Abstract: A fence includes a wall panel portion having an upper edge and a lower edge, and a plurality of tubular pockets running across the wall panel between the upper edge and the lower edge. The tubular pockets each configured to receive a mounting post. The upper edge and the lower edge can each include a channel in which a draw cord is threaded. The fence can further include an apron portion extending from the lower edge of the wall panel portion. Methods of installing the fence are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to settler plates for a plate settler. The settler plates generally include a hollow support with a hollow interior to receive clarified liquid from a flow channel between adjacent settler plates. An orifice is formed through the hollow support to direct clarified liquid from the flow channel into the hollow interior. The orifice can be positioned such that clarified liquid can flow upwardly out of the flow channel and downwardly through the orifice into the hollow interior. The hollow support can be integrally formed with the settler plate. For example, the hollow support can be formed by bending a tab extending from an end of the settler plate. The tab can be bent into a hollow support with a cross section that is generally polygonal.

Abstract: A ground stabilisation system, a cell assembly and a kit of parts for such a system, and methods of making and installing such cell assemblies are disclosed. A cell assembly (1701) comprises a rock containment cell having a bottom, first and second sides, first and second ends and a top each formed from chain-link wire mesh, wherein a first continuous sheet of mesh (1710) wraps around and defines the upper, lower and end faces of the cell assembly and is joined end to end by an overlapping join. The first side face is defined by a continuous length of chain-link wire mesh that at least partially wraps around another adjacent face of the cell assembly, and the second side face of the cell assembly is defined by a continuous length of chain-link wire mesh that at least partially wraps around another adjacent face of the cell assembly. The mesh defining the first and second side faces may be a single continuous sheet (1720).

Abstract: A ditch check system and methods for storm water control are provided. The ditch check system can include a velocity-restricting component of non-woven geotextile fabric with one or more porosities configured to control the velocities of storm water flows for sediment control and silt retention. The velocity-restricting component can have one or more reinforcing elements to provide additional support to protect against tearing and/or undue movement of the fabric, as well as provide attachment points for fasteners used to fasten the fabric to support members. The ditch check system can further include a front water seal and a rear scour guard attached to the velocity-restricting component at ground level which are substantially impermeable to vertical water flow to inhibit ditch scouring and prevent the flow of storm water under the ditch check system. To facilitate transportation, installation, and assembly, one or more of the components of the ditch check system can be supplied as a pre-assembled package.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cultivating or accumulating climate-focused marine target products are described herein. The target product may be microalgae, macroalgae, plankton, marine bacteria or archaea, filter feeders (such as oysters or clams), or crustaceans either for the purpose of bioremediation, eventual cultivation or for sequestering carbon dioxide; or the target product may be direct chemical or biological accumulation of carbon or carbon containing organisms. The system is primarily a floating apparatus designed to hold the target product in a region of the water column and in a spatial region of the water where it will best accumulate target product mass. In some embodiments the system is designed to achieve eventual passive sinking (transformation from a floating to sinking apparatus) into the deep ocean. In some embodiments, the system is equipped with purpose-chosen sensors to instrument and quantify the various biological and mechanical processes occurring onboard.

Abstract: A building structure assembly for use with constructing buildings (e.g., dwellings, offices, and so on) is described. In some embodiments, the building structure assembly includes a fillable container structure formed of a drop stitch fabric or material, and a removable shoring structure configured to position the container structure in a desired configuration when filled by building material, such as cement or concrete. In some cases, the container structure can include reinforcement components, which move into suitable positions when the container structure is filled with the building material.

Abstract: Man-made boulders anchored to a grade beam to prevent erosion of a bulkhead. The boulders are fabricated using woven bags filled with concrete and located on the water side of the bulkhead. An anchor bolt is embedded in the top surface of the boulder concrete. A concrete grade beam equipped with anchor bolts is located on the land side of the bulkhead. Cables are threaded between the anchor bolts of the concrete boulders and the anchor bolts of the grade beam. The weight of the concrete boulders plus the tensioned cables provide a structure that resists movement and protects the bulkhead from deterioration due to wave action. If upgrade soil protection is needed, rock-filled gabion cages can be installed over the grade beam.

Abstract: A barrier structure for impeding erosion due to mudslides allows mud to enter through large holes in a barrier wall, and water separated from soil to drain out through smaller holes in a rear wall. An underlying reservoir can further stabilize the structure by rapidly collect water and/or mud. A backstop wall and/or an extension can be abutted to a top of the barrier wall to enhance mud collection during a mudslide. The structure can further include a penetrating passage enabling a fraction of impacting mud to flow through unimpeded, and/or a diverting wedge uphill of the apparatus diverts some impacting mud and debris while allowing a remainder thereof to pass through to the barrier wall. A plurality of the barrier structures can be installed such that mud flowing past an uphill structure impacts a downhill structure. The barrier structure can be constructed from biodegradable materials.

Abstract: A panel assembly has a first panel formed of a wire grid and a second panel formed of a wire grid. The second panel is mechanically affixed to a side of the first panel. Each of the wire grids includes a first grid member, a second grid member, and a barrier layer interposed between the first and second grid members. A connector joins a side of the second panel to a side of the first panel. The barrier layer can be of a permeable or impermeable material. An edge protector can be applied over an edge of the first and second grid members.

Abstract: A cup for receiving a beverage includes a container body having a side wall and a bottom wall joined at a first radius. A removable lid may be selectively affixed to the top of the side wall. An agitator is also received inside the container body to enhance mixing of the beverage. The agitator has a weighted, central hub and a plurality of elongated projections extending radially from the hub. The projections join the hub at a root and extend to a free end. The free ends are capped by domes having a second radius less than or equal to the first radius. All of the projections have substantially the same length. This affords a shape that allows the agitator to roll freely on the bottom wall or in the corners. Any one of the projections can reach into a corner of the cup and dislodge any solids that may have settled in a corner.

Abstract: A floating-type sandy beach growing device includes wave absorbing bodies arranged in parallel at appropriate intervals, each of them including a floating body having an offing side end oriented toward offing side and a land side end having a larger buoyancy and oriented toward land side, rocking following a wave vertical movement, offing side end being pivotally supported, and a stand erected in a relatively shallow shore for pivotally supporting offing side end, floating body being level-adjusted so as to be horizontal during low tide in neap tide, and installed angled with respect to wave progress direction in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A geotextile container has a bag section, a cover section and a stuffing space. The bag section has a bag cloth, a bag non-woven fabric and a trapezoidal longitudinal section. The cover section is integrally connected with the bag section and has a cover cloth and a cover non-woven fabric. The stuffing space is formed inside the bag section and has a first margin portion. A longitudinal section of the stuffing space is trapezoidal. The first margin portion is formed at a side of a bottom of the stuffing space. The first margin portion can be immediately unfolded and contain filling materials once the geotextile container is projected into the sea.

Abstract: A flood wall system and method of constructing same, including providing a first main panel section; attaching sleeves to each side of a main panel prior to configuring the final chamber; providing two sleeves of fabric at the upper opening of each chamber for supporting the chambers while they are filled with materials such as sand; providing a series of chambers sewn together to define a continuous cellular wall; the final chamber having a horizontal height which is two feet (0.6 m) longer than the vertical height further having a front toe portion one foot (0.3 m) in height; filling each chamber with a quantity of material, such as sand; on each end of a completed chain of chambers, further comprising a set of loops or ties so that a chain of chambers is capable of being tied to other chains of chambers to define the continuous flood wall system.

Abstract: A wave-motion reducing structure comprises wave-motion reducing means (30) suitable for being laid on a coastal bed and restraining means (20, 22) suitable for restraining the wave-motion reducing means on the coastal bed. The wave-motion reducing means (30) are arranged so as to be inclined, in use, against the direction of the sea current which strikes them. A wave-motion reducing system comprises a plurality of wave-motion reducing structures arranged in a row lengthwise and in a manner such that the wave-motion reducing means (30) adopt a substantially parallel configuration and oppose the motion of the current.

Abstract: A gabion deployment system comprising: a container (30) for retaining a gabion (22) and a gabion (22) of the folding type comprising hingedly attached, connected side walls (16 & 18) and cross-members (12) such that it can be folded for storage and deployed for use; a retaining means (50) associated with the container (30) for retaining the gabion (20) in the container; and at least one releasable attaching, connecting or retentive engaging means (66) for attaching, connecting or retentively engaging at least one part of the gabion (22) to the retaining means (50); wherein the at least one releasable attaching, connecting or retentively engaging means (66) is adapted to attach, connect or retentively engage a part of the gabion (22) to the retaining means (50) when the gabion (22) is folded but to release the gabion (22) from the retaining means (50) when the gabion (22) is deployed.

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

Abstract: A portable breakwater system for use in a body of water includes first and second support members adapted to be positioned on the floor of the body of water and a curtain attached between the first and second support members. The first and second support members allow the curtain to freely rise in response to a wave in the body of water so as to attenuate the wave. Each support member includes a base plate and a frame assembly extending upwardly from the base plate. The base plates can be anchored to the water floor with one or more weights. The frame assemblies include pivoting or telescoping sections that permit the curtain to rise in response to a wave. Alternatively, the curtain can be attached to pre-existing underwater structure, such as the support members of a dock located in the body of water. In this case, the curtain is attached to the support members via attachment sleeves that are slidingly mounted on the support members.

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

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

Abstract: A portable breakwater system for use in a body of water includes first and second support members adapted to be positioned on the floor of the body of water and a curtain attached between the first and second support members. The first and second support members allow the curtain to freely rise in response to a wave in the body of water so as to attenuate the wave. Each support member includes a base plate and a frame assembly extending upwardly from the base plate. The base plates can be anchored to the water floor with one or more weights. The frame assemblies include pivoting or telescoping sections that permit the curtain to rise in response to a wave. Alternatively, the curtain can be attached to pre-existing underwater structure, such as the support members of a dock located in the body of water. In this case, the curtain is attached to the support members via attachment sleeves that are slidingly mounted on the support members.

Abstract: A variety of types of wood matter may be used as a starter material. The starter material is processed into wood pieces in the range of about twenty mesh to six inches to form a base product. The base product is installed in windrows along the beach. A fence may be installed between the windrow(s) and the water.

Abstract: A modular erosion and sediment control barrier. The linear modular erosion and sediment control barrier is constructed of reinforced fiber logs joined end-to-end or side-to-side. Each fiber log is made of a quantity of loose fibers retained in a reinforced tubular casing having at least one closed end wherein the fibers are retained in the casing by either a second closed end or by a plug. The coupler fiber logs are constructed with a reinforced tubular casing comprising at least two layers of a flexible material. The open-ended reinforced coupler fiber log includes an extended section which is peeled back and folds over the end of the coupler fiber log during storage and transportation. When deployed, the extended section is unfolded to receive the end of an adjacent fiber log. Two fiber logs, whether having two closed ends or a single closed end, are secured together by a cord and hooks.

Abstract: A linear modular erosion and sediment control barrier is constructed of fiber logs joined end-to-end, the logs having a maximum length of about 8 feet long. Each fiber log is made of a quantity of loose fibers retained in a tubular casing by a plug. The tubular casing includes an extended section which is peeled back and folds over the end of the coupler fiber log during storage and transportation. When deployed, the extended section is unfolded to receive the end of an adjacent fiber log. The two fiber logs are secured together by a cord and hooks. The combination of a plurality of coupler fiber logs on the surface of a pallet is particularly suited for storing and transporting the logs.

Abstract: A method and material for preventing erosion and maintaining playability of golf course sand bunkers. A geotextile liner is formed of two water-permeable layers. A first non-woven layer of randomly-aligned, synthetic fibers is configured and adapted to maintain sand in place within a sand bunker. A second backing layer formed of spunbond synthetic fiber is impervious to sand and configured and adapted to prevent downward migration of sand through the liner, while also preventing the upward migration of weeds, rocks and other contaminants that hinder the playability of the sand bunker. The backing layer also permits seams between adjacent sections of the liner to be joined by staples that penetrate the second layer but do not penetrate the native soil. Sections of the liner are laid within an unfilled sand bunker, and cut to fit the contours of the bunker as necessary.

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: A wire mesh mat for Gabion baskets for securing slopes has longitudinal wires and transverse wires connected to one another and having wire ends, respectively. At least some of the wire ends have an eye, respectively. The wire ends provided with the eye have a compensation section configured to compensate expansions and compressions occurring in a longitudinal direction of the wires. The compensation section has two legs and the eye is positioned between the two legs of the compensation section.

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

Abstract: An erosion control device is a panel formed of spaced horizontal and spaced vertical rods joined together to create a frame upon which is mounted a sheet of silt fencing material. A plurality of such panels may be rotatably joined together to form different configurations of erosion control fencing. The panels are reusable and the silt fencing material may be replaced thereon. The silt fencing material may be used to form a pocket for sand, thus forming a sandbag at the base of the panel for controlling water flow. The panel may have affixed thereto at the base a narrow metallic strip for cutting into the ground as the panel is forced downward thereon.

Abstract: A method of making artificial barrier islands or break waters. The method consists of driving a series of piles in the shape of the island, attaching a number of wire mesh sections, to form a fence around the perimeter of the piles, connecting the tops of the piles with cables, and then filling the formed enclosure with riprap (rock) material. Once the rock has reached the water surface, it is covered with suitable soil and vegetation to create the island. The piles and mesh are hidden below the water surface and the formed island takes on a natural appearance. In this way, the artificial island is a barrier to storms, thus protecting the shoreline and wetlands from erosion. Moreover, the artificial island creates an ideal habitat for birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. In certain environments one island can protect approximately 10 times the amount of shoreline that lies behind it.

Abstract: A method and material for preventing erosion and maintaining playability of golf course sand bunkers. A geotextile liner is formed of two water-permeable layers. A first non-woven layer of randomly-aligned, synthetic fibers is configured and adapted to maintain sand in place within a sand bunker. A second backing layer formed of spunbond synthetic fiber is impervious to sand and configured and adapted to prevent downward migration of sand through the liner, while also preventing the upward migration of weeds, rocks and other contaminants that hinder the playability of the sand bunker. The backing layer also permits seams between adjacent sections of the liner to be joined by staples that penetrate the second layer but do not penetrate the native soil. Sections of the liner are laid within an unfilled sand bunker, and cut to fit the contours of the bunker as necessary.

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: A method for killing and removing mold and other biological contaminants from structural surfaces. The contaminated surface is enclosed and isolated in a containment area from other noncontaminated surfaces. A biocidal agent is applied to the contaminated surface to kill the contaminant. After the biocidal agent dryes, the contaminant is encapsulated. The contaminant and encapsulant are then removed from the surface by propelling frozen carbon dioxide pellets against the surface at a high velocity. The removed contaminants are collected and disposed of with a high volume air extractor equipped with filters. The containment area may be treated with ultraviolet radiation to kill any remaining contaminants which may be airborne or adhere to the containment area surfaces. A biocidal sealer may be applied to the formerly contaminated surface to prevent regrowth of the contaminant.

Abstract: A linear modular erosion and sediment control barrier is constructed of fiber logs joined end-to-end, the logs having a maximum length of about 8 feet long. Each fiber log is made of a quantity of loose fibers retained in a tubular casing by a plug. The tubular casing includes an extended section which is peeled back and folds over the end of the coupler fiber log during storage and transportation. When deployed, the extended section is unfolded to receive the end of an adjacent fiber log. The two fiber logs are secured together by a cord and hooks. The combination of a plurality of coupler fiber logs on the surface of a pallet is particularly suited for storing and transporting the logs.

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: An erosion control device is a panel formed of spaced horizontal and spaced vertical rods joined together to create a frame upon which is mounted a sheet of silt fencing material. A plurality of such panels may be rotatably joined together to form different configurations of erosion control fencing. The panels are reusable and the silt fencing material may be replaced thereon. The silt fencing material may be used to form a pocket for sand, thus forming a sandbag at the base of the panel for controlling water flow. The panel may have affixed thereto at the base a narrow metallic strip for cutting into the ground as the panel is forced downward thereon.

Abstract: A rapid emergency dam is disclosed. During adverse weather conditions heavy rain can lead to rivers breaking their banks and lakes overflowing causing flooding to the surrounding countryside. Coastline defenses can also be breached by increased sea swell and large waves. A fluid barrier section (1) of the present invention comprises an elongate rectangular fluid barrier sheet 2, an apron 4 extending from the lowermost edge 6 of the fluid barrier (2), an elongate rectangular front panel (7) and support means in the form of a plurality of support ribs (8). The fluid barrier sheet (2) is of a flexible fluid impermeable material such as plastics, rubber, waterproof canvas, nylons or any other suitable natural or man made material. A preferred material for the barrier sheet (2) is a fluid impermeable tear resistant flexible foil. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the lowermost edge (6) of the fluid barrier is bonded to one edge of the apron (4).

Abstract: An improved device and method for mechanically installing erosion blankets on a ground surface. The device holds a roll of an erosion blanket and provides that the blanket unwind when the device is propelled forward. Upon unwinding, the device positions the blanket on the ground and pins the blanket in position using staples, stakes or the like. Preferred embodiments of the device provide for furrowing of the ground before installation of the blanket.

Abstract: A variety of types of wood matter may be used as a starter material. The starter material is processed into wood pieces in the range of about twenty mesh to six inches to form a base product. The base product is installed in windrows along the beach. A fence may be installed between the windrow(s) and the water.

Abstract: An opening in a fabric geotextile tube is closed by clamping a backing member and friction enhancer on the inside of the geotextile tube to a friction enhancer and support on the outside of the geotextile tube. The friction enhancers reduce slippage between the fabric and the backing member on the inside of the tube and between the fabric and the support on the outside of the tube. The backing member is larger than the opening. In one embodiment, the backing member is inserted into the opening by providing a slit ring backing member, inserting the fabric through the slit and then rotating the ring and advancing the ring into the geotextile tube. In another embodiment, the backing member is inserted through the opening in segments. In another embodiment, an inlet assembly is provided by the support. In another embodiment of the invention, a connection is made to the geotextile tube for securing a UV protective cover to the geotextile tube.

Abstract: Porous groynes for shoreline reclamation which include a plurality of spaced stanchions and at least one self supporting screen grid having a plurality of openings therein through which fluid and fluid conveyed solids may pass and wherein the screen grid means is formed of a high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polymers, co-polymers, polymer mixtures or laminates.

Abstract: A modular erosion and sediment control barrier. The linear modular erosion and sediment control barrier is constructed of fiber logs joined end-to-end. Each fiber log is made of a quantity of loose fibers retained in a tubular casing by a plug. The tubular casing includes an extended section which is peeled back and folds over the end of the coupler fiber log during storage and transportation. When deployed, the extended section is unfolded to receive the end of an adjacent fiber log. The two fiber logs are secured together by a cord and hooks.

Abstract: A compliant porous groin and method of use for restoring an eroding shoreline. The compliant porous groin has at least two supports placed in the eroding shoreline and a compliant porous barrier is attached to the supports such that the barrier is at least partially within a sediment-laden eroding water flow of the shoreline with the water flow passing through at least a portion of the barrier. The barrier is compliant such that the water flow impacting the barrier is slowed to at least a critical accretion velocity whereby sediment suspended in the water flow accretes to renourish the shoreline.

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: A beach renourishment sand snare and a method or its employment. A series of metal posts are embedded in the sand, forming a line which is approximately perpendicular to the shore. Semi-rigid mesh panels are slidably placed and secured between adjacent posts. Each mesh panel, once immersed in the surf, tends to acumulate sand. The sand will eventually accumulate to the point that the shoreline will advance seaward of the mesh panel. Once this occurs the particular mesh panel is removed and transferred to the seaward end of the line of posts. Likewise, the posts on the landward side can be removed and transfered to the seaward side, thereby “walking” the assembly to seaward. The process thereby accumulates sand and advances the shoreline.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for land reclamation which includes utilizing groyne-like structures including spaced stanchions to which are mounted porous screens and wherein the screens are vertically adjustable as material is deposited during the reclamation process. In some embodiments the screens are carried by sleeves slidable on spaced stanchions and in other embodiments the screens may be sectional and carried by multiple sleeves.

Abstract: A portable seawall system is designed to upwardly extend an existing seawall. The system includes a base bracket designed to attach to the upper edge of the existing seawall. A wall section extends upwardly from the existing seawall. Multiple triangular brace assemblies each extend above and below the base bracket and engage the wall section and the existing seawall. A membrane seals the wall section to the existing seawall. The membrane is interconnected with the wall section and with the existing seawall. Multiple wall sections may be joined end to end to form a continuous seawall.

Abstract: A portable breakwater system for use in a body of water includes first and second support members adapted to be positioned on the floor of the body of water and a curtain attached between the first and second support members. The first and second support members allow the curtain to freely rise in response to a wave in the body of water so as to attenuate the wave. Each support member includes a base plate and a frame assembly extending upwardly from the base plate. The base plates can be anchored to the water floor with one or more weights. The frame assemblies include pivoting or telescoping sections that permit the curtain to rise in response to a wave. Alternatively, the curtain can be attached to pre-existing underwater structure, such as the support members of a dock located in the body of water. In this case, the curtain is attached to the support members via attachment sleeves that are slidingly mounted on the support members.

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: A three-dimensional net includes front and rear base nets interconnected with connecting yarn with a predetermined space therebetween. The front and rear base nets each include braid parts forming a meshed structure which presents mesh openings bounded by intersections of the braid parts, each of the braid parts including at least one wale. The mesh openings of a first of the front and rear base nets is larger than the mesh openings of a second of the front and rear base nets, and the front and rear base nets are connected together by passing the connecting yarns between all the braid parts of the first base net and a corresponding portion of the braid parts of the second base net in positions opposed to the braid parts of the first net.

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.