Breakwater construction method

Abstract

The application discloses a breakwater construction method, comprising the following steps: determining the type of the breakwater; manufacturing bionic breakwater units, each of which is a hollow independent module, the shell of the module is a rigid body composed of a bionic coral reef porous structure, a hydrogel material is embedded in the porous structure, and each hole in the porous structure adopts a gradient gap structure; setting a dynamic environment-friendly curtain system around the construction area, which comprises a plurality of bottom movable curtain units, each of which comprises a curtain cloth, a float and a counterweight, and the bottom of the curtain unit is movable through the extension and contraction of an anchor chain; performing breakwater foundation construction; performing masonry construction of the breakwater body by using stones and concrete; and installing the bionic breakwater units on the wave-encountering surface of the breakwater body to form a multi-level and multi-gap protection structure. The method can improve the wave-preventing effect of the breakwater, enhance the stability of the structure, effectively control pollution and stabilize the construction environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of marine engineering technology. More specifically, this invention relates to a method for constructing breakwaters. Background Technology

[0002] In marine engineering construction, the construction of breakwaters is a crucial task. Traditional breakwater construction methods present several problems that urgently need to be addressed. First, in terms of structural design, conventional breakwaters tend to have a relatively simple structure, typically a simple solid structure or a few porous structures, making it difficult to effectively cope with the complex and ever-changing marine wave environment. Faced with waves of varying directions and intensities, their wave-breaking effect is significantly reduced, failing to adequately reduce wave energy. This leaves port and coastal facilities still vulnerable to wave damage, affecting their normal use and safety. Furthermore, breakwaters with a single structure have a significant negative impact on the marine ecosystem. The lack of habitat and breeding space for marine life disrupts their living environment, leading to a reduction in marine biodiversity. Second, environmental protection measures during construction are severely inadequate. Large amounts of suspended matter generated during construction, such as silt and debris, are dispersed by ocean currents, seriously affecting the water quality of the surrounding sea area. These suspended matter not only reduce water transparency and hinder photosynthesis in marine plants but may also damage the respiratory and feeding systems of marine organisms, thus affecting the balance of the entire marine ecosystem. However, existing construction technologies often lack effective means of collecting and treating suspended solids, making it difficult to effectively protect the marine environment during construction. Furthermore, previous monitoring methods for the long-term stability of breakwaters are quite limited. Relying solely on regular manual inspections makes it difficult to monitor in real time changes in key parameters such as foundation settlement, breakwater stress and strain, wave pressure, and surrounding water flow velocity in complex marine environments. This results in the inability to promptly detect and take effective countermeasures when safety hazards arise in the breakwater, potentially leading to serious safety accidents and causing significant economic losses and casualties.

[0003] In summary, existing breakwater construction methods have numerous problems and shortcomings in terms of breakwater protection effectiveness, ecological protection, and construction monitoring. These problems not only affect the engineering quality and service life of the breakwaters but also adversely impact the marine ecological environment. Therefore, a new breakwater construction method is urgently needed to solve these problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a method for constructing breakwaters, which can improve the breakwater's wave-breaking effect, enhance structural stability, effectively control pollution, stabilize the construction environment, improve construction flexibility, and facilitate maintenance and management, thereby improving the overall construction quality and comprehensive management of breakwaters.

[0005] To achieve these objectives and other advantages of the present invention, a method for constructing a breakwater is provided, comprising the following steps:

[0006] S1. Conduct a survey of the construction sea area to determine the construction zone and the type of breakwater to be constructed;

[0007] S2. According to the type of breakwater, manufacture biomimetic breakwater units. Each biomimetic breakwater unit is a hollow independent module. The shell of the module is a rigid body made of a biomimetic coral reef porous structure. Hydrogel material is embedded in the porous structure. Each pore in the porous structure adopts a gradient pore structure, that is, the upper pore is large and the lower pore is small.

[0008] S3. A dynamic environmentally friendly curtain system is set up around the construction area. The dynamic environmentally friendly curtain system includes multiple curtain units with movable bottoms. Each curtain unit includes a curtain fabric, a buoy connected to the top of the curtain fabric and set on the water surface of the construction area, and a counterweight block connected to the bottom of the curtain fabric by an anchor chain and set on the seabed of the construction area. The bottom of the curtain unit can be moved by extending and retracting the anchor chain.

[0009] S4. Determine the foundation type of the breakwater based on the geological and hydrological conditions of the construction area and carry out construction; use rubble and concrete to construct the breakwater body; after the breakwater body is completed, install biomimetic breakwater units on the wave-facing side of the breakwater body to form a multi-layered, multi-gaps protective structure.

[0010] Preferably, it also includes S5, monitoring steps: installing settlement sensors, stress-strain sensors, wave pressure sensors, and flow velocity sensors at key locations on the foundation, body, and crest of the breakwater; setting up water quality sensors in the sea area surrounding the breakwater; using drones to periodically conduct low-altitude flight photography, and analyzing construction progress and quality through image processing; and transmitting the data from the settlement sensors, stress-strain sensors, wave pressure sensors, flow velocity sensors, and water quality sensors, along with the drone photography data, to the control center in real time.

[0011] Preferably, S4 specifically includes:

[0012] S401. Use a multibeam echo sounder and seabed drilling equipment to obtain seabed geological data of the construction area; use a current meter and wave meter to measure the wave height, period, and ocean current speed of the construction area; determine the foundation type of the breakwater, which is a riprap foundation, pile foundation, or caisson foundation.

[0013] S402. If the foundation is determined to be a riprap foundation, a riprap ship shall be used to drop the riprap into the seabed; if the foundation is a pile foundation, a pile driving ship shall be used to drive the precast concrete piles into the seabed; if the foundation is a caisson foundation, a floating crane ship shall be used to install the precast concrete caisson into the seabed.

[0014] S403. After the foundation construction is completed, the embankment body is constructed using riprap. After the riprap construction is completed, the outer layer of the embankment body is constructed using concrete.

[0015] S404. After the breakwater construction is completed, the bionic breakwater units are installed on the wave-facing side of the breakwater, and adjacent bionic breakwater units are connected by high-strength bolts.

[0016] Preferably, the porous structure is fabricated as follows: waste coral skeletons are mixed with lightweight ceramic particles, basalt fibers are added, and modified calcium alginate-sulfoaluminate cement binder is added; the mixture is injected into a mold to form a matrix with directional pores; the surface of the matrix is ​​acid-etched to form coral-like pits, and Fe3O4 nanoparticles are loaded in the pits; an artificial seaweed attachment structure is also provided on the surface of the biomimetic breakwater unit to attract marine organisms to inhabit it.

[0017] Preferably, the artificial seaweed attachment structure is a biomimetic seaweed leaf, which is strip-shaped or forked. The surface of the biomimetic seaweed leaf is provided with a microporous structure, and the biomimetic seaweed leaf is arranged in layers on the surface of the biomimetic breakwater unit, with the upper layer of leaves being longer and the lower layer of leaves being shorter. The biomimetic seaweed leaf is connected to the surface of the biomimetic breakwater unit by a flexible connector. The biomimetic seaweed leaf is made of an environmentally friendly polymer material.

[0018] Preferably, step S3 further includes the following steps:

[0019] S301. A modular collection trough is provided at the bottom of the curtain fabric on the side near the coastline. The collection trough includes multiple independent collection units, and adjacent collection units are connected by quick connectors.

[0020] S302. A filter screen is installed at the outlet of the collection tank. The mesh diameter of the filter screen is 3 mm to 5 mm, which is used to intercept particulate matter.

[0021] S303. Install a liquid level sensor in the collection tank to monitor the accumulation of suspended solids in real time; install a flow regulating valve and a flow sensor on the conveying pipeline to automatically adjust the conveying speed according to the concentration of suspended solids.

[0022] S304. The suspended solids in the collection tank are transported to the sedimentation tank on the shore through the conveying pipe. The conveying pipe is made of high-density polyethylene and a submersible pump is installed on the conveying pipe.

[0023] S305. A multi-stage sedimentation tank is provided in the sedimentation tank, including a primary sedimentation tank, a secondary sedimentation tank and a clear water tank. Inclined plates are provided in the sedimentation tank to increase the sedimentation area.

[0024] S306. A sludge collection device is installed at the bottom of the sedimentation tank to transport the settled sludge to a dewatering device for dewatering treatment; the dewatered sludge is then used for land reclamation or to make building materials.

[0025] Preferably, in step S3, the pontoon is made of high-density polyethylene material and filled with closed-cell foam. The bottom of the pontoon is fixed to the curtain fabric by a fixing connector. The curtain fabric adopts a multi-layer composite structure, with the outer layer away from the coastline being high-strength tensile fiber, the inner layer near the coastline being microporous filter material, and the middle layer being a waterproof membrane. A flexible skirt is also provided at the bottom of the curtain fabric.

[0026] The anchor chain is extended and retracted through a mechanical screw system. The mechanical screw system includes a screw fixed at one end to the float, a nut threadedly connected to the screw, a connector fixedly connected to the nut, and a motor drive structure for driving the screw to rotate. The connector is movably connected to the anchor chain. When the screw rotates, it causes the nut to move up and down, thereby adjusting the length of the anchor chain to adjust the horizontal position of the curtain unit. A tension sensor is installed at the connection between the anchor chain and the curtain fabric to monitor the tension of the anchor chain in real time and feed the data back to the control system.

[0027] A flow velocity sensor and a direction sensor are installed on the buoy to monitor the speed and direction of the ocean current in real time and send the data to the control center. The control center generates adjustment commands based on the transmitted data and adjusts the position of the curtain unit through the mechanical screw system.

[0028] Preferably, after the foundation construction is completed, the embankment body is constructed using riprap, and after the riprap construction is completed, the outer layer of the embankment body is constructed using concrete. Specifically:

[0029] A. After the foundation construction is completed, lay a sand and gravel cushion layer and compact it with a plate vibrator;

[0030] B. Use a layered masonry method for the rubble masonry, with each layer being 0.5 to 1 meter high and the rubble size being 500 to 800 millimeters.

[0031] C. Fill the gaps between the stones with small-diameter gravel, with a particle size of 20 mm to 50 mm, and compact the gravel with a hammer or vibrator.

[0032] D. After the riprap is completed, the slope of the embankment is trimmed and the formwork for the outer concrete layer is installed.

[0033] E. Concrete is poured using a layered pouring method.

[0034] Preferably, the hydrogel material is polyacrylamide or polyvinyl alcohol with a water content of 70%-90%, wherein a physical protective coating is coated on the outer layer of the hydrogel material of the biomimetic breakwater unit, and the physical protective coating is a polytetrafluoroethylene coating.

[0035] Preferably, the breakwater is a sloping breakwater, a vertical breakwater, or a hybrid breakwater.

[0036] The present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0037] First, a survey of the construction area should be conducted before construction to determine the type of breakwater and foundation based on geological and hydrological conditions. This will enable the breakwater to better adapt to different marine environments. For example, riprap foundations are suitable for softer ground, pile foundations are suitable for areas with high bearing capacity requirements, and caisson foundations are suitable for situations requiring rapid construction and high stability. This will ensure the stability and safety of the breakwater under different marine conditions and improve its ability to resist wave impact.

[0038] Secondly, the biomimetic coral reef porous structure and gradient void structure of the biomimetic breakwater unit can effectively disperse and dissipate wave energy. The large voids in the upper part reduce the initial impact force of the waves, while the smaller voids in the lower part further block the remaining energy, reducing the impact on the area behind the breakwater. The rigid shell and the embedded hydrogel material work together; the shell withstands the wave impact, while the hydrogel material buffers stress through flow and deformation upon impact, reducing the risk of structural damage and extending the service life of the biomimetic breakwater unit. Therefore, the two work together to improve the overall structural stability of the biomimetic breakwater unit and extend its service life. The biomimetic coral reef porous structure simulates marine life habitats, providing attachment and resting places for marine organisms, attracting fish, shrimp, shellfish, and other organisms to gather, which helps marine life reproduce and grow, promotes the restoration of marine ecosystems and increases biodiversity, and enhances the eco-friendliness of the breakwater.

[0039] Third, the multi-layered structure of the dynamic environmentally friendly curtain system effectively intercepts suspended matter generated during construction. The outer high-strength material ensures the curtain's strength, the inner microporous material filters fine particles, and the middle waterproof membrane prevents pollutant diffusion, protecting the marine ecosystem outside the construction area. The bottom of the curtain unit is movable, allowing for flexible adjustments based on construction progress and sea conditions, improving construction flexibility and reducing water erosion and disturbance to the construction area. The porous structure of the biomimetic breakwater unit, made from discarded coral skeletons, achieves resource utilization of waste, reducing the extraction of new resources and minimizing environmental damage. The biomimetic coral reef porous structure of the breakwater unit provides attachment and habitat sites for marine life, attracting them to gather and promoting their reproduction and growth, thus contributing to the restoration of the marine ecosystem and increasing biodiversity. The artificial seaweed attachment structure further simulates the natural seaweed bed ecosystem, providing marine life with more diverse habitats, increasing fish egg hatching rates, and promoting marine reproduction.

[0040] Other advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will become apparent in part from the following description, and in part from those skilled in the art through study and practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the breakwater construction method of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a side view of the dynamic environmentally friendly curtain system.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a side view of the mechanical screw system.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a side view diagram of the connection between the anchor chain and the nut in a mechanical screw system. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can implement it based on the description.

[0046] It should be understood that terms such as “having,” “comprising,” and “including” as used herein do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements or combinations thereof.

[0047] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the experimental methods described in the following embodiments are conventional methods, and the reagents and materials mentioned are commercially available. In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "setting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connection or setting, detachable connection or setting, or integral connection or setting. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances. The terms "lateral," "longitudinal," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a method for constructing a breakwater, comprising the following steps:

[0049] S1. Conduct a survey of the construction sea area to determine the type of breakwater to be constructed.

[0050] The breakwaters typically include sloping breakwaters, vertical breakwaters, and hybrid breakwaters. A comprehensive survey of the sea area is required before construction to determine the breakwater type. Multibeam echo sounders (such as the Reson 7125) and seabed drilling equipment (such as the Atlas Copco XC150) can be used to obtain seabed geological data, combined with current meters (such as the Nortek Aquadopp) and wave meters (such as the AWAC) to measure wave height, period, and current velocity. Based on geological conditions (such as sandy or rocky seabed) and hydrological parameters, sloping, vertical, or hybrid breakwaters can be selected. Specifically, when facing a sandy seabed, due to its relatively weak bearing capacity, a sloping breakwater is preferred if the waves are small and the current velocity is low. If the seabed is rocky and has good bearing capacity, but faces large waves and strong currents, a vertical breakwater is more suitable. In complex geological and hydrological environments, such as seabeds with a mixture of sand and rock, or where wave and current conditions are complex and changeable, hybrid breakwaters become a better choice. Hybrid breakwaters combine the advantages of sloping and vertical structures. The lower part can use a sloping structure to adapt to weaker foundations, while the upper part uses a vertical structure to enhance wave protection. The specific combination ratio is designed based on actual geological and hydrological data. For example, the lower sloping part accounts for 30%-50% of the total height. Precise calculations are used to ensure that the breakwater performs optimally in complex environments.

[0051] S2. According to the type of breakwater, manufacture biomimetic breakwater units. Each biomimetic breakwater unit is a hollow independent module. The shell of the module is a rigid body made of a biomimetic coral reef porous structure. Hydrogel material is embedded in the porous structure. Each pore in the porous structure adopts a gradient void structure, that is, the void is large at the top and small at the bottom.

[0052] The hydrogel material is polyacrylamide or polyvinyl alcohol with a water content of 70%-90%. A physical protective coating is applied to the outer layer of the hydrogel material of the biomimetic breakwater unit. The physical protective coating is a polytetrafluoroethylene coating.

[0053] The method for fabricating the porous structure is as follows: waste coral skeletons are mixed with lightweight ceramic particles, basalt fibers are added, and modified calcium alginate-sulfoaluminate cement binder is added; the mixed slurry is injected into a mold to form a matrix with directional pores; the surface of the matrix is ​​acid-etched to form coral-like pits, and Fe3O4 nanoparticles are loaded in the pits.

[0054] In the above steps, the biomimetic porous coral reef structure is fabricated as follows: Waste coral skeletons with a particle size of 5-20 mm are mixed with lightweight ceramic particles with a porosity ≥60% at a mass ratio of 3:1. Basalt fibers with a length of 10-15 mm and a modified calcium alginate-sulfoaluminate cement binder are added at a dosage of 2-3 wt%. The mixture is then formed using a cryogenic casting method: the slurry is injected into a mold and then gradually cooled to -40℃ at a rate of 2℃ / min to form a matrix with directional pores, where the main channels have a diameter of 200-500 μm and the branch channels have a diameter of 50-100 μm. The surface of the matrix is ​​then acid-etched to form coral-like pits with a depth of 100-300 nm, and 20-50 nm Fe3O4 nanoparticles are loaded into these pits. By using waste coral skeletons with a particle size of 5-20 mm as raw material, the resource recycling of waste materials is achieved. Discarded coral skeletons, which might otherwise be considered marine debris, are transformed into key components of a biomimetic coral reef porous structure through this method. This reduces the extraction of new resources and minimizes environmental damage. The biomimetic coral reef porous structure mimics real coral reefs, providing suitable habitats and breeding grounds for marine life. The directional pore structure, with main channels of 200-500 μm in diameter and branch channels of 50-100 μm, along with coral-like pits 100-300 nm deep, creates diverse living spaces for different species and sizes of marine organisms, attracting them to attach and inhabit, thus promoting increased marine biodiversity. Loading 20-50 nm Fe3O4 nanoparticles into the pits attracts iron-dependent microorganisms, promoting their growth and reproduction, and enriching the marine ecosystem's food chain. Mixing discarded coral skeletons with lightweight ceramic particles with a porosity ≥60% at a 3:1 mass ratio, and adding basalt fibers with a length of 10-15 mm and a doping of 2-3 wt%, enhances the overall performance of the porous structure. The high porosity of lightweight ceramic particles helps reduce the structural weight without compromising its strength; the addition of basalt fibers enhances the material's toughness and tensile strength, making the biomimetic coral reef porous structure less prone to breakage or damage when subjected to external forces such as wave impacts, thus improving the structure's stability and durability. Acid etching of the substrate surface creates coral-like pits, increasing surface roughness. This not only facilitates the attachment of marine organisms but also improves the structure's resistance to erosion to some extent.

[0055] The biomimetic breakwater unit is designed as a hollow, independent module, which not only reduces the overall weight, facilitating transportation and installation, but also reduces material usage and lowers costs. The hollow structure can be filled with a cushioning hydrogel material, further enhancing its stability under wave impact. The dimensions of each biomimetic breakwater unit are customized according to the actual breakwater scale and design requirements; for example, the length is 2-5 meters, and the width and height are between 1-3 meters, ensuring effective resistance to the impact of waves of varying sizes.

[0056] The module's shell employs a biomimetic porous coral reef structure. This structure, mimicking the morphology and pore distribution of natural coral reefs, increases the contact area with ocean waves, thus more effectively dispersing wave energy. Each pore in the porous structure uses a gradient void structure, with larger voids at the top and smaller voids at the bottom. The larger voids at the top allow some water to pass through during the initial impact of the wave, initially reducing its impact force; the smaller voids at the bottom further block the remaining wave energy, preventing the wave from having an excessive impact on the area behind the breakwater. The size and shape of each pore have also been carefully designed. The diameter of the upper pores is generally 5-10 cm, and the diameter of the lower pores is 2-5 cm. The pores are irregularly circular or elliptical in shape to simulate the pore structure of real coral reefs.

[0057] The hydrogel material can be either polyacrylamide or polyvinyl alcohol. If polyacrylamide hydrogel is used, its water content should be controlled at 75%-85%; if polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel is used, the water content should be controlled at 70%-90%. A polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating is applied to the outer layer of the hydrogel material in the biomimetic breakwater unit, with a coating thickness controlled between 0.5-1 mm. The PTFE coating has excellent corrosion resistance, a low coefficient of friction, and water resistance. It not only protects the hydrogel material from seawater erosion and extends its service life, but also reduces frictional resistance during wave impact, further optimizing the breakwater effect.

[0058] It should also be noted that the individual modules of the biomimetic breakwater unit will differ slightly depending on the type of breakwater. For sloping breakwaters, the biomimetic breakwater unit needs to be designed with a shape more suitable for the sloping structure, requiring a larger bottom support area to ensure stability on the slope. Since sloping breakwaters need to withstand wave impacts from different angles, the porous structure of the biomimetic breakwater unit can be distributed in multiple directions to better disperse wave energy. For upright breakwaters, the biomimetic breakwater unit needs to be designed with a shape more suitable for the upright structure, requiring a higher vertical height to cope with the wave impacts. Upright breakwaters typically face more direct wave impacts, so the porous structure of the biomimetic breakwater unit needs to be denser in the vertical direction to enhance impact resistance. Therefore, the position of the porous structure in the individual modules of the biomimetic breakwater unit will vary depending on the type of breakwater, and this can be specifically set according to requirements.

[0059] S3. A dynamic environmentally friendly curtain system is installed around the construction area. This system includes multiple curtain units with movable bottoms. Each curtain unit includes a curtain fabric 1, a buoy 2 connected to the top of the curtain fabric and positioned on the water surface of the construction area, and a counterweight 3 connected to the bottom of the curtain fabric 1 via an anchor chain 4 and positioned on the seabed of the construction area. The bottom of the curtain unit is movable through the extension and retraction of the anchor chain. Figure 2 As shown.

[0060] Specifically, step S3 includes the following steps:

[0061] S301. A modular collection trough is provided at the bottom of the curtain fabric on the side near the coastline. The collection trough includes multiple independent collection units, and adjacent collection units are connected by quick connectors.

[0062] S302. A filter screen is installed at the outlet of the collection tank. The mesh diameter of the filter screen is 3 mm to 5 mm, which is used to intercept particulate matter.

[0063] S303. Install a liquid level sensor in the collection tank to monitor the accumulation of suspended solids in real time; install a flow regulating valve and a flow sensor on the conveying pipeline to automatically adjust the conveying speed according to the concentration of suspended solids.

[0064] S304. The suspended solids in the collection tank are transported to the sedimentation tank on the shore through the conveying pipe. The conveying pipe is made of high-density polyethylene and a submersible pump is installed on the conveying pipe.

[0065] S305. A multi-stage sedimentation tank is provided in the sedimentation tank, including a primary sedimentation tank, a secondary sedimentation tank and a clear water tank. Inclined plates are provided in the sedimentation tank to increase the sedimentation area.

[0066] S306. A sludge collection device is installed at the bottom of the sedimentation tank to transport the settled sludge to a dewatering device for dewatering treatment; the dewatered sludge is then used for land reclamation or to make building materials.

[0067] Specifically, in S3, the float 2 is made of high-density polyethylene material and filled with closed-cell foam. The bottom of the float 2 is fixed to the curtain fabric 1 by a fixing connector. The curtain fabric 1 adopts a multi-layer composite structure. The outer layer away from the coastline is high-strength tensile fiber, the inner layer near the coastline is microporous filter material, and the middle layer is a waterproof membrane. A flexible skirt 5 is also provided at the bottom of the curtain fabric 1.

[0068] The anchor chain 4 is telescopically extended and retracted through a mechanical screw system. The mechanical screw system includes a screw 6 with one end fixed to the float 2, a nut 7 threadedly connected to the screw 6, a connector 13 fixedly connected to the nut 7, and a motor drive structure 8 that drives the screw 6 to rotate. The connector 13 is movably connected to the anchor chain 4. When the screw 6 rotates, it drives the nut 7 to move up and down, thereby adjusting the length of the anchor chain 4 to adjust the horizontal position of the curtain unit. A tension sensor is installed at the connection between the anchor chain and the curtain fabric to monitor the tension of the anchor chain in real time and feed the data back to the control system.

[0069] A flow velocity sensor and a direction sensor are installed on the buoy to monitor the speed and direction of the ocean current in real time and send the data to the control center. The control center generates adjustment commands based on the transmitted data and adjusts the position of the curtain unit through the mechanical screw system.

[0070] In the above steps, the pontoon is made of high-density polyethylene and integrally molded using injection molding or blow molding processes to ensure structural strength and sealing. The interior is filled with closed-cell foam, such as polyurethane closed-cell foam, which has moderate density, high buoyancy, and is water-resistant. Multiple fixing connection mounting positions are pre-set at the bottom of the pontoon, and the fixing connections with matching connection holes at the bottom are securely installed at the bottom of the pontoon using stainless steel bolts or welding. The high-strength tensile fiber outer layer of the curtain fabric can be made of aramid fiber, which has strong tensile strength. The inner microporous filter material near the coastline is a polypropylene microporous filter membrane, with a filtration accuracy down to the micron level. The middle waterproof membrane is made of polyethylene and is tightly bonded to the inner and outer layers using a hot-pressing process. Connecting collars corresponding to the fixing connections at the bottom of the pontoon are sewn onto the top edge of the curtain fabric. In use, the connecting collars are placed on the fixing connections and then tightened with nuts to achieve a stable connection between the pontoon and the curtain fabric. Meanwhile, a flexible skirt is sewn around the bottom edge of the curtain fabric. The flexible skirt is made of rubber or silicone, which has good flexibility and sealing properties, and can prevent suspended objects from passing through the bottom of the curtain fabric.

[0071] like Figures 3-4As shown, for the mechanical screw system, screw 6 and nut 7 can be made of high-strength alloy steel. To adapt to the corrosion resistance of the ocean, the surfaces of screw 6 and nut 7 can be hot-dip galvanized or nickel-plated, or made of stainless steel or titanium alloy. The surface of screw 6 is precision machined with high thread accuracy, and guide rod 9 is used to guide nut 7. For the motor drive structure 8, it includes a gearbox, coupling, and motor. Screw 6 is indirectly connected to the motor output shaft through the gearbox and coupling. The power generated by the motor is first transmitted to the gearbox via the coupling. The gearbox reduces the high speed output of the motor and increases the torque, and then transmits the power to screw 6 through a key connection to drive screw 7 to rotate. Nut 7 is precisely matched with screw 6 and is also made of high-strength alloy steel. The connector 13 includes a connector mounting base 10, a U-shaped connector 11, and a connecting shackle 12. The connector mounting base 10 is welded to the side of the nut 7. The U-shaped connector 11 is made of stainless steel. One end is fixed to the connector mounting base 10 on the nut by a pin, and the other end has a connecting hole for connecting to the connecting shackle 12. The anchor chain 4 can be connected to the U-shaped connector 11 using the connecting shackle 12. One end of the connecting shackle 12 passes through the connecting hole of the U-shaped connector 11 and is fixed, while the anchor chain passes through the annular part of the connecting shackle 12. This connection method ensures a reliable connection between the anchor chain 4 and the connector 13. The motor drive structure includes a motor, a gearbox, and a coupling. The motor is a waterproof and corrosion-resistant DC motor, which is bolted to the motor mounting bracket on the top of the float. The gearbox is connected to the motor output shaft via a coupling, and the gearbox output shaft is connected to the screw via a key, achieving efficient transmission of motor torque and speed regulation. When the control center issues a command to adjust the horizontal position of the curtain unit, the control system starts the motor drive structure. The motor operates, driving the gearbox via a coupling. The gearbox reduces the speed and increases the torque, driving the screw to rotate. Since the nut is threadedly connected to the screw, the screw's rotation causes the nut to move up and down along the screw's axis. This movement is transmitted to the anchor chain via a connector, thus extending and retracting the anchor chain and adjusting the horizontal position of the curtain unit. As the structure of the screw, nut, and motor drive mechanism is common, it will not be described in further detail here. A tension sensor is installed at the connection between the anchor chain and the curtain fabric. The tension sensor uses a strain gauge principle and is tightly fixed to the connection point using a special mounting clamp to monitor the tension on the anchor chain in real time. A current velocity sensor and a direction sensor are installed on the side of the buoy. The current velocity sensor is electromagnetic or ultrasonic, and the direction sensor is an electronic compass type. Both are connected to the control center via waterproof cables, transmitting the monitored ocean current speed and direction data to the control center in real time. The control center receives and analyzes the data from the current velocity sensor, direction sensor, and tension sensor. When the ocean current speed or direction changes, or the anchor chain tension exceeds the preset range, the control center generates an adjustment command, which is sent to the control system via a wireless communication module.The control system controls the forward and reverse rotation and speed of the motor drive structure according to instructions, achieving precise control of the mechanical screw system, thereby adjusting the position of the curtain unit to ensure it is always in optimal working condition. The counterweight is located on the side furthest from the coastline, while the curtain fabric is located on the side closest to the coastline.

[0072] A modular collection tank is installed at the bottom of the curtain fabric near the coastline. A conveying pipe is connected to the outlet of the collection tank. A filter screen is installed at the outlet of the collection tank to intercept particulate matter. A liquid level sensor is installed inside the collection tank to monitor the liquid level changes caused by the accumulation of suspended matter in real time. When the liquid level rises to a certain level, indicating that a certain amount of suspended matter has accumulated, the liquid level sensor transmits a signal to the control center. Upon receiving the signal, the control center starts a submersible pump on the conveying pipe. The suction generated by the submersible pump causes water in the collection tank to flow into the conveying pipe. Under the influence of the water flow, some of the medium-sized suspended matter intercepted by the filter screen is redispersed at the mesh openings and flows through the mesh into the conveying pipe. Since the mesh diameter is 3-5 mm, suspended matter that fits the mesh size has the opportunity to re-enter the conveying pipe under the continuous action of the water flow. The collection tank body can utilize existing technology. Installing a liquid level sensor inside the collection tank and a flow regulating valve and flow sensor on the conveying pipe allows for real-time monitoring of the accumulated suspended matter and automatic adjustment of the conveying speed based on the suspended matter concentration. This not only improves the efficiency of suspended solids collection and transportation but also avoids problems such as pipe blockage or untimely delivery caused by improper transportation speed, ensuring stable operation of the entire treatment process, reducing manual intervention costs, and increasing the system's automation level. The multi-stage sedimentation tanks and inclined plates within the sedimentation tank increase the sedimentation area and improve the sedimentation effect, allowing suspended solids to settle more thoroughly. Simultaneously, the settled sludge is collected and dewatered, and the dewatered sludge is used for land reclamation or building materials, achieving resource recycling, reducing waste emissions, and demonstrating good economic and environmental benefits, while mitigating the negative environmental impact of construction. The collection tank adopts a modular design, with adjacent collection units connected by quick-connect fittings for easy installation, disassembly, and maintenance. When a collection unit needs to be replaced or repaired, there is no need for large-scale modifications to the entire curtain system, reducing maintenance difficulty and costs, improving construction convenience and system reliability, and ensuring the long-term stable operation of the dynamic environmentally friendly curtain system.

[0073] S4. Determine the foundation type of the breakwater based on the geological and hydrological conditions of the construction area and carry out construction; use rubble and concrete to construct the breakwater body; after the breakwater body is completed, install biomimetic breakwater units on the wave-facing side of the breakwater body to form a multi-layered, multi-gaps protective structure.

[0074] Specifically, S4 is:

[0075] S401. Use a multibeam echo sounder and seabed drilling equipment to obtain seabed geological data of the construction area; use a current meter and wave meter to measure the wave height, period, and ocean current speed of the construction area; determine the foundation type of the breakwater, which is a riprap foundation, pile foundation, or caisson foundation.

[0076] S402. If the foundation is determined to be a riprap foundation, a riprap ship shall be used to drop the riprap into the seabed; if the foundation is a pile foundation, a pile driving ship shall be used to drive the precast concrete piles into the seabed; if the foundation is a caisson foundation, a floating crane ship shall be used to install the precast concrete caisson into the seabed.

[0077] S403. After the foundation construction is completed, the embankment body is constructed using riprap. After the riprap construction is completed, the outer layer of the embankment body is constructed using concrete.

[0078] S404. After the breakwater construction is completed, the bionic breakwater units are installed on the wave-facing side of the breakwater, and adjacent bionic breakwater units are connected by high-strength bolts.

[0079] Specifically, after the foundation construction is completed, the embankment body is constructed using riprap, and after the riprap construction is completed, the outer layer of the embankment body is constructed using concrete.

[0080] A. After the foundation construction is completed, lay a sand and gravel cushion layer and compact it with a plate vibrator;

[0081] B. Use a layered masonry method for the rubble masonry, with each layer being 0.5 to 1 meter high and the rubble size being 500 to 800 millimeters.

[0082] C. Fill the gaps between the stones with small-diameter gravel, with a particle size of 20 mm to 50 mm, and compact the gravel with a hammer or vibrator.

[0083] D. After the riprap is completed, the slope of the embankment is trimmed and the formwork for the outer concrete layer is installed.

[0084] E. Concrete is poured using a layered pouring method.

[0085] In the above steps, corresponding construction methods are provided for different foundation types, such as quarrying with quarrying vessels, piling with piling vessels, and caisson installation with floating cranes. These methods are mature and efficient, ensuring the quality and efficiency of foundation construction and meeting the construction requirements under different geological and hydrological conditions. The breakwater body adopts a combination of riprap masonry and concrete outer layer masonry. First, a sand and gravel cushion layer is laid and compacted to provide a stable base layer for the breakwater body; riprap is laid in layers, controlling the height of each layer and the particle size of the riprap to ensure the integrity and strength of the breakwater body; crushed stone is filled into the gaps between the riprap and compacted to further enhance the density of the breakwater body; finally, a concrete outer layer is poured, improving the breakwater body's resistance to erosion and wave impact, and extending the service life of the breakwater. Bionic breakwater units are installed on the wave-facing side of the breakwater body to form a multi-layered, multi-pore protective structure, which not only effectively reduces wave energy and mitigates the impact of waves on the breakwater, but also has certain ecological functions, which are conducive to the habitat and reproduction of marine life. Adjacent bionic breakwater units are connected by high-strength bolts, which facilitates installation and disassembly and ensures the strength of the connection.

[0086] In one specific embodiment, the method further includes S5, a monitoring step: installing settlement sensors, stress-strain sensors, wave pressure sensors, and flow velocity sensors at key locations on the foundation, body, and crest of the breakwater; setting up water quality sensors in the sea area surrounding the breakwater; periodically conducting low-altitude aerial photography using drones, and analyzing construction progress and quality through image processing; and transmitting the data from the settlement sensors, stress-strain sensors, wave pressure sensors, flow velocity sensors, and water quality sensors, along with the drone photography data, to the control center in real time.

[0087] In the above embodiments, settlement sensors, stress-strain sensors, and wave pressure sensors are installed at key locations on the foundation, body, and crest of the breakwater. This allows for real-time acquisition of the breakwater's settlement, stress, and wave pressure during construction and use, enabling the timely detection of potential structural safety hazards, such as excessive foundation settlement or abnormal stress in the body, so that appropriate measures can be taken to address these issues and ensure the breakwater's stability and safety. By installing current velocity sensors and setting up water quality sensors in the surrounding sea area, changes in ocean current speed and water quality can be monitored in real time. This helps to understand the scouring effect of water flow on the breakwater and the impact of construction on the surrounding sea water quality, providing data support for adjusting breakwater protection measures and environmental protection. Regular low-altitude aerial photography using drones, followed by image processing and analysis of construction progress and quality, allows for a quick and intuitive understanding of the overall construction situation, timely identification of problems such as non-standard breakwater body construction or installation deviations in breakwater units, facilitating timely adjustments to the construction plan and ensuring that construction progress and quality meet requirements. Data from various sensors and drone footage are transmitted to the control center in real time, enabling managers to obtain comprehensive monitoring information promptly. Based on this data, they can conduct analysis and make decisions, achieving refined management of breakwater construction and operation, and improving management efficiency and scientific rigor.

[0088] In one specific embodiment, an artificial seaweed attachment structure is also provided on the surface of the biomimetic breakwater unit to attract marine life to inhabit it.

[0089] Specifically, the artificial seaweed attachment structure is a biomimetic seaweed leaf, which is strip-shaped or forked. The surface of the biomimetic seaweed leaf is provided with a microporous structure, and the biomimetic seaweed leaf is arranged in layers on the surface of the biomimetic breakwater unit, with the upper layer of leaves being longer and the lower layer of leaves being shorter. The biomimetic seaweed leaf is connected to the surface of the biomimetic breakwater unit through a flexible connector. The biomimetic seaweed leaf is made of environmentally friendly polymer material.

[0090] In the above embodiments, the biomimetic seaweed leaves are designed in a ribbon-like or forked shape, mimicking the shape of natural seaweed and allowing them to better integrate into the marine environment. Ribbon-like leaves provide a larger surface area, while forked leaves increase structural complexity, offering marine organisms more diverse habitats. Microporous structures are incorporated into the surface of the biomimetic seaweed leaves. The diameter of these micropores can be designed according to the target marine organisms, preferably ranging from tens of micrometers to several millimeters. For example, for small shellfish and microorganisms, the micropore diameter can be 50-200 micrometers; for small fish and shrimp, the micropore diameter can be appropriately increased to 1-5 millimeters. The microporous structure not only provides attachment points for marine organisms but also creates tiny water vortices when water flows through, facilitating the retention and aggregation of marine organisms. The biomimetic seaweed leaves are arranged in layers on the surface of the biomimetic breakwater unit, with the upper layer of leaves being longer and the lower layer shorter. The longer upper blades sway with the current in seawater, attracting the attention of distant marine life and providing shelter for plankton and small fish. The shorter lower blades are closer to the breakwater unit surface, providing habitat and attachment points for benthic organisms. The spacing between each layer of blades can be adjusted according to blade length and water flow conditions, preferably between 10 and 30 centimeters. The biomimetic seaweed blades are connected to the surface of the biomimetic breakwater unit via flexible connectors. These connectors can be made of high-strength rubber or flexible plastic, with specially designed length and flexibility to ensure both free swaying of the biomimetic seaweed blades under water flow and a secure connection. For example, the connector length is 5-15 centimeters, with a tensile strength greater than 10 MPa and an elongation at break greater than 300%. This allows the biomimetic seaweed blades to adapt to changes in water flow when impacted by waves and currents, reducing the risk of damage caused by rigid connections. The biomimetic seaweed blades are made of environmentally friendly polymer materials, such as biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) or polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). These materials can slowly degrade in the marine environment, avoiding long-term environmental pollution like traditional plastics, while also possessing good mechanical properties to meet the requirements for use in marine environments.

[0091] In summary, artificial seaweed attachment structures provide diverse habitats for marine life, attracting a large number of different species, including plankton, small fish and shrimp, shellfish, and microorganisms. This helps restore and rebuild marine ecosystems damaged by human activities and promotes increased biodiversity. The layered arrangement and microporous structure of biomimetic seaweed leaves mimic the ecological environment of natural seaweed beds, providing suitable breeding and hatching sites for marine organisms. For example, some fish can lay eggs between the leaves; the microporous structure protects the eggs from external disturbances, increasing the hatching rate and thus promoting the reproduction of marine life.

[0092] The number of devices and processing scale described herein are for the purpose of simplifying the description of the invention. Applications, modifications, and variations of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0093] Although embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and embodiments. They can be applied to various fields suitable for the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other modifications can be easily made. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and their equivalents, the present invention is not limited to the specific details and illustrations shown and described herein.

Claims

1. A method for constructing a breakwater, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Conduct a survey of the construction sea area to determine the construction zone and the type of breakwater to be constructed; S2. According to the type of breakwater, manufacture biomimetic breakwater units. Each biomimetic breakwater unit is a hollow independent module. The shell of the module is a rigid body made of a biomimetic coral reef porous structure. Hydrogel material is embedded in the porous structure. Each pore in the porous structure adopts a gradient pore structure, that is, the upper pore is large and the lower pore is small. S3. A dynamic environmentally friendly curtain system is set up around the construction area. The dynamic environmentally friendly curtain system includes multiple curtain units with movable bottoms. Each curtain unit includes a curtain fabric, a buoy connected to the top of the curtain fabric and set on the water surface of the construction area, and a counterweight block connected to the bottom of the curtain fabric by an anchor chain and set on the seabed of the construction area. The bottom of the curtain unit can be moved by extending and retracting the anchor chain. S4. Determine the foundation type of the breakwater based on the geological and hydrological conditions of the construction area and carry out construction; use rubble and concrete to construct the breakwater body; after the breakwater body is completed, install biomimetic breakwater units on the wave-facing side of the breakwater body to form a multi-layered, multi-gaps protective structure.

2. The breakwater construction method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes S5, monitoring steps: installing settlement sensors, stress-strain sensors, wave pressure sensors, and flow velocity sensors at key locations on the foundation, body, and top of the breakwater; setting up water quality sensors in the sea area surrounding the breakwater; using drones to conduct low-altitude flight photography regularly, and analyzing construction progress and quality through image processing; and transmitting the data from the settlement sensors, stress-strain sensors, wave pressure sensors, flow velocity sensors, and water quality sensors, as well as the drone photography data, to the control center in real time.

3. The breakwater construction method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Specifically, S4 is: S401. Use a multibeam echo sounder and seabed drilling equipment to obtain seabed geological data of the construction area; use a current meter and wave meter to measure the wave height, period, and ocean current speed of the construction area; determine the foundation type of the breakwater, which is a riprap foundation, pile foundation, or caisson foundation. S402. If the foundation is determined to be a riprap foundation, a riprap ship shall be used to drop the riprap into the seabed; if the foundation is a pile foundation, a pile driving ship shall be used to drive the precast concrete piles into the seabed; if the foundation is a caisson foundation, a floating crane ship shall be used to install the precast concrete caisson into the seabed. S403. After the foundation construction is completed, the embankment body is constructed using riprap. After the riprap construction is completed, the outer layer of the embankment body is constructed using concrete. S404. After the breakwater construction is completed, the bionic breakwater units are installed on the wave-facing side of the breakwater, and adjacent bionic breakwater units are connected by high-strength bolts.

4. The breakwater construction method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The porous structure is fabricated as follows: waste coral skeletons are mixed with lightweight ceramic particles, basalt fibers are added, and modified calcium alginate-sulfoaluminate cement binder is added; the mixture is injected into a mold to form a matrix with directional pores; the surface of the matrix is ​​acid-etched to form coral-like pits, and Fe3O4 nanoparticles are loaded in the pits; artificial seaweed attachment structures are also provided on the surface of the biomimetic breakwater unit to attract marine organisms to inhabit it.

5. The breakwater construction method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The artificial seaweed attachment structure is a biomimetic seaweed leaf, which is strip-shaped or forked. The surface of the biomimetic seaweed leaf is provided with a microporous structure, and the biomimetic seaweed leaf is arranged in layers on the surface of the biomimetic breakwater unit, with the upper layer of leaves being longer and the lower layer of leaves being shorter. The biomimetic seaweed leaf is connected to the surface of the biomimetic breakwater unit by a flexible connector. The biomimetic seaweed leaf is made of environmentally friendly polymer material.

6. The breakwater construction method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, S3 further includes the following steps: S301. A modular collection trough is provided at the bottom of the curtain fabric on the side near the coastline. The collection trough includes multiple independent collection units, and adjacent collection units are connected by quick connectors. S302. A filter screen is installed at the outlet of the collection tank. The mesh diameter of the filter screen is 3 mm to 5 mm, which is used to intercept particulate matter. S303. Install a liquid level sensor in the collection tank to monitor the accumulation of suspended solids in real time; install a flow regulating valve and a flow sensor on the conveying pipeline to automatically adjust the conveying speed according to the concentration of suspended solids. S304. The suspended solids in the collection tank are transported to the sedimentation tank on the shore through the conveying pipe. The conveying pipe is made of high-density polyethylene and a submersible pump is installed on the conveying pipe. S305. A multi-stage sedimentation tank is provided in the sedimentation tank, including a primary sedimentation tank, a secondary sedimentation tank and a clear water tank. Inclined plates are provided in the sedimentation tank to increase the sedimentation area. S306. A sludge collection device is installed at the bottom of the sedimentation tank to transport the settled sludge to a dewatering device for dewatering treatment. The dehydrated sludge is used for land reclamation or to make building materials.

7. The breakwater construction method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In S3, the pontoon is made of high-density polyethylene material and filled with closed-cell foam. The bottom of the pontoon is fixed to the curtain fabric by a fixing connector. The curtain fabric adopts a multi-layer composite structure. The outer layer away from the coastline is high-strength tensile fiber, the inner layer near the coastline is microporous filter material, and the middle layer is a waterproof membrane. A flexible skirt is also provided at the bottom of the curtain fabric. The anchor chain is extended and retracted through a mechanical screw system. The mechanical screw system includes a screw with one end fixed to the float, a nut threadedly connected to the screw, a connector fixedly connected to the nut, and a motor drive structure for driving the screw to rotate. The connector is movably connected to the anchor chain. When the screw rotates, it causes the nut to move up and down, thereby adjusting the length of the anchor chain to adjust the horizontal position of the curtain unit. A tension sensor is installed at the connection between the anchor chain and the curtain fabric to monitor the tension of the anchor chain in real time and feed the data back to the control system. A flow velocity sensor and a direction sensor are installed on the buoy to monitor the speed and direction of the ocean current in real time and send the data to the control center. The control center generates adjustment commands based on the transmitted data and adjusts the position of the curtain unit through the mechanical screw system.

8. The breakwater construction method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, After the foundation construction is completed, the embankment body is constructed using riprap. After the riprap construction is completed, the outer layer of the embankment body is constructed using concrete. Specifically: A. After the foundation construction is completed, lay a sand and gravel cushion layer and compact it with a plate vibrator; B. Use a layered masonry method for the rubble masonry, with each layer being 0.5 to 1 meter high and the rubble size being 500 to 800 millimeters. C. Fill the gaps between the stones with small-diameter gravel, with a particle size of 20 mm to 50 mm, and compact the gravel with a hammer or vibrator. D. After the riprap is completed, the slope of the embankment is trimmed and the formwork for the outer concrete layer is installed. E. Concrete is poured using a layered pouring method.

9. The breakwater construction method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hydrogel material is polyacrylamide or polyvinyl alcohol, with a water content of 70%-90%. A physical protective coating is coated on the outer layer of the hydrogel material of the biomimetic breakwater unit. The physical protective coating is a polytetrafluoroethylene coating.

10. The breakwater construction method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The breakwater is classified as a sloping breakwater, a vertical breakwater, or a hybrid breakwater.

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