WO2017131533A1 - Récif artificiel et procédé d'assemblage - Google Patents

Récif artificiel et procédé d'assemblage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017131533A1
WO2017131533A1 PCT/NZ2017/050008 NZ2017050008W WO2017131533A1 WO 2017131533 A1 WO2017131533 A1 WO 2017131533A1 NZ 2017050008 W NZ2017050008 W NZ 2017050008W WO 2017131533 A1 WO2017131533 A1 WO 2017131533A1
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WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
artificial reef
surface layer
reef
base layer
sand
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Ceased
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PCT/NZ2017/050008
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English (en)
Inventor
Kerry Peter Black
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Individual
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Individual
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Publication of WO2017131533A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017131533A1/fr
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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B3/00—Engineering works in connection with control or use of streams, rivers, coasts, or other marine sites; Sealings or joints for engineering works in general
    • E02B3/04—Structures or apparatus for, or methods of, protecting banks, coasts, or harbours
    • E02B3/046—Artificial reefs
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B3/00—Engineering works in connection with control or use of streams, rivers, coasts, or other marine sites; Sealings or joints for engineering works in general
    • E02B3/04—Structures or apparatus for, or methods of, protecting banks, coasts, or harbours
    • E02B3/06—Moles; Piers; Quays; Quay walls; Groynes; Breakwaters ; Wave dissipating walls; Quay equipment
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A10/00—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE at coastal zones; at river basins
    • Y02A10/11—Hard structures, e.g. dams, dykes or breakwaters
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02A10/00—TECHNOLOGIES FOR ADAPTATION TO CLIMATE CHANGE at coastal zones; at river basins
    • Y02A10/26—Artificial reefs or seaweed; Restoration or protection of coral reefs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a permanent and portable artificial reef for use by surfers or to a reef to protect the coastline and to a method of assembly.
  • the invention is directed particularly but not solely towards an artificial surfing reef comprising a volumetric sealed shape formed of sheets with a pourable material therein thereby allowing the sealed artificial reef to be built and floated out to a precise location.
  • a reef can include the following juxtaposed structural elements. Firstly a coast line leads to a lagoon zone or reef flat zone, which then leads in turn to the reef.
  • the reef in cross section includes from the reef flat zone leading to a back reef, a reef crest buttress zone and finally a deep fore reef.
  • Figure 2 shows a typical surfing reef when placed on natural seabed contours. It creates an elongated shaped pointing out to sea in deep water ie blue 'm'. The light green colour T on the far left is the beach.
  • the key on the right of each figures 1 and 2 represent the depth or elevation in meters. For figure 1 the elevation starts from 3.5 in the top of the key for figure 1 down the page to 0 m. In figure 2 the key starts from the top at lm and decreases down the page to - 5m.
  • the elevations are mostly shallow elevation about 0m surrounding a reef (max height of 3.5-4 m) located in the middle of the figure 1 with greater elevations recorded in graduation around the reef (ie 0-3.5m), while for figure 2 the elevations are around 1- -1 m on the left in a protruding portion pointing to the right and leading to -5 to the right of the protruding portion.
  • a typical reef may have a volume exceeding 10,000 m3, which means that numerous geo- bags must be filled. Filling numerous geo-bags in situ is difficult, as the reef is placed in a zone with waves that make the operational aspects difficult to achieve using divers who must handle large dredge pipes.
  • the dredge pipe is inserted into a geotextile nozzle laiown as an elephant trunk.
  • the manipulation of the equipment is time consuming, costly and geo-bags can be under-filled.
  • the elephant trunks must be tied up and secured with a cover. Problems have been encountered whereby the covers of the elephant trunks are torn off the relatively flimsy geotextile under large waves and the geo-bag then empties under wave action.
  • geo-bag height accuracy Large elongation factors for geotextile make geo-bag height accuracy hard to achieve.
  • the geo-bags are known to "pancake", whereby the height reduces and the bags widens as the geotextile stretches which causes the required elevation of the reef to be lost.
  • the geo-tech bag material has been known to break at the seams, or simply fray.
  • the geo-bags may be punctured by boat anchors, fishing knives, boat propellers etc. and so the durability of the reef is not guaranteed.
  • geo-bags There is disclosed a means to attach the geo-bags to a large web of straps, sewn together to provide connection points for the geo-bags, known as the RAD (Rapid Accurate Deployment) method.
  • the geo-bags were tied to a large web on an open space on land, craned onto a barge and deployed at sea onto a series of anchors.
  • the geo-bags still needed to be filled in situ. If large waves arrived before the geo-bags were filled, they can easily tear away from the large web. And the same filling and sealing problems are still encountered.
  • Another problem has been the unwanted settling of the geo-bags into a sandy seabed.
  • a large geo-mat is often deployed under the geo-bags to reduce sinkage, but the geo-mat is difficult to deploy.
  • any gaps between the geo-bags create wave-induced vortices that can remove sand and exacerbate the geo-bag sinkage.
  • the sinkage means that an extra layer of geo-bags on top may be needed, which greatly increases the cost of construction.
  • the reef may sink further. The reef accuracy in terms of shape and position, is then difficult to forecast.
  • FIG. 1 Another example of a constructed reef is whereby a series of posts are driven into the seabed and a platform is then attached to the top of the posts to form a suitable sloping surface for wave breaking.
  • this invention has not been built yet to full scale in reality because the costs are large and the structure stability, especially the platform, has not been proven.
  • a smaller reef may be built on the beach inshore of the reef site and then simply towed by a vessel or winches offshore to its preferred position. Such a reef could be used for a short period, flushed of sand and brought back to shore (e.g. for surfing contests).
  • an improved reef will be removable and able to be re-deployed at another location, if required, or if the environmental impacts on the beach dynamics are found to be unacceptable by the public.
  • HDPE High Density Polyethelyne
  • the invention consists of an artificial reef 1 comprising a base layer 10 and a surface layer 11 wherein the base layer 10 is joined and sealed to the surface layer 11 forming at least one sealed compartment there between for receipt of air or a pourable material there between to form a volumetric shaped reef for location on a substrate (eg seabed or lakebed) and providing an external surface to cause the waves to be altered or break in a way suitable for surfing and/or protection of a coastline, the artificial reef 1 also includes at least one inlet and outlet valve to allow air or any pourable material to be filled or discharged therefrom the sealed compartment wherein artificial reef 1 is constructed to allow it to be built on a diy surface or land and be floated out to a precise position whereby when in position on the seabed whereby the artificial reef 1 comprises a broad base with horizontal planar dimensions being at least 8 m to prevent toppling over by waves and sinkage into a sandy seabed or lakebed under wave and current action.
  • the artificial reef 1 comprises a broad base with horizontal planar dimensions being at least 8 m
  • the dimensions of the artificial reef 1 will exceed 15 m in at least one horizontal planar dimension and a base surface area exceeding 100 m 2 and a ratio of (volume): (base surface area) not exceeding 3 to prevent toppling over by waves and sinkage into a sandy seabed under wave and current action, wherein the volume to base area ratio not exceeding of 4.
  • the pourable material is a formed as a granular or powdery material such as sand, rock and/or fluid such as a liquid.
  • the base layer 10 and surface layer 11 comprise a waterproof planar material.
  • the base layer 10 and the surface layer 11 comprise a flexible and resilient material such as plastics, material, rubber or cloth.
  • the base layer 10 and surface layer 11 is formed of a stiff material such as metal like for example steel or aluminium.
  • the plastics material is PVC, water proof cloth or fabric or High Density
  • HDPE Polyethel ne
  • the reef will be a single element but a large reef may be made in smaller segments which are towed to the site individually and placed adjacent to or joined to the other segments at the seabed.
  • At least a portion of an external or top surface will have minimal sharp or dangerous protuberances or shape edges that may be a hazard for surfing or at least a portion of the top surface of the reef is rippled, corrugated or irregular in some way to induce more frictional resistance and thereby minimise the intensity of wave-induced currents passing over the reef.
  • the sand and strap members are shaped and designed to keep the reef shape.
  • the reef (shape, volume) is designed using computer software to obtain a shape which provides quality surfing.
  • computer software determine the correct length of the posts and straps which give the reef the designed shape.
  • the support member 12 is formed of a stiff or rigid material such as metal or plastics member having a length between ends wherein at least one end includes a looped end shaped to be connected with a connector support assembly to at least the base layer 10.
  • the resilient elongate member connection assembly is a strap connector assembly for connecting one strap member to the base layer 10 and surface layer 11 which includes one plate member 45 and a handle member 50 forming a gap 50a there between the handle member 50 and plate member 45 whereby the plate member is welded to an inner surface of the surface layer 11 and base layer 10 and one looped end of the strap member 13 is connected to the handle member 50.
  • a post connector assembly 35 connects one end of a post member to the base layer and surface layer, wherein each post connector assembly comprises two plate members 36 and bolts 37 whereby the plate members 36 are joined or connected to the upper portion of the tripod frame 33 which in use clamp a portion of the surface layer 1 1 whereby one plate member 36 is connected to an upper portion of the support member 12 and the other plate member 36 is a separate member adapted to abut the outer surface 23 of the surface layer 11 which are then clamped by at least one bolt 37 through the plate members 36 and the thickness 24 of surface layer 11 there between.
  • the surface layer 11 and base layer 10 are each formed from several strip sheets which are joined/sealed using electronic means.
  • the surface layer 11 and base layer 10 are joined at their edges with elongate strip members which clamp an edge portion of the HDPE by bolting through the HDPE and elongate strip member to form the sealed compartment which is able to allow air water or sand therein when filling without leakage.
  • the sealed compartment which creates a water-tight, air-filled cavity with sufficient buoyancy to allow the structure to float and be controlled by a series of valves which exchange air in the cavity with a pourable material to control the sinking of the object to a precise location on the seabed for deployment.
  • the artificial reef 1 includes an inlet and outlet connection assembly which comprises two plate members 51, seal cap and bolts, whereby the plate members 51 are bolted together, to sandwich a portion of the surface layer 11 there between the two plate members, and the plate members 51 have a central hole 54 with a threaded portion which is co-linear and fluidly connected with an aperture 25 in the surface layer 11, to allow the threading engagement of the dredge pipes and fluid travel there through, and the seal caps 53 can be used to seal the central hole 54.
  • an inlet and outlet connection assembly which comprises two plate members 51, seal cap and bolts, whereby the plate members 51 are bolted together, to sandwich a portion of the surface layer 11 there between the two plate members, and the plate members 51 have a central hole 54 with a threaded portion which is co-linear and fluidly connected with an aperture 25 in the surface layer 11, to allow the threading engagement of the dredge pipes and fluid travel there through, and the seal caps 53 can be used to seal the central hole 54.
  • the surface layer 11 includes at least one inlet and outlet aperture 25 for a dredge pump having main dredge pipes fiuidly connected to a splitter pipe member which is then fluidly connected to several flexible dredge pipes which are then connected to an inlet and outlet connection assembly which is fluidly connected to aperture 25 through the surface layer 1 1.
  • the inlet and outlet connection assembly has a smooth rounded edges for surfing safety.
  • the edges of the artificial reef 1 include means to stabilize the artificial reef 1 on the substrate, comprising sand bags, rocks or anchors.
  • the base layer 10 of the artificial reef 1 is left incomplete leaving an opening in the base whereby air is still trapped under the upper surface for flotation, deployment and retrieval of the reef by adopting the methods and valve system described already.
  • Preferably computer software and engineering tables are used which specify the strength and bending moments of steel beams so that the steel reef can have sufficient weight to be stable with only water inside the reefs internal cavity, but sand can be added and to reduce rusting, welding would be done within the reef cavity which is not receiving new oxygenated water once sealed.
  • a base layer 10 of HDPE sheet material is placed on a floor seabed lake bed or substrate 6;
  • a base layer 10 is formed of a certain area ⁇
  • Support members 12 are placed on top of the base layer 10 and are connected by post member connection assemblies to the base layer 10;
  • a surface layer 11 is formed of a certain area and is then connected to the post member connection assemblies;
  • the surface layer 11 is edge joined to the base layer 10 to form a water tight compartment between the layers without the pourable material inside;
  • Inlet and outlet connection assemblies are then formed whereby plate members 51 clamp a portion the surface layer 10 with holes 54 in the plate members fluidly connecting an aperture 25 in the surface layer 11 to allow filling or emptying;
  • a splitter pipe member 58 is fluidly connected by a flexible pipe 59 to the inlet outlet connection assembly and also fluidly to a main pipe 56 which is connected to a sand and water pump;
  • post support members 12 are formed as a tripod frame.
  • the lattice frame is shaped to produce a correct shape of a full artificial reef 1 wherein the shaped lattice frame is placed on the base layer.
  • post support members 12 or 33 are connected with post member connection assemblies to at least the surface layer 11.
  • resilient elongate members in the form of strap members 13 are connected with strap connection assemblies to the base layer and surface layer.
  • the inlet and outlet connection assembly is formed in the surface layer 11 comprising circular plates 51 to clamp a portion of the surface with a removable cover cap 53.
  • Figure 1 is a graph showing the sea currents around a typical reef next to a coast
  • Figure 2 is a graph showing the sea currents around an artificial reef 1 when placed near the coast.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the artificial reef 1 of the present invention with an angled or wedge like volumetric shape.
  • Figure 5 is an upper perspective view of an artificial reef 1 for surfing which has a smooth and curved surface layer showing the artificial reef without side walls.
  • Figure 7 is a schematic side view of the artificial reef 1 of figure 5.
  • Figure 8 is a schematic perspective view of the connection between the surface layer and base layer using the support as straps and tripod.
  • Figure 9 is a perspective view of the circular plates used for joining the support members, strap members and inlet-outlet for a dredge pump.
  • Figure 12 is a top plan view of an artificial reef as a triangular wedge shape either comprising multiple surface layers or with an indication of water currents suiTounding the artificial reef 1.
  • the artificial reef 1 is designed comprising a planar material fomiing a certain volumetric shape with certain reef gradients, having at least one internal and sealed compartment or cavity 2 for the receipt of air or a pourable material 3 therein, designed to form an artificial reef 1 volume to be located on a substrate like for example in a sea or body of water 4 adjacent to any suitable coast of a land mass 5 and anchoring or resting on a base 6 such as for example a sea bed, lake bed or pool floor.
  • the artificial reef 1 of the present invention is designed to allow re-sealable filling or emptying/discharge when required and at least minimal leakage during use.
  • the artificial reef 1 creates a water-tight, air-filled cavity with sufficient buoyancy to allow the artificial reef structure to float and be controlled by inlet and outlet connection assemblies eg a series of or at least one inlet and outlet valve which exchange air in the cavity with a pourable material to control the sinking of the object to a precise location on the seabed for deployment.
  • the inlet/outlet valves which can be used for different materials such as air, would be normally placed around a highest point of the artificial reef 1 or the highest point of any internal compartments.
  • Other inlet/outlets for water would be located near or in the base of the reef.
  • Yet other inlet/outlets for say sand would be spread across the surface of the reef. Sand evacuation would require outlets near the base of the reef.
  • the reef can be constructed in one of the following ways:
  • the more flexible material may be HDPE. PVC, heavy duty tarpaulin, rubber or a similar product.
  • the pourable material may be water or sand. Additional buoyancy may be added in the form of temporary floats when the artificial reef 1 is being moved.
  • the artificial reef 1 provides an external surface to cause the waves to be altered or break in a way suitable for surfing and/or protection of a coastline and also includes at least one inlet and outlet valve to allow air or any pourable material to be filled or discharged therefrom the sealed compartment.
  • the artificial reef 1 is constructed to allow it to be built on a dry surface or land and be floated out to a precise position whereby when in position on the seabed the dimensions of the artificial reef 1 will exceed 15 m in at least one horizontal planar dimension and a base surface area exceeding 100 m 2 and a ratio of (volume): (base surface area) not exceeding 3 to prevent toppling over by waves and sinkage into a sandy seabed under wave and current action.
  • the artificial reef 1 is constructed to allow it to be built on a dry surface or land and be floated out to a precise position whereby when in position on the seabed the dimensions of the artificial reef 1 the artificial reef 1 comprises a broad base with horizontal planar dimensions being at least 8 m to prevent toppling over by waves and sinkage into a sandy seabed or lakebed under wave and current action.
  • the dimensions of the artificial reef 1 will exceed 15 m in at least one horizontal planar dimension and a base surface area exceeding 100 m 2 and a ratio of (volume): (base surface area) not exceeding 3 to prevent toppling over by waves and sinkage into a sandy seabed under wave and current action, wherein the volume to base area ratio not exceeding of 4.
  • the artificial reef 1 comprises a broad base with horizontal planar dimensions being at least 8 m to prevent toppling over by waves and sinkage into a sandy seabed or lakebed under wave and current action.
  • volume to base area ratio not exceeding of 4.
  • the volume is a surrogate for mass or weight and easier to describe.
  • the artificial reef 1 is formed from the following components:
  • the base layer 10 is formed of a planar material of any suitable shape having an outer or external surface 17 separated from an inner surface 18 by a thickness dimension 19.
  • the surface layer 1 1 is also foraied of a planar material having an inner surface 22 separated from an outer surface 23 by a thickness dimension of 24.
  • Surface layer 11 also includes at least one inlet or outlet aperture 25 and inlet outlet connection assembly, to enable filling or discharge there through using a dredge pump and water discharge.
  • the planar material of the base layer 10 and/or surface layer 11 in this example is formed of a plastics material which can be formed from any suitable material that is water resistant, resilient, sealingly joinable, UV resistant and stable in a whatever fluid environment such as for example salt water or chlorine treated body of water.
  • the plastics material can be a PVC, or waterproof cloth, a high density polyethylene (HDPE) type of sheet material which is low moisture absorbent, chemical and corrosion resistant, excellent impact resistance and high tensile strength.
  • HDPE high density polyethylene
  • the HDPE sheet material can have a thickness of up to 30 mm but thicknesses of 5- 10mm will also work in most situations.
  • the post support members 12 are designed to at least temporarily support the surface layer 11 above the base layer 10 to allow access for construction, filling or discharge and when the artificial reef 1 is being towed on to a selected site.
  • the post support members 12 can be formed from at least a one piece stiff or rigid material such as plastics or metal elongate member or from several members joined or connected together or alternatively can be an extendable or folding member eg (telescoping or hinged).
  • the metal needs to have a certain structural strength to at least resist the temporary weight of the surface layer and corrosion resistance especially for use in the salt water environment.
  • the post support member 12 can be galvanized steel, plastic or aluminium with a cross-section such as L, H or C or U. Aluminium or plastic can be useful for corrosion resistance.
  • Each post member 12 has a length portion 30 between a first end 31 and a second end 32. In use the length portion 30 can be used to define a height dimension between the inner side 22 of the surface layer 1 1 and inner surface 18 of the base layer 10.
  • the post connector assembly 35 comprises two plate members 36 (eg circular) and bolts 37 whereby the plate members 36 are joined or connected to the upper portion of the tripod frame 33 which in use clamp a portion of the surface layer 11 whereby one plate member 36 is connected to an upper portion of the post support member 12 and the other plate member 36 is a separate member adapted to abut the outer surface 23 of the surface layer 11 which are then clamped by at least one bolt 37 through the plate members 36 and the thickness 24 of surface layer 1 1 there between.
  • two plate members 36 eg circular
  • bolts 37 whereby the plate members 36 are joined or connected to the upper portion of the tripod frame 33 which in use clamp a portion of the surface layer 11 whereby one plate member 36 is connected to an upper portion of the post support member 12 and the other plate member 36 is a separate member adapted to abut the outer surface 23 of the surface layer 11 which are then clamped by at least one bolt 37 through the plate members 36 and the thickness 24 of surface layer 1 1 there between.
  • the bottom of the tripod frame 33 can simply rest or locate or connect on an underside of the base layer 10 but in other variations, the lower portion of the tripod frame 33 ie each post support member 12 can be formed similar to the upper portion if necessary. As seen in the figures the tripod frames 33 can be spaced apart from each other of varying height 30 to allow the surface layer 1 1 to form the desired outer upper shape of the artificial reef 1. The fitting of the tripod frames 33 to the base layer 10 can be designed to break when the forces (eg weight of water) exceed a pre-determined breaking force.
  • a simpler strap connector assembly can include welding one circular plate 47 directly to an inner side of base layer 10 and inner surface layer 11 in the form of sheets.
  • the strap connector assemblies can be placed in the factory on the base layer or surface layer sheets before bringing the base and surface layer as sheets to the site. In this way, each sheet can be drawn individually using computer software and fitted with connectors in the factory, prior to joining all the sheets on site.
  • the strap member connector assembly can be formed from a single plate member 45 with a handle member 50 forming a gap 50a between the handle member 50 and plate member 45 for receipt and connection of an end of the strap member 13
  • the fittings of the inlet outlet connection, assembly should have smooth rounded edges to reduce the chance of injuring the surfer or public.
  • Bolt heads could be embedded into the fittings. It may be convenient to split the dredge pipe into four or more smaller pipes so that the artificial reef 1 can be more evenly filled with sand (Figure 8).
  • the surface layer sheets 11 and base layer sheets 10 of HDPE are joined around their peripheral edges using an edge joining assembly.
  • the assembly includes PVC or steel elongate strip members with the two HDPE layers sandwiched between.
  • the joining strip members can be bolted together bolts through the two layers of HDPE.
  • the artificial reef 1 of the present invention will need to be able to withstand the forces of the sea. It will also experience pressure from within when the artificial reef 1 is being filled.
  • the sand will fill the internal compartment 2 and act to push down on the base layer 10 which is resting on a seabed.
  • the sand will also push up the surface layer 11 when the artificial reef 1 is completely filled. Accordingly, one of the large forces acts to lift the crest of the artificial reef 1 upwards.
  • the purpose of the strap members 13 is to maintain the required shape of the artificial reef 1 by resisting the upward force caused by the sand.
  • the tripod frames 33 are not designed to keep the artificial reef 1 shape.
  • the combination of strap members 13 and sand will achieve this.
  • the tripod frames 33 are merely placed to form the initial shape of the artificial reef 1 and open up the air-filled interior void to allow access for construction workers or assistance with buoyancy when the artificial reef 1 is floated to the site.
  • the tripod frames 33 are temporary.
  • the upward force is contained by the more closely-spaced strap members 13.
  • the other force felt by the artificial reef 1 relates to the impacts when waves are breaking thereon. These forces are absorbed by the internally contained sand.
  • the tripod frames 33 can be made of light material as they are not designed to brace against the wave impact forces.
  • the sand will try to spread laterally i.e. pancake.
  • the sand is held within the artificial reef 1 by the joins and edge joining assembly around the peripheral edges.
  • the artificial reef 1 gradients are usually much less than the natural angle of repose of the sand grains, these forces are mostly contained within the sand itself, by grain- grain interactions.
  • Most beach sands have a natural angle of repose exceeding 20 degrees and the artificial reef 1 gradients are much less (usually less than 10 degrees). This means that the lateral forces within the artificial reef 1 are not sufficient to damage the structure.
  • edges of the artificial reef 1 may be further stabilised by addition of heavy sand-filled geo-bags or rocks placed around the edges or on the adjacent sand.
  • the artificial reef 1 of the present invention is assembled on land, next to a water body.
  • the artificial reef 1 When assembled or built, the artificial reef 1 is then towed to a selected site. Dredge pipes may be fitted while still floating. The artificial reef 1 is filled with water and enough sand for it to be stable and sink to the seabed. The artificial reef 1 is then filled fully with sand by the dredge.
  • divers By using easy inlet and outlet connector assembly systems already built into the artificial reef surface layer 11, divers will be able to efficiently move the dredge pipe 59 to other inlets so that the artificial reef 1 is evenly and fully filled with sand.
  • These inlets (hole 54) which are threaded can be easily sealed using a threaded cap 53.
  • the position could be found with GPS or a Total Station by a professional surveyor.
  • Some seabed anchors may also be used to initially position the artificial reef 1 which may be winched to the seabed to the correct position.
  • Another method of assembly of an artificial reef 1 which comprises at least a base layer 10 and surface layer 11 wherein the method includes the steps of:
  • a base layer 10 is formed of a certain area ⁇
  • Support members 12 are placed on top of the base layer 10 and are connected by post member connection assemblies to the base layer 10;
  • a surface layer 11 is formed of a certain area and is then connected to the post member connection assemblies;
  • the surface layer 11 is edge joined to the base layer 10 to form a water tight compartment between the layers without the pourable material inside;
  • Inlet and outlet connection assemblies are then formed whereby plate members 51 clamp a portion the surface layer 10 with holes 54 in the plate members fluidly connecting an aperture 25 in the surface layer 11 to allow filling or emptying;
  • a splitter pipe member 58 is fluidly connected by a flexible pipe 59 to the inlet outlet connection assembly and also fluidly to a main pipe 56 which is connected to a sand and water pump;
  • the air in the artificial reef 1 is then discharged and replaced with water and then if required, filled with water and enough sand to cause the artificial reef 1 to be stable and sink down to a location on the sea/lake bed;
  • the artificial reef 1 is then filled with more granular material such as sand or rocks to displace any water, and/or to form the required volumetric artificial reef 1 shape.
  • the shaped lattice frame is placed on the base layer.
  • a surface layer of HDPE is then added and joined to the top of the lattice frame.
  • the edges of the base layer 10 and surface layer 11 are joined to make a full space structure water-tight. This could be achieved using PVC or steel strips that are above and below the edges and joined with bolts with the 2 sheets of HDPE sandwiched between. Other designs are also possible.
  • the several post members are formed as a tripod frame.
  • a lattice frame is shaped to produce a correct shape of a full artificial reef 1 wherein the shaped lattice frame is placed on the base layer.
  • the post support members are then connected with post member connection assemblies to at least the surface layer.
  • resilient elongate members in the form of strap members are connected with strap connection assemblies to the base layer and surface layer.
  • the inlet and outlet apertures 25 are then formed in the surface layer 11 and the inlet and outlet connection assembly which comprise circular plates with a central hole 54, to clamp a portion of the surface layer 11 with holes 54 being fluidly connected to the aperture 25, with a removable cover cap 53.
  • the edges of the base layer 10 are then jointed to the surface layer to form a sealed compartment there between.
  • the completed artificial reef 1 is then towed into the ocean by a vessel to the deployment site and sunk to the seabed.
  • a dredge pump then fills the sealed compartment with sand to form the required volumetric shaped artificial reef 1.
  • the base layer 10 is cut into suitable strips off site;
  • the strap members 13 are manufactured off site with looped ends;
  • -tripod frames or post members are placed on an inner side of the base layer
  • the strap members 13 join to both the base and top of the artificial reef 1 through apertures 25 in the surface layer 1 1 and are held in place by strap connector assemblies.
  • the strap members 13 will prevent the distortion of the artificial reef 1 and resist the expansion pressure when being filled with sand.
  • Their lengths are chosen to give the artificial reef 1 the required shape. They may be spaced every 2 m, but other spacing measurements are equally possible.
  • a series of support posts 12 can be placed between the base layer 10 and surface layer 11 and connected with the same connectors (Figure xx).
  • the support post 12 can include a tripod shape with adjustable height, although simpler single posts may be adopted.
  • Purpose-made joiners or connectors could consist of two circular plates sandwiching the HDPE between them ( Figure xx). They will have components for attaching the strap members 13 and a cap 53 to make the artificial reef 1, waterproof and safe for surfers. Other designs are possible.
  • the artificial reef 1 is lighter, less costly and can be more readily towed into position for filling.
  • the strap members 13 can be more readily brought to the site in a container, than the steel components.
  • the whole artificial reef 1 structure 1 ie base layer 10 and surface layer 11 can be made from HDPE, plastic, strap members 13 and PVC to prevent corrosion. Some users prefer aluminium, stainless steel or other corrosion resistant materials.
  • a series of filling inlets will be placed in the top HDPE layer of the artificial reef 1. These are custom-designed to allow easy “click-on” or “screw on” connection of the dredge pipes.
  • a series of outlets in the top HDPE layer will allow the water from the dredge slurry to escape, leaving the sand inside the structure.
  • the inlets and outlets holes 54 are threaded so that custom sealing caps or plugs 53 can be screwed into place once filling is complete. These are then tightened securely.
  • the caps 53 can have a bolt-shaped hole in their centre, so that a tool can be inserted for rapid tightening.
  • the assembly artificial reef 1 structure is floated to the site, dropped to the seabed and then filled with sand.
  • the sand absorbs the stress of wave breaking and holds the structure shape, rather than relying on the strength of the frame or straps.
  • the strap members 13 prevent the reef 1 distorting due to the internal pressure of the sand.
  • the weight of the sand also guarantees artificial reef 1 stability under wave attack.
  • the accurate placement of the artificial reef 1 can be achieved using differential GPS on the comers or with a total station from land.
  • Anchors in the seabed can be used to assist with accurate placement. The anchors can be retrieved once the artificial reef 1 is filled with sand.
  • Rocks or other heavy objects may be placed around the edges of the reef 1 to reduce scour or movement.
  • Durable HDPE could be used for the artificial reef 1, while fittings could be machined from PVC or steel.
  • other suitable materials can be adopted.
  • n) Can include re-closable sealable filling ports
  • Can include baffles or ribs internally to improve shape
  • the word “comprise” and variations of that word such as “comprising” and “comprises”, are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Any number of layers of the base layer and surface layer can be used.
  • the shape of the plate members 36 or 51 can be of any selected shape and number. Though bolting is shown other methods either singularly or in combination can be used such as for example, riveting, pins, welding, adhesive or heating.
  • the shape of the splitter pipe member 58 can also be of any suitable shape depending on what material is being pumped or the amount required to be pumped. Variations in the splitter pipe member 58 include material type, number of outlet or inlets, material type, lengths, diameters and cross sectional shape.
  • Support posts 12 are shown in this example as being tripod frames but equally any other shapes or orientation of the support posts 12 is equally possible such as for truss or lattice frames which can be formed in a curve, number of pipes, branches and/or straight or angled orientations etc. Filtering can also be combined where necessary.
  • the artificial reef 1 can includes a base layer 10 and surface layer 11 but equally other shapes are possible such as ones having side walls or having the base layer 10 curved continuously with surface layer 11.
  • the artificial reef 1 can include no separate side walls, with the surface layer 11 extending downwardly to meet the base layer 10, though in other options, there can be separate angled side walls such as vertical side walls.
  • a hole can be formed at the end.
  • baffles and rib like members can be formed or attached within the sealed compartment which can be used to strength the artificial reef 1 or provide different wave patterns.
  • the ribs can be placed on the outside surface of the reef 1 especially when being use as shore protection.
  • the base layer 10 of the artificial reef 1 can be incomplete leaving a large opening in the base. Air would be still trapped under the upper surface for flotation, deployment and retrieval of the artificial reef 1 by adopting the methods and valve system described already.
  • the steel artificial reef 1 can have sufficient weight to be stable with only water inside the artificial reef l 's internal cavity, but sand can be added. To reduce rusting, if possible welding would be done within the artificial reef 1 cavity which is not receiving new oxygenated water once sealed.
  • the base layer 10 and/ or surface layer 1 1 can include a structure providing pockets or cavities separate to the sealed compartment.
  • the pocket or cavities can be shaped as separate pockets within say a double skin like arrangement or can be a continuous pocket forming a peripheral pocket completely or partly surrounding the sealed compartment.
  • the artificial reef 1 will be a single element but a large reef may be made in smaller segments which are towed to the site individually and placed adjacent to or joined to the other segments at the seabed.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Revetment (AREA)
  • Artificial Fish Reefs (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un récif artificiel (1) qui comprend un corps formé ayant une couche de base (10) reliée et scellée à une couche de surface (11) formant au moins un compartiment scellé entre elles pour la réception d'air ou d'un matériau coulant entre elles pour former un récif artificiel en forme volumétrique (1) destiné à être placé sur un fond marin ou un lit de lac. Le corps comprend une surface externe pour amener les vagues à être changées d'une manière appropriée pour surfer et/ou protéger un littoral. Le récif artificiel (1) comprend également au moins une soupape d'entrée et de sortie pour permettre à l'air ou un matériau coulant quelconque d'être rempli dans le compartiment scellé ou vidé de ce dernier. Le récif artificiel (1) est conçu pour lui permettre d'être construit sur une surface sèche et flotter dans une position précise, une fois en place sur le substrat tel qu'un fond marin, les dimensions du récif artificiel (1) comprenant une base large avec des dimensions planes horizontales d'au moins 8 m pour empêcher un renversement en raison des vagues et un enfoncement dans un fond marin ou un lit de lac sablonneux sous l'action de vague et de courant.
PCT/NZ2017/050008 2016-01-29 2017-01-27 Récif artificiel et procédé d'assemblage Ceased WO2017131533A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NZ716480 2016-01-29
NZ71648016 2016-01-29

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2017131533A1 true WO2017131533A1 (fr) 2017-08-03

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115226664A (zh) * 2022-07-11 2022-10-25 交通运输部天津水运工程科学研究所 一种基于疏浚土固化的生态鱼礁结构

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5040919A (en) * 1990-05-11 1991-08-20 Glen Hendrix Device for controlling flood waters and/or hazardous liquid spills
US20030077122A1 (en) * 2001-03-26 2003-04-24 Carnahan Richard P. Artificial reef
WO2006094552A1 (fr) * 2005-03-03 2006-09-14 Dms V.O.F. Barriere pouvant etre remplie de liquide
US20070154264A1 (en) * 2005-12-29 2007-07-05 Baruh Bradford G Portable dike and floatation device
AU2012258446A1 (en) * 2011-12-06 2013-06-20 Kaye Frances Ratcliffe A barrier
US20150110558A1 (en) * 2012-05-02 2015-04-23 Scott McKenzie Water Containment Apparatus and Method, and Associated Fastener

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5040919A (en) * 1990-05-11 1991-08-20 Glen Hendrix Device for controlling flood waters and/or hazardous liquid spills
US20030077122A1 (en) * 2001-03-26 2003-04-24 Carnahan Richard P. Artificial reef
WO2006094552A1 (fr) * 2005-03-03 2006-09-14 Dms V.O.F. Barriere pouvant etre remplie de liquide
US20070154264A1 (en) * 2005-12-29 2007-07-05 Baruh Bradford G Portable dike and floatation device
AU2012258446A1 (en) * 2011-12-06 2013-06-20 Kaye Frances Ratcliffe A barrier
US20150110558A1 (en) * 2012-05-02 2015-04-23 Scott McKenzie Water Containment Apparatus and Method, and Associated Fastener

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN115226664A (zh) * 2022-07-11 2022-10-25 交通运输部天津水运工程科学研究所 一种基于疏浚土固化的生态鱼礁结构
CN115226664B (zh) * 2022-07-11 2023-05-30 交通运输部天津水运工程科学研究所 一种基于疏浚土固化的生态鱼礁结构

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