Abstract: A scour prevention unit includes a bag body housing block objects in a bag material, and a cloth integrated with the bag body, wherein the cloth is housed in the bag material and is laid below the block objects, or is fixed below the bag body outside the bag body by fixing means.

Abstract: Flexible containment tubes form sections of a dike for fluid containment. For example, multiple vinyl-coated polyester tubes with a 19-inch diameter may be filled with water and stacked on top of each other to create a temporary diversion dike. Multiple sections of dike may be abutted together to form longer sections of dike. A vapor barrier or plastic membrane may wrap over dike sections and/or weaved through the flexible containment tubes as they are placed prior to filling. Configurations of the vapor barrier and associated anchoring mechanisms improve the utility of dike sections by reducing hydrostatic pressure of contained fluid on the dike, harnessing the weight of fluid columns, and mitigating seepage through the dike sections.

Abstract: The invention describes a system for creating portable, porous structures for restoring coastline. The invention provides for a bag with multiple longitudinal pockets. The bag is made of porous natural or synthetic mesh material and the pockets are filled with lightweight, porous manufactured aggregate. In a preferred embodiment, the lightweight aggregate used in this invention is produced by thermal fusion of silicate clays in a rotary kiln. In another preferred embodiment, multiple bags are encased in a flexible grid material to form a mat. In another embodiment, the mat can be rolled into a log. The bags, mats, and logs can be placed on shorelines and other locations to restore coastline.

Abstract: A bag constructed of a weed suppression material for packaging a ground cover material. When the bag is in a closed configuration, the bag serves as a container for shipping, handling, and storage of the ground cover material. When the bag is opened and unfolded, and the ground cover material within the bag is spread over the opened and unfolded bag, the bag serves as a layer of weed suppression material on top of underlying soil and beneath the ground cover. The weed suppression material is a porous, water permeable, biodegradable film made from mixtures of a polybutylene succinate (PBS) resin, a polyhydroxy alkanoate (PHA) resin, a polylactic acid (PLA) resin, a polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) resin, a polybutylene adipate succinate (PBAS) resin, or a thermoplastic starch (TPS).

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 fluid-fillable barrier which includes a flexible, tubular, impermeable membrane and at least two internal tension members. The membrane has opposite ends, a middle, fluid-fillable section, an upper attachment area, and a lower attachment area. The tension members secure between, and extend from, the upper attachment area to the lower attachment area. The tension members have a length which is less than one-half the perimeter of the membrane, the length and perimeter being measured at a common cross-section, taken perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the membrane. One of the tension members is longer than the other, so that it is in a relaxed, limp state under normal operating conditions. The tension members are thermally bonded to, and sewn with a double sew line to, the attachment areas. The barrier further includes lifting loops at each end, connection cleats on the sides and ends, and venting/drainage standpipes.

Abstract: In one aspect, a mat for placement on a sea floor includes a plurality of fabric cells formed from a first fabric layer and a second fabric layer, each of the plurality of fabric cells including a first cell edge and a second cell edge where the first and second fabric layer are coupled, the first and second cell edges being aligned in a first direction, a third cell edge and a fourth cell edge where the first and second fabric layer are coupled, the third and fourth cell edges being aligned in a second direction and a cavity configured to receive a filling material, the cavity being defined by the first, second, third and fourth cell edges. The mat also includes a grid of cables disposed within and supporting the plurality of fabric cells.

Abstract: A weighted bag includes a filler material contained by a sealed bag configured to be substantially impermeable to fluids. The sealed bag may include a generally tubular bag body made from a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coated polymer-based textile where the tubular bag body is formed by hot air welding and the bag is sealed using sealing tape applied and bonded at each end of the tubular bag body. The weighted bag may be recovered after use and recycled for reuse in a subsequent installation. The filler material may include a slag, a slag-based material and/or low iron fines which may be residual material from the steel or iron producing industries.

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 lightweight concrete composition is mixed from cement, sand, water, and organic material, and placed on an area of soil, proximal a body of water, to protect the soil from erosion and the like due to water action. Preferably, the organic material comes from the area in which the soil is being stabilized, and may include soil, leafy matter, and ground up wood, forming a particulate organic material. Preferably, the final density of the resulting lightweight concrete composition is greater than the density of the water in the body of water, and less than the density of the soil being stabilized. A representative density range is between 62.43 pounds per cubic foot and 100.00 pounds per cubic foot.

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 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: 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 retaining wall structure includes a number of bag units piled to form a wall and interconnecting units disposed between vertically adjacent bag units. The interconnecting units each has a plate and protrusions protruding from upper and lower surfaces of the plate. A reinforcing layer is provided between the plate of a relative interconnecting unit and a relative bag unit. The reinforcing layer is selected from cement or adhesive (such as glue). The present invention uses the reinforcing layer between the plate of the interconnecting unit and the bag unit to enhance the entire stability of the retaining wall adapted for operation in different circumstances.

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: 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: A geotextile tube is provided. The geotextile tube includes a first sheet and second sheet that both have first portions with a first weave pattern and second portions with a second weave pattern. The first portion of the first sheet covers a larger surface area than the second portion of the first sheet. Likewise, the first portion of the second sheet covers a larger surface area than the second portion of the second sheet. A seam contacts and attaches the second portion of the first sheet to the second portion of the second sheet.

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: A scour protection system comprising one or more bags placed in an underwater location to prevent scour caused by the flow of water, wherein the bags can be filled with matter in situ to form interconnecting blocks, and the visible upper surfaces of the bags resemble rocks or other features.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stairs-type hydrophilic revetment block having seawater flow ports and a construction method thereof. The existing coastal breakwaters, embankment, revetments, etc. are constructed to pacify the sea areas. However, because of occlusiveness of their structure, seawater flow is significantly reduced and pollutants are accumulated without being diffused to the open sea. As a result, the self-cleaning action is interrupted and the benthic ecosystem is in danger of being destroyed due to oxygen deficiency as the accumulated organic materials are decomposed. And, the conventional structures are designed and constructed mainly to block waves in order to pacify the sea areas and protect harbor facilities.

Abstract: A bag made from a length of material (10) divided into a series of three or more substantially equal sized sections (12, 14, 16, 18, 20). Every other section is filled with sand (14, 18), or other particulate material and there is an unfilled section (12, 20) at each end.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for pipeline stabilization and shoreline erosion protection, termed a BulkMat device, for protecting and securing pipelines, which are typically located in ditches or on the floor of large bodies of water. In preferred form, the BulkMat comprises a long fabric mat with four to eight fabric compartments sewn onto the mat and filled with dry bulk sand/cement mix. In the preferred embodiment, the BulkMat is comprised of polypropylene. The BulkMat has four lifting loops that are used to pick-up and lower the BulkMat onto the desired location. When the bulk mat is placed on the location, and water sets in, the sand/cement mix in the compartments will harden to concrete. By hardening after it is set in place, the BulkMat will conform completely to the pipeline or covered area to be protected, precisely matching the specific area.

Abstract: In the manufacture of an articulated, predominantly concrete mat, which comprises concrete blocks and a flexible geogrid embedded in such blocks and in which the flexible geogrid defines flexible members connecting such blocks to one another, an intermediate article being a concrete slab is cast, in which a flexible geogrid is embedded. The slab has relatively thinner portions, along which the slab is breakable to form such blocks, and relatively thicker portions, which become such blocks when the slab is broken along the relatively thinner portions. The relatively thicker portions are arranged in parallel rows and are staggered in adjacent rows, before the slab is broken therealong, and the relatively thicker portions in alternate rows are aligned in parallel columns, before the slab is broken therealong.

Abstract: A revetment made wholly or predominantly from concrete, useful to line a stream bed, having upper and lower surfaces, and having upstream and downstream edges, has, for each upstream edge, an upstream bevel, which intersects the upper surface and which intersects said upstream edge. The revetment has an array of holes extending between the upper and lower surfaces. Each hole has a lateral wall flaring outwardly in a downstream direction from a circular mouth at the lower wall to an elongate mouth at the upper wall. Each upstream or downstream edge is stepped so as to define an upper or lower flange. In an assembly of such revetments, which may be connected to one another, as by cables, each of at least some of the upper flanges overlies one of the lower flanges.

Abstract: A revetment made wholly or predominantly from concrete, useful to line a stream bed, having upper and lower surfaces, and having upstream and downstream edges, has, for each upstream edge, an upstream bevel, which intersects the upper surface and which intersects said upstream edge. The revetment has an array of holes extending between the upper and lower surfaces. Each hole has a lateral wall flaring outwardly in a downstream direction from a circular mouth at the lower wall to an elongate mouth at the upper wall. Each upstream or downstream edge is stepped so as to define an upper or lower flange. In an assembly of such revetments, which may be connected to one another, as by cables, each of at least some of the upper flanges overlies one of the lower flanges.

Abstract: A revetment made wholly or predominantly from concrete, useful to line a stream bed, having upper and lower surfaces, and having upstream and downstream edges, has, for each upstream edge, an upstream bevel, which intersects the upper surface and which intersects said upstream edge. The revetment has an array of holes extending between the upper and lower surfaces. Each hole has a lateral wall flaring outwardly in a downstream direction from a circular mouth at the lower wall to an elongate mouth at the upper wall. Each upstream or downstream edge is stepped so as to define an upper or lower flange. In an assembly of such revetments, which may be connected to one another, as by cables, each of at least some of the upper flanges overlies one of the lower flanges.

Abstract: A block assembly for constructing a seawall along an embankment. The block assembly is comprised of two types of blocks, a first block and a second block. Each block includes two half-circular type projections lying parallel to one another, seawater holes for discharging sea water are formed in a front wall between the half-circular projections of each block to prevent the loss of blocks and to decrease wave power. In an upper and lower end portions of the front wall of both blocks, projections are reciprocally formed with spaces, and a fixed supporter is formed on a backside of the front wall.

Abstract: A revetment block for use as end blocks with an articulating revetment mat. The revetment mat end blocks having a size of about one and a half times larger than the standard blocks of the revetment mat and are formed of precast concrete. The block preferably has four sidewalls each with a vertical portion and a tapered portion. The sidewalls have a plurality of projections and recesses for interlocking with adjacent revetment blocks, wherein some of the recesses form openings with adjacent blocks. The revetment block also has at least one dome with a pair of openings extending from an upper dome plateau to a lower surface of the block. The revetment block further comprises a pair of openings extending from the lower surface of the block to an upper surface. Extending through parallel sides of the revetment block are a plurality of ducts for cable which interlocks the revetment mat rows.

Abstract: A block assembly for constructing a seawall and dissipating waves. The block assembly includes a block comprising a front wall, a left side part and a right side part. The left and right side parts include stepped surfaces and a plurality of round shaped projection parts are closely disposed on the front wall. The block further includes two connecting walls having male protrusions and female recesses formed on upper and lower surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A length of material, such as woven polyethylene, woven polypropylene, burlap, or other woven material, divided into a series of two or more substantially equal sized sections. Every other section is filled with sand, or other material. When the length of material is put in place, each row alternating a filled section and an unfilled section, a very secure, interlocking, substantially water-tight structure is formed which is much more effective in preventing the flow of water, mud or silt. Because each section is substantially square, the sections can be stacked in a parallel or transverse direction, to effect a wider and stronger structure which is substantially impervious to the flow of water, mud or silt.

Abstract: If the sandbags are used for protective walls in the case of fire or for protection against chemical substances, it is also necessary that the bags as well as the fastening and sealing devices withstand the heat of fire and chemical substances such as acids without disengagement from each other.

Abstract: A storm shelter kit is provided including several enclosure wall panels; wall panel interconnection structures for joining the enclosure wall panels together to define an enclosure having side and top enclosure wall portions; and several soil retaining panels for placement around the enclosure for supporting soil placed around and at least partially covering the enclosure wall panels. The storm shelter kit includes at least one set of the soil retaining panels of progressively decreasing height, for placement in series in progressively increasing distances from the enclosure and for receiving soil between the enclosure and the soil retaining panels and between the soil retaining panels, to define a mound of soil of selectable shape surrounding the enclosure and at least partially covering the wall panels. The wall panels preferably are formed of corrugated steel.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide an improved method for securing, stabilizing and recovering areas of land and subsoil above and below water. To this end, interlinked (used) motor vehicle tires (7) are used to secure the land. The necessary weighting is provided by concrete (19) injected into a protective casing (30).

Abstract: A cell confinement structure for confinement of material having a plurality of elongated plastic strips in a side by side relationship bonded together in spaced-apart, limited areas where the plurality of strips are capable of being stretched in width to form a unitary web of cells. The strips forming walls of the cells with at least one of the cell walls having a plurality of apertures in which each diameter is between about 3 mm and 17 mm. Preferably, each of the cell walls has a plurality of apertures with the total area of the apertures in the cell walls being between 19% and 28% of cell wall area. The sell structure may include tendons passing through the walls of the cell.

Abstract: A body having an interior with a plurality of chambers, a plurality of fracture zones and a plurality of filter zones which permit water to pass through opposing exterior surfaces of the body, in use the body interior being arranged to receive a substance which hardens on drying and fractures at locations defined by the fracture zones.

Abstract: A formwork (1), particularly for use when casting horizontally and slopingly lying areas. The formwork (1) is substantially formed as a flat bag of PVC or another suitable cloth material consisting of a top cloth (1) and a bottom cloth attached to each other along the edges through welding or by means of zip fasteners. Between top cloth (1) and bottom cloth, a number of spacers (4) are disposed.

Abstract: A bag that self-closes from pressure of material insertable into the bag comprising (A) an openable overlapping elastic structure in which an innermost elastic material is disposed to completely cover an opening in the bag; and (B) an outermost elastic material disposed to completely overlap the innermost elastic material.

Abstract: A bag-like mat having discrete slits sealed at their peripheral edges is placed flatly over the soil of a slope to be protected. Then, a concrete is placed in the bag-like mat to expand the latter whereupon the slits are spread so as to form openings which is subsequently used for planting seedings or saplings through the openings to vegetate the slope. A slope protection can, therefore, be constructed efficiently at a low cost. By properly selecting the shape, size and arrangement of the slits, the slope protection may have a desired design pattern.

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 revetment mattress for preventing the erosion of earthen structures comprising a revetment fabric having a pair of layers of flexible pervious plastic material interconnected by intermittent and staggered spacer threads. This structure has the ability to maintain the layers in a substantially parallel relationship once the mattress has been injected with filler material.

Abstract: A Subsurface Dune Restoration System making use of large sand-filled geotextile containers which become somewhat fluid and flexible during wave run-up on a surface being protected providing a soft revetment. A fluid transfer system is operable to both fill the containers and support them in an installed position. The containers are effective to dissipate wave action and aid natural accretion by slowing water velocity while not providing a rigid or hard revetment. The reduction of the wave force and water velocity and the soft revetment surfaces are the result of use of container materials having predetermined permeability and weather resistant characteristics. The permeability is limited to ranges permitting seepage of water while retaining the sand within the containers.

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: A system for controlling erosion of a slope below the waterline of a shoreline and a method for installing the system wherein a plurality of armorbags are assembled, filled with grouting material, and lowered and accurately positioned as a unit onto the slope.

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 water body such that at least a portion of the mat extends into a shallow portion of the water body 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.

Abstract: A revetment panel for installation along embankments and other earthen structures, including structures partially or fully covered by water, which utilizes a fabric web having a plurality of compartments. The compartments are staggered in relation to each other and separated by selvage. The web is formed of two fabric layers, which are woven separately to form the compartments and fastened together to form selvage separating them. Slots are formed in the selvage which allow cables to pass longitudinally through the web and interlock the compartments, and which allow filler material to flow between compartments during filling. The web is transported to its installation site and placed. The compartments in the web are then inflated with the filler material, which may be cementitous slurry or mortar consisting in part of sand and gravel found near the installation site, or simply a mixture of sand, gravel, and water or other ingredients.

Abstract: A revetment panel for installation along embankments and other earthen structures, including structures partially or fully covered by water, which utilizes a fabric web having a plurality of compartments separated by selvage. The web is formed of two fabric layers, which are woven separately on the same loom to form the compartments, and interwoven to form the selvage. The fabric layers are separately woven to form slots in the selvage which allow cables to pass through the web, and which allow filler material to flow between compartments during filling. The web is transported to its installation site, and placed. The compartments in the web are then inflated with the filler material, which may be cementitious slurry or mortar consisting in part of sand and gravel found near the installation site, or simply a mixture of sand, gravel, and water. The resulting matrix of forms interconnected by fabric and cable provides a durable, economical and flexible erosion control layer.

Abstract: A structure for protecting a bank against erosion, the structure including a plurality of sacks of cementitious material which are positioned in side-by-side relationship to form a protective skirt; and a plurality of staples having arms which are impaled into adjacent sacks to connect them together, the staples being resiliently deformable for the protective skirt to be capable of articulation for accommodating ground movement and scouring.

Abstract: A revetment panel for installation along embankments and other earthen structures, including structures partially or fully covered by water, which utilizes a fabric web having a plurality of compartments separated by selvage. The web is formed of two fabric layers, which are woven separately on the same loom to form the compartments, and interwoven to form the selvage. The fabric layers are separately woven to form slots in the selvage which allow cables to pass through the web, and which allow filler material to flow between compartments during filling. The web is transported to its installation site, and placed. The compartments in the web are then inflated with the filler material, which may be cementitous slurry or mortar consisting in part of sand and gravel found near the installation site, or simply a mixture of sand, gravel, and water. The resulting matrix of forms interconnected by fabric and cable provides a durable, economical and flexible erosion control layer.

Abstract: A man-made sand and gravel island for Alaskan oil drilling operations, the sides of the island being covered with a porous fabric anchored in place by a layer of heavy (3-ton) sand bags arranged in an imbricated manner between the high and low water levels on the island.

Abstract: An erosion-preventing laminate mat may include a first layer of slivers of a natural material, a second layer of slivers of a synthetic material, and, in embodiments, a third layer of an open mesh. A system for utilizing the erosion-preventing laminate may include a movable frame having an upper surface shaped to pass beneath a substantially flat sheet of tied block mat, the frame including a spindle below the upper surface for supporting a roll of the first mat, the first mat including the first layer of slivers of a natural material, the second layer of slivers of a synthetic material, and the third layer of an open mesh. In embodiments, a system for forming the mat includes a movable frame shaped to pass beneath a substantially flat sheet of the tied block mat, and including a spindle below the upper surface for supporting a roll of the first mat.