Abstract: The present invention includes an anti-ice pushing/pulling device installed on the slope of an earth-rock dam and an ice thrust calculation method. The device is arranged in a groove formed on the surface of an upstream slope of the earth-rock dam in the winter water level change area, and includes an upper concrete slab and a lower concrete slab hinged by means of a rotating shaft structure, where the rotating shaft structure is located at the end of the groove in the dam slope far away from the dam crest; a jack is arranged between the two concrete slabs to adjust the flip angle of the upper concrete slab; a plurality of rectangular grooves are formed on the surface of the upper concrete slab, and a combined structure formed by splicing concrete blocks is arranged in the rectangular grooves; and holes are formed on the concrete blocks.

Abstract: A method to produce a revetment mat. The method comprises the following steps: (a) positioning a first side of a grid adjacent to a mold; (b) positioning a frame adjacent to the second side of the grid opposite the mold to form a plurality of block casting impressions, wherein each block casting impression contains a portion of the grid; (c) filling the plurality of block casting impressions with a composite fill; (d) curing the composite fill, embedding within it the grid, to form a revetment mat; and (e) removing the revetment mat form the mold and the frame.

Abstract: An erosion control system comprising a plurality of interconnected blocks that each include an upper face, a lower face, multiple sides, and connector recesses disposed on at least some of the sides, with each the connector recesses extending inwardly from an outer surface of the respective side at which it is disposed. Each block is configured to be connected with an adjacent block with one side of each block being disposed adjacent one side of an adjacent block and at least one connector recess of each block being aligned with one of the connector recesses of the adjacent block. The adjacent blocks are connected together at aligned connector recesses by a linkage assembly, with the adjacent blocks being able to pivot relative to each other via the linkage assembly.

Abstract: A pier mat of erosion control blocks for abating erosion around piers of a wharf. A mat of blocks is arranged so as to have a linear end edge and a vacant space formed in an opposite end edge thereof, where the vacant space is for surrounding at least a part of a pier. A linear end edge of another similar pier mat is installed so as to abut the end edge of the first mat having the vacant space, thereby fully surrounding the pier. A method of installing a pier mat of erosion control blocks is also disclosed.

Abstract: An articulated concrete block system that includes a gabion mattress drainage layer. The two major components of the system reduce the effects of erosion and increase the hydraulic stability in areas that experience high velocity water flows, hydraulic jumps, and will dissipate wave energy action for shoreline and coastal erosion. Geosynthetics are first placed on the ground surface, followed by a gabion mattress drainage layer, a smaller aggregate layer for fine grading, another optional geosynthetic layer, and then the articulated concrete blocks overlie the system.

Abstract: A concrete mat apparatus, including a plurality of elongated concrete members, each member being aligned with and next to another concrete member. Each of the concrete members has an upper generally flat surface, a lower generally flat surface, and a plurality of inclined surfaces that each extend away from an upper or lower surface. Reinforcement extends from a first end portion of each concrete member to a second end portion thereof, the reinforcement including a plurality of longitudinally extending reinforcement bars and a plurality of encircling tie bars at spaced apart intervals. Cabling connects each of the elongated concrete members to another of the elongated concrete members. The combination of elongated concrete members has a width and a length that is at least twice as long as the width. The upper inclined surfaces of one of the elongated concrete members forms a plane with the lower inclined surface of an adjacent elongated concrete member.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a system for making tied block mat with a border includes a mold having an array of mold cavities; and a hopper that receives a hardenable paste and is spaced from the mold to receive a sheet of mesh material therebetween, the hopper having an opening for depositing the hardenable paste into selected mold cavities, the hopper forming a filling zone with the mold wherein the hardenable paste flows through the opening into the selected mold cavities, and a blocked zone where the hardenable paste is prevented from entering other selected mold cavities of the mold; whereby the tied block mat is formed wherein the hardenable paste in the selected mold cavities becomes embedded in the sheet of mesh material in the filling zone, and a border is formed in the blocked zone where the hardenable paste is blocked from entering the other selected mold cavities.

Abstract: A method to produce a revetment mat. The method comprises the following steps: (a) positioning a first side of a grid adjacent to a mold; (b) positioning a frame adjacent to the second side of the grid opposite the mold to form a plurality of block casting impressions, wherein each block casting impression contains a portion of the grid; (c) filling the plurality of block casting impressions with a composite fill; (d) curing the composite fill, embedding within it the grid, to form a revetment mat; and (e) removing the revetment mat form the mold and the frame.

Abstract: A concrete mat apparatus, includes a plurality of elongated concrete members, each member being aligned with and next to another concrete member. Each of the concrete members has an upper generally flat surface, a lower generally flat surface, and a plurality of inclined surfaces that each extend away from an upper or lower surface. Reinforcement extends from a first end portion of each concrete member to a second end portion thereof, the reinforcement including a plurality of longitudinally extending reinforcement bars and a plurality of encircling tie bars at spaced apart intervals. Cabling connects each of the elongated concrete members to another of the elongated concrete members. The upper inclined surfaces of one of the elongated concrete members forms a plane with the lower inclined surface of an adjacent elongated concrete member. A plurality of loops are provided along opposed edges of the mat.

Abstract: The structure has a subgrade or slope to be monitored and strip-shaped smart geosynthetic material compound devices. The strip-shaped smart geosynthetic material compound devices are buried to run through a subgrade or slope predicted slip crack surface. Gaps between the strip-shaped smart geosynthetic material compound devices and borehole inner walls are filled so that the force environment of the strip-shaped smart geosynthetic material compound devices is close to the subgrade or slope internal environment. Each strip-shaped smart geosynthetic material compound device has a strip-shaped geogrid, lead, and heat shrinkable tube. The lead is arranged in a length direction of the geogrid, and the lead and geogrid are fixedly connected at an interval of a set distance, with each fixed point forming a measuring point. The geogrid is wrapped in the heat shrinkable tube, and a free end of the lead is drawn out of the heat shrinkable tube.

Abstract: A revetment mat meeting ASTM D6460 performance standards, as well as provides transportation and installation advantages that is constructed from a combination of small square blocks and larger rectangular blocks linked together by a series of cables to form a generally rectangular shaped revetment mat having lifting loops which linked blocks form non-linear water flow passageways whose shapes are maintained utilizing rigid straps and flexible, hollow, tubular spacers that also permit the revetment mat to be rolled up for transportation from the fabrication site to the construction site where the revetment mats will be installed in a revetment system.

Abstract: A concrete mat apparatus, includes a plurality of elongated concrete members, each member being aligned with and next to another concrete member. Each of the concrete members has an upper generally flat surface, a lower generally flat surface, and a plurality of inclined surfaces that each extend away from an upper or lower surface. Reinforcement extends from a first end portion of each concrete member to a second end portion thereof, the reinforcement including a plurality of longitudinally extending reinforcement bars and a plurality of encircling tie bars at spaced apart intervals. Cabling connects each of the elongated concrete members to another of the elongated concrete members. The upper inclined surfaces of one of the elongated concrete members forms a plane with the lower inclined surface of an adjacent elongated concrete member. A plurality of loops are provided along opposed edges of the mat.

Abstract: A permeable paving mat for installation onto a surface. The mat includes a top side, a bottom side, a notched side, and a continuous side, and is composed of shapes forming a structure. The top side includes a series of groves at the edges of the shapes with the corner of the shapes including an aperture to allow for the infiltration of water from the top side. The notched side secures to an adjacent notched side through interlocking with the continuous side including a plurality of through holes to receive a fiberglass rod. The continuous sides are secured to each other by using an extended rod. The bottom side of the shapes are frustum shaped to provide a raised surface.

Abstract: A method for installing a paver system includes positioning a first grid substrate adjacent to a second grid substrate. The first grid substrate and the second grid substrate are flexibly bridged with a first paver piece. A first portion of the first paver piece is movably coupled with the first grid substrate at a first joint, and a second portion of the first paver piece is movably coupled with the second grid substrate at a second joint, the first and second grid substrates and the first paver piece forming an articulated paver linkage. A second paver piece is coupled with the second grid substrate. A third paver piece is coupled with the first grid substrate. The articulated paver linkage is fit within the specified area by movement of at least one of the first, second and third paver pieces and the first and second grid substrates. The movement is transmitted along the articulated paver linkage to maintain a specified alignment and spacing of the first, second and third paver pieces.

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: 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 erosion control mat provides a plurality of concrete blocks. Each block has an upper portion and a lower portion, each with a plurality of side walls. The block has an upper surface and a lower surface and a block periphery in the form of an edge. Cables or ropes connect the blocks together to form a block matrix. Each block has a boot with a plurality of inclined side panels affixed to the block lower portion. The boot has a lower panel, a boot interior that is receptive of at least part of the block lower portion. A plurality of anchor posts are attached to the boot interior surface. Some of the anchor posts are attached to the boot side wall panels and lower panel to enable a connection to be formed between the boot and the block inclined lower side walls and lower surface.

Abstract: An erosion control block having registration ribs and slots on opposite edge surfaces to align neighbor blocks together in a cabled mat of blocks. The blocks have a pair of parallel cable channels therethrough, as well as a single orthogonal cable channel formed therethrough. With this arrangement, the blocks are versatile and can be configured in a mat of side-by-side blocks, or in a mat of staggered blocks. Neighbor mats can be easily fastened together. The parallel cable channels are formed through the block at a location adjacent an articulation edge so that when a mat of cabled blocks are lifted in a catenary, the articulation between blocks is facilitated.

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

Abstract: Green roof systems are provided comprising a plurality of tile sheets. Each tile sheet in turn may comprise a plurality of tiles. The tiles are connected to one another by one or more bridges. The tile sheets may be disposed above a layer of growing medium. The tiles are spaced apart from one another so as to form a channel between each tile. The channels formed between the adjacent tiles are contiguous with neighboring channels and are arranged so as to form a circuitous pathway for water runoff. The channels so formed allow plant growth between each tile. Advantages of certain embodiments include improved strength, reduced weight, reduced costs, increased life spans, reduced maintenance, easier installation, improved building energy conservation, reduced urban island heat effect, improved sound insulation, improved water retention, improved environmental aspects, improved irrigation, and reduced erosion of the growing medium.

Abstract: A structure to strengthen a house against earth movement, such as earthquake. The house can be known as the central house. In one embodiment, there is a slab under the house. The central house has a number of neighboring houses around it. There is also a slab under each of the neighboring houses. The slab under the central house can be known as the central slab, and the slabs of the neighboring houses can be known as the neighboring slabs. At least one carbon nanotube wire is embedded in each slab. The at least one carbon nanotube wire in the central slab is connected to two of the carbon nanotube wires in neighboring slabs.

Abstract: A predominantly concrete mat comprises a concrete slab having two longitudinal edges and two transverse edges and having relatively thicker portions and relatively thinner portions, which include relatively thinner portions among the longitudinal and transverse edges, and a flexible grid embedded in the concrete slab. The flexible grid, which is polymeric, is molded so as to have longitudinally extending members and transversely extending members. End portions of specific ones but not all of the longitudinally extending members of the flexible grid extend into and nearly or completely through the relatively thinner portions along the transverse edges of the concrete slab. End portions of specific ones but not all of the transversely extending members of the flexible grid extend into and nearly or completely through the relatively thinner portions along the longitudinal edges of the concrete slab.

Abstract: A flexible, molded, polymeric grid is embedded in a predominantly concrete mat comprising a concrete slab having relatively thicker portions defining blocks connected by relatively thinner portions, along which the concrete slab is breakable. The flexible grid has two longitudinal edges, two transverse edges, longitudinally extending members, and transversely extending members, where the longitudinally and transversely extending members connect the blocks to one another when the concrete slab is broken along the relatively thinner portions. The longitudinally and transversely extending members meet at nodes, which are spaced uniformly from one another, both longitudinally and transversely, except that, along the longitudinal and transverse edges, each node is spaced more distantly from the nodes nearest to the node. When the longitudinal and transverse members are disposed in an imaginary plane and the flexible grid is not stressed, fingers, which are unitary with the grid, extend from the imaginary plane.

Abstract: An erosion control block having male tab members and female socket members providing an interlocking relationship with neighbor blocks so that lateral removal therebetween is prevented. The erosion control block includes cable channels formed therein from respective opposite corners of the block so that an axis of the cable channels forms an “X” in said block.

Abstract: A method of cabling erosion control blocks of a mat together. The blocks have formed therein cable channels in a cris-cross manner, diagonally between the corners of each block. Cables are threaded through the blocks in a zig-zag manner, from the top of the mat to the bottom of the mat. The ends of the cables are terminated at two opposing sides of the mat so that the mat can be lifted by a spreader bar. The cables at the other two opposing sides of the mat are terminated for attachment to adjacent mats.

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 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 block (11) formed with a mold (10) integral thereto. The mold (10) is constructed as a mold top half (12) and a mold bottom half (14) and filled in situ with cement (16). The mold halves (12,14) are constructed with respective socket and channel structures (24, 20) to capture an enlarged end (38) of a connector (34) for interlocking one block to a neighboring block. The resulting block (11) constitutes a one-piece block that can be formed at the installation site using the two-part mold (10). The interlocked blocks are prevented from removal when moved in either lateral direction, or in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A flexible interlocking element (10) having opposing, interlocking ends (12, 14). Element end (12), features a contour, including element top surface segment (16), extending to bend (18), then defining a tongue element (34) extending downwardly along an incline (19), to inverted bend (20), which defines a tongue side (60) having a tangent (62). The contour of the tongue, further extending downward and around to bend (22), which defines a tongue tip (58). The tongue tip (58) having a bottom (54) with a tangent (56). The tongue further extending upward along incline (26), then further extending horizontally to bend (28), then further extending vertically downward to bend (30). Bend (30) defines the lower edge of bottom surface segment (32). Element end (14) features a contour including element top surface segment (36) extending horizontally to bend (38).

Abstract: A protective wall assembly (8) for protecting an embankment (6) to prevent scouring of the embankment (6) during high water flows such as experienced in floods or tidal waves. The protective wall assembly (8) comprises a plurality of block assemblies (10) each having a body (11), a top surface (30), and a bottom surface (32). Each block assembly (10) further includes four side faces (34,34a,34b,34c) interconnected by four intermediate faces (13,13a,13b,13c) to define an eight-sided body. Each intermediate face (13,13a,13b,13c) has a bore (21,22) extending perpendicularly thereinto. A first connecting device (42) engages the bores (21,22) in a first pair of intermediate faces (13,13b) of a first pair of block assemblies (10A,10C). The length of one (21) of the bores (21,22) is different than a length of the other of the bores (21,22). The protective wall assembly (8) provides an environmentally friendly structure harmonized with the surrounding scenery.

Abstract: A retaining component comprises first and second end walls and a third wall between the first and second end walls. The first and second end walls each have a first edge adjacent to the third wall and a second edge remote from the third wall. The first and second end walls extend to one side of the plane of the third wall. The retaining component has at least one lug projecting from the second edge of each of the first and second end walls. Each lug has a transverse hole whereby the retaining component can be connected to a like or similar component by passing an elongate member through aligned holes in lugs of the two components.

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. Preferably, the relatively thinner portions extend longitudinally and transversely, in a rectangular array, before the slab is broken along the relatively thinner portions.

Abstract: In an assembly of concrete revetments, each having two expansive surfaces, each having a first set of comparatively larger holes extending between the expansive surfaces, and each having a second set of comparatively smaller holes extending from at least some holes of the first set to outer edges of said revetment, wherein the revetments of an adjacent pair of the assembly are connected to each other by one or more bolts, each bolt has a flexible, polymeric shank, which has a proximal end and a distal end, a head attached to the proximal end, and a nut attachable to the distal end, and each bolt has its shank extending through a hole of the second set of each revetment of the adjacent pair.

Abstract: In an assembly of predominantly concrete revetment, each revetment is a generally rectangular solid having two longitudinal margins and two transverse margins, having two expansive faces, and having an array of apertures, which extend through said revetment, between the expansive faces, and through which vegetation can grow. Each revetment has a grid of embedded reinforcing bars, which include a reinforcing bar extending within each of its longitudinal and transverse margins. Each revetment has, on each of its longitudinal and transverse margins, one or more ribs extending between its expansive faces. At each rib on each of its longitudinal margins or at each rib on each of its longitudinal and transverse margins, each revetment has a cable passage extending through such rib and through the longitudinal margins has such rib and opening into a near aperture of the array of apertures of said revetment.

Abstract: A weight strip constructed from a plurality of stacked sheets of elastomeric material slackly assembled for resting upon an uneven surface.

Abstract: A block having a semicircular male lobe and a semicircular female recess on opposing sides thereof. On other opposing sides of the block, there is formed a side edge shape such that when neighboring blocks are placed together, a circuitous water channel is formed between the blocks. The block includes cable channels formed therethrough, with the cable channels opening at the side edges into cable cavities. The cable cavities facilitate access to ends of the cables when the blocks are placed side by side.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for and a method of constructing a concrete block mat consisting of unit concrete blocks interlocked together in the form of a mat by way of connections for adjacent interlocking members of those unit concrete blocks. There are also provided an apparatus for and a method of planarizing the ground under water using the concrete block mat. The apparatus for constructing a concrete block mat includes a frame, a plurality of frame, a plurality of block mat. The planarizing apparatus includes a configuration for maintaining those of the unit concrete blocks positioned at opposite ends of the concrete block mat to be inclined with respect to a plane of the concrete block mat in such a fashion that the concrete block mat has resistance reducing surfaces.

Abstract: The improved revetment system is created using a plurality of substantially identical blocks which comprise a body having at least one channel therein leading to a slot and at least one arm extending outwardly of the body and terminating in a locking ear. The ear engages in a slot of an adjacent block and is of less depth than the slot, with the arm being of a length at least equal to and preferably greater than that of the channel, the slot including a removable spacer tab therein which abuts a terminal edge of the ear to keep the blocks spaced apart and an area of the block defined by the arm and ear having an arcuately downwardly sloped top surface with a terminal edge of the ear defining a lowermost position along the arcuate surface.

Abstract: A block for use in a revetment system comprising a plurality of blocks arranged to form a mat. The block has a top surface, a bottom surface and first and second opposed side surfaces that extend between the top and bottom surfaces, and third and fourth opposed side surfaces extending between the top and bottom surfaces and the first and second side surfaces. The first and second opposing side surfaces have a mating recess and projection, such that a recess on a first side surface mates with a projection on a second side surface of an adjacent block in a revetment system. On each of the third and fourth sides is a channel and two interlocking tips disposed on either side of the channel. The interlocking tips of a third or fourth side of one block are adapted to fit into the channel of the third or fourth side of another block. The channel is configured so that there is the possibility of lateral movement when the blocks are configured into a mat.

Abstract: A flood control system, in one aspect involving providing a plurality of substantially rigid containers, at least some of the containers having a top portion, a bottom portion and substantially rigid sidewalls operably connecting the top and bottom portions, the sidewalls being configured to withstand compressive forces between the top portion and the bottom portion; and positioning the plurality of substantially rigid containers at a selected location proximate a body of water, at least some of the substantially rigid containers being positioned at the selected location in a substantially abutting relationship to form a barrier.

Abstract: The erosion control system includes a plurality of erosion control blocks connected to one another by connectors to form an interconnected network of erosion control blocks conforming to the underlying terrain for erosion prevention. Each erosion control block includes a plurality of apertures therethrough each forming a side wall. The connector includes a pair of projecting legs for insertion into adjacent erosion control blocks. Each leg attachingly engages the side wall of the aperture of an erosion control block for connecting that erosion control block to an adjacent block. The legs include tapered extensions which frictionally engage the side wall, and in one embodiment of the erosion control block, the side wall includes a shoulder which engages the terminal end of the tapered extension. The erosion control block may have one end with convex arcuate surface and another end with a concave arcuate surface for providing an articulating joint between adjacent erosion control blocks.

Abstract: An erosion control system is useful for coastlines, riverbeds, and the like, to protect against erosion caused by a wavefront. The system typically includes an integrated armor layer mounted upon and covering an embankment adjacent the shoreline. The armor layer comprises a plurality of blocks connected in a chainlike configuration by connecting members disposed between neighboring blocks. Each chain is linearly aligned in a direction generally perpendicular to the shore and wavefront, and each chain abuts neighboring chains, but not affixed in any manner thereto. The connecting members have separate elements for absorbing tension and compression.

Abstract: The revetment mat comprises at least two webs joined together at aligned perimeter edges. Each web comprises a plurality of (a) interior blocks disposed side-by-side in rows and (b) a plurality of edge blocks defining a pair of perimeter edge rows of the web. The interior and edge blocks are interlinked together by threading a revetment cable through tunnels defined in the blocks. Each of the edge blocks defines a recess in one end thereof and further defines a pair of coaxial bores which extend from a first side to an interior face in the recess and from an opposing face in the recess to a second side of the edge block. An elongated rod is received in the bores and thereby extends across a gap in the recess between the opposing interior faces. A plurality of couplers are used to join a first web to a second web, which webs are positioned side-by-side. Each coupler is disposed within one of the recesses.

Abstract: An interconnected block system including a plurality of staggered rows of block members formed of concrete or the like secured to the upper surface only of an underlying, interconnecting, grid-like, matrix sheet. In one embodiment, a plurality of connector elements are connected to the matrix material preferably by bodkin connections to form one or a multiplicity of openings or apertures above the upper surface of the matrix sheet for reception of the block-forming material. The block members are cast on top of the matrix sheet material to capture the connector elements which provides a mechanical interlock between the block member and the matrix. The matrix sheet material preferably includes a layer of geotextile bonded on an opposite side from the block members. An alternate embodiment provides a strip or mat to underly the matrix sheet with a plurality of projections upstanding therefrom and passing through the matrix sheet.

Abstract: A revetment system having a plurality of blocks arranged to form a mat. Each block having top and bottom surfaces and pairs of opposed and substantially parallel side surfaces. One of the side surfaces in each of the opposed pairs has first and second projections and the other of the side surfaces in each of the opposed pairs has first and second recesses. The projections and recesses are sized and configured so that they mate with projections and recesses on the side surfaces of adjacent blocks. The bottom surface of the block may be provided with projections to enhance the frictional stability of the blocks. The blocks are connected together by cables which pass through tunnels between the side surfaces of the blocks. A sleeve fitted into each opening of the tunnel in the side surface is provided to protect the cables from breakage.

Abstract: Interlocking blocks for the stabilization of stream and river banks and ct lines, road bed embankments, and boat ramps, are made of concrete, and have a high proportion of open area. Interlocking connections between adjacent blocks are made by radial projecting members and recesses on the periphery of each block, the projecting members of one block fitting into the recesses on adjacent blocks. Projections and recesses are alternately provided at regular angular intervals such that blocks can be assembled in either square or an equilateral triangular patterns. A layer of filter cloth material is laid on the sloping surface and upon which the blocks are then placed; this filter cloth slows down the leaching of water through the open areas between the interlocking blocks and prevents the washing away of sand and silt by stream or river water or rainwater runoff.

Abstract: Non-abrasive pads are attached to the at least one side of concrete elements with nylon rivets that are embedded into the concrete when the latter is soft. A flexible rope is laced through the center of each element in two directions to form a mat in a row-column array. Adequate spacing is provided between each element to allow the mat to conform to an uneven seabed and cover the underwater installation. The non-abrasive pads separate the concrete elements from the underwater installation to prevent the concrete elements from scratching and ablating the delicate underwater installations. Grooves are provided in selected elements, and loops are provided at the outer edges of the mat to enable several mats to be linked together.

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: An interconnected block system including a plurality of staggered rows of block members formed of concrete or the like secured to the upper surface only of an underlying, interconnecting, grid-like, matrix sheet. In one embodiment, a plurality of connector elements are connected to the matrix material preferably by bodkin connections to form one or a multiplicity of openings or apertures above the upper surface of the matrix sheet for reception of the block-forming material. The block members are cast on top of the matrix sheet material to capture the connector elements which provides a mechanical interlock between the block member and the matrix. The matrix sheet material preferably includes a layer of geotextile bonded on an opposite side from the block members. An alternate embodiment provides a strip or mat to underly the matrix sheet with a plurality of projections upstanding therefrom and passing through the matrix sheet.

Abstract: Each module includes a tubular member filled with filling material, such as concrete, and a tube located in the filling material and extending longitudinally of the tubular member. Tubes or holes extend transversely through the tubular member and the filling material. The longitudinal tube facilitates connection of the module in end-to-end relationship with the modules using connecting mechanisms. The transverse tubes or holes facilitate securing the module to one or more like modules in side-by-side relationship using securing mechanisms. The modules may be assembled together so as to form, for example, a pipeline stabilizing and protection mat to ballast and protect underwater pipelines.