Abstract: A sediment capping system is adapted to create, and distribute, a homogenized mixture of capping material. Where distributing the capping material, the system is configured to militate against the capping material forming clumps of a size and weight that would disturb the sediment on a bottom of a body of water. This in turn militates against the sediment being disturbed, and a disturbing of pollutants and toxins into the water surrounding the sediment. The sediment capping system militates against the clumping of capping material through a vibrating spreader and baffle system, producing a sediment cap with a more consistent depth that will minimally disturb the sediment on the floor of the body of water where the sediment cap is being deposited.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an erosion control apparatus and methods of using and installing the apparatus. The apparatus is constructed to prevent erosion of soil during typical weather or tidal conditions and adverse weather events. The apparatus can include a plurality of anchored rolls and soil lifts operative to stabilize the shoreline.

Abstract: A sediment capping system is adapted to create, and distribute, a homogenized mixture of capping material. Where distributing the capping material, the system is configured to militate against the capping material forming clumps of a size and weight that would disturb the sediment on a bottom of a body of water. This in turn militates against the sediment being disturbed, and a disturbing of pollutants and toxins into the water surrounding the sediment. The sediment capping system militates against the clumping of capping material through a vibrating spreader and baffle system, producing a sediment cap with a more consistent depth that will minimally disturb the sediment on the floor of the body of water where the sediment cap is being deposited.

Abstract: A method for absorbing liquids, such as liquid hydrocarbons, includes applying recycled carpet material to the liquid. The recycled carpet material is prepared by shredding carpet and removing fibers from the shredded carpet to obtain carpet backing material. The carpet backing material may be further treated to remove fibers. The carpet backing material is then applied to the liquid.

Abstract: A revetment construction apparatus includes a reusable plunger device and a pair of panels coupled with a movable joint. The plunger includes a box portion having an open bottom and a plurality of sides, including an open front side, a rear side opposite the front side, and a pair of spaced apart lateral sides extending between the front and rear sides. The plunger further includes a mast portion extending vertically upward from the box portion and providing at a top end thereof a picking cap for engagement by a construction machine. The panels include front and bottom panels extending, respectively, along the front and open bottom of the box portion. Each of the panels is a reinforced anti-erosion fabric panel coupled to the box portion with breakaway fasteners configured to passively detach from the box portion upon lifting of the plunger after the box portion has been loaded with revetment foundation rock.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods related to the suppression of invasive plant species by laying down a fabric over beds of such invasive plants. A watercraft with a fabric laying mechanism is provided with the mechanism automatically guiding the fabric from a fabric stockpile to a frame that spreads the fabric prior to the fabric being laid over the underwater plant bed. The watercraft may be provided with a device for dispensing material over the fabric that has been laid down to weigh down or hold down the fabric. Preferably, the fabric is biodegradable and the material is natural to the area. In one implementation, the fabric (e.g jute burlap) is coarsely woven from natural plant fibers.

Abstract: Contaminated sediment is re-mediated using a self-regenerating reactive sedimentation capping system comprising a system of composite particles having a core and a coating. The coating of at least some particles further include a complexing or sorptive reactive material, such as activated carbon, appatite, a clay or organoclay, or a synthetic sorptive such as Sorbster™. The same or different particles contain a composition of dormant microbes capable of utilizing various contaminants as a food source. The same or other particles may also contain nutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, cofactors, buffers or other adjunctive compounds to sustain the microbes. The microbes feed on and degrade the contaminant compounds complexed, absorbed or adsorbed by the reactive material, thereby regenerating the reactive material for re-use.

Abstract: A cellular structure includes a plurality of interconnected cells of fabric material. The cells are at least partially filled with a composite fill material that includes a particulate material and a bonding agent. A cellular unit made up of a plurality of the interconnected cells may have an associated load-bearing frame to enable lifting and/or transportation of the structure. The fill material is preferably resilient.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for placement of a mat underwater is provided that includes a frame configured to be attached to a lifting mechanism and a connector mechanism disposed on the frame configured to couple to a first side of the mat and support the mat when coupled to and lifted by the first side. The apparatus also includes a release mechanism coupled to the connector mechanism and configured to release the mat from the connector mechanism upon receiving an input.

Abstract: An erosion control mat provides a plurality of concrete blocks. Each block has an upper portion with a plurality of upper inclined side walls. Each block has a lower portion with a plurality of inclined lower side walls. The block has an upper surface and a lower surface and a block periphery in the form of an edge where the upper and lower side walls meet. Cables or ropes connect the blocks together to form a block matrix and the erosion control mat. Each block has a boot affixed to the block lower portion, the boot having a plurality of inclined side panels. Each boot side panel has an upper edge. The boot has a lower panel, a boot interior surface and an interior that is receptive of at least part of the block lower portion. The boot inclined side panels engage the block inclined lower side walls. The boot lower panel engages the block lower surface. A plurality of anchor posts are attached to the interior surface of the boot.

Abstract: A stone dumping real time measuring system for a stone dumping vessel includes a boom. The boom is mounted to a control cabin of the stone dumping vessel and can extend outwardly from the control cabin to be located above a predetermined stone dumping position. A signal line hangs from the boom. A floater is connected to the other end of the signal line. The floater is provided with a positioning device, a surge compensator, and a depth sounder. The floater freely floats on the water through the separate design of the floater and the stone dumping vessel. The floater is directly positioned by the positioning device of the floater, and the surge compensator is able to correct a measurement error of the depth sounder to instantly report the stone dumping result and to improve the accuracy and precision of the stone real time measuring system.

Abstract: A barge system for hydraulic spreading of aquatic capping material is provided. The barge system includes a barge, a piping system, a spreader, a system for moving the barge and a controller. The barge has a deck extending between a front end and a rear end and two opposing sides. The piping system is mounted on the deck and used for the transmission of capping material slurry that includes a capping material. The piping system has a first end and a second end. A source of capping material slurry is connected to the first end and fed through the piping system to the spreader. The spreader has an inlet end in communication with the second end of the piping system and a discharge end. The spreader evenly distributes the capping material slurry from the end of the barge. The controller positions the barge based on the flow rate and density of the slurry. The barge system is used to deposit a predetermined thickness of the capping material on the bottom of the body of water.

Abstract: A unique water containment wall or barrier employs a flexible envelope that is extendable in a longitudinal direction from a collapsed condition for storage and transport into an expanded position for use. Support ribs disposed at spaced apart positions along the longitudinal direction provide support and shape retention to the envelope, the interior of which is fillable with water to weigh down the envelope down against oncoming or expanding waters. A unique fastening mechanism attaches a pair of wail or barrier sections together by using an inflatable member to force apart a pair of profiled ribs on the two sections into engagement with matching-profile walls of a channel member that bridges together the two sections over the ribs. A bumper mechanism rises and falls with water levels to protect the wail or barrier against impact by floating debris.

Abstract: A revetment panel construction including a geotextile fabric positioned atop the ground, a synthetic turf positioned atop the geotextile fabric and affixed thereto to form an elongate bladder, and a filling placed within the elongate bladder. Optionally, the revetment panel construction includes a geotextile fabric positioned atop the ground, an elongate filled bladder positioned atop the geotextile fabric, and a synthetic turf positioned atop the filled bladder.

Abstract: A coastal recovery module including a body portion defining an interior compartment. The coastal recovery module may also include a selectively sealable fluid conduit. The selectively sealable fluid conduit may provide a fluid communication between the interior compartment and an exterior of the body portion, the fluid conduit configured for selectively flooding and dewatering the interior compartment. The coastal recovery module may further include a wave energy mitigation structure associated with at least a portion of a top surface of the body portion.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide methods for laying a waterproofing layer which may be used for forming the bottom and the walls of depositing sites so as to comply, both in literal and in substantial terms, with the legal requirements. The aim is also to provide durable waterproof barriers which have a high mechanical strength, without discontinuity.

Abstract: A pyramidal geotextile fabric comprising two sets of multi-lobe filament yarns interwoven in substantially perpendicular direction to each other, each of the multi-lobe filament yarns having pre-determined, different heat shrinkage characteristics such that, upon heating, the fabric forms a three-dimensional, cuspated profile. A method of stabilizing soil and reinforcing vegetation comprises the steps of placing a three-dimensional, high-profile woven fabric into soil, wherein the fabric comprises two sets of multi-lobe filament yarns interwoven in substantially perpendicular direction to each other, each of the multi-lobe filament yarns having pre-determined, different heat shrinkage characteristics such that, upon heating, the fabric forms a three-dimensional, cuspated profile; securing the fabric to the ground; and, distributing soil and seed onto the fabric such that the section of ground is quickly revegetated and thereby protected from further erosion.

Abstract: The invention concerns a recoverable gabion for use in protecting military or civilian installations from weapons assault or from elemental forces, such as flood waters, lava flows, avalanches, soil instability, slope erosion and the like. The gabion comprises opposed side walls comprising a plurality of side wall elements connected together at spaced intervals by a plurality of partition walls such that spaces between neighboring pairs of partition walls define, together with the side walls, individual compartments of the gabion, adjacent side and partition walls being connected to one another by pivotal connections enabling the gabion to be folded between fully flattened and deployed configurations, wherein at least one of the pivotal connections is a releasable connection which when released allows a side wall element to open with respect to the gabion to allow access from the side of the gabion to any contents of the gabion compartments.

Abstract: A flood protection bag system includes a troughlike structure having longitudinally-extending sidewalls and a bottom wall connected therebetween, along with one or more internal walls, the internal walls serving to divide the troughlike structure into a plurality of bag chambers. The longitudinally-extending sidewalls are continuous and seamless between the ends of the troughlike structure, and the bag system can be made of a plastic such as polypropylene. In one embodiment, the bag system may be implemented in conjunction with other such bag system(s). Also, in one embodiment, a frame structure is employed to support the bag chamber(s) during filling thereof with sand or other filling material, in a manner whereby tension is applied to each of the corners of the given bag chamber being filled. Further, in one embodiment, the bag chambers are covered by way of a bag top that is openable or removable relative to the bag system.

Abstract: A revetment block with a top surface that is tapered upwardly from the upstream end to the downstream end. Thus, when a number of tapered blocks are installed end to end on a grade, the upstream end of any of the blocks can be raised due to underlying ground irregularities without degrading the safety factor of the blocks. The tapered revetment blocks can also be constructed with positive interlocking arms and sockets to enhance the integrity of a matrix of such blocks.

Abstract: A flood wall system and method of constructing same, including providing a first main panel section; attaching sleeves to each side of a main panel prior to configuring the final chamber; providing two sleeves of fabric at the upper opening of each chamber for supporting the chambers while the chambers are being filled with materials such as sane; providing a series of chambers sewn together to define a continuous cellular wall; the final chamber having a horizontal height two feet longer (0.61 meters) than the vertical height further having a front toe portion one foot (0.30 meters) min height; filling each chamber with a quantity of material, such as sand; on each end of a completed chain of chambers, further comprising a set of loops or ties so that a chain of chambers is capable of being tied to other chains of chambers to define the continuous flood wall system.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to an erosion-and-sediment-control system. The erosion-and-sediment-control system includes a sleeve having a substantially-flat bottom surface and a fiber matrix disposed within, and substantially filling, the sleeve. A flap is formed at a first end of the sleeve. The substantially-flat bottom surface resists movement due to wave action and currents.

Abstract: An open mat system to reinforce turf includes an anchor arrangement to help secure the mat to the turf. The anchor arrangement includes an anchor head embedded in the earth, a cable connected to the anchor head, a cable connector device, and a brace. The cable is inserted into the connector device, which holds the cable against withdrawal from the connector device. The brace includes a receiver, in which the cable connector device is removably oriented in the receiver.

Abstract: A bag for creating temporary water barriers. The bag may include an outer casing and a liquid absorbing polymer within the casing. To use the bag, the bag may be soaked in water and the liquid absorbing polymer may absorb the water. The bags may then expand and may be stacked to create the barrier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for stabilizing and securing banks, hillsides and slopes, and structures present at least partly in moving waters, such as supporting and construction elements, by composite materials comprising mineral particles, preferably stones, in particular crushed rock, and an epoxy resin.

Abstract: A structure comprising a plurality of regular hexagonal tubes and a plurality of rhomboid inserts is disclosed. At least one of the tubes can be placed end-to-end relative to another of the tubes in a configuration where the central axes of the tubes are parallel. These central axes can be either collinear or not collinear depending upon the overall configuration of the structure chosen. Each rhomboid insert fits inside at least one section of a hexagonal tube. Those rhomboid inserts that fit into more than one hexagonal tube provide a means for interlocking the tubes.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for the treatment of liquid runoff, such as rainfall, irrigation, and waste or produced water, utilizing aboveground, modular, permeable barriers containing reactive media that can immobilize particular solutes of concern, removing them from the liquid runoff. The modular design allows construction of a relatively-uniform barrier, or media volume, that is self-supporting and easily assembled, maintained, modified, and augmented. A permeable reactive barrier constructed according to the present invention provides significant contact between the reactive media and the solutes of concern while allowing the runoff stream to flow through the structure relatively unimpeded.

Abstract: A bag for retaining structures, includes a plurality of cells aligned side-by-side in a continuous manner and configured to be filled with a filling material. Each cell of the bag includes a bottom wall, a first side wall, a second side wall, a back wall, and a front wall, the front wall being longer than the back wall. Furthermore, the first and second side walls each include a) a first corner located where the back wall connects with the bottom wall, said first corner being substantially 90 degrees; and b) a second corner located where a respective top edge of each side wall connects with the rear wall, said second corner being substantially 90 degrees.

Abstract: A recoverable gabion is disclosed. The gabion comprises opposed side walls connected together at spaced intervals by a plurality of partition walls such that spaces between neighboring pairs of partition walls define, together with the side walls, individual compartments of the gabion, adjacent side and partition walls being connected to one another by pivotal connections wherein at least one partition wail comprises at least three partition wall elements, a first partition wall element being pivotally connected to a first side wall and a second partition wall element being connected to a second side wall, and the partition wall comprising at least a third partition wall element between said first and second partition wall elements acting as a spacer element therebetween to extend the width of the gabion compartment and being releasably connected to the first and second partition wall elements.

Abstract: A suspension having a specific gravity greater than 1.0 that contains one or more reactive materials, said suspension containing a biopolymer that decomposes over time, thereby releasing the contaminant reactant for contact with the contaminants in the waterway bottom sediment or waterway floor material. In one embodiment, the suspension includes a water-buoyant material, that can be placed underwater over a sub-aqueous waterway bottom or floor that contains a contaminant to be treated or confined and remains in place for treatment and/or confinement. After the suspension is placed, it may be stabilized against movement by applying a confining or weighting layer, such as sand or a water-permeable or water-impermeable geotextile, thereover.

Abstract: Stabilized, durable stream crossings are built from contained plant growth medium secured to the stream banks, bridge footings installed behind the contained growth medium, and an open-construction bridge deck spanning the footings that permits light and rain water to reach the growth medium on the banks underneath the bridge.

Abstract: Armor units for rubble mound structures including breakwaters, revetments, groins, jetties, and the like. Embodiments are appropriate for ocean, river, lake and reservoir structure armoring, to prevent erosion from damaging hydrodynamic forces resulting from waves and water currents, and the like. An embodiment includes a central rectangular section, three “half H-shaped” appendages, two identical frusta (end members), and a flat bottom with two extrusions, nominally smaller than other appendages and frusta. An embodiment is symmetric about two perpendicularly intersecting vertical planes extending through the centroid of the unit. The three half H-shaped members are connected to outer parts of a side defined as the top and the two longitudinal sides of the central section. The three half H-shaped members and the two end members comprise four-sided frusta that taper from a base at the central rectangular section to four-sided distal ends. For select embodiments, the frusta are generally symmetric.

Abstract: A concrete revetment block having interlocking arms and sockets and an array of vegetation holes. Two arms and two sockets are formed in the block to provide interlocking capabilities with neighbor blocks of a mat. One arm of the block is constructed with a partial thickness and one socket is constructed with a partial depth, thereby providing vertical interlocking capabilities with the neighbor blocks. An array of holes is formed through the block to allow vegetation to grow therethrough. Various holes are located in the block to allow easy grasping of the block by a workman for lifting the same. The holes are formed in the core square of the block, with respective diameters related to the thickness of the block to maximize the hydraulic stability of the block.

Abstract: A concrete interlocking revetment block having a pair of arms and a pair of sockets. The arms have enlarged ends and the sockets have enlarged cavities to interlock similar blocks together and prevent lateral separation. The arms extend outwardly from respective side edges of the block, with radial axes orthogonal to each other so as to be adjacent to each other. The sockets are formed into respective side edges of the block, with radial axes orthogonal to each other so as to also be adjacent to each other. The depth of at least one socket is less than the thickness of the block. A portion of the socket is thus covered with concrete to thereby provide reinforcement between adjacent sockets of the block, and reduce incidences of breakage. At least one arm is also formed with a thickness less than the thickness of the block.

Abstract: A sand drift prevention method in which a plurality of columnar sandbags made of a tubular knit fabric are placed so as to cross over one another, and in such a pitch that 3 to 30 sandbags are disposed for every ten meters, and in which the cross-sectional area of each of the columnar sandbags is 10 to 400 cm2. A method of forming and improving the vegetation in sandy soil in which drift of sand is prevented by the sand drift prevention method, a plant desired to grow is grown in the sandy soil surface exposed as being surrounded by columnar sandbags placed so as to cross over one another. A tubular knit fabric for a columnar sandbag employed in these methods, and, in particular, the tubular knit fabric knitted by use of a polylactic-acid fiber.

Abstract: An ecological board includes a quadrilateral board body, on the side edges thereof is disposed at least one reglet or at least one insertion groove to be engaged with a corresponding insertion groove or a reglet of another identical board body. Further, a plurality of separated strong and pliable pad bodies are embedded in at least a first side surface of the board body and protrude outwards therefrom. The ecological board according to the present invention is durable, stable, easy to construct, maintain, and repair, and environmentally friendly to the natural landscape. Most importantly, it can be applied to various environments, such as coastlines, artificial reefs, and slopes of reservoirs, rivers, or mountains.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide shoreline restoration modules which may be anchored together along a shoreline of a body of water, such as a lake or pond, to facilitate restoration of the shoreline. The shoreline restoration modules may include a photodegradable material selected to degrade over a period of years, such as four years or five years, while maintaining strength over the period of years to prevent breakdown of a media enclosed by the shoreline restoration modules. In some embodiments, the shoreline restoration modules also provide beneficial run off nutrient, silt, and other particulate matter trapping and filtering.

Abstract: An erosion control system for reducing shoreline erosion resulting from wave action, runoff and hydrostatic pressure. The system includes a flexible geotextile provided over a shoreline. A plurality of rigid erosion control mats are provided over the flexible geotextile and secured in place by a plurality of anchors secured into the shoreline. The geotextile, erosion control mat and anchors may be adjusted to accommodate shorelines of varying slopes and susceptibility to erosion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method (1) for flood protection and coastal protection or scour protection. In order to offer cost-advantageous, durable, and effective protection, it is proposed that the device (1) has one or more elastic panels (2, 75) as well as fastening means (3) for fixing the panels in place at the locations (12) to be protected. Also disclosed is a method in which one or more elastic panels (2, 75) are fixed in place at the locations (12) to be protected, with fastening means (3).

Abstract: A method for landscaping an area using an earth-reinforcing revetment includes the steps of providing a first structure of at least one landscaping apparatus having a measure of openings and a base region, providing a second structure of the at least one landscaping apparatus having a measure of openings greater than the measure of openings of the second structure, arranging the second structure at an angle relative to the first structure such that the angle defines a landscaping feature, arranging at least a portion of the first structure on a landscaping region of the area such that the landscaping region at least partially supports base region of the first structure, and disposing landscaping material on the first structure of the landscaping apparatus so as to define a feature for the area. Also, a landscaping apparatus of an earth-reinforcing revetment includes the above described structures.

Abstract: A wave protection structure is intended for a slope, such as the slope of a breakwater or a bank, which slope merges into a bed at the location of a toe. The wave protection structure comprises wave protection elements and toe elements. The wave protection elements are each provided with a plurality of projections for engaging in one another and are provided on the slope in a substantially regular imaginary grid, with a horizontal grid spacing between the centers of gravity of the wave protection elements. The toe elements extend along the toe and their shape differs from the shape of the wave protection elements. The centers of gravity of the toe elements are provided at substantially the horizontal grid spacing from one another. As a result of the toe elements being provided at the grid spacing of the wave protection elements, it is easier to position the toe elements. This also allows the use of larger blocks and means that it is no longer necessary to stack the wave protection elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to aqueous preparations of polymer-modified setting accelerators, said preparations being characterised in that at least one setting accelerator and at least one cationically stabilised polymer are contained therein.

Abstract: An erosion control system for reducing erosion under effluent flow conditions. The system includes an erosion control mat anchored over an erosion susceptible area. The anchoring system uses an anchor positioned below the soil, connected to the mat by a flexible strap. Due to its high shear resistance, the system may be used in high effluent flow areas, such as drainage ditches and creeks.

Abstract: A soil stabilization system comprised of recent courses of soil bags woven and/or intertwined with geogrid and soil stabilization bodies pierce the soil stabilization bodies and protrusions on sides which protrude into the soil bags of the adjacent courses. Protrusions on the soil stabilization bodies shall protrude through holes in the geogrid to help anchor the soil bags relative to each other.

Abstract: A revetment for an embankment, bank and the like, includes revetment elements (1) with parallel bottom (5) and top (4) surfaces arranged according to rows (2, 3) which are positioned next to each other in transverse direction, the rows (2, 3) each extending in longitudinal direction, each revetment (1) element being symmetric with respect to a line of symmetry (9) and asymmetric with respect to a line of asymmetry (10) which is perpendicular with respect to the line of symmetry (9), open spaces (19-21) being enclosed between subsequent revetment elements (1) of a row (2, 3) and between revetment elements (1) of neighbouring rows (2, 3). The lines of symmetry (9) of the revetment elements (1) are oriented in the transverse direction and the revetment elements (1) which are arranged according to a single row (2, 3) have the same orientations with respect to their respective line of asymmetry (10).

Abstract: Sub-aquatic sediment is covered with capping material by a capping system comprising a template barge and a spreader barge. While the spreader barge is distributing capping material, the template barge guides the spreader barge as it systematically moves over a pre-defined sediment capping region. The spreader barge comprises a spreader pool in which a broadcast spreader accurately and evenly distributes capping material within the pool, which then sinks to the sediment. The capping material is distributed with minimal disturbance to the sediment.

Abstract: An erosion control system for reducing shoreline erosion resulting from wave action, run-off and hydrostatic pressure. The system includes a flexible geotextile provided over a shoreline. A plurality of rigid erosion control mats are provided over the flexible geotextile and secured in place by a plurality of anchors secured into the shoreline. The geotextile, erosion control mat and anchors may be adjusted to accommodate shorelines of varying slopes and susceptibility to erosion.

Abstract: A supporting member and a retaining wall structure having the same, and an associated building method are provided. The supporting member may include a pair of downward protrusions spaced apart and extending downward in the same direction, and a coupling portion that connects corresponding ends of the downward protrusions. The downward protrusions are configured to couple two or more layers of a retaining wall structure.

Abstract: Sub-aquatic sediment is covered with capping material by a capping system comprising a template barge and a spreader barge. While the spreader barge is distributing capping material, the template barge guides the spreader barge as it systematically moves over a pre-defined sediment capping region. The spreader barge comprises a spreader pool in which a broadcast spreader accurately and evenly distributes capping material within the pool, which then sinks to the sediment. The capping material is distributed with minimal disturbance to the sediment.

Abstract: A sand drift prevention method in which a plurality of columnar sandbags made of a tubular knit fabric are placed so as to cross over one another, and in such a pitch that 3 to 30 sandbags are disposed for every ten meters, and in which the cross-sectional area of each of the columnar sandbags is 10 to 400 cm2. A method of forming and improving the vegetation in sandy soil in which drift of sand is prevented by the sand drift prevention method, a plant desired to grow is grown in the sandy soil surface exposed as being surrounded by columnar sandbags placed so as to cross over one another. A tubular knit fabric for a columnar sandbag employed in these methods, and, in particular, the tubular knit fabric knitted by use of a polylactic-acid fiber.