Ocean infrastructure foundation scour protection system and unit

Abstract

The present invention provides scour protection methods and systems, the system comprising a plurality of units, where each unit comprises a concrete matrix having a pH of less than 12; and wherein each unit can be interlocked with another unit; wherein the system facilitates and enhances marine organism animal and plant populations in the vicinity of the marine aquatic infrastructure.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Intensified development of urban foreshores, coastlines and offshore areas is driving a phenomenon known as ‘marine sprawl’, which is the removal or modification of natural habitats through the addition of complex artificial infrastructure (e.g. energy, aquaculture, coastal defence) to the marine environment.

[0002] Due to the lack of available structurally sound ecologically engineered alternatives, coastal and marine infrastructure (CMI) is designed and constructed with little or no ecological considerations, resulting in a high environmental footprint. More than 50% of CMI is made with standard “grey” concrete, which is a poor substrate for biological recruitment due to its poor surface chemistry that discourages the settlement of a wide range of marine larvae. As a result, communities that develop on CMI are often less diverse than natural communities and are often dominated by pest and invasive species.

[0003] The offshore wind industry is a fast-growing global energy source alongside traditional oil and gas. In 2009, offshore wind accounted for only 1% of global wind energy installations, but now accounts for 10% of the global wind energy industry. Since 2013, the global offshore wind market has grown by an average of 24% in total. Europe has been the traditional market for offshore wind development, accounting for 75% of global wind power installations. However, in recent years, China has become a major player in the offshore wind sector, installing 2.4 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy in 2019 alone (the global total installed capacity reached 6.1GW in 2019).

[0004] When developing offshore energy and civil facilities, foundations are required to anchor established infrastructure such as wind turbines and oil / gas rigs to the seabed and to stabilize cables, pipelines, and other types of civil infrastructure. Different foundations are used depending on sea surface conditions, sea level depth, geological factors, and other environmental considerations. The foundations of offshore infrastructure have to withstand the forces of wind on wind turbines, substations, and rigs in addition to the marine forces beneath the sea surface. There are several different types of offshore foundations, of which there are three main types: pile foundations, gravity / suction foundations, and floating structure anchors. Concrete is used extensively in the construction of offshore facilities as a structural component and / or protection mechanism. Scour is a key challenge that the offshore industry needs to address, as the abrasive nature of the seabed can lead to damage to offshore infrastructure.

[0005] Regulations vary from country to country, but many governments impose similar conditions on developers to build and operate offshore infrastructure. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has set general guidelines for more than 30 member and association countries, including the UK, Germany, the US and China, outlining environmental damage, minimum installed capacity, distance from the coastline and a bidding system (IEA). In addition to the general guidelines, specific national and state / provincial policies have been developed, but many of these are based on government initiatives to increase renewable energy generation.

[0006] Environmental impact assessments have shown that the construction and operation of offshore infrastructure, such as wind farms, substation platforms, cables, oil and gas rigs, pipelines and other forms of civil infrastructure, can have both positive and negative impacts on the surrounding environment. The main issues that arise include negative impacts on local habitats due to physical disturbance and noise pollution both above and below the water.

[0007] There is a need to provide a scour protection system that is both cost-effective and can reduce environmental exposure to harmful pollutants and promote and enhance the marine flora and fauna at sea or near aquatic infrastructure.

[0008] A nature-inspired solution needs to be developed to enable ecosystems to flourish on high-performance concrete structures, providing a fully structural, bio-enhanced concrete solution; designed to encourage the development of rich and diverse marine life as an integral part of CMI. A concrete-based scour protection system needs to be developed to improve water quality around CMI, increase the compressive strength of concrete, and reduce chloride penetration.

[0009] The system of the present invention provides an ecological scour protection unit, which utilizes the scour protection requirements of offshore infrastructure to create a suitable habitat for the offshore ecosystem. Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention provides a system comprising a plurality of units, wherein each unit comprises a concrete matrix having a pH less than 12; and wherein at least one unit of the plurality of units can be interlocked with at least one other unit of the plurality of units; and wherein the system is a scour protection system for aquatic infrastructure.

[0011] In some embodiments, the average weight of the units in the plurality of units is between about 20 and 150 kg.

[0012] In some embodiments, the average weight of the units in the plurality of units is at least about 50 kg.

[0013] In some embodiments, the plurality of units has an average weight of between about 2,000 and 100,000,000 kg.

[0014] In some embodiments, the average weight of the plurality of units is at least about 2,000 kg.

[0015] When referring to "a plurality of units", it is to be understood that the system of the present invention comprises at least 300 units, wherein each unit has the same or different three-dimensional configuration comprising and formed by a concrete matrix having a pH of less than 12.

[0016] Furthermore, each unit of the plurality of units may be interlocked with at least one other unit of the plurality of units.

[0017] When referring to "interlocking" of units, it should be understood as referring to any type of connection between at least two units of the system of the present invention (one unit is located on top of at least one other unit of the multiple units, one unit is located below at least one other unit of the multiple units, one unit is locked on at least one other unit of the multiple units, one unit is connected / interconnected to at least one other unit of the multiple units, one unit is linked to at least one other unit of the multiple units, etc.), so that the movement, displacement, movement, shift, disengagement, misalignment or operation of each unit is limited, inhibited, hindered or stopped by at least one other unit of the multiple units.

[0018] It will be appreciated that such interlocking of the units of the plurality of units of the system of the present invention is achieved when the system is deployed (by releasing the plurality of units into an aquatic environment at a preferred location) as a scour protection system for aquatic infrastructure. Figures 1 to 8 An exemplary embodiment of an interlock-enabling unit used with the system of the present invention is provided.

[0019] When reference is made to "scour protection systems for marine and aquatic infrastructures", it is understood to cover systems that prevent the loss of sediment from the seabed around any aquatic infrastructure placed in or on the aquatic bed (seabed, ocean floor, etc.). When multiple units are deployed (placed), the system forms a protective apron, mattress or any other structure around the bottom of the aquatic infrastructure, whether with bladed devices or with rock and gravel laying. The system of the present invention is a scour protection system for an aquatic infrastructure or environment, which can prevent the loss of sediment around any aquatic infrastructure when multiple units of the system are placed (randomly, orderly, specifically, densely, neatly placed, etc.) in or on the bottom of the water around the aquatic infrastructure.

[0020] The term "marine or waterborne building infrastructure" should be understood to cover any type, shape or size of infrastructure defined as suitable for marine or waterborne construction, including coastal defence structures such as breakwaters, seawalls, revetments and groins, bulkheads, piers, berths and related infrastructure, as well as infrastructure outside coastal waters, such as infrastructure in commercial waters and international waters. Examples of such marine building infrastructure include piles, bridge foundations, seaward berms, platform and wind turbine foundations, underwater cable protection and pipeline casings, moorings, etc.

[0021] The term "concrete matrix" refers to a concrete composition, which generally includes at least one cement (such as Portland cement or calcium aluminate cement), at least one aggregate (such as limestone, bluestone), sand (fine aggregate less than 4.75 mm and / or natural or crushed aggregate less than 0-2 mm) and water (potable and the chloride or sulfate content should not exceed 1000 ppm and does not contain harmful substances such as lead, copper, zinc (<5 ppm) or phosphate (<5 ppm)).

[0022] When reference is made to an "aquatic environment", it is understood to encompass any type of water, including, but not limited to, oceans (including oceanic, benthic, intertidal, shallow marine, estuaries, salt marshes, coral reefs, lagoons and mangrove swamps) and freshwater (including still water, flowing water, wetlands and ponds). The term relates to the aquatic environment at any depth, at any temperature, at any time or in any weather conditions and at any flow rate.

[0023] When reference is made to "flora and fauna", this should be understood to encompass any type of plant, organism or animal that is typical of the ecosystem of the aquatic environment in question.

[0024] In some embodiments, the marine or aquatic flora and fauna includes at least one of the following: (i) engineered species, such as corals, oysters, serpulid worms, coralline algae, and barnacles, which deposit a calcite skeleton, thereby increasing the structural complexity of the structure and creating a habitat for other organisms; (ii) filter feeders, such as oysters, mussels, tunicates, and sponges, which use filtering organs to feed while absorbing nutrients and organic particles from the water in the process; (iii) endolithic / epolithic cyanobacteria and, in some cases, when the concrete surface is above water, lichens, fungi, and mosses.

[0025] When reference is made to "promoting the growth of flora and fauna", it should be understood to cover any qualitative or quantitative promotion, enhancement, reinforcement, consolidation, reinforcement, support, supplementation or support to the stability, growth, health and proliferation of flora and fauna already growing or capable of growing in an aquatic environment ecosystem, and can be measured by any parameter known in the art (number of individuals or species, life cycle, growth coverage or surface, etc.).

[0026] In some embodiments, the promotion of marine flora and fauna facilitates the deposition of inorganic matter on the surface of the structure, which may reach about 50 to 1000 gr / m at a depth range of 1-10 meters after 12 months. 2 The chlorophyll concentration on the surface of the structure can reach a value between about 100 and 800 μgr / m3 after 12 months in a depth range of 1 to 10 meters.

[0027] In other embodiments, the promotion of marine flora and fauna is such that after 12 months, the number of coral seedlings on the surface of the structure is about 5 to 25 seedlings per 15x15 surface area in a depth range of 1-10 meters, and the coral settlement rate on the surface of the structure is about 5% to 60% after <1 month under laboratory conditions.

[0028] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of promoting the growth of intra- and peri-lithophore flora comprising providing a scour protection system for an aquatic infrastructure, the system comprising a concrete matrix having a surface pH of less than 12. It should be noted that such infrastructure may also be a Mediterranean bioactive terrestrial structure (i.e., a bioactive structure above water level) but having sufficient moisture and sediment to promote the growth of terrestrial flora, as in natural systems.

[0029] The term "endolitic and epilitic flora" should be understood to cover lichens, fungi, mosses and blue-green algae. It should be noted that such endolitic and epilitic flora can grow in terrestrial environments as long as there is sufficient humidity and sediment. In some embodiments, the infrastructure mentioned above is a "bioactive wall" element designed to induce rapid plant wall coverage of inland buildings. Green plant coverage significantly improves urban landscapes, provides cleaner, healthier air, and reduces the ecological footprint of urban development. The physical and chemical properties of the wall substrate have a great influence on its ability to support and promote growth. In some embodiments, this bioactive wall structure induces the natural growth of endolitic plants, endolitic algae, lichens and mosses. In some other embodiments, the bioactive wall structure has a high complexity and porosity, thereby allowing the creation of a moist ecological niche that supports flora without the need for a complex soil system.

[0030] In another aspect thereof, the present invention provides a method of promoting the growth of endolithic and exolithic anaerobic and aerobic flora and fauna comprising providing a scour protection system for aquatic infrastructure comprised of a concrete matrix having a pH of less than 12.

[0031] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of scour protection for aquatic infrastructure, comprising providing a system comprising a plurality of units, wherein each unit comprises a concrete matrix having a pH value less than 12; and wherein each unit can be interlocked with at least one other unit of the plurality of units.

[0032] In some embodiments, the aquatic infrastructure relates to marine infrastructure. In some embodiments, the aquatic infrastructure relates to offshore aquatic infrastructure. In some embodiments, the aquatic infrastructure relates to freshwater infrastructure.

[0033] In some embodiments, the scour protection system of the present invention has a porosity of at least 30%. In other embodiments, the scour protection system of the present invention has a porosity of at least 40%. In other embodiments, the scour protection system of the present invention has a porosity of at least 50%. In other embodiments, the scour protection system of the present invention has a porosity of about 30% to about 60%.

[0034] Since the scour protection system of the present invention comprises a plurality of units, it should be understood that when referring to "porosity", it is related to the ratio of the pore volume of the scour protection system (the pores present between the plurality of units of the system) to the total volume of the scour protection, defined as p=Vp / VT. The porosity parameter provides a relationship between the amount of pores present in a given volume occupied by a certain amount of the overall scour protection system (comprising a plurality of units). The porosity value of a system comprising a plurality of units depends on its physical properties as well as the method of placement. Among the most relevant physical properties affecting the porosity of a system comprising a plurality of units are: shape, surface roughness, roundness, size and mass distribution (grading) of the system units. In order to make an accurate estimate, the revetment stone features have been standardized to standard grades in accordance with EN13383, which is the most widely used standard in the industry. In the standard grading, 60 to 300 kg is commonly used. With respect to the method of placement, a system comprising a plurality of units can be randomly placed, standardized, densely placed or specifically placed. In some embodiments, the placement of a system comprising a plurality of units is performed in a random manner.

[0035] Compared to known revetment stone scour protection systems, the system of the present invention comprises a plurality of units, wherein the plurality of units are designed to interlock at least one of the plurality of units with at least one other unit, and the advantages thereof include: the ability to densify and interlock scour protection capabilities compared to random rock piles randomly placed on the seabed, which provides a regular and constant unit shape and grading curve, and further, the layer filling together with the unit shape and grading controls the interlocking between the units, thereby controlling the shear strength of the units within the scour protection pile and the interlocking between the unit layers.

[0036] It should be noted that the hydraulic stability of the scour protection system of the present invention is comparable to the hydraulic stability of rock scour protection known in the art, as required using parameters for evaluating the hydraulic stability of rock structures (typically consisting of a combination of hydraulic parameters and material parameters, including wave and current attack, characteristics of bank protection units, cross-section of system structure, response of system structure, etc.).

[0037] In some embodiments, the structure mentioned above is a "live rock" structure, that is, a structure according to the present invention placed in an isolated closed marine environment, such as an aquarium (e.g., a saltwater aquarium). Such a live rock structure brings a variety of benefits desired by saltwater aquarium enthusiasts to a closed marine environment. The live rock structure of the present invention provides an excellent biological filter that accommodates aerobic and anaerobic nitrifying bacteria required for the nitrogen cycle to process waste. Thus, the live rock becomes the main biological nitrification base or biological filter for a saltwater or freshwater aquarium. In addition, the live rock structure of the present invention can also have a stabilizing effect on water chemistry, particularly by releasing calcium carbonate to help maintain a constant pH value. In addition, the live rock structure is a decorative element of the aquarium and provides shelter for the inhabitants therein.

[0038] It should be noted that the growth of intra- and peri-lithic anaerobic and aerobic flora and fauna, such as nitrifying bacteria and nitrosamines, is promoted.

[0039] In some embodiments, the pH of the concrete matrix is ​​less than about 11. In other embodiments, the pH of the concrete matrix is ​​between about 9 and about 10.5. In some embodiments, the pH of the concrete matrix is ​​the pH of substantially the entire concrete infrastructure. In other embodiments, the pH of the concrete matrix is ​​substantially the pH of the top surface of the infrastructure. In other embodiments, the top surface has a thickness of about 5 cm or more.

[0040] In some embodiments, the salinity of the aquatic environment is between about 0 and 45 ppt (i.e., the salinity can be 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 ppt).

[0041] The enhancement of flora and fauna is associated with aquatic environments exposed to areas of sufficient light, i.e. within the photic zone (maximum depth 0-100 m), and in the area from the seafloor to the splash zone, or higher for biologically active structures supporting terrestrial flora.

[0042] In some embodiments, the at least one unit has a surface roughness with a roughness scale of at least 12. In other embodiments, the infrastructure has an RA value of at least 50 microns. In addition, the infrastructure has a surface texture with an RA value of 5-20 mm.

[0043] In some other embodiments, the concrete matrix has a unit volume weight of between about 1100 and about 2500 Kg / m. In other embodiments, the concrete matrix has a unit volume weight of between about 1100 and about 1800 Kg / m.

[0044] In other embodiments, the concrete matrix includes additives and cement in an amount between 0 and about 90% by weight of the Portland cement or completely replaces the Portland cement.

[0045] In other embodiments, the concrete matrix includes at least one of microsilica fume / silica fume, metakaolin, and calcium aluminate cement. In some embodiments, the microsilica fume / silica fume and / or metakaolin and / or calcium aluminate cement are added to the concrete matrix to replace any equivalent weight % of portland cement in the matrix. In some other embodiments, the concrete matrix has an average compressive strength between about 20 and 80 MPa (i.e., about 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, or 80 MPa).

[0046] In some additional embodiments, the concrete matrix has a water pressure permeability resistance of between about 5 and 50 mm (ie, about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 mm) at 7 bar pressure.

[0047] (EN 12390-8).

[0048] In other embodiments, the concrete matrix has a resistance to chloride ion penetration of between about 500 and 2000 coulombs (i.e., about 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000 coulombs) (ASTM c 1202). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] The subject matter regarded as the present invention is particularly pointed out and expressly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. However, the organization and method of operation of the present invention, as well as the objects, features and advantages of the present invention, may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0050] Figures 1 to 8 Structural embodiments of multiple units used in the system of the present invention are shown (top view, bottom view and cross-sectional view).

[0051] Fig. 9Multiple units of the system of the present invention are shown prior to manual deployment into the water via a wooden funnel to simulate a barge side drop mechanism.

[0052] Fig.10 and Fig.11 The water deployment system of the present invention and the interlocking mode achieved are shown.

[0053] It should be understood that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, the elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, for clarity, the size of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements. In addition, reference numerals may be repeated in the figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements where deemed appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] In the detailed description below, many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known methods, procedures and components are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present invention.

[0055] Boundary conditions such as hydrodynamic conditions, soil type and location are taken into account during product design. This is mainly to ensure that the external stability of the scour protection is able to withstand waves and currents.

[0056] These are technical criteria of hydraulic / soil properties used for product identification: defined return period (e.g. 50 years), wind speed (m / s), current speed (m / s), significant wave height and peak period, bottom track speed, predominant wave direction, predominant current direction, influence of soil type and depth on the most effective scour protection.

[0057] The dimensions of the product are derived from typical dimensions of rocks used for scour protection in reference offshore projects and take into account different parameters such as average depth, soil type and internal friction angle, estimation of scour protection length and estimated dimensions of rock at different locations with different local boundary conditions.

[0058] From these surveys, in European offshore wind farms, at depths of about >20 meters, typical D50=0,45mW50=276kg (eg 200-400kg class) are used.

[0059] Other relevant data extracted: The diameter of the pile depends on the foundation type; the diameter of the gravity foundation is between 10-17m, while the diameter of the single pile is between 4-6m, D50 is between 0.42-0.55m, Dn50: 0.35-0.46m; W50: 113kg-255kg (rock density (ρrock): 2650kg / m 3), layer thickness: >2D502Dn50=0.70-0.92m; layer thickness placed in 5 examples: 1.20m-1.80m, scour protection length. Several formulas have been proposed. One of the most commonly used methods is the one proposed by the DNV standard (depending on the maximum scour depth, internal friction coefficient and pile diameter).

[0060]

[0061] On the other hand, the revetment units considered for the Empire Wind project weigh 70 kg. In addition, the internal stability of the scour protection must ensure that fine material is prevented from migrating through gaps and voids in the protection layer. Flexibility of the scour protection.

[0062] ECOncrete infrastructure is based on a range of concrete mixes and science-based design that provide suitable biological and environmental conditions for the development of rich and diverse flora and fauna, while reducing the ratio of invasive to native species. ECOncrete infrastructure promotes the colonization of marine life and the recovery of local ecosystems by enhancing the ecological value of built structures and mimicking natural conditions.

[0063] Bio-enhanced concrete uses the growth of biological shells from ecosystem engineers to continuously grow and layer a skeleton onto the infrastructure, providing enhanced resilience to coastal and marine infrastructure. Bio-accretion, typically a calcite shell that forms on ecologically engineered / bio-enhanced structures, acts as both a protective layer, potentially reinforcing the structure, and enhancing the carbon storage value of the infrastructure. Once a specific installation location is designated, ECOncrete’s biological team will survey the area to identify local habitats and existing species. Target species will be identified in conjunction with local authorities, and the proposed infrastructure will be designed based on the target species’ preferred habitats.

[0064] Due to the unspecified location, unknown fluid dynamics, wave and currents, and soil properties, the design unit will correspond to an average size of approximately 20-70kg of scour protection rock (estimated concrete density: 2,400kg / m 3 , placed on top of a filtration layer (estimated at 5-20kg) which will be laid on the seabed and will extend 10 meters around the area occupied by the revetment layer.

[0065] The hydraulic stability of the scour protection of the ECOncrete revetment units is achieved not only by the weight of the units but also by their design. The units are designed to be cast in C35 / 80Mpa concrete to withstand unloading from the factory to the working pier to the vessel, and deployment from the vessel to the seabed.

[0066] Marine infrastructure is built to strict building codes and standards and is subject to frequent use over a long design life. Examples include ports, piers, breakwaters, oil and gas platforms, wind turbines, and more. Any ecological enhancement application to these facilities must comply with (1) local and international building standards—ASTM International, European Standards (EN), American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and others; (2) local construction methods and labor regulations; (3) structural design life; and (4) economic rationale. These stringent constraints often lead to traditional design and construction processes that exclude the principles of nature-inclusive design, which can result in limited ability of infrastructure to support native marine flora and fauna in local ecosystems. Scour protection revetments are used in large-scale projects in different climates around the world and are designed to withstand the intense hydrodynamic forces imposed on coastal or offshore infrastructure. Concrete units need to withstand forces imposed by operational activities ranging from stockpiling to the movement of marine and land vessels. In addition, the weight of the individual blocks and their ability to interlock play a critical role in their structural integrity and functionality. Since scour protection is applied to extreme intertidal conditions (salinity and temperature variations, wet-dry cycles, hydrodynamic forces and freeze-thaw cycles), the addition of any ecologically relevant features should be subject to extensive structural testing. In addition to validating the design life, no compromise should be made in achieving performance results that meet or exceed the standards.

[0067] Study on the free fall of concrete units in water and the interlocking of bottom units of the system of the present invention

[0068] Location: All testing was conducted in Israel. The first day of testing (preliminary design evaluation) was conducted in a 130 cm deep pool in Holon, Israel. The second day of testing (detailed design evaluation) was conducted in a 190 cm deep pool in Yafit, Israel.

[0069] Date and time: Design evaluation testing was conducted on July 28, starting at 10:00 local time; In-depth performance evaluation testing was conducted on August 16, starting at 7:30 local time; Temperature: Temperature fluctuated between 30-35°C on both days; Weight sensitivity: The weights used to weigh the model unit had a sensitivity of ±30g; Water properties: Fresh water, estimated density 1000kg / m 3 .

[0070] Material Specifications and Unit Properties: The ECOncrete Scour Protection Model Units tested were made from the following mixture: 1 part sand, 0.6 parts cement, 0.3 parts water, 0.8 grams plasticizer. Mixed density: 2,400kg / m 3 Ratio: 1:8.25

[0071] Production method: Wet casting into rubber molds. Water properties: Fresh water, estimated density 1000kg / m 3 .

[0072] Seawater (1,030 kg / m 3 ) and fresh water (l,000kg / m 3 ) between the two. In order to achieve similar conditions between the relative density in the prototype and the relative density in the model, the density of the model unit should be 2,329kg / m 3 , instead of 2,400kg / m 3 . Therefore, the model units are heavier than they were at sea. Spread radius data were collected using a tape measure. All tests were recorded by strategically placed cameras to allow tracking of the tests. In addition, photographs and videos of the area near the unit were taken after each drop. After each drop, the position and orientation of the unit was recorded and catalogued.

[0073] Rubber mats were adhered to a plastic sheet placed on the bottom of the pool to simulate surface texture. The devices were manually slid into the water from a wooden funnel to simulate the side-drop mechanism of a barge ( Fig. 9 ).

[0074] Preliminary geometric design for design evaluation: The preliminary geometric design of the units was based on the following criteria: perceived geometric design potential for determining biological properties, large-scale production and operational feasibility; structural robustness in terms of collision with the bottom and / or other units after free fall in water, and interlocking of at least two system units.

[0075] Figures 1 to 8 The design was developed and tested during the evaluation phase of preliminary testing. Measurements are in millimeters and refer to a scale model.

[0076] Single unit alignment testing protocol: Each type of single unit was dropped in 3 different alignments to test their effect on the final alignment of the pool floor. This process was repeated 3 times for each design.

[0077] Collective release test protocol: A group of 40 units is pushed into the water from a funnel. The funnel is 15 cm above the water surface. The resulting unit distribution is then measured based on three variables: scatter diameter, cumulative height, and interlocking ability. This process is repeated three times for each design.

[0078] Test results: Units tend to fall toward a face that evenly distributes the unit's mass and, if possible, has more angular surface area than its parallel faces, and therefore less drag. Direction of fall has little or no effect on landing direction. Units with an off-center center of mass are more likely to rock and flip than other units.

[0079] Units with slots and sharp corners seem to interlock better. Putting multiple designs together had no significant effect on the quality of the results.

[0080] Fig.10 and Fig.11 The deployment of the system of the invention as scour protection and the interlocking mode of the units of the system of the invention are shown.

[0081] Although certain features of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It should therefore be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A system comprising a plurality of units, wherein each unit comprises a concrete matrix having a pH of less than 12; and wherein each unit is capable of interlocking with another unit; wherein the system is a scour protection system for aquatic infrastructure.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the average weight of the unit is between about 20 kg and about 150 kg.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the average weight of the units is at least about 50 kg.

4. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the average weight of the plurality of units is at least about 2000 kg.

5. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pH is less than about 11.

6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pH is between about 9 and 10.

5.

7. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pH of the concrete matrix is ​​the pH of the top surface of the unit.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the surface has a thickness of at least about 5 cm.

9. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the salinity of the aquatic environment is between about 0 and 45 ppt.

10. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the unit has a surface roughness of at least 12 on a roughness scale.

11. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concrete matrix has a unit volume weight of about 1100 Kg / m 3 About 2700Kg / m 3 between.

12. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concrete matrix has a unit volume weight of about 1100 Kg / m 3 About 1800Kg / m 3 between.

13. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the concrete matrix comprises between 0 and about 90% Portland cement.

14. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concrete matrix has an average compressive strength of between about 30 MPa and 80 MPa.

15. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concrete matrix is ​​capable of promoting marine or aquatic flora and fauna.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein the marine or aquatic flora and fauna are selected from engineered and habitat forming species as well as corals and filter feeders.

17. A method of scour protection of an aquatic infrastructure comprising providing a system comprising a plurality of units, wherein each unit comprises a concrete matrix having a pH less than 12; and wherein each unit is capable of interlocking with at least one other unit of the plurality of units.

Images