Abstract: A portable support platform may include a plurality of elongate segments arranged substantially parallel and adjacent to one another. The segments may be configured for spanning a space between two support points to support a user. The platform may also include a tying portion configured for flexibly securing the plurality of segments together. The platform may be arranged in a substantially flat open position for supporting a user and a substantially rolled up closed position for convenient transport and storage.

Abstract: The present application relates to method for computing the factor of safety of a slope including the following steps. Step 1: input parameters of a slope. Step 2: formulae a formula of stability number N into a target function and determine constrained conditions of geometric parameters ? and ?. Step 3: obtain a minimum stability number N. Step 4: determine a position of a critical slip surface. Step 5: transform the critical slip surface defined by ?, ? and n into a critical slip surface defined by R, xc and yc, and compute overturning moments of slid masses above and below external water level of the critical slip surface. Step 6: resolve an equivalent unit weight. Step 7: resolve the factor of safety FS.

Abstract: An erosion control system of interconnected bags with water permeable fill material. The top panel of each bag is a geotextile mesh material so that water can pass into the bag and into the water permeable fill material. The bottom panel of each bag is a geotextile mesh that is non-degradable and slightly water permeable. The bags are connected in the end to form a trough through the permeable fill material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a covering panel, such as a floor panel, wall panel or ceiling panel, comprising a substrate and optionally a top layer, whereby said substrate comprises a synthetic material and a filler material, whereby said filler material is comprised in an amount from 15 to 75 wt. % based on the total weight of said substrate. In addition, the present invention provides a process of producing such covering panels.

Abstract: A production plant for a ground covering structure (6) comprises a plant inlet zone and a plant outlet zone for a grid reinforcing member (10). The plant further comprises movement means (4) designed in operation to move the grid reinforcing member (10) along a predetermined path from the inlet zone to the outlet zone, supply means (11) for the supply of plastics material in the fluid state in the form of threads (7) to the reinforcing member (10) disposed along the predetermined path, and cooling means (2, 3) for cooling the plastics material in the form of threads (7) which are tangled on the grid reinforcing structure. The inlet zone and the outlet zone are disposed opposite one another along the predetermined path with respect to the supply means.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of turf reinforcement mats that include spun yarns and/or multifilament yarns in either or both of the warp and weft directions.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods for securing an elongate apertured fence to the ground. The fence includes an upper section which is apertured and which extends upwards from the ground, and a lower section which may or may not be apertured and which is not buried in the ground. The lower section is contacted by a footing member which is secured to the ground and which stabilizes the fence along a desired line along the ground. In some embodiments, the lower fence section is parallel to the ground, and at least part of the footing member lies between the lower fence section and the ground.

Abstract: A netless straw mat or blanket for grass seed and other such applications is formed by applying an adhesive to a layer of straw. The layer of straw is compressed and formed into a roll for distribution and use at an installation site.

Abstract: A three dimensional high strength tightly woven turf reinforcement mat (TRM) or reusable sediment filtration mat designed to trap soil particles in water flow and provide a shear plane to prevent soil wash-out from within and beneath the mat. The mat includes a corrugated body structure integrally extruded or interwoven with a bottom layer that together form a plurality of parabolic sediment entrapment chambers. As sediment bed load moves with water flow into the woven structure, water flow forces sediment through openings in the woven surface of the corrugated body structure and into the chambers where the captured sediment serves as ballast to self-anchor the mat. The mat may also be incorporated during manufacture and/or during/after installation with polyacrylamides, chitosans or other soil flocculating/aggregating chemicals for increased sediment aggregation and capturing.

Abstract: Retaining wall systems and methods of making retaining wall systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, the retaining wall system includes a first horizontally-extending course of sand/soil bags and a second horizontally-extending course of sand/soil bags positioned vertically adjacent to the first course of sand/soil bags, with an interconnecting member that attaches the first course of sand/soil bags to the second course of sand/soil bags. The interconnecting member has an upper side and a lower side, wherein at least one of the upper side and the lower side has a first projection that includes a notch therein to engage geogrid.

Abstract: A wall system for improved water drainage, and diminished probability of occurrence of mold, mildew and rot formation behind cladding attached to the wall system. The wall system is generally material agnostic, and may be used as an interface between a structural-wall sheathing (including house wraps, gage-metal framing, and felt), and exterior-façade materials, including, but not necessarily limited to: faux masonry, faux stone, mortar, stucco, and other aesthetic or exterior-façade materials. The following disclosure is also directed to systems and methods of attaching faux stone to a wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bank erosion protecting system having a roll mat wound in a roll type and embedded at a top portion of a bank so that when the bank slope starts collapsing, the roll mat may automatically cover the bank slope.

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 method of building up and maintaining beach sediment, building and changing beach profiles, and controlling beach erosion that uses a series of varying diameter plastic pipes joined to obtain various lengths, laid parallel and on top of each other and situated perpendicular or at various angles to the shoreline. The pipes act to slow bottom currents and promote sand accretion in and around the pipes thereby stabilizing shoreline profiles and controlling beach erosion. The pipes are held together by cables or in a “cradle” to help stabilize the pipes on the sea bottom. Certain pipes have pre-drilled holes of various diameters through their sidewalls to allow in-flow of sand-carrying water such that the pipes become filled with sand acting to stabilize the pipes. Pipe diameter sizes are selected as necessary to accomplish most efficient sediment accumulation around the pipe structures.

Abstract: A lightweight protection element and filter of the mattress type comprises an external containment structure (10, 20), a three-dimensional internal structure (30) with a high cavity index and a granular filler material which is inserted inside the containment structure. Engagement means (50, 52) of the mechanical type are distributed over the external containment structure in order to engage predetermined portions of those structure with each other.

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: An apparatus and method for inhibiting shoreline erosion by introducing pre-established, self-sustaining, shoreline-tolerant vegetation. The vegetation, which can be sea grass, is allowed under controlled conditions to sprout and take root, or otherwise become fixed, to a biodegradable mat, which can be constructed from brown coir or from some other coir variety. When the vegetation is sufficiently matured to be self-sustaining, the mat is transferred to the shoreline, where in some embodiments it is draped over a naturally occurring or a man-made sand dune. Fertilizer and/or soil can be included with the mat. Bird roosting stakes can be planted with the mat to encourage birds to roost and provide natural fertilization. As the vegetation takes root in the underlying sand, the biodegradable mat slowly degrades and is absorbed non-destructively into the environment, leaving behind firmly established vegetation that provides self-sustaining erosion control without human maintenance.

Abstract: At least one exemplary device includes a tubular mesh enclosure formed from a mesh material having a nominal opening size of less than 0.5 inches, a ratio of a length of the mesh enclosure to a diameter of the mesh enclosure greater than 40, having an opposing pair of ends, at least one of the ends sealed, the enclosure surrounding a filling.

Abstract: At a location where unevenness 1000 is present, the condition of a seabed 200 is investigated in advance to examine the respective numbers of large filter units 51 and small filter units 52 to be used, and the position where the large filter units 51 and the small filter units 52 are to be installed. Based on the investigation result, the small filter units 52 are installed on the bottom of the unevenness 1000. The large filter units 51 are installed on the upper surface formed by the installed small filter units 52, and are leveled so that the upper surface formed by the installed large filter units 51 becomes flush with the seabed 200.

Abstract: A lightweight protection element and filter of the mattress type comprises an external containment structure (10, 20), a three-dimensional internal structure (30) with a high cavity index and a granular filler material which is inserted inside the containment structure. Engagement means (50, 52) of the mechanical type are distributed over the external containment structure in order to engage predetermined portions of those structure with each other.

Abstract: A lightweight protection element and filter of the mattress type comprises an external containment structure (10, 20), a three-dimensional internal structure (30) with a high cavity index and a granular filler material which is inserted inside the containment structure. Engagement means (50, 52) of the mechanical type are distributed over the external containment structure in order to engage predetermined portions of those structure with each other.

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 inflatable tube (10) in a fascine is provided with a cover (11) of a braided material to provide significant strength. An outer cover (12) of KEVLAR™ may also be provided. The braided cover (11) and the inflatable tube (10) are held at the ends of the tube by a clamping mechanism (17, 18, 19) and a cylinder (40) of inflation gas is supported within the tube (10), when the tube (10) is inflated.

Abstract: Described herein is a protected container 10 employed to prevent soil erosion. The protected container is a geotextile container having a debris shield disposed thereon. The debris shield protects the integrity of the geotextile container by providing a strike barrier which has air and water flow capabilities. The debris shield is a composite fabric comprising a woven protective layer having abrasion resistance and a woven three-dimensional layer which provides impact dampening and energy dissipation.

Abstract: A method for applying a water soluble soil stabilizer to soil wherein the soil stabilizer is added to a solid carrier.

Abstract: A lightweight protection element and filter of the mattress type comprises an external containment structure (10, 20), a three-dimensional internal structure (30) with a high cavity index and a granular filler material which is inserted inside the containment structure. Engagement means (50, 52) of the mechanical type are distributed over the external containment structure in order to engage predetermined portions of those structure with each other.

Abstract: An erosion control ballast and soil confinement mat for use in water flow conditions is provided. The mat is made of a non-buoyant, relatively heavy and substantially flexible material with a plurality of pores stamped or pre-cast therein that allow for the inflow of water, the establishment of vegetation growth through the mat, and the in-filling of the pores with supplemental ballast materials such as gravel or soil. The bottom side of the mat has protrusions that extend into the underlying surface to prevent horizontal shifting and confine soil materials and/or another erosion control mat such as an erosion control blanket or turf reinforcement mat, while also preventing migration of the mat itself under high shear force water flow. The top surface of the mat may be provided with flaps that cover the pore openings during periods of strong water flow to prevent excessive water flow from entering the pores and eroding the underlying soil.

Abstract: An erosion control device is provided, comprising a panel having a concrete matrix having a top surface and a bottom surface; a turf reinforcement material contained within the concrete matrix; and a geotextile material bonded to the bottom surface of the concrete matrix. The device includes a plurality of shear connectors inserted through the geotextile material, the concrete matrix, and the turf reinforcement material, and at least one flap of geotextile material extending along an edge of the device for overlapping by adjacent panels. The top surface includes score lines adapted to permit the panel to crack and bend along the score lines to adapt to uneven terrain, and also includes installation holes adapted to anchor the device to a levee or shoreline.

Abstract: Sediment collection devices (SCDs) which can be used to collect sediment from sediment-bearing liquid, for example runoff from construction sites, and which have improved durability, particularly when wheeled vehicles pass over them. The SCDs include a horizontal location member; and a generally vertical member comprising (1) a filter which has relatively small apertures therethrough, and (2) threshold and outflow members each of which have relatively large apertures therethrough and which together provide a sediment control chamber (SCC) between them. The height of the SCC is at least 1.5 times its width; and/or the SCC is shaped so that a vehicle wheel approaching the SCD contacts the SCD at a defined height and angle; and/or one or both of the threshold member and the outflow member has a bending or stiffening line such that different parts of the SCD respond differently to bending forces. Precursors and methods for making such SCDs are described.

Abstract: A lightweight protection element and filter of the mattress type comprises an external containment structure (10, 20), a three-dimensional internal structure (30) with a high cavity index and a granular filler material which is inserted inside the containment structure. Engagement means (50, 52) of the mechanical type are distributed over the external containment structure in order to engage predetermined portions of those structure with each other.

Abstract: An artificial reef comprises at least one bag which is generally configured to define at least a portion of a reef and which is at least partially fillable with air. An anchor is attached to the bag for maintaining the bag at a desired location substantially underwater. A plurality of such bags may be attached to one another and configured so as to define a reef which enhances the suitability of waves for surfing or which mitigates beach erosion.

Abstract: A tubular mesh enclosure (1040) formed from a mesh material having a nominal opening size of less than 0.5 inches. The mesh enclosure has opposing pair of ends (1042, 1044) with at least one end (1044) being sealed. A filling (1010) is surrounded by the tubular mesh enclosure with the enclosure defining a length and a generally non-circular longitudinal cross-section defining a major width. A ratio of the length to the width greater than approximately 40.

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 erosion control system and method wherein a fabric filter bag is embedded with and/or filled with a flocculating polymer and is positioned on a sloping soil surface to dam and pond water flowing thereacross for settling of the particles in the water, and as the ponding water seeps into the bag the colloidal particles will be filtered or agglomerated for settling. The water then passes through and out of the bag and is further subjected to agglomeration and filtering by a skirt of filter material also impregnated with flocculating polymer, said skirt being anchored to the bag or stacked to maintain the position adjacent and downslope from the bag.

Abstract: A fascine comprises a plurality of elongate hollow inflatable pipes (10). The pipes (10) can be surmounted by a trackway (11) formed by track sections (28) that are also inflatable. The pipes (10) in the track sections (28) can be vacuum packed for compact transportation and easy deployment.

Abstract: A geotextile container and system for constructing a water barrier or dam is disclosed. A system for maintaining fill material solids in position to form a barrier comprises an elongated sheet of geotextile material capable of coiling upon itself to form a helical structure. Further, a means for seaming the first elongated sheet into a tubular container and filling the container with solids is presented. Fill material solids may be held in position by a tubular shaped container that forms a barrier or dam. An inner liner also may be employed in the tubular container. Cradle tubes may be deployed on either side to hold the container in position, such as when the container is struck by high energy waves.

Abstract: A reinforcing device for earthworks comprises at least one reinforcing base element (3) from which extend a front wall (9) and a containment wall (15) which are spaced from each other to delimit, in an operative configuration in which they are erected with respect to the reinforcing base element (3), a facing region which is to be filled with filling material, such as stones or the like. The device also comprises bracket means (23) which can be coupled, in use, to the front wall (9) and to the containment wall (15). It is also possible to produce a second front wall which extends from the reinforcing base element (3) on the side opposite the first. A method for the production of a reinforced earthwork provides for laying on the ground a device of the type indicated.

Abstract: A temporary platform or roadway is created using one or a plurality of optionally connected support components to form a top surface upon which panels are placed. The support components are comprised of gabion containers having one or a plurality of compartments into which a filler material is inserted. The filler material can optionally be composed of a buoyant material such as expanded polystyrene to enable flotation. A method for constructing the roadway or platform of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: Included in the disclosure are exemplary devices, systems, and methods, embodiments of some of which can be useful for controlling erosion, retaining sediment, preventing siltation, treating runoff, removing pollutants, remediating environmental damage, protecting plants, establishing vegetation, protecting ecosystems, and/or restoring waterways and/or other riparian areas. At least one exemplary device includes a tubular mesh enclosure formed from a mesh material having a nominal opening size of less than 0.5 inches, a ratio of a length of the mesh enclosure to a diameter of the mesh enclosure greater than 40, having an opposing pair of ends, at least one of said ends sealed, said enclosure surrounding a filling. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: A sediment control roll includes a threshold member having large apertures therethrough, a hollow sediment collection chamber, and an outflow filter having small apertures therethrough. The sediment control roll can be used to collect sediment in runoff from a construction site, or to reduce removal of sediment from an existing land mass. The sediment control roll can for example be made by rolling up extruded polymeric netting with filter cloth attached thereto.

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: A sediment control roll includes a threshold member having large apertures therethrough, a hollow sediment collection chamber, and an outflow filter having small apertures therethrough. The sediment control roll can be used to collect sediment in runoff from a construction site, or to reduce removal of sediment from an existing land mass. The sediment control roll can for example be made by rolling up extruded polymeric netting with filter cloth attached thereto.

Abstract: A revetment block for use forming an articulating revetment mat. The revetment block has first and second ends and first and second sidewalls. The sidewalls have a first lower vertical surface, first and second upper vertical surfaces, and transition surfaces between the upper and lower vertical surfaces. The sidewalls define interlocks which extend outward from the sidewalls and are either normal to the upper vertical surfaces or angled. The sidewalls also design corner spaces comprising a transition surface and at least on vertical surface for operably communicating with an interlock. The revetment block may also comprise a plurality of ducts extending therethrough as well as a dome extending from the top surface of the revetment block. The revetment block may also comprise at least one aperture extend vertically through the block. The aperture may have tapered walls.

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 sediment control roll includes a threshold member having large apertures therethrough, a hollow sediment collection chamber, and an outflow filter having small apertures therethrough. The sediment control roll can be used to collect sediment in runoff from a construction site, or to reduce removal of sediment from an existing mass of soil, sand or other sediment. The sediment control roll can for example be made by rolling up extruded polymeric netting with filter cloth attached thereto.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a protecting and immobilizing element of the mattress-like type consists in providing containing means (2, 20) and a layer of flexible material (3, 21) inside them, with the peripheral edges (4, 22) of the flexible layer (3, 21) protruding from the containing means (2, 20). Anchoring means (5) and a first netting structure (6, 23) are also arranged inside the containing means (2, 20) so that the netting structure (6, 23) is in direct contact with the flexible layer (3, 21) and the anchoring means (5) pass through the netting structure at predetermined positions (12, 25). The containing means (2, 20) are then filled with a filling material (7) comprising solid and/or fluid elements, and a second netting structure (8) is superposed on the filling material. Finally, by superposing, at least partially, the peripheral edges (4, 22) of the flexible layer (3, 21), a closed cover is produced from which the ends (11, 27) of the anchoring means (5) protrude.

Abstract: Aquatic plant shoots are transplanted by positioning shoots, plants or seeds in a sediment tube or sediment bag which is in turn placed in a propeller scar or blowout. The sediment tubes and sediment bags may be preformed or they may be formed just prior to their placement in the estuary. With the process and apparatus of this invention, sea grass shoots, plants and seeds can be replanted on the bottom of an estuary and new plant growth encouraged in propeller scars and blowouts. The material from which the sediment tube or bag is formed from degrades. The degradation of the sediment tube or bag can be correlated to the growing cycle of seagrass plants, shoots or seeds as may be contained in the sediment tube or bag.

Abstract: The riparian improvement structure for use upon riparian protection, shore and bank protection, wave control, water control, etc. of a river, lake, sea, etc. is composed of a plurality of blocks and a structural body or bodies composed of a plurality of wooden materials or mass materials. The riparian improvement structure also provides an environment suitable for the habitation of aquatic life such as fish, crustaceans, e.g., crabs, shrimps, aquatic insects, etc., and for the growth of aquatic plants, etc. The blocks are each provided with a water passage, such as a through-hole formed therein or a plurality of grooves formed on the bottom thereof, through which fresh water can flow, when they are disposed on the structural body or bodies or on a riparian area such as a river-bed, shore, bank, bottom, etc. of a river, lake, sea, etc. The blocks are disposed for fresh water to flow through the water passage and to be supplied to the structural body or bodies inhabitable for aquatic life.

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: A pouch (18), made of a water absorbent polymer that expands and becomes a gel in consistency upon absorbing water and that is biodegradable, is placed in each bag (10) of lesser volume. An opening (12) in each bag (10) is unsealed to drain the bags (10) of the biodegradable gel, as by squeezing the bag (10) to force the gel from the bag (10). The collapsed bags (10) can be re-stored for future use and the gel biodegraded as by disposition the conventional sewage system.