Abstract: A coastal zone ecological protection and governance structure and a coastal zone ecological protection wall include a bottom plate, a triangular reinforcing supporting plate, and a side plate. The bottom plate is configured to fix on a foundation. The triangular reinforcing supporting plate is arranged on the bottom plate. The side plate is arranged on the bottom plate and is connected with the triangular reinforcing supporting plate. The side plate forms a certain angle with the bottom plate. All of the bottom plate, the triangular reinforcing supporting plate, and the side plate are spliced by a plurality of prefabricated plates.

Abstract: A multifunctional floating breakwater includes: a plank platform, a first buoy, a second buoy, a first wave baffle, a second wave baffle, a first arc breast wall, a second arc breast wall, upper inclined supports, lower inclined supports and a net cage. The multifunctional floating breakwater integrates a floating breakwater and a wave-energy power generation device, which can not only maintain good stability of the water surface in a harbor, but also generate electric energy, and allow for aquaculture and other activities as well, and has advantages of being movable and not limited by water depth and geology. In addition, the invention has a simple structure, easy production and maintenance, no pollution to the marine environment and therefore wide application prospects.

Abstract: A wave attenuator system for protecting a floating dock or other structure from incoming wake created by wind or vessel is disclosed herein, in various aspects. The wave attenuator system may include a substantially rectangular curtain made of a water-impermeable flexible material, in various aspects. The curtain top edge may be secured along the length of at least one of the sides of a dock, in various aspects. The curtain bottom edge may be suspended in a body of water a predetermined distance below the water surface, in various aspects. The bottom edge may include a weighted material to maintain the curtain in a substantially vertical orientation, in various aspects. The wave attenuator system is operable to redirect waves impacting the curtain downward to reduce wave action against the dock or other structure, in various aspects.

Abstract: A method of installing an upright elongate hollow subsea foundation that is higher than it is wide, such as a suction pile. The foundation is at least partially embedded in seabed soil. A partition layer is placed within the foundation, for example by injecting a grout, supported by a plug of soil that is surrounded by the foundation. The partition layer is placed on the plug of soil at a level that is spaced from the top of the foundation by at least 20% of the height of the foundation. Above the partition layer, the interior of the foundation may be filled with water and/or a rigid body, such as a solid mass or a hollow liquid-filled tank.

Abstract: A reservoir bag and method of use and implementation is disclosed herein. The reservoir bag may be configured for controlling surface water run-off and may include a plurality of cells with at least two adjacent cells in fluid communication with each other to allow water to communicate between the adjacent cells. To aid in the mobility of water, the bag may include one or more perforated pipes therein to direct flow of water through the cells and to an outlet.

Abstract: The method for damping ocean waves in a coastal area uses a barrier having a plurality of vertical walls positioned parallel to one another, each wall defining a plurality of horizontally extending slots. The dimensions of the slots, or overall porosity of the wall, and the number of walls positioned in parallel may be varied to provide different levels of damping. Accordingly, a desired amount of damping may be provided through varying the porosity of the walls and the number of walls. The method defines a transmission coefficient equal to the wave height of waves transmitted from the barrier divided by the wave height of waves incident on the barrier, and collects experimental data normalized with the significant wave height and the wavelength at the peak period for the depth of water to select the combination of wall number and porosity to produce the desired damping.

Abstract: An LNG production plant positioned at a production location adjacent to a body of water is described. The LNG production plant includes a plurality of spaced-apart facilities including a first facility and a second facility, each facility provided with plant equipment related to a pre-determined function associated with the production of LNG, where the first facility is an onshore facility and the second facility is an integrated storage/offloading facility arranged on a gravity-based structure having a base that rests on the seabed at a selected location within the body of water.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of forming a heat exchanger can include a first manifold that defines a first fluid inlet to the heat exchanger and a second manifold that defines a second fluid inlet to the heat exchanger. A lattice cell body can be provided in the heat exchanger that can form a first set of flow passages and a second set of flow passages. The first and second sets of flow passages can be intertwined with one another.

Abstract: A barrier for damming or channeling surface water flow is comprised of a non-woven polymer fabric sleeve within which is contained a water absorbent material which, upon contact with sufficient water, swells up to 20 or more times its initial weight. Preferred barriers have a D-shape front lobe and a rear lobe that inhibits overturning of the barrier during use. The water absorbent material is contained within a sheet that is captured by stitching which is the separator between the front and rear lobes. Barriers made of a dark color such as black or brown non-woven polypropylene fabric, and containing a super absorbent polymer (SAP), only minimally degrade in function when exposed to prolonged sunlight.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided related to a multi-part reusable levee bag. The reusable levee bag includes a top bag section and a bottom portion removably affixed to the top bag section. The combined top bag section and bottom portion define an in interior space within which fillable material may be received to form a levee bag for use in flooding and other installations. The multi-part design allows the levee bag, once filled, to be disassembled and reused.

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

Abstract: A wave break structure having a body with a bulkhead and a first pontoon and a second pontoon. The first pontoon is positioned on one side of the bulkhead and the second pontoon is positioned on the opposite side of the bulkhead. The bulkhead extends substantially above the first and second pontoons. The bulkhead and the pontoons are integrally formed together of a metallic material. The bulkhead having a first wall extending at least 45° with respect to a second wall of said bulkhead so as to have an inverted V-shaped configuration. A crushed stone coating is applied to a surface of the bulkhead.

Abstract: A buoy for use in reducing the amplitude of waves in water and a system making use of plural buoys to create a floating breakwater. Each buoy is arranged to be constrained, e.g., connected to an anchor, and comprising a body e.g., a cylindrical member having at least one outwardly projecting fin, that is configured to be resonant and impedance matched. The buoy and anchoring approach allows for self-tuning to the changes in the wave spectrum due to the tidal or storm surge induced changes in the water depth. The body of the floating buoy is not limited to circular cylinder, and could be square, hexagonal, triangular, etc. but must have at least one exterior mounted fin.

Abstract: A wave break structure having a body with a bulkhead and a first pontoon and a second pontoon. The first pontoon is positioned on one side of the bulkhead and the second pontoon is positioned on the opposite side of the bulkhead. The bulkhead extends substantially above the first and second pontoons. The bulkhead and the pontoons are integrally formed together of a metallic material. The body has a first tow bar and a second tow bar affixed at an end thereof. A plurality of ports extends through a thickness of bulkhead. The bulkhead and the pontoons have angled surfaces so that one body can nest within an adjacent body.

Abstract: A shoreline erosion mitigation device placed in a body of water including a multiplicity of high density polyethylene pipes each of a given length and diameter with each pipe being generally cylindrical in shape and having a hollow interior, the multiplicity of high density polyethylene pipes arranged in approximately parallel rows with adjacent pipes connected together by a system using clamps and flexible links, which leaves a space between adjacent pipes so that by increasing or decreasing the number, length and/or diameter of the pipes and/or the number of clamps, the design of the device is adjusted to accommodate differing shoreline conditions. When a wave having a given force traveling from the body of water towards the shoreline encounters the device, the force of the wave is reduced by causing the water to travel over the device and through the spaces between adjacent pipes before reaching the shoreline.

Abstract: A method of restoring a beach includes positioning a recovery module at a first location in a region of a beach to sea interface. A longitudinal axis of the recovery module is oriented generally perpendicular to a longshore current in the region of the beach to sea interface. The recovery module is removed from the first location upon achieving a desired level of accretion adjacent to the recovery module.

Abstract: A wave-attenuating system. The wave-attenuating system includes a flexible, resilient barrier member that is disposed in a body of water and oriented to interrupt and dissipate the wave action of oncoming waves. The barrier member desirably is constructed from a substantially neutrally or slightly negatively buoyant material so that the overall depth, length, and/or thickness can be increased as needed for a particular application while adding little deadweight to the system in water. The barrier member can be supported by a flotation device in a floating breakwater, or alternatively, the barrier member can be secured to a stationary structure in a fixed breakwater.

Abstract: A damping (or heave) plate comprises a generally flat plate attached, beneath the surface of a sea, and in horizontal orientation, to a structural member subject to being vertically moved in response to passing surface waves. The plate tends to resist vertical movements and has the effect of adding mass to the structure. A vertically extending structure is added to both major surfaces of the heave plate for increasing the volume of water moved by the plate. For minimizing drag forces generally created by use of the damping plate, the vertically extending structure is shaped to include curved hydrodynamic surfaces for minimizing turbulence in the surrounding water.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting a coastline from a predicted storm surge. The method includes the steps of: providing at least one inflatable barrier segment for protection against flooding during a hurricane surge; storing the at least one inflatable barrier segment at a first location; transporting the at least one inflatable barrier segment from the first location to a second location corresponding to a coastal location under threat of a future hurricane surge; deploying the at least one inflatable barrier segment at the second location to provide a barrier; removing each at least one inflatable barrier segment from the second location once the threat of the hurricane surge has receded; and depositing the at least one inflatable barrier segment at a third location, wherein the first location is selected from the group consisting of: an ocean floor, an offshore storage platform, and a buoy.

Abstract: A method of forming artificial reefs in which a set of blocks having internal cavities full of air are interconnected in the desired shape of the artificial reef. The blocks of the set float when full of air and the thus defined reef is towed to the location of use, at which time an air valve in the upper region of each block is opened, permitting the air to escape and sew water to enter the block through an opening in a lower region. In this way the set of blocks is sunk to a designated location on the sea bed adjacent a sandy beach, forming the desired reef. Depending on the configurations of the individual blocks and of the overall shape of the reef, the invention permits both the formation of waves suitable for water sports, such as surf, windsurf and the like, and also the making of an otherwise dangerous beach safe for bathers.

Abstract: A rapidly deployable breakwater is disclosed having a primary barrier containing liquid under pressure, and one or more overtopping barriers. The primary barrier floats at, and extends substantially below, the surface of the water, while the overtopping barriers are positioned on the primary barrier and extend substantially above the surface of the water, the combination being adapted to attenuate wave action in open water. The liquid in the primary barrier is pressurized to a level substantially greater than the pressure of the surrounding water, and such pressure may be maintained or varied during the period of deployment of the breakwater.

Abstract: Novel precast concrete boxes are disclosed which can be assembled together and/or with structural shapes disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,736 to form waterfront structures such as seawalls, boathouses and the like. The boxes can be sized and proportioned so as to be conveniently assembled in such structures and to be easily transported via intermodal transportation media. Novel methods of waterborne transport and installation of the boxes are disclosed. Shellfish habitats based upon the boxes are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel precast concrete boxes are disclosed which can be assembled together and/or with structural shapes disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,736 to form waterfront structures such as seawalls, boathouses and the like. The boxes can be sized and proportioned so as to be conveniently assembled in such structures and to be easily transported via intermodal transportation media. Novel methods of waterborne transport and installation of the boxes are disclosed. Shellfish habitats based upon the boxes are also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustably compliant porous groin and method for use in restoring an eroding shoreline. The compliant porous groin has a barrier suspended by flotation support within a sediment laden eroding water flow of the shoreline with the water flow passing through at least a portion of the barrier, and the bottom edge of the barrier retained proximate to the seabed. The barrier is compliant such that the water flow impacting the barrier is slowed whereby suspended sediment in the water flow accretes to renourish the shoreline.

Abstract: Novel precast concrete boxes are disclosed which can be assembled together and/or with structural shapes disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,736 to form waterfront structures such as seawalls, boathouses and the like. The boxes can be sized and proportioned so as to be conveniently assembled in such structures and to be easily transported via intermodal transportation media. Novel methods of waterborne transport and installation of the boxes are disclosed. Shellfish habitats based upon the boxes are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial reef comprising a string of open bodies, a floatation device and an anchoring device.

Abstract: A break intercepts waves moving in an anticipated direction along a water surface. Modular elongated floats are aligned end-to-end and extend generally perpendicular to the anticipated direction of the waves. Modular elongated ballast containers aligned end-to-end depend from the floats. The float is wider than the waves. Ballast in the containers is coordinated with the buoyancy of the floats so that the floats extend higher above the water surface than the waves and the container depends below the water surface by a distance greater than the width of the waves. The lower portion of the ballast container face which intercepts the waves is disposed at an angle so as to downwardly deflect the waves. Thus, the float is wide enough to cut off the upper portion of the waves and the lower portion of the container is positioned to intercept and downwardly deflect the lower portion of the waves.

Abstract: A combination of old and new features to cultivate seaweed on the sea bottom comprising the steps of cultivating in a laboratory sporophytes and fixing them on lines, setting anchors on various water bottoms, installing near off-bottom artificial substrates, and transferring the pre-cultivated sporophytes onto these substrates. The complete method allows young seaweed and young kelp to survive the exaction of bottom and off-bottom grazing predators and inter-species competition.

Abstract: An artificial seaweed device for submersion in a volume of water along a coastline for inhibiting coastal erosion and enhancing accretion of waterborne particulate matter. The artificial seaweed device includes elongate and flexible first and second anchor members each with an open inner volume for containing a volume of particulate anchoring material such as washed stone. The first and second anchor members, which may have oval or eye-shaped cross sections when filled with particulate anchoring material, are coupled together longitudinally to form a bipartite anchor unit with a bipartite anchor unit base width. A plurality of elongate and flexible artificial seaweed strips each have a fixed end attached to the bipartite anchor unit and a free end distal to the bipartite anchor unit. A space between adjacent artificial seaweed strips prevents entanglement. Tabs of buoyant material such as foamed ionomer resin are affixed to the free end of each of the artificial seaweed strips.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for producing artificial reef modules which can be deposited on the ocean floor for permitting growth of coral and other marine growth thereon. The reef balls can be left permanently at a particular location to develop an artificial reef or can be harvested for use in aquariums.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for producing artificial reef modules which can be deposited on the ocean floor for permitting growth of coral and other marine growth thereon. The reef balls can be left permanently at a particular location to develop an artificial reef or can be harvested for use in aquariums.

Abstract: A low relief artificial reef made of one or more threads of automobile tires partially buried in a sedimentary bottom and partially protruding above it. The artificial reef can be built on land and conveyed floating to the site of installment. It can also be built on a boat and dropped directly onto the water bottom.

Abstract: Disclosed is an open ocean farm structure for attachment of macroalgal plants. The farm structure is made up of linear elements connected with nodes to form a three dimensional truss. The linear elements are composed of tubes containing solid rods which are screw connected to the nodes. The ends of the tubes abut the nodes so that screwing the rods into the nodes puts the tubes in compression. The truss structure thus formed is strong and flexible. Because the truss structure is made of tubes having minimal cross-sectional area, the structure is relatively transparent to the forces of wave motion.

Abstract: A floating breakwater device for attenuating waves includes an elongated frame extending vertically between an upper end and a lower end. A buoyant member is attached to the frame to support the top end of the frame above the water surface. A barrier is attached to the frame which extends downwardly from the top end of the frame and below the water surface to a position adjacent the bottom end of the frame. The barrier is adapted to intercept and reflect a portion of the kinetic energy of an attacking wave. A first platform and a second platform are attached to the bottom end of the frame on opposite sides. The platforms extend outwardly from the frame to provide stability and resistance to unwanted movement of the breakwater device.

Abstract: The present invention is an artificial surfing reef for modifying near shore ocean floor bottom to create surfing waves. The artificial surfing reef is a generally Y-shaped structure made of many large sized polyvinyl chloride pipes and having a leading leg and two main legs joined at a joint, where the leading leg extends from the joint toward the offshore direction. As a swell moves toward the shore, its bottom is resisted by the leading leg of the artificial surfing reef, and its top topples over the joint and is tapered by the two main legs of the artificial surfing reef to thereby form perfect surfing waves.

Abstract: This invention is an erosion control device in the form of a plurality of nestled, triangular-in-cross-section modules forming units. These units can be interconnected to form erosion control device of any desired length. These erosion control and refurbishing devices are preferably made from recycled plastic and can be sand colored to blend with the natural scenery. They also will not harm the environment nor injure people who come into contact with the same.

Abstract: An erosion control system that uses massive hollow reinforced concrete blocks that can contain bulky fill material such as sand, mud, shell or concrete rip rap. The blocks can be arranged in desired geometric patterns at coastal areas subject to erosion control.

Abstract: A resilient wave reducing structure which reduces waves propagating on liquid surface from propagating over the reducing structure and a method of constructing the wave reducing structure. The wave reducing structure of the present invention may be used to form a calm water surface region for harbors, for areas where construction work is being done or for areas where marine sports are to be performed etc. The resilient wave reducing structure includes at least one energy absorbing device having a resilient body constructed on a bottom of the liquid bounding the region where waves have to be reduced and filled with surrounding ambient liquid. This reduces the amplitude of waves passing over it by consuming the wave energy while it deforms according to the pressure distribution change caused by the waves and by radiating its kinetic energy into the liquid and the ground surrounding it.

Abstract: An erosion control system that uses massive hollow reinforced concrete blocks that can contain bulky fill material such as sand, mud, shell or concrete rip rap. The blocks can be arranged in desired geometric patterns at coastal areas subject to erosion control.

Abstract: Artificial substrates for use in open sea enhancing biomass and/or absorbing wave energy, improved by means of particular dispositions and devices concerning their number, mooring, and flotation.They are associated with affixed sessile algae and shellfish. They can be implanted trustworthily in very rough seas. They fulfill economical requirements for the development of aquacultural farms, aquacultural breakwaters, algae fields and shellfish reefs.

Abstract: An erosion control system that uses massive hollow reinforced concrete blocks that can contain bulky fill material such as sand, mud, shell or concrete rip rap. The blocks can be arranged in desired geometric patterns at coastal areas subject to erosion control.

Abstract: An artificial reef assembly construction is disclosed which comprises, in combination, an artificial reef assembly comprising a plurality of reef units each comprising a hollow structure and a predetermined number of floaters, each floater comprising a body casing having an inner chamber partitioned so as to be fluid tight by means of at least one partition wall to have a plurality of air chambers, the floaters being releasably secured into the hollow structures of reef units, at least one of the plurality of air chambers having at least one openable portion. The artificial reef assembly construction with its floaters filled with air can be floated on the surface of the sea and easily towed to a desired location, where by only opening at least one openable portion of of at least one of the air chambers the artificial reef assembly can be easily submerged while causing the floaters to be automatically released from the artificial reef assembly.

Abstract: A wall is formed by stringing on cables a plurality of similar buoyant panel elements lying flat on water. Each panel element has an inner end, an outer end and two side edges. A first chain extends laterally through the panel elements adjacent the inner ends thereof and a second chain extends laterally through these elements spaced from the first chain. The first chain is tensioned to draw the panel elements together to abut each other at the inner ends thereof. The second chain is then tensioned while water ballast is added to compartments in the elements to cause the outer ends of the panel elements to swing downwardly to bring the side edges thereof together to form a wall. The resulting structure is made up of these panel elements side by side. Gripping means at the ends of the cables maintain them under tension to retain the side edges of the panel elements together.