Erosion Control Barrier

Abstract

Protection of a shoreline from erosion caused by wave action and reclaiming lost land areas by use of one or more barriers having a porosity to allow a portion of the wave to pass through the barrier at a reduced force causing the slower water to release sediment behind the barriers. Further by redirecting and dissipating the full force of waves, additional damage can be prevented.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 318,292, by Lester Ray Wisegerber and Elmo S. Peddy, titled “Barrier” filed 27 Mar. 2010, which, by this statement, is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Each year the Galveston Bay System alone loses an average of 3 feet of shoreline and in some places the loss is as much as 15 feet. This loss does not reflect the added impact of hurricanes and other extreme weather conditions. These are the losses of just one area of shoreline in Texas. Countless millions of dollars are spent on temporary methods to combat erosion such as hay bales, in the Gulf of Mexico alone.[0003]The problem is not unique to the Gulf of Mexico. It is a reflection of what is occurring along the vast majority of shorelines all over the world where ocean tides meet land. In addition, similar issues plague hig...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In addition, similar issues plague high velocity locations in channels and rivers where erosion wears the land.

Traditional barriers have been used to stop wave action, but they can cause a buildup of sediment in front of the barrier and subsequently create a semi-stagnant pool behind the barrier.

The other result of traditional barriers is a redirection of the waves' energy causing a scouring effect at the base of the barrier which ultimately results in the barriers becoming instable and ineffective.

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