Abstract: A wave-dissipating block has a body and a turbine generator assembly. The body has an airway and an overhang. The airway is formed in the body, is substantially J-shape and has an opening communicating with a front of the body and substantially facing upward. The overhang hangs over the airway and has an air window formed in the overhang and communicating with the airway. The turbine generator assembly has a housing mounted on the overhang and has an air channel communicating with the air window, a turbine fan mounted in the air channel and a generator connected to the turbinate fan. Waves can directly pour into the airway with minimized loss of kinetic energy and forms a water column in the airway to effectively suck or push air to passing through the air channel to rotate the turbinate fan to drive the generator to efficiently generate electric power.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a breakwater, particularly, to a prefabricated breakwater which is assembled in a stepped manner, having the improvements in the construction workability and prevention of the marine pollution due to the permeability of ocean currents together with the original wave dissipation function for the protection of ships or all kinds of the establishments in the harbor.

Abstract: Waves are amplified by a gradual decrease in depth, and when the waves reach a vertical wall 10 of a reef 2, breaking waves are generated by sudden decrease of the water depth. As the breaking waves rush into the upper portion of the reef 2 and pass through the slant slits 14, wave energy is absorbed by the reef 2 and the seat water returns back to the ocean through an opening 11. The sand brought into a reef 2 with the waves are washed away by the return flow 11 so that the sand is not deposited within the reef 2 and the space in the reef 2 is always clear. The return flow promotes generation of the breaking waves. The breaking waves are introduced into the slits, beach erosion is prevented, and a calm sea area utilized for marine leisure is created. The seawater in the reef, with sufficient air, flows to the sea area behind the breakwater through the paths 19.

Abstract: A wave-dissipating block has a body and a turbine generator assembly. The body has an airway and an overhang. The airway is formed in the body, is substantially J-shape and has an opening communicating with a front of the body and substantially facing upward. The overhang hangs over the airway and has an air window formed in the overhang and communicating with the airway. The turbine generator assembly has a housing mounted on the overhang and has an air channel communicating with the air window, a turbine fan mounted in the air channel and a generator connected to the turbinate fan. Waves can directly pour into the airway with minimized loss of kinetic energy and forms a water column in the airway to effectively suck or push air to passing through the air channel to rotate the turbinate fan to drive the generator to efficiently generate electric power.

Abstract: A container for underwater placement on a sea, lake or river bottom. The container has openings in the sides, top and bottom and is filled with ballast of large boulders, cobble, crushed coral, cast concrete modules or other materials. The openings allow water and water currents, as well as marine organisms, to pass freely therethrough. Over time, a wide assortment of marine organisms infiltrate and colonize the nooks, crevices and cavities of the ballast, thus utilizing the habitat as they would an artificial reef. One or more hitch points are provided on the container for attaching mooring lines for ships, boats, floating wind turbines or other floating structures, thereby allowing the artificial reef to anchor such structures.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward various valving arrangements to control the flow of granular material. In one embodiment, a valve is provided which facilitates flow of the material in one direction, but resists flow in another direction. In another embodiment, a retaining wall is provided with a plurality of generally horizontal passageways, which, under normal circumstances, resist passage of the flowable granular material positioned therebehind and, under modified circumstances, can serve as relief valves to avoid pressure on the wall which might cause the wall to move in an undesirable manner. In a third embodiment, a plurality of valving units is provided for beach retention of sand through efficient separation of sand from incoming waves.

Abstract: A device is provided for preventing shoreline erosion and for rebuilding the sand beach along the shoreline of a large body of water. A series of the devices are placed in side-by-side relation essentially parallel to the shoreline. The device includes a hollow plastic structure fillable with a heavy material, such as cement. The structure has a trapezoidal configuration to lower the center of gravity of the device and includes inclining front and rear walls converging toward each other to the top wall. The hollow plastic structure includes a plurality of tubular members extending from the front wall to the rear wall. The front and rear walls have access apertures opening to the tubular members. The tubular members gradually taper from a predetermined diameter at the access apertures in the front wall to half of the predetermined diameter at the access apertures in the rear wall to reduce the velocity of the flow of water to the large body of water.

Abstract: A protective element for a breakwater or wave-retarding construction comprises a body that has at least two opposing projections. The projections are on either side of a flat base and extend transversely thereto. The periphery of the base is non-circular, so that rolling of the protective element under the influence of the beating of the waves is resisted.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of reducing the effects of hydrodynamic forces of waves and water currents in coastal environments (e.g., oceans, and coastal, river, lake, and reservoir banks). The apparatus is an oysterbreak having two basic designs adapted to allow for the attachment of oysters and other bio-fouling marine organisms, using the least amount of material. In one embodiment, the oysterbreak comprises a support structure and plurality of slats (i.e., relatively planar sections or surfaces) having growth layers made from tubing coated with a material capable of inducing aquatic sessile organism attachment and growth. In another embodiment, the oysterbreak comprises a plurality (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, etc.) of growth layers of regular polygonal-shaped members made from a material capable of inducing aquatic sessile organism attachment and growth that when stacked, form a relatively portable, breakwater module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a silt restoration device comprising a vertical support member having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is connected to an upper horizontal support member with the longitudinal length of the vertical support member being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal length of the upper horizontal support member. At least one tire will be positioned on the vertical support member below the upper horizontal support member in a substantially vertical position. The tire will have a tread surface and a center space, wherein the vertical support member will impale the tread surface of the tire at two opposed points substantially along a diameter of the tire and substantially at a midpoint of a width of the tread surface.

Abstract: Lower sidewall portions (18, 20) of a vehicle tire (10) are spread apart by a spreader tool (28). Spreader bars (32, 34) are placed between the spread apart lower sidewall portions (18, 20) of the tire (10). Concrete (116) is poured in place in the tire. One or more iron members (120, 122, 124, 126) are placed in the tire (10) with lower portions in the concrete (116) and upper portions extending towards the inner side of the tread wall (26). At least one other iron member (120, 122, 124, 126) is positioned in the tire (10) with a lower end portion in the concrete (126) and an upper portion sloping upwardly and outwardly towards the inner side of the tread wall (26) on a diametrically opposite portion of the tire (10).

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: Provided are static and free-floating breakwater apparatuses that utilize a rocking panel (or beach) to dissipate wave energy. At the same time, such rocking motion can in certain embodiments be used to generate electrical power. Generally speaking, the breakwater apparatuses use a buoyant element, such as an open-bottomed hollow chamber and/or a ballast tank to resist the wave's force.

Abstract: A modular unit intended for use as an artificial reef, marine habitat and/or sea wall which can be placed in stacked structures along the floor of an ocean, bay, or other body of water comprises a top wall, bottom wall, opposed side walls and opposed end walls which are interconnected to form a hollow interior. Each of the walls is formed with one or more openings whose position and size is designed to allow access of marine life into the interior of the units, permit the passage of sunlight therein, direct the flow of sea water into and through the units in a way which increases stability of the units when placed on the ocean floor, and permit alignment of the holes of one unit with those of another when stacked together.

Abstract: A new method for more rapidly renourishing a beach. A mobile accretion unit is set on the bottom a considerable distance out from the beach, yet still within the region where sand is deposited by wave action. This accretion unit collects sand over time. It is gradually raised to keep it from burying itself. The unit eventually creates a small sand “island,” which is typically located one hundred feet or more from the beach. A chain of such small sand islands are preferably created along the shore. Radiating sets of linear fences are then placed on each island. These fences radiate out into the surrounding water. The linear fences trap additional sand and serve to increase the size of the islands. Linear fences extending from the islands to the beach may be used, as well as linear fences extending between adjacent islands. Eventually the islands grow together and merge with the prior beach, thereby creating a new beach along the position of the islands.

Abstract: An artificial barrier reef has a skeletal frame formed from a plurality of support beams. The frame has a base and a plurality of side panels extending from the base to form a pyramid. A plurality of connectors are used to connect the support beams together. A cap connects the support beams and forms the side panels at an apex of said frame. Also, a plurality of grates, each grate connected to cover a respective one of said side panels and including a plurality of bars connected in a criss-cross pattern allow for fish of a predetermined size to pass therethrough into and out of the skeletal frame. The artificial barrier reef is positioned on the floor of a body of water for aiding in the development of an underwater ecosystem pass therethrough into and out of said skeletal frame.

Abstract: A breakwater assembly comprises an upper slab (15) supported on columns (14, 21) that extend upwardly from a lower slab (13). A solid back wall (17) depends from one edge of the upper slab (15) while a front wall (16) with holes (18) therein depends from the other edge to exchange sea water freely between inner sea and outer sea.

Abstract: A flood control barrier for separating water in a wet area from an area to be maintained substantially dry comprises a flexible exterior membrane made of liquid impervious material and including elongated upper and lower membrane sections joined at a closed longitudinal downstream end of the exterior membrane opposed to an open longitudinal upstream end thereof. The upper and lower membrane sections are connected by internal partition walls and are displaceable between expanded and collapsed positions, wherein in the collapsed position, the upper membrane section overlies the lower membrane section, whereas in the expanded position, the upper membrane section is spaced from the lower membrane section at the open end of the exterior membrane such that water may flow through the open end and be received between the upper and lower membrane sections such as to be trapped therein, i.e. by the closed downstream end thereof which prevents the water from flowing past the barrier.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel floating wave attenuator. More particularly, this invention pertains to a novel design of floating wave attenuator which has a curved vertical wave alternating wall section, a bottom vertical motion braking flange, and an air chamber for adjusting buoyancy. A floating wave attenuator comprising: (a) a wall having an exterior surface and an interior surface; (b) a flange associated with the wall and extending from at least one of the exterior surface and the interior surface of the wall; and (c) an air chamber in the interior of the wall, the air chamber being filled with air to adjust the buoyancy of the attenuator.

Abstract: A foundation comprising one or more layers or mattresses of tires, and a fill material provided within and/or between tires of each of the mattresses. The fill material is preferably a relatively coarse aggregate and provides a porous bed having relatively high drainage capacity. The lowermost mattress is typically wrapped in a porous sheet such as a geofabric cloth which is designed to allow the passage of water across the lowermost mattress whilst preventing the ingress of relatively finer material into the fill material and which can otherwise lead to degeneration of the foundation. At least some of the tires typically also have an upper sidewall removed therefrom.

Abstract: A method of shore protection is provided which includes determining a required direction of travel of incoming waves to a shore or shore portion to protect the shore and locating at least one elongate reef (1) on the sea bed (2). The reef (1) is oriented at a pre-selected angle relative to an average or mode direction of travel of incoming waves (W) and having pre-selected dimensions selected to modify the direction of travel of incoming waves to the required direction after passing over the reef (1).

Abstract: The present invention describes an off-shore wave ramp for inducing early cresting of waves to prevent damage and erosion along a shoreline, consisting of at least one platform supported above the natural sea floor by support means firmly affixed to the sea floor, the platform being arranged according to a predetermined regular pattern such that the area of the covers between about 50 and 80 percent of the area of the seal floor under the platform and forming a false sea floor seawardly inclined between the high water level to a selected distance above the sea floor. The wave ramp platform is comprised of an array of a selected spaced-apart, unconnected, rigid, non-bouyant, stationary plate-shaped elements with a seaward inclination of the wave ramp is at a selected angle relative to the floor.

Abstract: In the embodiments described in the specification an artificial reef is assembled from a plurality of superposed layers of modules having similarly shaped projections and recesses located at predetermined specific locations on top and bottom surfaces and having a continuous through hole extending through each module. The projections of modules in one layer are received in recesses of modules in an adjacent layer so that the through holes of the modules in adjacent layers are vertically aligned and continuous columns of concrete formed in the vertically aligned through holes unite the modules to provide a unified artificial reef.

Abstract: A weight (18) is set into the lower portion of an annular space (34) in a tire (16). The weight (18) may be a precast concrete member shaped to fit into and extend chordwise of the annular space (34). The weight (18) is wider than the distance between the tire sidewalls (24, 26). When inserted into the tire (16), the weight (18) pushes the sidewalls (24, 26) apart and flattens the bottom portion of the tread (32). The weight (18) at the bottom of the tire (16) and an air space (48) at the top of the tire (16) act together to hold the tire (16) in a substantially upright position. Corrodible iron inserts may be added to the tire (16).

Abstract: A system converts energy of waves into rotational energy, friction, heat, hydrodynamic lift, and drag to extract energy from waves to reduce their amplitudes and increase their periods to reduce destructive effects on shorelines. This also allows sand to move toward land while capturing and depositing land-ward sand and particulate matter from eroding away from the beach. A plurality of cylindrical-shaped turbines or hydro-foils are stacked in water to rotate in response to energy from waves to dissipate wave energy and renourish beaches and shorelines with sand and other particulate matter. Rounded bearing surfaces are in contact with one another for frictionally engaging one another, and a pair of elongate anchoring members embedded in the sea floor hold the turbines or hydro-foils above the sea floor in an aligned stacked relationship via end portions to assure their frictional engagement.

Abstract: A sediment control barrier, comprising a ground contacting surface having a length suitable for controlling fluid flow across ground, barrier material extending perpendicularly from the ground contacting surface, means for securing the ground contacting surface to the ground; and the barrier material being structured to conform to a ground contour. A sediment control barrier is proposed that has slots to enable flexing of the barrier material. Another sediment control barrier is proposed having a graded permeability from a first, lower, non-zero permeability adjacent the ground contacting surface to a second, higher, permeability away from the ground contacting surface.

Abstract: An artificial roof unit and method of forming it under water on a base includes locating a tube of a flexible material divided by dividing walls of a flexible material into an array of compartments running the length of the tube, with a first end of the tube on the base and a second end of the tube above the first end of the tube and under water, securing the tube in position on the base using flexible or rigid elements attached to the base; and partially filling some of the compartments with a filler material so that some of the compartments are adjacent two or more other compartments filled with a filler material to support and be supported by the adjacent compartments. The artificial reef unit may be designed to promote an increase in marine life, or to protect a shore line or harbor wall from damage.

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 flood control barrier for separating water in a wet area from an area to be maintained substantially dry comprises a flexible exterior membrane made of liquid impervious material and including elongated upper and lower membrane sections joined at a closed longitudinal downstream end of the exterior membrane opposed to an open longitudinal upstream end thereof. The upper and lower membrane sections are connected by internal partition walls and are displaceable between expanded and collapsed positions, wherein in the expanded position, the upper membrane section is spaced from the lower membrane section at the open end of the exterior membrane such that water may flow through the open end and be received between the upper and lower membrane sections such as to be trapped therein, i.e. by the closed downstream end thereof which prevents the water from flowing past the barrier.

Abstract: A system converts energy of waves into rotational energy, friction, heat, hydrodynamic lift, and drag to extract energy from waves to reduce their amplitudes and increase their periods to reduce destructive effects on shorelines. This also allows sand to move toward land while capturing and depositing land-ward sand and particulate matter from eroding away from the beach. A plurality of cylindrical-shaped turbines or hydro-foils are stacked in water to rotate in response to energy from waves to dissipate wave energy and renourish beaches and shorelines with sand and other particulate matter. Rounded bearing surfaces are in contact with one another for frictionally engaging one another, and a pair of elongate anchoring members embedded in the sea floor hold the turbines or hydro-foils above the sea floor in an aligned stacked relationship via end portions to assure their frictional engagement.

Abstract: An erosion control mat having buoyant fronds is deployed in a body of water to enhance the accumulation of sediments. The mat includes a plurality of frond lines arranged in a fanfold pattern. Each frond line include a continuous elongate strip and a plurality of side-by-side buoyant fronds (strands). The frond lines are made of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), preferably metallocene catalyzed LLDPE.

Abstract: The artificial reef module for coral reef remediation of the present invention includes a central body having an upper settling plate, a middle settling plate, and a lower settling plate. Extending from the central body is a plurality of primary tines which further include a plurality of secondary tines extending from them. The primary tines include the supporting tines, the stabilizing tines, and the space filling tines. The branching of the tines closely replicates the appearance of natural branching coral. Over time the individual artificial reef modules for coral reef remediation would slowly degrade and allow the tines to break off. This degradation closely approximates the fragmentation that occurs with natural branching coral.

Abstract: The present invention describes an off-shore wave ramp for inducing early cresting of waves to prevent damage and erosion along a shoreline, consisting of at least one platform supported above the natural sea floor by support means firmly affixed to the sea floor, the platform being arranged according to a predetermined regular pattern such that the area of the platform covers between about 50 and 80 percent of the area of the sea floor under the platform and forming a false sea floor seawardly inclined between the high water level to a selected distance above the sea floor. The wave ramp platform is comprised of an array of a selected number spaced-apart, unconnected, rigid, non-buoyant, stationary plate-shaped elements with a seaward inclination of the wave ramp is at a selected angle relative to the sea floor.

Abstract: An artificial reef structure is provided including various building components that are preformed from concrete and the like. The components include square blocks having recesses on the upper surfaces and male protrusions on the lower surfaces. The blocks can be matably interlocked by inserting the male protrusions into the female recesses of vertically adjacent blocks. Horizontally adjacent blocks are connected to each other using an adjustable double ring connector fitting within female recesses of adjacent blocks. The blocks allow seawater to flow through them using flow tubes that pass through the block and an interior chamber within the block. The artificial reef structure may be constructed to be positioned as a barrier adjacent to or in place of natural offshore reefs. The reef structure is preferably configured as a castle.

Abstract: An engineered log jam for controlling stream flow characteristics is formed from multiple layers of logs. A first layer intended to be placed parallel to stream flow consists of two or more generally parallel logs. In normal use these would be anchored to the stream bottom. A second layer of logs is placed on top of the first. This also consists of a plurality of spaced apart logs crossing the first layer. The second layer logs are angled with respect to each other to control and direct water flow passing over and through the structure. A third layer of spaced apart logs crosses the second layer logs and further acts to direct water flow. Additional layers may be used as might be dictated by the use environment. The logs are permanently joined to each other at the points of crossing.

Abstract: The riparian improvement structure unit for use in construction work for water control and protection is composed of the first tubular member and a plurality of stick-and-twig members tied in a bundle with a bundling member, the first tubular member being formed with a plurality of holes through which to allow fresh water with dissolved oxygen present in water flowing through the first tubular member to pass into spaces and gaps formed within the plurality of the stick-and-twig members. The riparian improvement structure unit may have the second tubular member disposed along and in parallel to the first tubular member and tied together with the first tubular member and the plural stick-and-twig members in a bundle with the bundling member. The riparian improvement structure units are laid on a riverbed or a bottom of a riparian area along or in parallel to a flow of water so as to allow water to flow and pass through and within the riparian improvement structure units.

Abstract: Waves are amplified by the gradual decrease of the depth, and when the waves reach to a vertical wall 10 of a reef 2, the breaking waves are generated by sudden decrease of the water depth. As the breaking waves rush into the upper portion of the reef 2 and pass through the slant slits 14, and wave energy are absorbed by the reef 2 and the seat water returns back to the ocean through an opening 11. The sand brought into a reef 2 with the waves are washed away by the return flow 11 so that the sand is not deposited within the reef 2 and the space in the reef 2 is always clear.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sediment trap for the floor of a waterway with moving water. In a preferred embodiment the trap forms a “still water” layer wherein the movement of a layer of water substantially corresponding in depth to the height of the trap is slowed and/or stopped, allowing sediment to precipitate. Preferably the trap then gentles the water flow to minimize the accumulation of additional sediment. In a preferred embodiment, the trap includes a vertical wall having a height less than the depth of the water, and preferably a height of one foot. In one preferred embodiment, the sediment trap further includes a ramp portion having a length extending downstream from the top edge of the vertical wall downwardly toward the floor of the waterway. Preferably the ratio of the height of the vertical wall to the length of the ramp portion is between approximately 1:4 and approximately 1:8.

Abstract: The invention of this application relates to a method for utilizing tires for vehicles whereby the tires are introduced into a water such as rivers, seas, oceans or lakes, and thereby is used to improve the environment of the water and also the general environment. The method includes the step of cutting into and/or removing a portion of the rubber element of the type to expose the metal therein to the water when the tire is submerged in the same. The exposure of the metal to the water allows the same to corrode and allows the introduction of elements of the metal into the water. This creates increased oxygenation of the water which, in turn, improves the quality, and, by photosynthesis, reduces the carbon dioxide content in the water and hence reduces the level of pollution in the same. Preferably a number of tires are linked together to form barriers and/or reefs within the body of water and said barriers and reefs also act as a suitable habitat for marine and river life.

Abstract: A system for preventing erosion and release of chemicals from exposed soil, the system including a pattern of horizontally-disposed, closely-spaced tires substantially filled and surrounded by inorganic fill material for limiting efflux of the exposed soil surface. In a first preferred embodiment, the system comprises the array of tires with an underlayment of open-weave lyophobic textile covering the soil surface. In a second preferred embodiment, the system comprises the array of tires with an underlayment of open-weave lyophobic textile and a fixated fill material for the individual tires with the top of the horizontally-disposed area of exposed fixated fill material containing a surface layer of water-soluble inorganic aggregate.

Abstract: A device for forming a siltation construction comprising a substantially rectangular cloth (1) of water-permeable material, which is anchored on all sides to a water bed by anchoring means. Floating elements (10) are arranged on cloth at a distance from one side (4) thereof and along the other sides (3) are formed pouches (1) open toward the center of the cloth.

Abstract: An artificial reef that will adequately promote marine growth, marine life, and prevent erosion by providing a unique designed and configuration. The artificial reef is a vertical structure having an enclosed top wall, an opened bottom, and at least three side walls for forming an overall geometrical shape. An opening extends through the enclosed top wall and at least one opening extends through each side wall. This design and configuration will provide an optimum means for water flow and provide adequate and efficient stability of the final structure. This will ultimately prevent damage, roll overs, or the like, even during turbulent weather conditions.

Abstract: A plurality of bottom structure members for controlling a tidal oscillation flow are disposed on a bottom in a sea area, thereby creating a new tidal residual current.

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 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 equilateral tetrahedral frame, comprising six concrete beams inserted through the center of a number of automotive tires. The ends of the concrete beams are fastened together at four points. These four points are covered by a cap of concrete to seal the fastening points. The reef device may be of any size. The design permits ease of transport due to its ability to stack one upon another uniqueness of this reef is in the design. Once the reef is transported to its desired location, it can lowered or dropped to the sea floor.

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: Beds for wave dissipation having a lattice frame are arranged near a shore line of a shore and wave dissipating materials are stacked on the beds to make a wave dissipating structure, and sand is accumulated on the land side behind the wave dissipating structure. The wave dissipating structure (20) constructed by placing and stacking wave dissipating materials on a lattice frame (10) sinks in proportion to the amount of sand scoured away around the structure or at the bottom thereof, without scattering of the wave dissipating materials by ocean waves, the sinking stops when the effect of ocean waves is not exerted, ocean waves collide with the head part of the wave dissipating structure, crushed waves containing a lot of sand rushes up, and the carried sand is left in backwashing to be accumulated on the land side behind the wave dissipating structure (20). Thus, the sand ground surface (8) rises to a place (9).

Abstract: A device and method for preventing the scouring of sand from the area adjacent to the beachward (shoreward) side of a breakwater. The device is made from flexible, non-corrosive, marine resistant material having a cavity filled with a non-buoyant material. The device is placed on the seabed adjacent to the beachward (shoreward) side of the breakwater and is coupled to the beachward (shoreward) bottom edge of the breakwater. Filter material may be placed between the device and the seabed to further prevent scouring of sand between the non-buoyant material.

Abstract: A beach building structure for underwater installation along the shoreline of a body of water having periodic onshore wave action. The structure includes a base frame adapted to rest on the bottom of the body of water, a ballast supporting member secured to the base frame in order to receive ballast such as rocks to help anchor the structure in position. A barrier plate is secured to the seaward portion of the base frame and is angularly disposed to slope upwardly and toward the shoreline and to extend above the mean water level to present a sloping surface to onshore waves.