Abstract: ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A method for regulating and controlling discharge flow of a dammed lake includes steps of: (S1) estimating a most dangerous discharge condition; (S2) based on the most dangerous discharge condition, calculating a structural internal force of the steel flexible net; (S3) based on the internal force of the steel flexible net, calculating an anti-slide embedded depth at two sides of the steel flexible net; (S4) based on the most dangerous discharge condition, manually excavating a channel; and (S5) based on the anti-slide embedded depth at the two sides of the steel flexible net, embedding the steel flexible net into a barrier dam. According to the present invention, the steel flexible net is laid on the upstream slope of the barrier dam, two sides of the steel flexible net is embedded into the slope body with gravels of the barrier dam, and cooperates with the channel for usage.

Abstract: A wave-energy absorbing system has at least one energy absorption device that includes a frame unit and at least one energy absorption unit. The at least one energy absorption unit includes two spaced-apart connecting cables connected between two inclined, opposite sides of the frame unit, and a plurality of spaced-apart energy absorption subunits connected between the connecting cables. Each of the energy absorption subunits has two cable-connecting end portions connected respectively to the connecting cables, a central portion that interconnects the cable-connecting end portions and has opposite lateral ends, and a plurality of energy absorption ribs that extend from opposite lateral ends of the central portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a wave energy gathering and enhancing device disposed in a setting area of the sea-bed. A seawater wave approaches the wave energy gathering and enhancing device with a wave vector. The wave energy gathering and enhancing device comprises a plurality of structures. The plurality of structures are arranged below the sea surface in a two-dimensional symmetric discrete group. Each of the structures has a top surface and the top surface is located below the sea surface with a predetermined depth. A lattice with a definite lattice constant is formed by the plurality of structures. The lattice plane formed by the structures and the wave vector of the seawater wave form an angle. The structures enhance the amplitude of the seawater wave when the seawater wave interacts with and passes through the structures.

Abstract: A flexible wave-energy dissipation system includes: a plurality of brace units arranged along a horizontal direction and each including front and rear braces; a plurality of energy-dissipating posts each disposed between the front and rear braces of the corresponding brace unit and including a first spring unit connected to the front brace of the corresponding brace unit and a rod body connected to the first spring unit; a plurality of hanging cable units each connected to one front brace, one rear brace and one rod body, such that the posts are inclined upwardly and rearwardly; and an energy dissipation device including an energy-dissipating net unit disposed between two adjacent posts, and a plurality of second spring units connected between the net unit and the two adjacent posts.

Abstract: A pile arrangement for creating a wave barrier for waves in a body of water includes at least a first module of piles driven into the floor of the body of water at a first distance from the shoreline. The arrangement also includes at least a second module of piles driven into the floor at a second distance from the shoreline that is greater than the first distance. A method for creating a wave barrier for waves in a body of water includes driving at least a first module of piles into the floor of the body of water, and driving at least a second module of piles into the floor at a second distance from the shoreline that is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: A biomechanical structure for coastline remediation includes one or more structural assemblies. The structural assemblies include a distribution of one or more members; one or more anchors connected to each of one or more members; and one or more connection members. The anchors employed by the biomechanical structure may be fixed, floating, or a combination of fixed and floating anchors. The structural assemblies may be staggered, inline, or semi-random in configuration. The biomechanical structure may include metals, composites, polymers, biodegradable materials, or combinations thereof in its components. The biomechanical structures may incorporate one or more components for mechanical or material power generation. The biomechanical structures may include one or more seed capture devices, such as baskets or mesh. A biomechanical system for coastline remediation includes one or more biomechanical structures.

Abstract: An erosion control wall system is provided and methods of making it that protect a bank, beach or bluff from soil/sand erosion. The erosion control system includes a plurality of wall members, each formed to have a front face that dissipates and deflects the energy from oncoming waves and a rear face with a stabilizing member extending therefrom for securing the wall member in position along a bank or bluff, or in the water adjacent to a bank, bluff or beach for example. The wall sections are self-stabilizing by action of sand, gravel and/or stone flowing over the wall section and anchoring the stabilizing member. The erosion control wall sections may be constructed on-site using slip form construction methods.

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 system and method for prevention of erosion utilizing a sub-tidal platform designed to be lodged at a beachhead. The sub-tidal platform will be placed under water and will contain at least one or a plurality of main trusses exhibiting a curvilinear convex shape and containing a plurality of gates and at least one or a plurality of intermittent trusses exhibiting a curvilinear convex shape and containing a plurality of gates which, when in their closed position, decelerate material entrained with liquid and allow for deposit of said material in the spaces formed by the trusses.

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: Dump element for forming a spatial structure (500, 501) such as a filtering or skeleton construction with such dumped dump elements. The dump element (99) comprises a first elongated, curved hook part (1), a second elongated, curved hook part (2), and a spacer (3) between the first (1) and the second hook part (2), which spacer holds said hook parts (1, 2) spaced apart and interlocks them. With a method for forming a spatial structure, dumped dump elements randomly interlock. In a spatial structure, hook parts of individual dump elements lying near each other interlock while then, the hook parts intersect in their longitudinal directions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water movement device comprising a flexible wall (1) placed in water close to the surface, substantially vertically in a static rest state, made up of optionally perforated (5) massive unit blocks (4) assembled to one another in strings by cables (2, 3) on which said blocks (1) are threaded or on which said blocks are crimped, said cables comprising: a series of cables (2) disposed vertically (ZZ?) side by side, parallel to one another, and a second series of cables (3) disposed horizontally (XX?) one above another and in parallel, and said vertical cables (2) being suspended or tensioned at their top ends and/or respectively tensioned or moored at their bottom ends, and said blocks including empty orifices (5) passing through them between the front and rear faces (1-1, 1-2) of said wall (1), and/or empty spaces (7) between said blocks, such that said orifices (5) and/or empty spaces between said blocks (7), if any, confer overall porosity on said wall lying in the range 5%

Abstract: A method of constructing an artificial reef. The method includes attaching a reef element (2) to a support structure (100). The support structure (100) and the attached reef element (2) are then transported to a location on the surface of a body of water above an installation location on the seabed. The support structure (100) is secured to the seabed using a coupling means (4) while the support structure (100) and the reef element (2) are at the surface location. The support structure (100) and the reef element (2) are then moved from the surface to the installation location on the seabed using the coupling means (4).

Abstract: Shoreline and Coastal Protection and Rebuilding Apparatus and Method having a plurality of slanted wall sections in a rising stepped formation with open areas between, arrayed on frame structures, which dissipates wave energy in a gradual and controlled way and which neutralizes the impact of a wave and its backwash, thereby protecting the shoreline, and which allows for the settling of sediment, thereby rebuilding the shoreline, while allowing tidal exchange of water and the migration of aquatic species, using modular components that can be manufactured and deployed at low cost and in a manner suited to remote shoreline deployment.

Abstract: A drainage channel installation device comprises a channel-securing member and a channel-hanging member. The channel-securing member releasably engages the channel-hanging member and has opposed ends that are adapted to be releasably secured to the opposed side walls of a drainage channel. The channel-hanging-member has both an engaging end that is adapted to releasably engage the channel-securing member and a suspending end that is adapted to receive and retain a suspending member. As a result, when the channel-securing member and the channel-hanging member are releasably engaged, the channel-securing member is releasably secured to the opposed side walls of the drainage channel and the suspending end of the channel-hanging member receives and retains the suspending member, the drainage channel can be suspended from the suspending member for installation of the drainage channel. The drainage installation device is reusable and allows the drainage channel to be positioned within a trench at any desired level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for building a reinforced sea wall or levee. The reinforced structure is designed particularly for use in areas of soft sub-soil such as those sub-soils found near the Gulf of Mexico which are capable of bearing loads of less than 5 pounds per square inch of weight. The structure includes first and second rows of soil-cement columns formed on opposite sides of the centerline of the structure. Soil-cement columns are formed by mechanically cutting the soft sub-soil and simultaneously hydraulically mixing the cut soft soil with a cement slurry injected at velocities of 200 feet per second or more. Reinforcing structural elements, preferably H-beams, are embedded in at least some of the soil-cement columns in each of the two rows. Tensile load bearing members, such as cables or beams, are interconnected between some of the reinforcing structural elements in the first row of soil-cement columns with some of the structural elements in the second row of soil-cement columns.

Abstract: A cradle assembly for installing trench drain or conduit channels which enables the channels to be suspended from support rods while simultaneously permitting the adjustment of the channel height with in the trench. Because the assembly enables the channel to be supported by the support rods while permitting adjustment of the channel height, final adjustments can be performed by a single worker.

Abstract: A load-carrying modular structure assembled from 3-D structural modules constituting parallelepipeds with rectangular faces, the 3-D modules adjoining each other along said faces. The modules comprise reinforcing diagonal beams (RDBs) disposed along diagonals that connect vertices of the parallelepipeds. The RDBs form a 3-D multi-tetrahedron lattice whereby said modular structure behaves under load as a multi-tetrahedron structure. A basic 3-D module for assembling the modular structure has six RDBs along facial diagonals forming a tetrahedron. The 3-D module may have RDBs also along the other six diagonals and along diagonals connecting centers of the box's faces. The 3-D modules may have cut-outs and passages for water currents. They may have internal hollow volumes and controlled buoyancy, and may be assembled from shell elements.

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: A protection apparatus protects a harbor or an area in a body of water or adjacent to a body of water. The protection apparatus floats on the body of water, and includes a plurality of barrier units positioned side-by-side, each of the barrier units includes a composite-based durable barrier structure. The barrier structure is configured to hold a net in place in order to protect an area in the body of water or abutting the body of water from waterborne craft. The protection apparatus also includes connectors respectively provided between adjacently-positioned ones of the barrier units. Each of the connectors includes a tensile member and a dampening member for handling forces applied to the protection barrier and for maintaining the integrity of the protection barrier.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for shoreline land mass reclamation which includes replacement of at least one groyne section along a shoreline wherein the section includes a pair of spaced stanchions which are connected by at least one linkage member which supports vertically extending baffle elements and wherein the at least one linkage member is piovtably connected such that the spaced stanchions may be vertically adjustable relative to one another.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an irrigation device and irrigation system. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a weep or tear type irrigation device and irrigation system.

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 shore protective barrier system for protecting an existing seawall in the face of heavy storms including a plurality of used automotive tires aligned upright in a row substantially side-by-side with one another, filled with concrete to form a single integrated unit sunk horizontally into the ground as a break wall.

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: The present invention relates to a flow permeable port embankment, mainly constructed by multiple waste tires which are arranged in a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. The port embankment includes multiple vertically arranged tires and multiple horizontally arranged tires that are combined with each other by fastening of cables. The horizontally arranged tires are poured with concrete. The port embankment can use a wave energy reduction device of central holes of the multiple vertically arranged tires, so that when a big wave or surge rushes into the port embankment through the central holes of the vertically arranged tires, the energy thereof is counteracted naturally and completely, so that the region in the port embankment is calm, thereby preventing ships in the port embankment from hitting each other.

Abstract: Concrete blocks with an open cell structure extending throughout the block are assembled in substantially parallel columns and rows to from a mat structure capable of articulating over underwater structures. The blocks are assembled by flexible cables that pass through the center of each block through perpendicular apertures, which are located on different horizontal planes to prevent intersection of the cables. A removable abrasive resistant pad is placed on one surface of the blocks to prevent the concrete block from causing damage to the structure. The pad is comprised of a solid base with an opening matching the opening on the block. It also has a plurality of upwardly extending post which serve as a contact point between the pad and the underwater structure and at least one self-locking dowel extending downward, which are inserted into dowel holes on one surface of the block, after the concrete has hardened. The entire pad is one homogeneous material.

Abstract: An engineered wood structure is shown that can be placed in an aquatic or other environment. It is particularly useful in environmental enhancement efforts as a resting place for various avian and aquatic species. The structure is preferably made from small logs. A number of logs are placed side-by-side to form a deck surface. A single log is spaced apart from and generally centered below the deck logs. A pair of spaced apart struts depend from the lower surface of each deck log and are connected into the keel log to form a unitary structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in erosion control comprising a primary member and a secondary member pivotally connectable to the primary member to form a unit. The unit can be connected to another like unit to form a protective network of such units.

Abstract: An offshore reef assembly includes semi-cylindrical reef members extending generally perpendicular to the shore line and arranged in upper and lower tiers so that the open side of the upper tier faces downwardly and the open side of the lower tier faces upwardly. The semi-cylindrical members in the upper tier are offset from those of the lower tier to divide and deflect vertically moving water laterally through an ogee curvature from one reef member to a laterally offset and inverted reef member, thus dividing and dissipating the kinetic energy of the water to cause the deposition of sand and particulates on the bottom around the reef assembly. The reef assembly is inexpensive both to construct and install.

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 soil cement bank lining system is provided for substantially reducing or eliminating erosion along the banks of a waterway such as a flood conveyance facility. The system includes at least two soil cement linings arranged at spaced apart locations. One or more over-bank grade control structures are interposed between the first and second linings. The respective linings preferably extend parallel to the body of water, with one lining being disposed farther from the body of water and at a higher elevation than the other lining.

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 beach replenishment system comprising a plurality of barriers mutually separated by troughs. Each barrier comprises two arms mutually attached at a barrier arm angle. The intersection of the arms defines a barrier vertex. An extreme of each arm opposite the barrier vertex terminates in a barrier arm end wall. Each arm comprises a descending series of parallel terraces. Each terrace comprises a shoulder and a valley, or, in an alternate embodiment, a land separated from a shoulder by a valley. The lowermost shoulder borders a ramp which is substantially parallel to a surface upon which the barrier rests, whereby receding water is projected away from the barrier and erosion under the barrier is thus minimized. Each arm is supported by vertical and horizontal braces. Runout posts are installed opposite the troughs, and barrier posts are installed opposite each barrier.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing preassembled drainage line units comprises feeding a length of perforated vent pipe along a direction of manufacture longitudinally through a tubular mandrel, feeding a continuous sleeve of netting concentrically over the vent pipe along the direction of manufacture from a front end of the mandrel and continuously supplying quantities of artificial aggregate into the space between the sleeve of netting and the vent pipe. A low friction coating is applied to the inside surface of the mandrel to reduce the surface friction of the artificial aggregate caused by compaction, and to permit high speed manufacture.

Abstract: A system for treating the soil and turf having a prescribed subsoil profile that includes a duct network located in the subsoil region having openings that are in communication with the subsoil profile. A supply line is arranged to connect the duct network with a blower that provides low pressure, high volume air to the duct network so that the air is pushed upwardly through the subsoil profile to provide either heating or cooling to the soil and turf. A ground surface heat exchanger is positioned between the blower and the supply line for transferring energy between the earth and the air moving into the duct network. Other materials for treating the soil may be added to the air flow by a pressurized system. The blower flow is reversible whereby excess moisture can be removed from the green.

Abstract: A structure for dissipating the energy of waves impinging on a shore is disclosed which includes one or more rows of modules positioned adjacent the shore. Each module incorporates a number of vanes. The vanes are shaped and spaced so that a number of venturi passages are defined between the vanes. Each vane has a frontal portion which faces away from the shore, and is inclined from the vertical so that it slopes away from the shore to define an entrapment chamber which forces an oncoming wave to pass through the venturi passages rather than over the module or be reflected. The sides of the passages converge from front to back. A longitudinally extending hub causes the passages to converge also in the vertical direction. Each vane may be X-shaped and substantially symmetrical about a vertical plane through its center. The modules are cast from a cementitious material and may incorporate a number of vanes joined together at the hub which is located at the center of the X.

Abstract: An artificial reef is formed for use in a body of water to provide a habitat for aquatic life. The reef is formed by providing an anchoring structure which is submerged in the body of water. The anchoring structure has a weight sufficient to anchor the artificial reef to the floor of the body of water. Spaced at intervals along the floor of the body of water and attached to the anchoring structure are a plurality of reef assemblies. Each of the reef assemblies is formed from a base which is secured to the anchoring structure. A flexible elastomeric sleeve is coupled to a lower end of a buoyant, elongated member formed from a substantially rigid polymeric material so that the elongated members are held in a general upright position. By providing a plurality of these reef assemblies, an artificial reef is formed.

Abstract: A beach stabilizer for minimizing erosion of sand and soil is disclosed. The device comprises a plurality of elements having first and second spaced apart surfaces on opposite sides of a center plane extending therethrough. The elements are interconnected to form at least one string and are arranged on a surface defined by the sand so that the center planes of adjacent elements are disposed in transverse relation to each other. At least one vertical pile is partially submerged in the sand and is associated with the at least one string so as to permit vertical adjustment while maintaining the location of the at least one string on the sand.

Abstract: Preassembled drainage line units for a septic tank nitrification field employ a predetermined length of perforated conduit having an aggregation of discrete, crush resistant, light-weight elements surrounding the length of conduit and a perforated sleeve member enveloping the aggregation and bounding the same relative to the conduit with the ends of the conduit extending beyond the sleeve. The drainage line unit is provided with connecting means at each extending end, for end-to-end interconnection with an adjacent drainage line unit.

Abstract: Revetments are constructed using a plurality of revetment units which are arranged on river bed or the like. Each revetment unit comprises a stem and a disc-like head. The stem is stepped so that it has a relatively short larger diameter part and a relatively long smaller diameter part. The heads of units in each upper course lie behind the heads of the units in the course below and rest on the larger diameter parts. The heads and stems are preferably circular in cross-section but can be multi-facetted.

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: There is provided a wave attenuation device for abating waves and therefore erosion of a shorefront or marina of a body of water. The device includes a plurality of spaced apart, elongated plates for receiving waves therethrough. The plates are retained together by a plurality of vertical supports. The device may include a structure to anchor the device in place in a body of water.

Abstract: An artificial reef is designed for replacing and protecting naturally occurring reef structures. The artificial reef comprises multiple vertically stacked concrete panels separated by spacing blocks. The panels and spacing blocks are fixed together by reinforcement rods which are held in place by epoxy grout. The concrete panels of the reef have a flat upper service and an under surface of a waffled configuration and are stacked in a manner to permit substantially all of the surface area to be exposed to the estuarine environment. The waffled configuration provides a complex shape to the reef and encourages both calm and turbulent water flow within the reef so as to avoid areas of water stagnation. The modular nature of the panels permits wide flexibility in size and shape of the reef. The use of concrete provides an inert, non-corroding composition of the reef and permits on shore construction of the reef. Lifting rings embedded in the top surface of the artificial reef permit deployment by a crane.

Abstract: An erosion prevention device, comprising a concrete block having a top surface and a substantially flat bottom surface, current reduction flaps each having top and bottom portions, the concrete block having openings formed in the top surface for receiving the bottom portions of the current reduction flaps, and means for retaining the bottom portions in the openings.

Abstract: An offshore erosion protection structure comprising a barrier assembly having an elongated configuration and running substantially parallel in corresponding relation to the configuration of the shoreline and defined by a plurality of spaced apart and successively arranged modules specifically structured, configured and disposed to reverse the erosion of sand by waves of various strength on the shoreline by decelerating the travel of the incoming waves. The sand, held in suspension by the wave caused turbulence, will settle out in the nearshore zone thereby creating a tendency of reversing erosion by adding sand to the shoreline or beaches.

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 beachfront wave energy dissipation structure is disclosed. The structure has a plurality of vertically stacked parallel plates having two lateral edges, a shore-facing edge, and a water-facing edge, and a plurality of columns disposed between and connecting the plates. The columns are laterally and longitudinally distributed so as to impede free passage of waves between the plates. The shore-facing end of the bottom-most one of the plates preferably is supported at an angle in the range of 10 degrees to 30 degrees from the horizontal, so that the structure can be positioned with the plates angling upwardly away from the water. The plates reduce in longitudinal dimension from the bottom to the top of the stack, and are arranged in step fashion rising in the direction away from the water-facing edge.

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: Means for improved erosion control comprising a concrete module having a base, two upwardly extending sidewalls, an upwardly extending rearwall, a wave-disrupting ramp extending between the side walls from the base to the rear wall, and holes to aid in lifting and placement of the module and to link adjacent modules where a plurality are used to build a breakwall. A method for controlling erosion due to wave action comprising at least one module, and preferably fastening together a plurality of modules with flexible means thereby causing interference with wave action while permitting the individual modules to conform to wave action and bottom conformation.