MODULAR MARINE FOUNDATION

Abstract

The present disclosure provides for marine foundation modules to support erosion control structures for protection against coastal shoreline erosion. The module has a planar base having at least four connected wall sections, with each wall section having an upper tapered wall section extending outwardly from the planar base and a lower vertical wall section extending downwardly from the upper wall section. The at least four wall sections and the planar base define an inner cavity having an inner surface area, the inner surface area having a central planar inner surface extending outwardly to an inner tapered surface transitioning concavely to an inner lower vertical wall surface. The lower vertical wall sections are configured to embed into soil of a sea bed floor, for anchoring the module. The inner cavity encloses the soil, such that the soil exerts an upward force on the inner surface area of the module to enhance load bearing capacity of the module.

Claims

1. A structural foundation module for protection against coastal shoreline erosion, comprising: a planar base having at least four connected wall sections, each connected wall section comprising an upper tapered wall section extending outwardly from the planar base and a lower vertical wall section extending downwardly from said upper wall section; said at least four wall sections defining in combination with the planar base an inner cavity having an inner surface area, said inner surface area comprising a central planar inner surface extending outwardly to an inner tapered surface transitioning concavely to an inner lower vertical wall surface; wherein said lower vertical wall sections are configured to embed into soil of a sea bed floor, for anchoring the module therein; wherein said inner cavity is adapted to enclose such soil, such that such enclosed soil exerts an upward force on the inner surface area of said module to enhance load bearing capacity of said module.

2. The structural foundation module of claim 1, wherein the each of the four vertical walls is adapted to embed into the surface of the ground to self-anchor until the central planar inner surface of said planar base contacts a surface of the sea bed, wherein the vertical wall sections are adapted to resist gravitational shear stresses within the soil.

3. The structural foundation module of claim 1, wherein at least one of the tapered wall sections defines at least one aperture adapted for the flow of air and water when the verticals walls embed into a soil bed.

4. The structural foundation module of claim 1, wherein the planar body and tapered walls are constructed of reinforced concrete, comprising steel reinforcement bar disposed therein.

5. The structural foundation module of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the upper tapered wall sections is characterized as a ribbed surface, said ribbed surface adapted to collect aggregate thereon.

6. The structural foundation module of claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the upper tapered wall sections is characterized as a laterally inwardly stepped surface at discrete intervals along its length such that the laterally inwardly stepped surface is adapted to collect aggregate thereon.

7. The structural foundation module of claim 1, wherein the planar base is characterized as square in shape.

8. The structural foundation module of claim 1, wherein the planar base, tapered wall sections and vertical wall sections are of unitary construction fabricated with reinforced concrete.

9. The structural foundation module of claim 1, wherein the planar base is characterized as rectangular in shape.

10. The structural foundation module of claim 1, wherein verticals walls are adapted to self-anchor into a sea bed floor.

11. The structural foundation module of claim 1, wherein said module is characterized by a weight, wherein said upward force exceeds the weight of the module.

12. The structural foundation module of claim 1, wherein the combined width of the planar base and tapered walls is at least twice the length of the respective lower vertical walls.

13. A modular marine foundation comprising: a plurality of structural foundation modules, wherein each structural foundation module comprises: a planar base having at least four connected wall sections, each connected wall section comprising an upper tapered wall section extending outwardly from the planar base and a lower vertical wall section extending downwardly from said upper wall section; said at least four wall sections defining in combination with the planar base an inner cavity having an inner surface area, said inner surface area comprising a central planar inner surface extending outwardly to an inner tapered surface transitioning concavely to an inner lower vertical wall surface; wherein said lower vertical wall sections are configured to embed into soil of a sea bed floor, for anchoring the module therein; wherein said inner cavity is adapted to enclose such soil, such that the enclosed soil exerts an upward force on the inner surface area of said module to enhance load bearing capacity of said module. wherein the structural foundation modules are arranged in an array to form a geometric pattern of modules along a coastal zone where erosion is to be controlled, wherein said geometric pattern of said modules is positioned to provide foundational support for artificial reefs or other erosion control structures when the vertical wall sections are embedded into the soil of the sea bed floor.

14. The modular marine foundation of claim 13, wherein said geometric pattern of modules comprises at least one first module disposed adjacent to at least one second module, wherein at least one vertical wall section of the at least one first module opposes at least one vertical wall section of the at least one second module.

15. The modular marine foundation of claim 14, further comprising at least one upper structural foundation modules positioned atop the at least one first module and the at least one second module such the planar base of the at least one first module and the planar base of the at least one second module structurally support at least two lower vertical wall sections of the at least one upper structural foundation modules.

16. The modular marine foundation of claim 15, wherein a cavity is defined between the geometric pattern of modules and the one or more upper structural foundation modules.

17. A method of constructing a marine foundation for protection against coastal erosion, comprising: transporting a plurality of self-anchoring foundation modules to a coastal site where coastal protection structures will be placed to control erosion, wherein each module comprises a shell body having a top wall connected to four opposing vertical side walls, said module being adapted such that when the module is submerged said vertical side walls embed into the soil of the sea bed; and submerging the modules into the sea bed while arranging the modules in an array that extends along the coastal site so that the modules form a marine foundation adapted to receive and support aggregate and other coastal protection structures.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising transporting aggregate to the coastal site and unloading the aggregate onto the marine foundation to dissipate wave action.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising transporting artificial reefs to the coastal site and unloading the artificial reefs onto the marine foundation.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals throughout the figures identify substantially similar components, in which:

[0043] FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of an exemplary marine foundation module in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0044] FIG. 2 is a top right perspective view thereof;

[0045] FIG. 3 is a front right bottom perspective view thereof;

[0046] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0047] FIG. 5 is a top view of a device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0048] FIG. 6 is a bottom left perspective view of an exemplary embodiment according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0049] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the invention;

[0050] FIG. 8 is a front right perspective view of an embodiment of the invention illustrating an exemplary embedding of reinforcement bars according to embodiments of the invention;

[0051] FIG. 9A is a front cross sectional elevation view of a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0052] FIG. 9B is a front cross sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the invention illustrating exemplary forces acting upon the module according to embodiments of the invention;

[0053] FIG. 9C is a front cross sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the invention illustrating exemplary dispersion forces acting upon the module according to embodiments of the invention;

[0054] FIG. 10 is a top front perspective view thereof in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0055] FIG. 11 is a top front perspective view of an embodiment of the invention;

[0056] FIG. 12 is a top front perspective view of a marine foundation module system according to embodiments of the invention;

[0057] FIG. 13 is a top right perspective view thereof;

[0058] FIG. 14 is a right bottom perspective view thereof;

[0059] FIG. 15 is a schematic top view thereof, illustrating exemplary placement arrays according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0060] FIG. 16 is a schematic top view thereof, illustrating exemplary placement arrays and coastal protection structures according to embodiments of the invention;

[0061] FIG. 17A is a schematic top view of a marine foundation module system according to embodiments of the invention showing placement within a canal;

[0062] FIG. 17B is a schematic top view of embankment foundation modules according to embodiments of the invention showing placement on the banks of a canal;

[0063] FIG. 18 is a front elevation schematic view of an embodiment of the marine foundation module system showing placement of the module system at a coastal erosion zone;

[0064] FIG. 19 is a front elevation schematic view of an embodiment of the marine foundation module system showing placement of an exemplary stacked module system at a coastal erosion zone;

[0065] FIG. 20 is a top front perspective view of a stacked marine foundation module system according to embodiments of the invention; and

[0066] FIG. 21 is an exemplary flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of constructing a marine foundation in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] For a further understanding of the nature and function of the embodiments, reference should be made to the following detailed description. Detailed descriptions of the embodiments are provided herein, as well as, the best mode of carrying out and employing the present invention. It will be readily appreciated that the embodiments are well adapted to carry out and obtain the ends and features mentioned as well as those inherent herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, persons of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following disclosure is illustrative only and not in any way limiting, as the specific details disclosed herein provide a basis for the claims and a representative basis for teaching to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. It should be understood that the devices, materials, methods, procedures, and techniques described herein are presently representative of various embodiments. Other embodiments of the disclosure will readily suggest themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0068] As used herein, axis means a real or imaginary straight line about which a three-dimensional body is symmetrical. A vertical axis means an axis perpendicular to the ground (or put another way, an axis extending upwardly and downwardly). A horizontal axis means an axis parallel to the ground.

[0069] As used herein, homogeneous is defined as the same in all locations, and a homogeneous material is a material of uniform composition throughout that cannot be mechanically separated into different materials. Examples of homogeneous materials are certain types of plastics, ceramics, glass, metals, alloys, paper, board, resins, high-density polyethylene and rubber.

[0070] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-21, the basic constructional details and principles of operation of one embodiment of a structural foundation module 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be discussed.

[0071] Therefore, in accordance with embodiments of the invention, there is provided a structural foundation module 100 for protection against coastal shoreline erosion. Referring to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, and 5 the module 100 has a planar base 102 having at least four connected wall sections 104. Preferably, each connected wall section 104 has an upper tapered wall section 106 extending outwardly from the planar base 102. Each connected wall section 104 has a lower vertical wall section 108 extending downwardly from the upper tapered wall section 106, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-5. In combination, the planar base 102 and the at least four wall sections 104 form an inner cavity 110 having an inner surface area 112, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 9B.

[0072] The modules 100 could be manufactured at a construction facility located near the coastline where erosion is a problem, or a module 100 could be transported long distances by barge and set in place at its position using a crane upon the barge. Crane barges or derrick barges are commonly used by a number of offshore construction companies and are known in the art. Preferably, each module 100 would be formed and poured, allowed to cure, and then transported to a coastal erosion site.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 4, 6-7, and 9A-9 C, in a preferred embodiment, the inner surface area 112 of the inner cavity 110 has a central planar inner surface 114 extending outwardly to an inner tapered surface 116. The inner tapered surface 116 transitions concavely to an inner lower vertical wall surface 118. The lower vertical wall sections 108 are preferably configured to embed into the soil 120 of a sea bed floor 122 to anchor the module 100 into the sea bed floor 122, as illustrated in FIG. 9A.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 9A-9 C, in such preferred embodiments, the inner cavity 110 is adapted to enclose the soil 120 of the sea bed 122 floor. Through embodiments disclosed herein, the enclosed soil 120 of the sea bed 122 exerts upward ground resistant forces, as illustrated by Arrow B, on the inner surface area 112 of the module 100 to enhance the load bearing capacity of the module 100. The lower vertical wall sections 108 combined with the upper tapered wall sections 106 cut through an exemplary shear stress angle, as illustrated by Arrow D, imparted by gravitational forces, as illustrated by Arrow A, and ground resistant forces, as illustrated by Arrow B, which resists punching shear and enhances the load bearing capacity of said module 100, as illustrated in FIG. 9B.

[0075] Referring to FIG. 9C, the particles of the sea bed 122 soil 120 cannot shear out along the line of dispersion, as illustrated by Arrow C, created by the planar body 102 because of the lower vertical wall sections 108 combined with the upper tapered wall sections 106. As can be seen in FIG. 9C the lower vertical wall sections 108 and the upper taped wall sections 106 encapsulate the soil particles 120 and prevent them from dispersing outwardly in the direction of Arrow C. Preferably as illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9 C and FIGS. 15-19, each of the four lower vertical wall sections 108 of the structural foundation module 100 are adapted to penetrate through the surface 122 and embed into the ground or sea bed 120 to self-anchor until the central planar inner surface 114 of the planar base 102 contacts the surface of the sea bed 122.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 1-5 and 7-10, in yet another embodiment, at least one of the tapered wall sections 106 defines at least one aperture 124 adapted for the flow of air and water when the vertical walls 108 embed into the soil 120 of a sea bed 122.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the planar body 102, tapered walls 106, and four vertical walls 108 of the structural foundation module 100 are preferably constructed of reinforced concrete with steel reinforcement bars 125 disposed therein. Preferably, the steel reinforcement bars 125 include half inch () diameter steel rods spaced 12 inches (12) on center both ways.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 10, in another embodiment, the outer surfaces 126 of each of the upper tapered wall sections 106 have ribbed surfaces 128 and the ribbed surfaces 128 are adapted to collect aggregate or rip rap 129, as illustrated in FIG. 16.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 11, in yet another embodiment, the outer surfaces 126 of each of the upper tapered wall sections 106 have laterally inwardly stepped surfaces 130 positioned at discrete intervals along the respective lengths of each section 106 such that the laterally inwardly stepped surfaces 130 are adapted for collection of aggregate 129.

[0080] Preferably, the planar base 102 of the structural foundation module 100 is square in shape, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In a preferred embodiment, the module 100 has dimensions of ten feet (10) long, ten feet (10) wide, and two and one half feet (2.5) in height, with a concrete wall thickness of approximately four inches (4).

[0081] As illustrated in FIG. 5, an exemplary looped lifting strap 146 is depicted in one corner of the module 100. In a preferred embodiment, the module 100 has a looped lifting strap 146 in each corner of the module 100. As illustrated, the loop strap 146 has free ends 148 embedded in the upper tapered wall section 106. In another embodiment, the loop strap 146 has free ends 148 embedded in the lower vertical wall sections 108, where the loop strap 146 extends outwardly therefrom, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0082] In another embodiment, the planar base 102 of the module 100 is rectangular in shape, as illustrated in FIG. 17A, and serves as a modular marine foundation 132 for a canal.

[0083] In yet another embodiment, the modular marine foundation 132 is covered with rip rap 129 and serves as an embankment 150 for canals in intercoastal water ways, as illustrated in FIG. 17B.

[0084] In one embodiment, the vertical walls 108 are adapted to self-anchor into a sea bed floor 122, as illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9 C.

[0085] In another embodiment, the weight of the upward ground resistant forces, as exemplified by Arrow E, on the inner surface area 112 of the module 100 exceeds the weight of the structural foundation module 100, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 9B.

[0086] In yet another embodiment, the combined width of the planar base 102 and tapered walls 106 of the module 100 is at least twice the length of the respective lower vertical walls 108, as illustrated in FIGS. 9A-9 C.

[0087] Referring to the preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 12-20, there is provided a modular marine foundation 132 having a plurality of structural foundation modules 100. The modular marine foundation 132 system preferably includes a plurality of erosion control structural foundation modules 100 which can be arranged in any number of geometric patterns. Each structural foundation module 100 preferably includes a planar base 102 having at least four connected wall sections 104. Each connected wall section 104 preferably has an upper tapered wall section 106 extending outwardly from the planar base 102 and a lower vertical wall section 108 extending downwardly from the upper wall section 106. In combination, the at least four wall sections 104 and the planar base 102 define an inner cavity 110 having an inner surface area 112. The inner surface area 112 of the inner cavity 110 has a central planar inner surface 114 extending outwardly to an inner tapered surface 116 transitioning concavely to an inner lower vertical wall surface 118, as illustrated in FIGS. 3-4, 6-7, and 9A-9 C.

[0088] In a preferred embodiment, the structural foundation modules 100 are arranged in an array to form a geometric pattern of modules 132 along a coastal zone where erosion is to be controlled, and in a position to provide foundation support for artificial reefs 129 and rip rap 129 or other erosion control structures, that, for instance, dissipate wave action before it reaches the shoreline, such as jetties or groins, or, for instance, collect suspended sediment for the reclamation of land. Jetties and groins interrupt water flow and limit the movement of sediment, they are typically installed perpendicular to the shore. The structural modules 100 can provide improved foundational support for jetties and groins, as illustrated in FIGS. 15-16.

[0089] A canal is an artificial water course with controlled water levels for the transport of water or for navigation. A bank is land at the side of water, such as a river or a lake, or a long heap of sand, such as a sandbank in shallow water, either in a river or in the sea. A shore is the narrow strip of land immediately bordering a body of water. A soil profile is the sequence of layers found in most soils. The upper A horizon is normally rich in organics, permeable and well aerated. The lower B horizon is more compact and may be either pale and leached or the site of deposition to create hard pans. The lowest C horizon usually has a low organic content and contains pieces of partially weathered bedrock. Wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary, with water that is static, flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water, the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six meters. Wetlands are lands inundated or saturated by surface or ground water, at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support a prevalence of vegetation, typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas. Land reclamation is the gaining of land in a wet area, such as a marsh or by the sea, by planting maritime plants to encourage silt deposition, by dumping dredged materials in the area, or by the creation of embankments and polders.

[0090] Embodiments of the invention exemplified herein have particular application in those wetland swamp or wetland marsh areas having slow moving waters where the soil bed 122 is a primarily soft mud bottom 120. A marsh is a transitional land-water area, covered at least part of the time by surface water or saturated by groundwater at, or near the surface. A marsh is characterized by aquatic and grass-like vegetation, usually without peat accumulation.

[0091] In one embodiment, the modular marine foundation 132 is installed in a position that is spaced apart from the shoreline to provide foundational support for coastal erosion structures that work to dissipate wave action before it reaches the shore, to provide protection against coastal erosion. Coastal erosion is often defined as the loss or displacement of land along the coastline due to the action of waves, currents, tides, wind-driven water, waterborne ice, or other impacts of storms. Coastal erosion can also be defined as the process of long-term removal of sediment and rocks at the coastline, leading to loss of land and retreat of the coastline landward. Referring to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 15-18, structural foundation modules 100 are preferably arranged side-by-side to form the modular marine foundation 132. As illustrated in FIGS. 15-16, exemplary embodiments of the modular marine foundation 132 are preferably installed apart from and parallel to the shoreline to dissipate wave action of the water 152 to prevent erosion of embankments 150; or, the modular marine foundations 132 are installed perpendicular to the shoreline and are used to form the foundation for jetties or groins.

[0092] Referring to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2, 12-13, and 18, the geometric pattern of modules of the modular marine foundation 132 includes at least one first module 100 disposed adjacent to at least one second module 100, wherein at least one vertical wall section 104, comprising an upper tapered wall section 106 and a lower vertical wall section 108, of the at least one first module 100 opposes at least one vertical wall section 104 of the at least one second module 100.

[0093] In another embodiment, modular marine foundation 132 includes least one upper structural foundation module 100b positioned atop the at least one first module 100a and the at least one second module 100a such that the planar base 102a of the at least one first module 100a and the planar base 102a of the at least one second module 100 a structurally support at least two lower vertical wall sections 108b of the at least one upper structural foundation module 100b, as illustrated in FIG. 19.

[0094] In one embodiment, modular marine foundation 132 includes least one upper structural foundation module 100d positioned atop the at least one first module 100c and the at least one second module 100c such the planar base 102c of the at least one first module 100c and the planar base 102c of the at least one second module 100c structurally support at least two lower vertical wall sections 108d of the at least one upper structural foundation module 100d, as illustrated in FIG. 20.

[0095] In one embodiment, a cavity 133 is defined between the geometric pattern of modules 132 and the one or more upper structural foundation modules 100b, as illustrated in FIG. 19. The cavity 133 enables marine life to pass through and/or settle in the cavity 133 to form an artificial reef 129.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 21, a preferred method of constructing a marine foundation 134 for protection against coastal erosion is disclosed herein. The method 134 preferably includes a first step 136 of transporting a plurality of self-anchoring foundation modules 132, as shown for example in FIGS. 12-14, to a coastal site where coastal protection structures will be placed to control erosion, as exemplified in FIGS. 15-17. Each module 100 can be transported individually, or alternatively, several modules 100 can be stacked upon each other, on the bed of a truck or a semi-trailer. Preferably, each module 100 of the plurality 132 has a shell body 138, as illustrated in FIG. 14, having a top wall 106 connected to four opposing vertical side walls 108, the module 100 being adapted such that when the module 100 is submerged, the vertical side walls 108 embed into the soil 120 of the sea bed 122 as illustrated, for example in FIGS. 9A-9 C. Because the modules 100 are readily transportable and structurally very strong and massive, they could be reused indefinitely if constructed properly at different sites and locations over a long period of time.

[0097] Preferably, the method 134 provides a means to readily form a break water or barrier to wave action in any geometric configuration that would be particularly useful in a given situation. The modules 100 are preferably fabricated of structural load carrying reinforced concrete, and because they can be filled with heavy refuse material, they have a potential of weighing massive amounts, and thus little or no susceptibility to movement during storms such as hurricanes.

[0098] The method 134 preferably includes a second step 140 of submerging the modules 132 into the sea bed 122 while arranging each module 100 into an array of modules 132 that extends along the coastal site so that the modules 100 form a marine foundation 132 adapted to receive and support aggregate 129 and other coastal protection structures.

[0099] In one embodiment, the method 134 includes a step 142 of transporting aggregate 129 to the coastal site and unloading the aggregate 129 onto the marine foundation 132 to dissipate wave action. In one embodiment, the aggregate 129 is sediment material, such as sand, that could be added in that space shown between a shore and the modules 100. Because the modules 100 are readily transportable using a derrick barge, crane barge or the like, they could then be moved outwardly and more sand or sediment material added between the blocks and the land zone.

[0100] In another embodiment, the method 134 includes a step 144 of transporting artificial reefs 129 to the coastal site and unloading the artificial reefs 129 onto the marine foundation 132.

[0101] One of the embodiments of the invention is to use the unique characteristics of the structural foundation module 100 to develop a method for reconstruction of coastal shoreline without the need of costly heavy equipment or extensive labor. While the units 100 disclosed can be rapidly deployed to prevent erosion in damaged areas of inter-tidal marsh or shoreline until vegetative cover can be restored, they have many other applications for upland and wetland protection and restoration. For example, the modules 100 can also be used to construct low-cost foundational support in the bed of canals and intracoastal waterways as well as in the bed of intercoastal waterways. The modular foundation 100 can also be used as foundational support for oyster beds.

[0102] All U.S. patents and publications identified herein are incorporated in their entirety by reference thereto.