revegetating shorelines subjected to low to moderate wave energy and other terrains subject to erosion processes. Biodegradable, cardboard sheet material formed with an array of projections and depressions over the entire surface of the material is utilized. A plurality of plant-receiving and letting apertures are formed in the sheet in accordance with predetermined plant density requirements. The sheet material is formed with plant nutrients suspended in it and is further provided with a hydrophobic composition coating for delaying biodegradation. The surface pattern formed on the sheet dissipates wave energy, traps sand and sediment, and prevents plant washout. The sheet material is secured to the surface by a plurality of biodegradable stakes.

Abstract: A water inflatable structural module for constructing temporary dikes and related structures includes two identical elongated flattened cylinders sealed at opposite lateral ends to form a sealed, water-tight chamber within a cylinder. The cylinders are joined along a horizontal mid-plane to opposite longitudinal edges of a thin, flexible, elongated, rectangular web. A sealable inlet port in each of the two cylinders permits the cylinders to be inflated with water to form two relatively stiff, parallel, elongated cylinders attached at facing inner mid section lines to the flexible web. In a preferred version of the module the width of the web, and therefore the minimum spacing between the two cylinders with the web flat, is of the proper dimension to make the ratio of minimum spacing to inflated cylinder diameter lie in the approximate range of 1.75 to 1 to 2 to 1.

Abstract: A modular breakwater device for placement on the floor in a body of water to alleviate erosion effects. There is a seaward face surface and a landward face surface. A plurality of passages extend between those surfaces permitting water to pass through them. The body has a continuous, uninterrupted lower surface. A number of legs extend from the lower surface and raise it off the floor and define a second passage beneath the lower surface and enables stable footing of the device on the beach floor. Details of the legs, the undersurface and the shaping of the seaward and landward surfaces appear.

Abstract: A Subsurface Dune Protection System making use of a wedge-shaped geotextile container of such size it must be filled with a sand slurry or water in situ. The wedge-shape permits provision of a slope to an upper wave impacting surface for dissipation of wave forces and accretion of sand on a dune surface being protected. The container can be divided into cells so that each cell presents a particular wave impacting surface as the cells increase in height as they progress landward. The cells are formed by walls of impermeable material for filling with water in rapid emergency installations and can later be filled with wet sand as the water is displaced for a permanent installation. The impermeable walls cause the sand to remain wet substantially increasing weight of the container. The substantial length, width and weight of the container provide significant resistance to storm wave forces.

Abstract: The panel (1) is advantageously of prefabricated type and consists of a flat surface (2) provided with a plurality of horizontal slots (4) of any arrangement on the surface, and comprises hinges (5, 6) arranged to connect a plurality of the panels together in succession in a substantially vertical arrangement. The hinges are advantageously self-fitting and self-locking to allow rapid side-by-side connection of several panels without hindering their adaptation to any radius of curvature of the watercourse.

Abstract: An erosion-control matting and method for making the matting wherein the matting is used for controlling certain erosion conditions, particularly with respect to erosion of soil and sand by the action of water. The matting is formed by cutting a vehicle tire into a continuous elongated strip and attaching at least two strips together, end-to-end, to form a continuous length of rubber striping which is then wound onto a spool. A multiplicity of strip-loaded spools are positioned longitudinally so as to be received in a weaving machine, with a single spool being positioned to dispense a rubber strip transverse to the longitudinally disposed rubber strips, whereby the strips are woven to form an interwoven rubber matting, the configuration thereof being predetermined for the required use.

Abstract: An anti-scouring device for preventing scouring of the bed of a flowing stream at an upstream or downstream location proximate a dam has a plurality of rows of concrete members, positioned in the direction of flow of the stream, on the bed of the stream. The concrete members have a base and at least one downwardly extending penetrating member which secures the member to the bed. The concrete members may have downwardly extending legs and upwardly extending retention posts and be linked together in the rows by a flexible linkage. Or, the concrete members may have downwardly extending intersecting webs to serve in securing the members to the bed. Methods for forming the anti-scouring device on the bed are also provided.

Abstract: A method of beach/inlet stabilization, based upon a beach/inlet stabilization system for bypassing the littoral drift to cross an inlet, is provided. The beach/inlet stabilization system consists of a well system, a diffuser system, a flow guiding system, a sediment trapping system, a dune drainage system and a water surface elevation sensor.

Abstract: The critical loss of thousands of acres of shoreline, beaches, and wetlands each year is due to the simple loss of one grain of soil, silt, or sand, one grain at a time. The use of very thin precast concrete truncated conical sections, or "beach-cones" installed with interlocking leak-resistant interstitial "wave-blocks" in a simple geometric pattern, "reverse" the daily cycle of build-up and erosion by accelerating the "build-up" and preventing the recurring "wash-out" of sandy material picked up and carried out by retreating waves. The beach-cone geometry smoothly absorbs the energy of the sand-carried waves, dispersing the energy of the wave and retaining the material deposited into the center of the "beach-cones". This process begins at the next "high-tide" after installation. The critical erosional effect of wave "undertow" is eliminated.

Abstract: An erosion control structure and method involves placing a large permeable mat with peripheral weighted pockets around and attached to the mat on the bottom of the body of water such that at least a portion of the mat extends to a location where currents have a velocity sufficient to erode the bottom. The peripheral pockets are filled with a weighted material, such as sand. Large weighted stabilizers are placed on the mat and positioned in the areas where the currents exceed the erosion velocity such that the stabilizers are below the surface of the water. The stabilizers are elongated tubular elements filled with a cementitious material, are preferably a large diameter tubular element is secured between two smaller diameter tubular elements. The smaller tubular elements are filled first in order to control the position of the larger diameter tubular element during filling.

Abstract: Accordingly, the present invention provides a strip stored as a roll and adapted to be unrolled along a support surface supporting a fluid. The strip includes a flexible matrix and a plurality of weighted material dispensed through the matrix and secured therein and having a predetermined weight to allow the strip to rest upon a support surface supporting a fluid thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enviornmentally benign beach reclamation comprising the placing of a synthetic gas permeable mat over the area to be reclaimed and covering the mat with a sand or gravel aggregate supplied from a remote source in the form of a slurry. The liquid for the slurry comprises the water from the body of water adjacent to the beach. All heavy equipment for the beach reclamation is placed at a remote location far removed from the lake bottom, beach and upland area to be reclaimed. Only the manually portable materials and apparatus need to be transported to the beach area, thereby virtually eliminating heavy equipment damage to the upland areas adjoining the beach. The apparatus includes slurry mixing equipment and a slurry pump all mounted on a compact trailer towable with a small truck. As a part of the apparatus are small pumps, manually portable to the body of water, and light-weight plastic hoses and plastic pipe.

Abstract: An enclosure for an area of water is fabricated from a porous breakwater which breaks waves of the water thus aerating same. Water passing through the breakwater is oxidized. The breakwater completely surrounds an area to be purified by means of aeration and oxidation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a layer construction formed as a net for the protection of earthworks, constant or periodical water courses, steep area surfaces, for building dams and embankments, for the laterial delimitation of materials tending to spreading, as e.g. sludges, soaked embedding materials. The net to be built-in into the protective layer or earthwork is fixed to the substructure of compacted soil by means of proper fixing elements. After having filled the meshes of the net with a filler, the confining walls of the meshes are carrying the load and stresses acting on the surface. The structure according to the invention follows the motion, consolidation of the earthwork and the substructure flexibly, without getting damaged.