INTERLOCKING ECOLOGICAL ARMORING UNITS AND USES THEREOF IN FORMING A COSTAL BARRIER

Abstract

The invention provides a marine infrastructure unit having a polyhedral structure with at least four faces; wherein said unit is formed of concrete and wherein at least one face of said unit comprises at least one tidal pool indentation; for use in building a marine infrastructure and promoting fauna and flora growth in marine environment.

Claims

1. A marine infrastructure unit having a polyhedral structure with at least four faces; wherein said unit is formed of concrete and wherein at least one face of said unit comprises at least one pool indentation; for use in building a marine infrastructure and promoting fauna and flora growth in marine environment.

2. A marine infrastructure unit according to claim 1, wherein said concrete has a pH of less than 12 for use in promoting the growth of fauna and flora in aquatic environment.

3. A marine infrastructure unit according to claim 2, wherein said pH is less than about 11.

4. A marine infrastructure unit according to claim 1, wherein said pH is between about 9 to 10.5.

5. A marine infrastructure unit according to claim 1 wherein said concrete comprises between 0 to about 90% of the Portland cement.

6. A marine infrastructure unit according to claim 1, wherein said concrete comprises at least one of microsilica/silica fume and Metakaolin and/or Calcium aluminate cements.

7. A marine infrastructure unit according to claim 1, wherein said concrete has average compressive strength of between about 30 to 80 Mpa.

8. A marine infrastructure unit according to claim 1, wherein said concrete present water penetration depth under 7 bar of between about 5 to 50 mm.

9. A marine infrastructure unit according to claim 1, wherein said concrete has chloride penetration resistance of between about 500 to 2000 Coulombs.

10. A marine infrastructure unit according to claim 1, wherein marine fauna and flora is selected from engineering and habitat forming species and corals and filter feeding organisms.

11. A marine infrastructure comprising at least two units according to claim 1, each having a polyhedral structure with at least four faces; wherein said each unit is formed of concrete and wherein at least one face of said unit comprises at least one pool indentation.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The subject matter regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. The invention, however, both as to organization and method of operation, together with objects, features, and advantages thereof, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] FIG. 1 shows the ecological armoring units that create water retaining features along San Diego Port's riprap zone while providing shoreline stabilization.

[0031] FIG. 2 shows a cluster of ecological armoring units of the invention which created a well-defined local ecosystem that mimics natural rock pools, increasing biodiversity while providing robust protection from hydrodynamic forces.

[0032] FIG. 3 shows the easy transport of ecological armoring units of the invention.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows the biological buildup inside the interlocking ecological armoring unit.

[0034] FIG. 5 shows the sample unit after 12 months in temperate waters, fully covered by biogenic growth.

[0035] FIG. 6 shows the unit of the invention 4 years post deployment flourishing with indigenous marine life.

[0036] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0037] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

[0038] Resilient shoreline stabilization & ecological uplift through improved design & technology:

[0039] The Coastal Star armor can be used for the construction of breakwaters, and revetments providing structural and ecological benefits. In this project, the elements are used to retrofit an existing riprap to provide a fully structural and load bearing section. For optimal performance, the units are placed from the mean high water (MHW) to the mean low water (MLW) in order to promote biogenic buildup of calcium carbonate by organisms such as oysters, tube worms or barnacles which strengthen the structure and add to its stability and longevity. By harnessing biological process to protect the structure(bioprotection), the technology reduced the magnitude and frequency of structural maintenance, which translates into improved ecological stability, as well as a faster and higher ROI.

[0040] Support local ecosystems by creating and improving near shore and coastal marine habitats:

[0041] With the use of bio-enhancing concrete and scientifically driven design, such as the provision of water retaining elements, the interlocking armor units increase the ability of marine species to settle on the structure. Standard concrete and even rock armor have low surface complexity and dense nature and are not a surrogate to natural rocky marine habitats and often provides limited ecological value to the surrounding environment. The interlocking ecological armor units add valuable water retaining features completely absent from armored shorelines. The units help compensate for the loss of natural intertidal habitats by increasing biodiversity and biological productivity along the structure by accommodating an array of diverse species that are absent from standard rock armoring.

[0042] Foster education and stewardship of the Bay through awareness, access, and participation:

[0043] By increasing public awareness and fostering education of children and citizen scientists there are a positive impact on the stewardship of San Diego Bay. This enhanced relationship achieved by providing a better understanding of the natural environment by means of offering learning labs and monitoring sessions for local children and adults, along with encouraging recreational activities though increased access. These efforts led to a sustainable increase for the respect of marine habitats and the overall condition of San Diego Bay and continue to progress through the generations.

[0044] By integrating environmentally sensitive technologies into the design and construction of coastal and marine infrastructure, the products are able to harness natural processes for ecological enhancement and reduce a structure's ecological footprint. The bio-enhancing concrete products have a reduced carbon footprint compared to Standard Portland cement-based concrete, due to a combination of proprietary admix integrating by-products and recycled materials, and unique ability to enhance biological processes such as biocalcification and photosynthesis which facilitate CO2 assimilation. Biocalcification onto the bio-enhanced units averaged storage of 120 g of Carbon for every square meter of the invention's infrastructure yearly.

[0045] Each precast tide pool armor block is 4.1″ (125 cm) high, 375 gal. (1420 liters), and weighs 7500 pounds. 72 units were placed as part of the first stage of the project.

[0046] Materials: The Tide Pool Armor units are made using a proprietary concrete admix strengthening compression forces, reducing chloride permeability and reducing the project's CO2 footprint.

[0047] FIG. 1 shows the ecological armoring units that create water retaining features along San Diego Port's riprap zone while providing shoreline stabilization. This water retaining feature accommodates an array of diverse species that are absent in standard rock armoring.

[0048] FIG. 2 shows a cluster of ecological armoring units which created a well-defined local ecosystem that mimics natural rock pools, increasing biodiversity while providing robust protection from hydrodynamic forces. The well-defined stepped cavity and texture combined with ECOncrete's proprietary concrete admix provide the ideal habitat for indigenous marine organisms.

[0049] FIG. 3 shows how the ecological armoring units are designed for easy transport and installation.

[0050] FIG. 4 shows the biological buildup inside the interlocking ecological armoring unit.

[0051] FIG. 5 shows the sample unit after 12 months in temperate waters, fully covered by biogenic growth.

[0052] FIG. 6 shows the unit of the invention 4 years post deployment flourishing with indigenous marine life.

[0053] The concrete units comply with the strict requirements of coastal and marine construction and allow for simple installation, retrofitting the existing shoreline.

[0054] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.