U.S. patent application number 13/050917 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-29 for erosion control barrier.
Invention is credited to Elmo S. Peddy, Lester Ray Wisegerber.
Application Number | 20110236132 13/050917 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44656695 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110236132 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wisegerber; Lester Ray ; et
al. |
September 29, 2011 |
Erosion Control Barrier
Abstract
Protection of a shoreline from erosion caused by wave action and
reclaiming lost land areas by use of one or more barriers having a
porosity to allow a portion of the wave to pass through the barrier
at a reduced force causing the slower water to release sediment
behind the barriers. Further by redirecting and dissipating the
full force of waves, additional damage can be prevented.
Inventors: |
Wisegerber; Lester Ray;
(Dayton, TX) ; Peddy; Elmo S.; (Hankamer,
TX) |
Family ID: |
44656695 |
Appl. No.: |
13/050917 |
Filed: |
March 17, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61318292 |
Mar 27, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
405/30 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02B 3/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
405/30 |
International
Class: |
E02B 3/06 20060101
E02B003/06 |
Claims
1. A barrier device for use in controlling water action comprising;
an elongated barrier having a vertical wall section with a
plurality of transverse openings distributed throughout; a
horizontal base section; and vertical anchor points.
2. A barrier as described in claim 1 wherein the base section
further comprises an upwardly curved surface.
3. A barrier as described in claim 2 wherein the upwardly curved
surface continues and blends with one face of the vertical wall to
form a continuous, outwardly curved surface.
4. A barrier as described in claim 1 further comprising end
connection points for adjoining adjacent barrier section thereby
creating an elongated barrier.
5. A barrier as described in claim 4 wherein the end connection
points comprise a lapped joint.
6. A barrier as described in claim 4 wherein the end connection
points connect three or more sections at an end location.
7. A barrier as described in claim 1 wherein the transverse
openings are of various sizes.
8. A barrier as described in claim 7 wherein the various size
openings are distributed from top to bottom approximately according
to size of the opening.
9. A barrier as described in claim 1 wherein the vertical anchor
points are bores from the top of the vertical wall to the
bottom.
10. A barrier as described in claim 1 wherein the vertical anchor
points are bores from the top of the base to the bottom of the
base.
11. A barrier as described in claim 1 wherein the transverse
openings provide at least a twenty percent (20%) porosity in the
wall section.
12. A barrier as described in claim 1 wherein the transverse
openings provide no more than an eighty percent (80%) porosity in
the wall section.
13. A barrier as described in claim 1 wherein at least one face of
the vertical wall section comprises an outwardly curving face.
14. A barrier as described in claim 1 wherein the transverse
openings are angled from the transverse angle such that openings on
opposite faces of the vertical wall do not align.
15. A barrier as described in claim 1 wherein the barrier is tinted
to effect visibility in the intended target environment.
16. A barrier as described in claim 1 wherein the barrier is
constructed of reinforced concrete.
17. A barrier as described in claim 14 wherein the reinforcement
comprises tensile strengthening materials.
18. A barrier as described in claim 14 wherein an elastomer
material is intermixed to adjust buoyancy and weight.
19. A barrier as described in claim 1 wherein the barrier comprises
a substantially hollow shell wherein said shell has openings for
filling with various materials to adjust buoyancy and weight.
20. A method of protecting from water damage comprising erecting a
plurality of barriers wherein said barriers comprise a vertical
wall section with a plurality of transverse openings distributed
throughout; a horizontal base section; and vertical anchor points.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) from co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application
No. 61/318,292, by Lester Ray Wisegerber and Elmo S. Peddy, titled
"Barrier" filed 27 Mar. 2010, which, by this statement, is
incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Each year the Galveston Bay System alone loses an average of
3 feet of shoreline and in some places the loss is as much as 15
feet. This loss does not reflect the added impact of hurricanes and
other extreme weather conditions. These are the losses of just one
area of shoreline in Texas. Countless millions of dollars are spent
on temporary methods to combat erosion such as hay bales, in the
Gulf of Mexico alone.
[0003] The problem is not unique to the Gulf of Mexico. It is a
reflection of what is occurring along the vast majority of
shorelines all over the world where ocean tides meet land. In
addition, similar issues plague high velocity locations in channels
and rivers where erosion wears the land.
[0004] Traditional barriers have been used to stop wave action, but
they can cause a buildup of sediment in front of the barrier and
subsequently create a semi-stagnant pool behind the barrier. The
other result of traditional barriers is a redirection of the waves'
energy causing a scouring effect at the base of the barrier which
ultimately results in the barriers becoming instable and
ineffective.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a barrier in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates securing a barrier with anchoring rods in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a barrier in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates joining a plurality of barriers in
accordance with the teachings of the inventor.
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates the dissipation of wave forces in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates a curved barrier in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates joining a plurality of curved barriers in
accordance with the teachings of the inventor.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0012] The inventors address the need to develop an economical
method for shoreline erosion protection. The inventors have
developed barriers which are designed to reduce wave action that
erodes the shoreline while allowing sediment build up behind the
barrier to restore shoreline previously destroyed. By varying the
placement of the barriers with regard to depth of the water, and
the distance from the existing watermarks, sediment build up can be
controlled to comply with desired goals and land use or
conservation laws and regulations.
[0013] The invention comprises a plurality of barriers which are
constructed with a porosity which allows a portion of the water to
pass thorough the barrier but impedes such passage to reduce the
speed of the water and subsequently limit damage to the shore.
Further, as the water washes back through the barrier with the
receding wave action it is further slowed such that sediment
settles to the bottom between the barrier and the shore causing the
protected area to be replenished. The front and/or base of the
barrier is shaped to cause the portion of the water which is
blocked to roll back on the incoming wave to help dissipate the
wave's energy without causing excessive scouring at the base of the
barrier.
[0014] In preliminary studies conducted on the shore of Lake
Anahuac, an exemplary barrier approximately 64 inches in height and
approximately 160 feet in length was placed approximately 5 feet
from the bank. Over a course of two years the area behind the
barrier accumulated a sediment build up of approximately two and
one half (21/2) inches per month. Vegetation was observed to grow
on the sediment thus establishing evidence of a permanent
reclamation. Subsequent modifications and improvements resulted in
the current embodiments. Those embodiments were used in a scale
test model situated in a tidal pool at High Island, Tex. which
began showing build up of sediment behind the barrier in a matter
of hours.
[0015] In the present innovation, the inventors have constructed a
barrier section to be used in erosion control. This barrier section
is to be used in conjunction with a plurality of additional barrier
sections to form a protection for a portion of coastline. The
protection can be a single line of barrier sections, or groups of
barriers with gaps left for the passage of boats and or animals.
The gaps can still offer protection if one or more lines of
barriers running substantially parallel to the shore overlap
causing the gaps to be substantially perpendicular to the shoreline
and thus the wave action. By curving the barriers into an arc shape
a flexibility to follow the shoreline can be achieved. If all
barriers have substantially an arc shape, then by reversing the arc
from one barrier to the next a substantially straight line can be
formed. Further, if the wall of the barrier extends from the base,
then by placing two barriers next to each other with their arc's
facing in opposite directions, a third barrier could be joined
opposite them allowing a liner chain to be extended in a new third
direction to follow inlets, bays, etc. Using a plurality of
additional barriers and different configurations many shapes can be
achieved to conform to the unique terrain of the coastline to be
protected.
[0016] In an effort to be environmentally and/or fiscally conscious
the inventors have attempted to incorporate recycled materials when
doing so was possible without sacrificing functionality. In one
embodiment shredded tires (AKA crumb rubber) is used as filler and
to add elasticity, along with a cement binder to add weight to the
barriers. In another embodiment, the barriers are hollow shells
formed from recycled plastic. The hollow shells are then filled on
site with sand, gravel, or other weight adding materials to give
them stability in the water and overcome the buoyancy of the
plastic.
[0017] The shape of the barrier overall resembles that of an
inverted "T" extrusion. The barrier is comprised of a vertical wall
section and a transverse base section. The barrier may be of
varying height and lengths, and can be straight or curved. The
preferred embodiment of the barrier is a ten (10) to twenty (20)
foot arc with a center radius of approximately forty (40) feet and
with a height of two (2) to four (4) feet and a base section width
of two (2) to four (4) feet. In the preferred embodiment the
vertical wall section meets the transverse base section in
substantially the middle of the base section's width, but this can
vary depending on the construction technique, tidal forces to be
expected at the placement site to ensure maximum stability.
Stability is further enhanced with anchor rods which pass through
anchor holes which pass vertically through the vertical wall and/or
the base in a plurality of locations.
[0018] The base section has an upwardly facing cycloid surface on
at least one side of the vertical wall section. The cycloid surface
may continue upward to encompass the wall as well. The ends of the
barrier contain a joining configuration to allow neighboring
barriers to anchor to each other for additional stability and
support. In one embodiment the joining configuration comprises a
tongue and groove configuration, comprising a connector tongue and
a connector recess. In another embodiment the joining configuration
comprises a plurality of tongues with mating holes through which
bolts, cables, or some other securing device are passed to securely
join neighboring barriers.
[0019] In one embodiment the barriers are left a natural color
derived from the material used in their formation. In another
embodiment the barriers are colored either by a surface painting, a
staining, or an embedding of dyes or stains. Coloring can be used
to blend the barriers with the surrounding environment and prevent
them from distracting from the scenery. In other embodiments the
colors can be used to contrast the barriers with the surrounding
environment as a warning or indicator of possible hazards. This is
particularly useful when the barriers are placed in navigable
waterways.
[0020] In one embodiment the barriers are formed from detachable
bases and walls which may be easier to mold, store and transport.
In this embodiment the vertical walls are attached to the bases or
anchored individually to the ground and the base portions are
secured to them to prevent scouring by the waves being
dissipated.
[0021] The wall section has openings to allow portions of the wave
to pass through the barrier carrying sediment which is then
deposited by the slower water on the shoreline side of the barrier.
In one embodiment a wire mesh is used as an internal support to a
concrete barrier to add tensile strength. Openings in the wall can
be of varying size and shape. In the preferred embodiment an
assortment of sized openings are used which are randomly spaced
across the wall section to achieve an approximately fifty percent
(50%) porosity. In one embodiment larger openings are located near
the base and small openings are used near the top of the wall
section. In another embodiment smaller openings are located near
the base and larger openings are located toward the top of the wall
section. In one embodiment the holes pass through the wall in a
substantially perpendicular direction to the wall face. In another
embodiment holes are angled from the perpendicular in one or more
directions to further dissipate the wave forces.
[0022] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a barrier in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The Barrier (10) is
shown with a straight vertical wall section (11) and a traverse
base section (12). The cycloid upwardly facing face (13) extends
and blends into the frontwardly facing face of the vertical wall
(11). A plurality of anchor holes (14) is shown on the base (14A)
and down through the vertical wall (14B). Connecting tongues (15)
are shown at either end of the vertical wall for joining to
neighboring barriers (10), or for tying anchor cables (not shown).
Anchoring is accomplished by passing bolts, bars, straps, ropes, or
cables through anchoring holes (18). Openings in the wall (22)
allow a portion of a wave's water to pass through the vertical wall
(11).
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates securing a barrier (10) with anchoring
rods (17) by passing the rods down through the anchor holes (14A)
in the base section. In addition, or in place of such anchoring,
anchoring rods (17) could also be passed down through anchor holes
(14B) in the vertical wall section. Anchor rods can comprise,
rebar, threaded rod, fence post, etc. They can be made of metal,
wood, fiberglass, reinforced plastic or other similar materials
which provide the shear and tensile strength to anchor the barrier
to the surrounding environment. In addition, a cable or chain (not
shown) could be used to thread through the anchor holes tying
barriers to neighboring barriers or natural or manmade anchoring
points in the environment where the barriers are placed.
[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a barrier in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment
the anchor holes (14A and 14B) are shown to pass through the
barrier to allow anchoring to the ground or nearby objects. The
connector tongue (15) and the mating groove (16) allows an
overlapping joint which limits the water passing between the
barrier. From the top view it is clear to see the openings in the
wall (22) may be angled to further restrict water flow and disrupt
a wave's impact on the protected shoreline.
[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates joining a plurality of barriers in
accordance with the teachings of the inventor. By placing barriers
(10) next to each other, and aligning the connectors (15) a bolt
(19) can secure the barriers together. This method is especially
useful if one or more of the barrier's (10) anchor holes (14) falls
over a large rock, or other obstacle which prevents inserting an
anchoring rod.
[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates the dissipation of wave forces in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. By
looking at a cross section of the barrier, it is clear how the main
wave force (30) striking the cycloid surface of the barrier is both
dissipated into small forces (35) passing through the openings in
the wall (22), and deflected (32). The deflected force (32) is
pushed up by the cycloid surface (13) preventing scouring in front
of the barrier's base. Further, the dissipated forces (35) slowing
in momentum causes sediment (40) to be deposited on the back side
of the barrier.
[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates a curved barrier in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment of the invention. In this illustration the
entire barrier is curved to provide more flexibility in deploying
the barriers to follow a shoreline. In one embodiment the entire
barrier may be curved (10'). In another embodiment only the
vertical wall may be curved and the base may still be straight. In
another embodiment, the base may have clipped or angled corners
(12') to prevent the curved sections from interfering with each
other's base placement.
[0028] FIG. 7 illustrates joining a plurality of curved barriers in
accordance with the teachings of the inventor. By joining in
different configurations shorelines can be closely mimicked with
the barriers and branches can be used to protect inlets, bays,
rivers, etc. The barriers can also be used to protect structures
such as bridge and pier pylons (50) to prevent scouring at their
base.
[0029] The diagrams and descriptions presented herein, in
accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, are
provided as examples and should not be construed to limit other
embodiments within the scope of the invention. Sizes, including but
not limited to height, length, and weight are adjustable within
reasonable limitations. Shapes, colors configurations and materials
can be adjusted within the principles as present by the inventors
and thus should be included as encompassed in their teachings
herein. Further, specific numerical data values (such as specific
quantities, numbers, categories, etc.) or other specific
information should be interpreted as illustrative for discussing
exemplary embodiments. Such specific information is not provided to
limit the invention.
[0030] The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the
principles and various embodiments of the present invention.
Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those
skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated.
It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace
all such variations and modifications.
* * * * *