Patent Application
20230039419
The embodiments generally relate to coastal management systems.
Coastal management is the defense against erosion and flooding at the interface of a body of water and land. Changes in sea level and weather patterns can damage shorelines, reefs, and marine ecology. Wave breaks are often utilized to mitigate detrimental effects of high-energy waves. Current solutions may utilize steel and stone which can be harmful to marine ecosystems. Alternatively, current solutions may utilize de-commissioned subway cars, ships, and automobiles which emit toxins into the marine environment.
Implementing a nonferrous, non-reactive precast concrete system for shoreline, coastal, marine, and estuarine applications such as revetments, breakwaters, artificial reefs and living shorelines and other related reef (coral, oyster, etc.) systems may replace rock (rip rap) and other current replacement solutions. This solution may overcome the various disadvantages associated with modern solutions.
A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are to the described apparatus and methods of use. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitations or inferences are to be understood thereon.
Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components and procedures related to the apparatus. Accordingly, the components have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. In this disclosure, the various embodiments may be a system, method, and/or product at any possible technical detail level of integration.
As used herein, “operating environment” or variations on that term may include aquatic environments such as shorelines, coral reefs, rock, headland, shoal or any interface between land and a body of water or any partially or fully submerged aquatic environment such as oceans, lakes, wetlands, reefs, sand bars, oyster beds, or the like. In some variations, an aquatic operating environment may include environments where it may be necessary to provide permanent or semi-permanent barriers within a body of water which may mitigate wave actions.
In general, the embodiments described herein relate to a nonferrous, non-reactive concrete precast shoreline restoration and retention solution. The embodiments include an approximately hexagonal hive shaped precast structure which uses non-ferrous reinforcement. The non-ferrous, inert concrete precast shoreline restoration and retention solution may be installed along the approximate perimeter or within a natural body of water, for example an ocean, wetlands, reefs, aquaculture areas, sand bars, oyster beds, and in operation disrupts the energy of waves which cause shoreline erosion, damage coral reefs, or cause flood or other environmental damage in low land level areas.
The nonferrous, non-reactive, precast concrete shoreline restoration and retention solution may provide a means for the prevention of erosion of shoreline, estuaries, and other sensitive coastal waterways, prevention of harm to reefs, and function as a wave break to limit the effects of storm surges and tidal surges and while aiding in establishment of new reef systems in support healthy marine ecology.
The structure of the nonferrous, non-reactive, precast concrete shoreline restoration solution may include individual or plurality of precast hexagonal-cross-section modules which may be affixed to one another to form the nonferrous, non-reactive precast concrete shoreline restoration and retention solution. The non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solution may primarily include a plurality of precast concrete modules having hexagonal cross-sections defining six individual sides to the non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solution. Each module may define a primary passage therethrough having an approximately hexagonal-cross-section, the passage extending from a first end to a second end of the non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solution to define an approximately hollow hexagonal body.
A plurality of apertures may be defined in each of the sides of each module and passing therethrough to be in fluid communication with the primary passage. The plurality of apertures may form patterns arranged along each side of the generally hexagonal structure to provide superior water flow through the sides of the non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solution. The plurality of apertures may further facilitate the prevention of erosion of shoreline and coral reefs, function as a wave break to limit the effects of storm surges and tidal surges as well as establish new coral reef and support healthy marine ecology by allowing waterflow within the non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solution.
A plurality of through holes defined by each of these sides of the generally hexagonal structure may be constructed and arranged to receive fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) rods, rebar and cap combinations or various mechanical fastening means such that individual generally hexagonal structures may be affixed to one another to form a non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solution. According to some variations, the mechanical faster may include an FRP bolt disposed within the plurality of through holes to secure multiple hexagonal structures together. According to some variations, the mechanical faster may include an FRP bolt disposed within the plurality of through holes to secure multiple hexagonal structures together and a plurality of caps affixed to the FPR bolt to further secure the bolt within a through hole. According to some variations, the generally hexagonal structures may be affixed to one another via various other means such as, but not limited to, adhesives, welding, riveting, or mechanical connections. In this way, multiple generally hexagonal structures may be affixed one another to form a generally honeycomb structured shoreline restoration and rock replacement solution.
The body of each generally hexagonal structure may be being made of primarily concrete. According to some variations, the generally hexagonal structures may be precast or preformed prior to being disposed in an operating environment such as to function as a wave break.
Reinforcement may be added to the body of each generally hexagonal structure by forming the body around at least one reinforcement member, such as, but not limited to, a non-ferrous rod similar to rebar formed within the body and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body. Alternatively, or in conjunction with the reinforcement extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, additional reinforcements will be disposed within the body perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the structure. In this way, reinforcements may be disposed in a generally crosshatching pattern within the body. According to various other embodiments, reinforcement may be provided through a variety of means such as impregnating the concrete body with webbing, netting, randomly dispersed fibers.
The instant embodiments may be formed from wet precast molds or dry cast concrete. The embodiments protect against erosion of the shoreline and reefs by functioning as a wave break to limit the effects of storm surges and tidal surges. The embodiments provide an improvement over the conventional art such as riprap, rock armor, shot rock, rubble, mining stone, steel rebar re-enforced concrete, the use of decommissioned subway cars, old ships or automobiles to mitigate the effects of wave energy on shorelines, each of which cause additional environmental problems upon oxidation including toxic, carcinogenic deterioration.
The non-ferrous non-reactive precast restoration and retention solution may be nontoxic and environmentally sound, supporting natural marine habitats, aids in reef restoration and maintains fisheries. Moreover, the non-ferrous reinforcement eliminates the need for the use of conventional rebar which ultimately rusts and deteriorates over time due to exposure to high-moisture operating environments.
The non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solution may include a structural combination of 5,000 PSI concrete mix impregnated with a reinforcement such as, but not limited to, glass fiber reinforced polymer, fiber reinforced polymer, fiber reinforced plastic, composite rebar, or the like. According to some embodiments, the reinforcement may include a plurality of bars impregnated within concrete. Implementation of FRP within a concrete matrix may provide improved lifespan and corrosion resistance compared to steel rebar, lighter in weight than the equivalent strength of steel rebar, considerably higher tensile strength compared to steel, FRP is non-conductive to heat and electricity, FRP is non-magnetic, high fatigue endurance and impact resistance compared to steel rebar, non-existent corrosion, rust free, transparent to radio frequencies, cost effective compared to epoxy coated, galvanized and stainless-steel rebar, impervious to chloride ion, low pH chemical attack and bacteriological growth, reduced whole of life project costs, low carbon footprint, low to maintenance free, standardized or customizable lengths, shapes, and bends, non-toxic, and easily cut and machined.
In some embodiments, reinforcement significantly extends the overall lifespan and sustainable, because fewer materials are required, the lifespan of structures are extended with less environmental impact. The embodiments are corrosion resistant, thereby no rusting occurs because of carbonation of the concrete and no spalling due to the corrosion-free characteristic. The intervals between renovations may be minimized with the extended life of the product, lowering maintenance costs. FRP does not conduct any electrical current and is transparent to magnetic fields and radio waves.
The following description of variants is only illustrative of components, elements, acts, products, and methods considered to be within the scope of the invention and are not in any way intended to limit such scope by what is specifically disclosed or not expressly set forth. The components, elements, acts, products, and methods as described herein may be combined and rearranged other than as expressly described herein and are still considered to be within the scope of the invention.
According to variation 1, a non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration and retention solution, including at least one generally hexagonal structure including a body having a first end opposite a second end and further including a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, a fifth side, and a sixth side, the body defining a passage from the first end to the second end; and at least one aperture defined by at least one of the first side, second side, third side, fourth side, fifth side, or sixth side, the at least one aperture constructed and arranged to allow fluid flow through the passage of the at least one generally hexagonal structure.
Variation 2 may include a non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solution as in variation 1 wherein the passage has an approximately hexagonal cross-section.
Variation 3 may include a non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solution as in any of variations 1 through 2 wherein the body has an approximately hexagonal cross-section.
Variation 4 may include a non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solution as in any of variations 1 through 3 wherein the at least one aperture has an approximately hexagonal cross-section.
Variation 5 may include a non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solution as in any of variations 1 through 4 wherein the at least one aperture is a plurality of apertures defined by the first side, second side, third side, fourth side, fifth side, and sixth side.
Variation 6 may include a non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solution as in any of variations 1 through 5 wherein the plurality of apertures includes a first plurality of apertures defined by the first side; a second plurality of apertures defined by the second side; a third plurality of apertures defined by the third side; a fourth plurality of apertures defined by the fourth side; a fifth plurality of apertures defined by the fifth side; and a sixth plurality of apertures defined by the sixth side.
Variation 7 may include a non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration and retention solution as in any of variations 1 through 6 wherein the non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solution is constructed and arranged to reduce erosion of shoreline and reef by functioning as a wave break in an aquatic operating environment.
Variation 8 may include a non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solution as in any of variations 1 through 7 wherein the at least one generally hexagonal structure is a plurality of generally hexagonal structures.
Variation 9 may include a non-ferrous non-reactive precast restoration solution as in any of variations 1 through 8 further including at least one bolt, rod, rebar, or bolt and cap combination constructed and arranged to secure the plurality of generally hexagonal structures together.
Variation 10 may include a non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solution as in any of variations 1 through 9 further including a base portion constructed and arranged to provide structural support to the non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solutions.
According to variation 11, an assembled non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solution, including a plurality of generally hexagonal structures each including a body having a first end opposite a second end and further including a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, a fifth side, and a sixth side, the body defining a passage from the first end to the second end. The body may further include a first plurality of apertures defined by the first side; a second plurality of apertures defined by the second side; a third plurality of apertures defined by the third side; a fourth plurality of apertures defined by the fourth side; a fifth plurality of apertures defined by the fifth side; and a sixth plurality of apertures defined by the sixth side. The plurality of generally hexagonal structures is, individually and in combination, constructed and arranged to allow fluid flow through the passage and each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth plurality of apertures to reduce erosion of shoreline and reef by functioning as a wave break in an aquatic operating environment.
Variation 12 may include an assembled non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solution as in variation 11, further including at least one bolt, rod, rebar, or bolt and cap combination constructed and arranged to secure the plurality of generally hexagonal structures together.
Variation 13 may include an assembled non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solution as in any of variations 11 through 12 wherein the passage has an approximately hexagonal cross-section.
Variation 14 may include an assembled non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solution as in any of variations 11 through 13 wherein the body has an approximately hexagonal cross-section.
Variation 15 may include an assembled non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solution as in any of variations 11 through 14 wherein each of the apertures in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth plurality of apertures has an approximately hexagonal cross-section.
Variation 16 may include an assembled non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solution as in any of variations 11 through 15 further including a base portion constructed and arranged to provide structural support to the assembled non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solutions.
Variation 17 may include an assembled non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solution, including a plurality of generally hexagonal structures each including a body having a first end opposite a second end and further including a first side, a second side, a third side, a fourth side, a fifth side, and a sixth side, the body defining a passage from the first end to the second end. The body may define a first plurality of apertures defined by the first side; a second plurality of apertures defined by the second side; a third plurality of apertures defined by the third side; a fourth plurality of apertures defined by the fourth side; a fifth plurality of apertures defined by the fifth side; and a sixth plurality of apertures defined by the sixth side. The body may include a plurality of through holes defined by each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth side; a plurality of bolt, rod, rebar, or bolt and cap combinations disposed within the plurality of through holes constructed and arranged to secure the plurality of generally hexagonal structures to one another; and a base portion constructed and arranged to provide structural support to the assembled non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solutions. The plurality of generally hexagonal structures are, individually and in combination, constructed and arranged to allow fluid flow through the passage and each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth plurality of apertures to reduce erosion of shoreline and reef by functioning as a wave break in an aquatic operating environment.
Variation 18 may include an assembled non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solution as in variation 17 wherein the body comprises concrete.
Variation 19 may include an assembled non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration solution as in any of variations 17 through 18 wherein the body comprises concrete impregnated with a glass fiber reinforced polymer.
Variation 20 may include an assembled non-ferrous non-reactive precast shoreline restoration and retention solution as in any of variations 17 through 19 wherein each of the apertures in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth plurality of apertures has an approximately hexagonal cross-section.
Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to describe and illustrate every combination and sub combination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and sub combinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or sub combination.
An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a sub combination or variation of a sub combination.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.
This application claims the benefit of U. S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/229,775, filed Aug. 5, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63229775 | Aug 2021 | US |
