U.S. patent application number 16/193955 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-23 for geoturf tubes and improvements to conventional geotubes.
This patent application is currently assigned to Watershed Geosynthetics LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Watershed Geosynthetics LLC. Invention is credited to Michael R. Ayers, Bradford H. Cooley, Peter Ianniello.
Application Number | 20190153687 16/193955 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66532755 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190153687 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cooley; Bradford H. ; et
al. |
May 23, 2019 |
GEOTURF TUBES AND IMPROVEMENTS TO CONVENTIONAL GEOTUBES
Abstract
A geoturf tube for stabilization of erodible ground surfaces
said geoturf tube formed of a geotextile fabric in a tubular shape
and configured to contain sands but allow water to pass through and
a tufted tensile elements cover attached to at least a portion of
the geotextile fabric. Alternatively, a geoturf cover of a
geotextile and a plurality of tufted tensile elements installed as
a separate layer above a geotube to serve as a protective barrier
and extend the service life of the geotube. A method of
stabilization of erodible surfaces with a geoturf tube or a geoturf
cover is disclosed.
Inventors: |
Cooley; Bradford H.;
(Chattanooga, TN) ; Ayers; Michael R.; (Johns
Creek, GA) ; Ianniello; Peter; (Havre De Grace,
MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Watershed Geosynthetics LLC |
Alpharetta |
GA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Watershed Geosynthetics LLC
Alpharetta
GA
|
Family ID: |
66532755 |
Appl. No.: |
16/193955 |
Filed: |
November 16, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62587906 |
Nov 17, 2017 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02D 2250/00 20130101;
E01C 13/08 20130101; E02D 2300/0085 20130101; E02D 2300/0006
20130101; E02D 2600/00 20130101; E02B 3/126 20130101; E02D 2300/001
20130101; E02D 2300/0009 20130101; E02D 17/202 20130101; E02D
2300/0051 20130101; E02B 3/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E02B 3/12 20060101
E02B003/12; E02D 17/20 20060101 E02D017/20; E01C 13/08 20060101
E01C013/08 |
Claims
1. A geoturf tube, comprising: a geotextile fabric in a tubular
shape, said geotextile fabric being configured to contain sand but
allow water to pass through the geotextile fabric; a tufted tensile
elements cover attached to at least a portion of the geotextile
fabric, whereby the geoturf tube being disposed on a ground surface
provides stabilization.
2. The geoturf tube as recited in claim 1, wherein the tufted
tensile elements cover attaches to an outer surface of the
geotextile fabric.
3. The geoturf tube as recited in claim 1, wherein the tufted
tensile elements cover includes a plurality of tufted tensile
elements extending from the geotextile fabric and each of the
tufted tensile elements extending a length of 0.25 inch to 4.0
inches.
4. The geoturf tube as recited in claim 1, wherein a spacing
between adjacent tufted tensile elements traps a plurality of
particles between the adjacent tufted tensile elements so as to
provide a protective barrier over the geotextile fabric.
5. The geoturf tube as recited in claim 4, wherein the protective
barrier has a thickness of at least 0.1 inch.
6. The geoturf tube as recited in claim 1, further comprising a
thatch placed within a matrix defined by the geotextile fabric to a
matrix extent intermediate the geotextile fabric and an extent
plane substantially defined by the distal ends of the tufted
tensile elements.
7. The geoturf tube as recited in claim 6, wherein the thatch
defines a plurality of interspatial gaps that capture a plurality
of infill particles.
8. The geoturf tube as recited in claim 7, wherein the infill
particles captured in the interspatial gaps have a first finess;
and wherein a spacing outwardly of the thatch between adjacent
tufted tensile elements traps a second plurality of infill
particles between the adjacent tufted tensile elements, the second
plurality of sand particles having a second finess that is grosser
than the first finess so as to provide a protective barrier over
the geotextile fabric.
9. The geoturf tube as recited in claim 8, wherein the protective
barrier has a thickness of at least 0.1 inch.
10. The geoturf tube as recited in claim 7, wherein the thatch
comprises a non-woven geotextile blanket having a plurality of
interspatial gaps that capture a plurality of infill particles
11. The geoturf tube as recited in claim 7, wherein the thatch
comprises a fabric of texturized, crimped, or heatset yarns and
having a plurality of interspatial gaps that capture the plurality
of infill particles.
12. The geoturf tube as recited in claim 7, wherein the thatch
comprises an airlay fabric having a plurality of interspatial gaps
that capture the plurality of infill particles.
13. The geoturf tube as recited in claim 7, wherein the thatch
attaches in overlying relation to the geotextile fabric by the
tufting of the tufted tensile elements.
14. The geoturf tube as recited in claim 1, wherein the tufted
tensile elements are made of polyethylene, nylon, polypropylene,
polyester, a polymeric material, or a natural material of jute or
coconut.
15. The geoturf tube as recited in claim 14, wherein the tufted
tensile elements incorporate enhanced solar protection by inclusion
of one or more of a group comprising ultraviolet inhibitor and
ultraviolet absorber.
16. The geoturf tube as recited in claim 15, wherein the
ultraviolet inhibitor comprises a group of benzophenone,
benzotriazole, and hindered amines light stabilizers (HALS).
17. The geoturf tube as recited in claim 15, wherein the
ultraviolet absorber comprises a group of carbon black, titanium
dioxide, and zinc oxide.
18. A geoturf tube, comprising: a portion of a synthetic turf
shaped into a tube; and a quantity of a weighting material placed
inside the tube, whereby the geoturf tube being disposed on a
ground surface provides stabilization.
19. The geoturf tube as recited in claim 18, wherein the weighting
material comprises a particle material.
20. The geoturf tube as recited in claim 18, wherein the synthetic
turf comprises one or more geotextile backing layer tufted with a
plurality of spaced-apart tufts of a polymeric yarn defining a
plurality of elongated tensile elements extending therefrom as
synthetic grass blades.
21. The geoturf tube as recited in claim 18, wherein tufted tensile
elements are tufted, sewn, laminated, calendared, welded,
adhesively applied, or mechanically attached to an underlying
permeable geotextile backing layer to be formed into a structure
for the tube.
22. A geoturf cover comprising a surface layer of a geotextile and
a plurality of tufted tensile elements, and installed as a separate
layer above a geotube to serve as a protective barrier and extend
the service life of the geotube.
23. The geoturf cover as recited in claim 22, wherein the geotube
comprises a newly placed geotube.
24. The geoturf cover as recited in claim 22, wherein the geotube
comprises an existing geotube disposed on a shoreline.
25. The geoturf tube as recited in claim 22, wherein the tufted
tensile elements incorporate enhanced protection of one or more of
an ultraviolet inhibitor selected from the group comprising
benzophenone, benzotriazole, and hindered amines light stabilizers
(HALS) and an ultraviolet blocker selected from the group
comprising carbon black, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
26. A method of stabilizing an erodible surface, comprising the
steps of: (a) providing a geotextile fabric in a tubular shape,
said geotextile fabric being configured to contain particles but
allow water to pass through the geotextile fabric; (b) attaching a
tufted tensile elements cover to at least a portion of the
geotextile fabric, whereby the geoturf tube being disposed on an
erodible surface provides stabilization.
27. The method as recited in claim 26, wherein the attaching
comprises attaching the tufted tensile elements cover to an outer
surface of the geotextile fabric.
28. The method as recited in claim 26, further comprising the step
of exposing the disposed geoturf tube to action from water for
depositing a sand material transported in the water into gaps
defined by a plurality of adjacent tufted tensile elements in the
tufted tensile elements cover.
29. The method as recited in claim 26, further comprising the steps
of: spacing adjacent tufted tensile elements to provide a gap
therebetween in a matrix of the geotextile fabric and the tufted
tensile elements cover; and exposing the disposed geoturf tube to
cyclical wave action for depositing a sand material transported in
the waves into the gap so as to provide a protective barrier over
the geotextile fabric.
30. The method as recited in claim 26, further comprising the step
of disposing a thatch within a matrix defined by the geotextile
fabric and the tufted tensile elements cover.
31. The method as recited in claim 30, wherein the thatch extends
from the geotextile fabric to a matrix extent intermediate the
geotextile fabric and an extent plane substantially defined by the
distal ends of the tufted tensile elements.
32. The method as recited in claim 30, wherein the thatch defines a
plurality of interspatial gaps for capture of a plurality of infill
particles.
33. The method as recited in claim 32, further comprising the steps
of: capturing in the interspatial gaps of the thatch a sand of a
first finess as the infill particles; and capturing in the gaps
between adjacent tufted tensile elements outwardly of the thatch a
sand of a second finess, the second plurality of sand particles
having a second finess that is grosser than the first finess,
whereby providing in situ a protective barrier over the geotextile
fabric.
34. The method as recited in claim 30, wherein the thatch comprises
a non-woven geotextile blanket having a plurality of interspatial
gaps that capture the plurality of infill particles
35. The method as recited in claim 30, wherein the thatch comprises
a fabric of texturized, crimped, or heatset yarns and having a
plurality of interspatial gaps that capture the plurality of infill
particles.
36. The method as recited in claim 30, wherein the thatch comprises
an airlay fabric having a plurality of interspatial gaps that
capture the plurality of infill particles.
37. The method as recited in claim 32, comprising the step of
attaching the thatch in overlying relation to the geotextile fabric
by the tufting of the tufted tensile elements.
38. The method as recited in claim 26, wherein the tufted tensile
elements are tufted using a yarn selected from the group comprising
polyethylene, nylon, polypropylene, polyester, a polymeric
material, jute fibers, and coconut fibers.
39. The method as recited in claim 38, wherein the tufted tensile
elements incorporate enhanced solar protection by inclusion of one
or more of a group comprising an ultraviolet inhibitor and an
ultraviolet absorber.
40. The method as recited in claim 39, further comprising the step
of selecting the ultraviolet inhibitor from a group comprising
benzophenone, benzotriazole, and hindered amines light stabilizers
(HALS).
41. The method as recited in claim 39, further comprising the step
of selecting the ultraviolet absorber from a group comprising
carbon black, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide.
42. A method of stabilizing an erodible surface, comprising the
steps of: (a) disposing a geotube on an erodible surface, the
geotube formed with a synthetic turf shaped into a tube; and (b)
placing a quantity of a weighting material inside the geotube,
whereby the geoturf tube being disposed on the erodible surface
provides stabilization.
43. The method of stabilizing as recited in claim 42, wherein the
weighting material comprises a sand material.
44. The method of stabilizing as recited in claim 42, wherein the
synthetic turf comprises one or more geotextile backing layer
tufted with a plurality of spaced-apart tufts of a polymeric yarn
defining a plurality of elongated tensile elements extending
therefrom as synthetic grass blades.
45. The method of stabilizing as recited in claim 44, wherein the
tufted tensile elements are tufted, sewn, laminated, welded,
adhesively applied, or mechanically attached to an underlying
permeable geotextile backing layer to be formed into a structure
for the geotube.
46. A method of improving a stabilization of an erodible surface,
comprising the step of installing a surface layer of a geotextile
having a plurality of tufted tensile elements above a geotube
stabilizing apparatus, for a protective barrier and extension of a
service life of the geotube stabilizing apparatus.
47. The method of improving a stabilization as recited in claim 46,
further comprises exposing the surface layer to water carrying a
sand for filling in situ gaps between adjacent tufted tensile
elements with sand to form the protective barrier.
48. The method of improving a stabilization as recited in claim 46,
further comprising the step of enhancing the yarn for the tufted
tensile elements by selecting as an ingredient one or more of an
ultraviolet inhibitor selected from the group comprising
benzophenone, benzotriazole, and hindered amines light stabilizers
(HALS) and an ultraviolet blocker selected from the group
comprising carbon black, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Description
[0001] The present application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 62/587,906 filed Nov. 17, 2018,
incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to geotube apparatus for
environmental erosion and landscape applications including coastal
and shoreline stabilization purposes. More particularly, the
present invention relates to geotube apparatus with in situ forming
of protective barriers and to structural coverings for geotube
apparatus and methods for environmental applications and for
coastal and shoreline stabilization providing increased service
life and resistance to damage.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Geotubes are manufactured from polymeric fabric materials.
Many geotubes are formed to have an elongated cylindrical
configuration. Geotubes are flexible and fabric-like and therefore
conform easily to uneven or rolling surfaces. Some geotubes are
manufactured to possess great tensile strength and resistance to
tensile failure. Certain types of geotubes are used to reinforce
shorelines. In such uses, one purpose of using the geotube is to
hold earthen shoreline components together by providing a
latticework or meshwork whose elements have a high resistance to
stretching. Still, other geotubes are produced to have flat
ends.
[0004] Geotubes are usually made in large scale, e.g., several
meters in width and many meters in length, so that they are easily
adaptable to large-scale construction and landscaping uses. Some
geotubes are used to reinforce beaches and protect shorelines from
coastal erosion. Geotubes are sold by various manufacturers under
the trademarks Mirafi, Nicolon, Ten Cate, Flint, Titan, Maccaferri,
and Bradley.
[0005] In conventional geotubes, a geotextile is sewn into an
elongated cylinder and during installation, sand or dredge material
are pumped into the geotube. Most geotubes allow water to pass
through them to some extent. The resulting geotube structure has
significant mass and size and are used as integral part of manmade
structures or systems in order to stabilize shorelines.
[0006] Three types of geotubes generally serve the market. Tubes
can be spiral sewn, or have parallel seams or seamless noses.
[0007] Prior to the present invention, the conventional method of
geotube fabrication utilize non-woven or woven geotextiles.
[0008] Premature failure of coastal geotubes results in
unacceptable costs. The economic disadvantages of inadequate
geotubes are significant. For example, beachfront communities lose
millions of dollars when beaches are not accessible by the
public.
[0009] There are many disadvantages with conventional geotextile
tube. Conventional geotextiles tubes lack stability of overlying
soils or sand. Conventional geotextiles are highly susceptible to
UV degradation, have low friction, are easy for vandals to destroy,
and are not aesthetically pleasing.
[0010] One conventional approach to the prevention of premature
geotube failure has been directed toward developing means and
methods for coating geotubes to resist UV damage. This is performed
with a myriad of coatings on the geotextiles or incorporation of
liners. Some tubes are coated with a urethane based UV shield.
Thus, at the present time, industry focus has been on attempts to
improve UV degradation, but these attempts to reduce the friction
between the geotextiles and overlying soil/sand have at best been
marginally successful while in instances increasing a potential for
vandalism. Specifically, the prior efforts at reducing geotube
failure fail to address the shoreline environmental circumstances
that create a failure of the geotube or of a barrier on the outside
of the geotube.
[0011] As discussed above, vandalism is another cause of premature
geotube failure. Vandals often slit exposed tubes with knives and
paint graffiti on the tubes.
[0012] Additionally, many communities are reluctant to utilize
geotubes because of their poor aesthetics. Exposed geotubes are
often compared to "beached whales".
[0013] Beach preservation and shoreline protection are now highly
engineered structures. Because of this, shoreline protection
requires engineered materials.
[0014] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved
geotube apparatus and method for coastal and shoreline
stabilization purposes. It is to such that the present invention is
directed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention meets the need in the art by providing
a geoturf tube, comprising a geotextile fabric in a tubular shape,
said geotextile fabric being configured to contain sand but allow
water to pass through the geotextile fabric and a tufted tensile
elements cover attached to at least a portion of the geotextile
fabric, whereby the geoturf tube being disposed on erodible
surfaces provides stabilization.
[0016] In another aspect, the present invention provides a geoturf
tube comprising a synthetic turf shaped into a tube and a quantity
of a weighting material placed inside the tube, whereby the geoturf
tube being disposed on an erodible surface provides
stabilization.
[0017] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a
geoturf cover comprising a surface layer of a geotextile and a
plurality of tufted tensile elements, and installed as a separate
layer above a geotube to serve as a protective barrier and extend
the service life of the geotube.
[0018] Further, the present invention is directed to a method of
erodible surface stabilization and particularly for shoreline and
coastal applications using a geotube or a geoturf tufted cover.
Particularly, the present invention provides a method of
stabilizing an erodible surface, comprising the steps of: [0019]
(a) providing a geotextile fabric in a tubular shape, said
geotextile fabric being configured to contain sand but allow water
to pass through the geotextile fabric; and [0020] (b) attaching a
tufted tensile elements cover to at least a portion of the
geotextile fabric, whereby the geoturf tube being disposed on an
erodible surface provides stabilization.
[0021] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method
of stabilizing an erodible surface, comprising the steps of: [0022]
(a) disposing a geotube on an erodible surface, the geotube formed
with a synthetic turf shaped into a tube; and [0023] (b) placing a
quantity of a weighting material inside the geotube, whereby the
geoturf tube being disposed on the erodible surface provides
stabilization.
[0024] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a
method of improving a stabilization of a erodible surface,
comprising the step of installing a surface layer of a geotextile
having a plurality of tufted tensile elements above a geotube
stabilizing apparatus, for a protective barrier and extension of a
service life of the geotube.
[0025] Objects, advantages, and features of the present invention
will become apparent upon a reading of the following detailed
description in conjunction with the drawings and the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates a detailed cut-away view of a geotube
placed on a shoreline or a beach erodible surface with a geoturf
layer covering in accordance with the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed view of the geotube shown in
FIG. 1 during operation with water overflowing the geotube and the
outer geoturf layer filling with sand and solids captured by the
turf blades from suspended solids carried in the water.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed view of the geotube shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 with the outer geoturf layer filled with sand and
solids for providing a protective barrier above the geotextile from
which the tufted blades extend.
[0029] FIG. 3A illustrates a detailed view of an alternate
embodiment of a geotube with a thatch layer for holding a first
sand within a matrix of a geotextile tufted with tufted tensile
elements extending as simulated blades of grasses layer filled with
a second sand and solids for providing a protective barrier above
the geotextile from which the tufted blades extend.
[0030] FIG. 4 illustrates a tufted geoturf cover for use with a
geotube in accordance with the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 5 illustrates in cross-sectional view a geotube
positioned on a beach or sand for shoreline stabilization
purposes.
[0032] FIG. 6 illustrates in cross-sectional view a geotube in
accordance with the present invention having a geoturf outer layer
for positioning on a beach or sand for shoreline stabilization
purposes.
[0033] FIG. 7 illustrates in detailed cross-sectional view the
geoturf outer layer filled with sand for protecting a lower layer
geotextile geotube used for shoreline stabilization purposes.
[0034] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a geotextile
geotube in accordance with the present invention having a geoturf
outer layer for shoreline stabilization purposes.
[0035] FIG. 9 illustrates in cross-sectional view a geotextile
geotube in accordance with the present invention having a geoturf
outer layer for shoreline stabilization purposes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The present invention pertains to means and methods for
extending the life of geotubes. Additionally, the geotube apparatus
according to the present invention provides improved aesthetics and
the geotube affords superior resistance to vandalism and improved
UV resistance. In accordance with the present invention the geotube
incorporates tufted tensile elements within and extending from the
surface of the textile tube structure to act as a shield and
blend-in with beach sands, coastal grass, or when coastal tubes are
installed to construct offshore reefs, the synthetic grass will
resemble aquatic vegetation, and to collect suspended solids such
as sand carried with wave action along coastal shorelines.
[0037] The present invention is particularly described herein in
reference to practice with an illustrative embodiment of shoreline
and coastal erosion stabilization but is not limited to such and
may be practiced for erodible surface stabilization including water
shorelines, channels, streams and river shorelines, lakes and
ponds, harbor linings, estuaries and shorelines, and coastal
environmental areas, for surface stabilization: [0038] a. Create a
newly formed geoturf tube produced in a factory wherein a tufting
process incorporates a plurality of tufted tensile elements of
desired width, gauge, and height into a geotube structure for
placing for erodible surface stabilization; [0039] b. Place a
geoturf cover above or attached to a newly installed geotube which
cover is installed as a separate component to "shield" the geotube
disposed for erodible surface stabilization; and [0040] c. Place a
geoturf tube surface on, above, or attached to a geotube currently
in erodible surface stabilization such as shoreline and coastal
environmental stabilization service to "shield" and extend the life
of the geotube.
[0041] The present invention may also be left exposed or may be
infilled with sand, stone, glass particles, or any other natural
occurring soil, dredge or aggregate or synthetic material such as
glass, tire rubber, or polymeric materials suitable for the
application.
[0042] Artificial turf, or synthetic turf, is a man-made surface
manufactured from synthetic materials, made to look like natural
grass. Synthetic turf is used as an alternative to natural grass
surfaces because synthetic yarns better resist wear and severe
weather and typically require less maintenance. However, synthetic
turf is now being used on residential lawns and commercial
applications.
[0043] Synthetic turf is also utilized in highly engineered
alternatives to conventional landfill soil cover systems as
identified in Ayers and Urrutia in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,585,322;
8,403,597; and 7,682,105 and Ianniello and Rhoades U.S. Pat. No.
8,240,959. Well known prior art synthetic turf systems, such as
FIELD TURF.TM., SPRINT.TM. and PROGRASS.TM., include a synthetic
playing surface often coupled with rubber infill materials. These
synthetic turf systems are typically installed above a natural
subgrade.
[0044] The present invention relates generally to a geotube
apparatus that incorporates tufted tensile elements with improved
UV resistance, aesthetics, and resistance to vandalism of geotubes.
The present invention utilizes tufted tensile elements as a UV
shield and as a protective layer.
[0045] The present invention reflects a significant advance in
coastal and shoreline stabilization apparatus and methods and
particularly a departure from the prior art by providing exposed
synthetic turf systems featuring operational survival over extended
service life periods, such as for example, up to and beyond a
decade of service life. The present invention that incorporates
turf fibers for geotubes in manners non-obvious in coastal
protection applications. The present invention achieves superior UV
resistance over conventional tubes in that the exposed turf fibers
last for over a decade. The present invention also relies upon
infill (installation and in situ operational supply and
replenishment) to further protect the tufted tensile elements from
UV degradation. The present invention reflects a departure from the
prior art for geotube application and protection. For example, the
synthetic fibers utilize a sand in-fill that collects in a matrix
of the geotextile and tufts of the geotube provided in a coastal
application with sand transported as a suspended solid within
seawater. The sand deposits and collects in the gaps or spaces
between adjacent fibers of the geotextile and the tufts by wave
action that transports sand. The turf fibers extending from the
geoturf outer layer capture the sand and create within the matrix a
protective barrier resistant to UV degradation and vandalism.
[0046] Further, the turf fibers create a rougher surface on the
geotube which captures the sand particles in the turf matrix.
Manning's N value is a hydraulic measure of roughness. The higher
the Manning's N value the rougher the surface. Synthetic turf has a
Manning's N value that typically ranges from 0.015 to 0.030 while
the surface of the standard geotextile geotube will have a
Manning's N value that ranges from 0.005 to 0.010. In general, a
geotube with tufted tensile elements in accordance with the present
invention provides an extended service life for the geotube in use
for coastal and shoreline stabilization purposes.
[0047] Until the present invention, the only geosynthetic materials
available for tubes were nonwoven and woven geotextiles.
[0048] The present invention relates generally to utilizing
synthetic turf within the production of geotubes. The present
invention includes a myriad of turfs in various lengths and colors
to blend into the environment.
[0049] The present invention overcomes the many deficiencies of the
conventional geotubes by providing an outer layer geotextile tufted
with plurality of tufted tensile elements or grass-like blades. The
increased performance attributes of the present geotube are but one
desirable aspect of the present invention because such performance
attributes eliminate many of the problems associated with
conventional geotextiles tubes. By reducing or eliminating these
problems with the present invention, the useful life of the geotube
is extended.
[0050] The geotextile fabric contains the materials within the tube
which are typically a soil or sand. The turf fiber forms a
sand/fiber matrix barrier by containing the sand on the outside of
the tube between the interspaces between adjacent tufts above the
geotextile to which the turf fiber yarn tufts. For example, the
tufts extend as a carpet nap of 1 inch from the geotextile and the
spaced tufts define interspatial gaps. Sand (applied at
installation or deposited therein by wave action during operation
of the geotube for shoreline stabilization), fills the interspaces.
The sand (and other water-borne particulate solids) becomes
confined and trapped within the fiber turf layer, acting as a
barrier for protection of the geotube.
[0051] The coating typically applied to geotubes to increase their
UV resistance is a polyurethane coating. It looks and feels like an
epoxy. The coating is applied to a nonwoven or woven fabric. The
coating is an effective UV shield. However, the coating decreases
the friction when a sand/coating/geotextile tube interface is
compared to the sand/geotextile tube interface. Friction is a
highly desirable property. Geotubes can be stacked. They are
subjected to massive wave forces during storm events. A weak (i.e.,
low resistance) interface makes tubes more prone top movement,
which is undesirable.
[0052] The invention also increases protection from vandalism. It
is common practice to bury geotubes. Buried tubes are protected
from storm events and passersby. However, once the wind or wave
forces expose the tube, there is no protection. The present
invention however traps sand between the tuft fibers within a
vertical plane between the tube surface and the maximum length of
the turf fiber. This structure provides an improved thickened
barrier to vandalism and cutting of the surface of the geotube
body. Attempts at vandalism is thus made very hard and time
consuming. Also, graffiti would not last on the sand and fiber
surface. It would wash away.
[0053] In accordance with other aspects of the present invention,
synthetic turf tubes can be positioned to maximize their
effectiveness. For example, tufted tensile elements can be
integrated above the geotextile immediately beneath a sand layer,
or exposed directly in the ocean.
[0054] Embodiments of the invention can be made in large pieces,
for example, several meters wide and many meters long. Moreover,
for convenience in installation, the present invention may be
installed in portions which are interconnected.
[0055] The present invention can be fabricated into panels of
various lengths and widths by using a means to weld, tie or sew
sections to one another to form one or more continuous tubes.
[0056] The synthetic turf discussed herein includes a woven or
nonwoven fabric with or without a backing and tufts on at least one
surface. The tuft yarns are formed by at least one fibrillated yarn
or non-fibrillated yarn together with a number of individual
filament yarns, in particular with so-called monofilament or
monotape yarns. The fibrillated yarn and the individual filament
yarns are preferably made of polyethylene, nylon, polypropylene,
polyester, or other polymeric or natural material such as jute or
coconut. Other tufts may be made of a composite yarn formed by
monotape yarns twisted together with a number of the monofilament
yarns. The combination of a fibrillated yarn and individual
filament yarns or the combination of monofilament and monotape
yarns is also conceived. Another embodiment includes a thatch or
non-woven within the monotape, fibrillated and filament yarns. The
thatch is placed within a matrix defined by the geotextile fabric
and a matrix that is intermediate the geotextile fabric and an
extent plane substantially defined by the distal ends of the tufted
tensile elements. This thatch or non-woven fabric captures finer
sand particles while a superior portion of the matrix captures
grosser or less fine sand in the gaps between adjacent tufts.
[0057] The turf tube synthetic grass surface comprises widely
spaced rows of ribbons and the ribbons having a length about twice
as long as the spacing between the rows of ribbons. A tufted carpet
includes a primary backing having a back side and a face side, and
a secondary backing. The carpet includes tufts of yarn sewn through
the primary backing so as to be exposed on the face side and to
form a plurality of back stitches on the back side. The yarn of the
tufted carpet is a thermoplastic material. The primary and
secondary backings are thermoplastic materials and are
fluid-pervious fabrics. A method for making such a tufted carpet
for use in a geotube includes the steps of bringing the secondary
backing into contact with at least some of the back stitches on the
back side of the primary backing, and heating the combination of
the primary backing and the secondary backing to a temperature
sufficient to adhere the secondary backing to the backstitches
without melting the secondary backing.
[0058] Typical synthetic turf backing materials have relatively low
tensile strength. This is because synthetic turf is typically
installed on relatively flat ground and is subject to only
relatively low tensile forces. A typical backing on synthetic turf
may have a tensile strength as low as 100-200 pounds per foot
(measured in accordance with ASTM D4595). These materials are
sufficient for some geotube applications, such as geotubes that are
placed entirely or partially above ground on a shoreline, that are
relatively small (e.g., a few feet in diameter), and that are
relatively loosely packed with sand. In such applications, the
geotube may be formed solely from the synthetic turf itself with no
geotextiles. In other applications, geotubes are subjected to
significant forces. For example, a geotube may be of a large
diameter (e.g., 30 feet) and may be submerged under water near a
shoreline. Such geotubes are subject to significant forces exerted
on them by movement of seawater. In such applications, the geotube
may be formed from a geotextile that encompasses the sand with
synthetic turf around the outside of the geotube and adhered to the
geotextile by sewing, adhesive bonding, heat-bonding or other
means. Such geotextiles typically have a tensile strength in excess
of 1000 pounds per foot (measured in accordance with ASTM D4595).
In yet other embodiments, the synthetic turf may be formed using a
single geotextile as a backing material, with or without additional
backing layers.
[0059] By choosing one or more shapes, sizes, colors, UV additives,
alternative embodiments of the present invention can be provided.
For example, the present invention may have turf fibers ranging
from 1/4 inch to 4 inches wherein the synthetic turf is designed to
resemble aquatic vegetation and retain 50% or greater of specified
strength at 5,000 hours of UV exposure measured in accordance with
ASTM D 4355 (ISO 4892-2) or 50% or greater of specified strength at
7,500 hours of UV exposure measured in accordance with ASTM D 7238
(ISO 4892-3). Other UV exposure and natural exposure testing is
measured in accordance with ASTM G147 and G7.
[0060] The polymeric turf fibers include one or more ultraviolet
inhibitors or absorbers such as benzophenone, benzotriazole,
Hindered Amines Light Stabilizers (HALS), carbon black, or UV
blockers titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide.
[0061] With reference to the drawings, in which like parts have
like identifiers, FIG. 1 illustrates a detailed cut-away view of a
geotube 10 placed on a shoreline or a beach 12 with a geoturf layer
14 covering in accordance with the present invention. The geotube
10 includes a body 16 formed with woven or non-woven textiles and
sewn into an elongated tube or cylinder. As best illustrated in
cross-sectional view in FIG. 9, the geotube 10 has a dimensional
width 11 extending between opposing sides and a dimensional height
13 between a bottom that contacts the beach or soil surface and an
upper extent. The geotube 10 being formed with a textile body 16
that is flexible defines a generally dome-shaped container sitting
on the beach 12. With continuing reference to FIG. 1, the geoturf
layer 14 attaches to an outer surface of the geotube body 16. A
plurality of spaced-apart tufts 18 tuft to and extend from the
geoturf layer. In the illustrated embodiment, the geoturf layer 14
includes a geotextile 20 of a woven textile material tufted with
synthetic yarns or strands as a matrix of the spaced-apart tufts 18
and which has the appearance of grass. The spacing of the tufts 18
defines interspatial gaps or spaces 22.
[0062] FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed view of the geotube 10 shown
in FIG. 1 during operation for shoreline stabilization purposes.
Seawater generally 26 with waves provide periodic overflow water
such as ebb and flow that overflows the geotube 10. The waves carry
sand and suspended solids generally 25. The outer geoturf layer 14
fills with the carried sand and solids 25 which are captured in
situ by the turf blades 18 and fill and replenish the interspatial
gaps 22. Further, during installation of the geotube 10, the gaps
22 may initially be supplied with sand and solids for commencing
shoreline stabilization.
[0063] FIG. 3 illustrates a detailed view of the geotube 10 shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2 with the outer geoturf layer 14 in which the
interspatial gaps 22 are filled with the captured sand and solids
for providing a protective barrier above the geotextile 20 from
which the tufted blades 18 extend and forms a thickened protective
barrier for the geotube body 16. The gaps 22 may be filled with
sand during installation construction or deposited in situ with
sands carried by water such as wave action, water flow, or
alternatively, mechanical hydraulic distribution devices.
[0064] FIG. 3A illustrates a detailed view of an alternate
embodiment of a geotube 10a includes a thatch layer 21. The thatch
layer 21 extends from an upper surface of the geotextile sheet 14
to a thatch extent intermediate the geotextile fabric and an extent
plane substantially defined by the distal ends of the tufted
tensile elements. The thatch layer 21 provides a finer sieve for
holding a first sand within a first portion of the matrix of the
geotextile sheet 14 tufted with the tufted tensile elements 18, and
a second portion from the thatch layer 21 to the extent plane,
which second portion fills with a second sand and solids for
providing a protective barrier above the geotextile from which the
tufted blades extend. The first sand collected within the thatch
layer 21 is finer than the second sand. As discussed below, the
geotube of the present invention operates in a shoreline or coastal
stabilization application. The wave action provides for in situ
filling, and operational maintenance, of the sand in-fill in the
first and second portions.
[0065] The geotube 10a includes a geotextile sheet 14a as a
multilayer of the geotextile 20 and the thatch layer 21. In the
illustrated embodiment, the thatch layer 21 attaches to the
geotextile 20 by the tufting of the yarns to form the tufted blades
18. The thatch layer 21 may be a non-woven blanket. The tufted
blades 18 extend from the geotextile sheet 14 and spaced-apart
define the interspatial gaps 22. In an alternate embodiment, the
thatch layer 21 comprises an airlay fabric having a plurality of
interspatial gaps that capture sand, soil or particles such as
suspended carry in water. In yet another alternate embodiment, the
thatch layer 21 comprises a fabric formed of multiple yarns, such
as texturized yarns, crimped yarns, or heat-set yarns.
[0066] FIG. 4 illustrates a tufted geoturf cover 14 for use in
accordance with the present invention with a geotube body
previously installed on a shoreline or beach. The tufted geoturf
cover 14 may overlie a previously installed geotube body 16.
Attachments such as adhesive, ground anchors, or the like fasteners
may be used to secure the geoturf cover to the geotube body.
[0067] FIG. 5 illustrates in cross-sectional view a geotube body 16
positioned on a beach or sand 12 for shoreline stabilization
purposes. The geotube body 16 is an elongated textile cylinder
filled with ballast or a weighting material such as sand or dredge
material pumped into the geotube body during installation.
[0068] FIG. 6 illustrates in cross-sectional view the geotube 10 in
accordance with the present invention having the geoturf outer
layer 14 for positioning on the beach or sand shore 12 for
shoreline stabilization purposes. Waves and currents flow as
indicated by the arrow over the geotube 10 and sand and suspended
solids therein deposit in and fill and replenish sand and solids in
the gaps 22 between the tufts 18 to form a sand/solids/tufts
thickened barrier above the geotextile 20 and thereby a protective
barrier for the geotube body 16 (shown in cut-away detail).
[0069] FIG. 7 illustrates in detailed cross-sectional view the
geotube 10 with the geoturf outer layer 14 filled with sand and
solids as the thickened protecting barrier generally 24 for the
lower geotextile 20 and the geotextile forming the geotube body 16
for the geotube 10 used for shoreline stabilization purposes. The
infill sand and solids typically fill the gaps 22 to about the
extent of the distal free ends of the tufts 18. It is to be
appreciated that some solids such as broken shells and sticks may
extend above the distal ends of the tufts 18 (not illustrated). The
protective layer 24 may be infilled with sand particles during
installation construction or deposited with suspended sands and
particles by water, such as waves, flowing water, hydraulic
mechanical distribution devices. For example, after the geoturf 14
is placed to overlay the geotube body 16 remote from a high tide
line on a shoreline, a mechanical hydraulic sprayer may overspray
the geoturf 14 with an aqueous sand mixture for building the
barrier layer thereon.
[0070] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a geotextile
geotube 10 installed on the beach in accordance with the present
invention having a geoturf outer layer 14 overlying the geotube
body 16 (shown in cut-away) for shoreline stabilization
purposes.
[0071] FIG. 9 illustrates in cross-sectional view the geotextile
geotube 10 in accordance with the present invention having the
geoturf outer layer 14 with tufts 18 defining gaps 22 that receive
sand and suspended solids forming the barrier 24, for shoreline
stabilization purposes while protecting the geotube body 16 from
exposure damage and vandalism. Wave action from water 26 carries
sand and suspended solids over the geotube 10. The tufts 18 and
gaps 22 cooperatively capture the sand and suspended solids that
fill and replenish the protective barrier 24 in situ for protection
of the geotextile 20 and the geotube body 16 (shown in cut-away
detail). The protective barrier 24 typically has a thickness of at
least 0.1 inch and may extend to a depth of substantially most of
the height of the elongated blades 18 in the tufts.
[0072] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the geotube 10 of the present
invention operates for ground surface environmental stabilization,
and more particularly illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 for shoreline
and coastal environmental stabilization and enhancing growth of
grasses on sand berms proximate ocean coastal shorelines. The
elongated geotube 10 is placed on the ground surface, such a
portion of a beach proximate a coastal area of an ocean. The
flexible body 16 is filled with sand, such as communicating an
aqueous mixture of water and sand, which carrier water flows
outwardly of while the sand being contained therein defines the
generally dome-shaped container. A plurality of the geotubes may be
disposed in spaced relation to define a series of mounds and/or
linearly in an arcuate line along the shoreline. Seawater waves ebb
and flow to overflow over and around the geotube 10. As illustrated
in FIG. 2, the outer geoturf layer 14 fills with the sand and
solids 25 carried by the waves, which sand and solids are captured
in situ by the turf blades 18 and fill and replenish the
interspatial gaps 22. As shown in FIG. 3, the captured sand and
solids 25 form the protective barrier above the geotextile 20 and
cooperatively with the elongated tuft blades 18 forms the thickened
protective barrier for the geotube body 16.
[0073] Similarly with the alternate embodiment of the geotube 10a
illustrated in FIG. 3A, the ebb and flow of the seawater waves
carries sands of various finess over and around the geotube. The
thatch layer 21 captures finer sands while the adjacent tuft blades
18 capture in the gaps 22 the grosser sands. The recurring wave
action provides for in situ filling, and operational maintenance,
of the sand in-fill in the first and second portions.
[0074] Alternatively, the tufted geoturf cover 20 as shown in FIG.
4 readily installs as a separate overlying apparatus to a geotube
body (shown in FIG. 5), which geotube body is installed proximately
concurrently or installed onto an existing previously installed
geotube body. The tufted geoturf cover attached to the geotube body
as shown in FIG. 6 operates for shoreline and coastal environmental
stabilization with wave action that ebbs and flows over and around
the cover. As shown in FIG. 7, the spaced tufted blades 18 capture
in the gaps 22 of the matrix the sands carried in the seawater
waves. Thus, the tufted geoturf cover 14 supplements long-installed
geotube berms for extending the useful service life for coastal
stabilization projects.
[0075] Alternatively, the tufted tensile elements 18 are tufted,
sewn, laminated, calendared, welded, adhesively applied,
mechanically attached to an underlying permeable geotextile sheet
that is subsequently formed into a tube-like structure, or any
combination of attaching the tufted tensile elements thereto, for a
geotube with improved performance and service life in accordance
with the present invention.
[0076] The foregoing discloses embodiments of a geoturf tube and a
geoturf cover that provide improved erodible surface stabilization
in illustrative disclosure as to coastal and shoreline
stabilization applications but not limited to such, and as to
particular embodiments, provide stabilization structures having
high resistance to UV degradation and to vandalism. The foregoing
discloses the construction of such apparatus by combining a
plurality (for example but not limiting of one to three layers) of
geotextiles and spaced-apart plurality of tufts that extend as
synthetic grasses. The geotubes and geoturf tufted covers of the
present invention are selectively constructed and arranged to meet
specified performance characteristics for stabilization service
life longevity and resistance to ultraviolet degradation. While
this invention has been described with particular reference to
certain embodiments, one of ordinary skill may appreciate that
variations and modifications can be made without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention as recited in the appended
claims.
* * * * *