Eco-friendly seawall

Abstract

An eco-friendly seawall comprises a seawall open caisson foundation, a stepped revetment, riprap protection feet, a seawall front wavebreak forest, a seawall rear windbreak forest and a seawall top footpath. A stepped revetment is arranged above the seawall open caisson foundation, and the stepped revetment is composed of a stepped concrete revetment and modularized prefabricated concrete steps; a plurality of drainage pipes are arranged at the bottom of the stepped concrete protection slope; drainage ports of the drainage pipes are arranged in the breakwater front wave-proof forest; the prefabricated concrete step comprises a viewing platform on the uppermost layer and a plurality of concrete planting pools arranged below the viewing platform in a stepped manner; riprap protection feet are arranged on the outer side of the stepped revetment, and the ripraps are covered with sandy soil for planting a breakwater wavebreak forest; and the inner side of the stepped revetment is sequentially provided with an embankment rear windbreak forest and an embankment top footpath. The seawall integrates ecological restoration, landscaping, moisture prevention and disaster reduction, and the function of coping with storm surge is reserved while the seawall is landscaped.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of seawall structure technology in coastal protection engineering, specifically involving a composite seawall that takes into account both wave dissipation performance and ecological restoration. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional seawalls mainly consist of vertical concrete seawalls and riprap seawalls. Their construction utilizes rigid concrete walls or piled stones to form a continuous barrier. Construction relies on large machinery for on-site pouring or riprap placement, resulting in long construction periods. These seawall structures have the following drawbacks: ① Ecological damage: The rigid structure obstructs the exchange between water and land ecosystems, leading to the degradation of coastal habitats; ② Low wave dissipation efficiency: High wave reflectivity exacerbates erosion in front of the seawall, requiring frequent maintenance; ③ Poor adaptability: Unable to cope with wave height fluctuations under extreme weather conditions, posing a risk of structural instability.

[0003] In recent years, ecological seawall technology has emerged, which uses porous concrete or artificial reef structures to allow some water to infiltrate and promote vegetation growth. However, it has the following shortcomings: insufficient structural strength, weak impact resistance of permeable materials, and easy cracking after long-term erosion by waves; limited ecological restoration effect, and lack of integrated wave dissipation and ecological function synergistic design. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, this utility model provides an eco-friendly seawall that can be modified on the basis of existing coastal protection projects. It is a composite seawall design that takes into account wave dissipation performance, ecological restoration and construction efficiency improvement.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention includes the following technical solution:

[0006] An eco-friendly seawall includes a seawall caisson foundation 1, a stepped revetment 2, riprap toe protection 3, a wave-breaking forest in front of the seawall 4, a windbreak forest behind the seawall 5, and a walkway on the top of the seawall 6;

[0007] The foundation 1 of the seawall caisson is a concrete wall below ground level;

[0008] Above the seawall caisson foundation 1 is a stepped revetment 2, which consists of a stepped concrete slope 21 and modular precast concrete steps 22. The stepped concrete slope 21 is poured on the seawall caisson foundation 1, and the precast concrete steps are fixed to the concrete slope 21 by building reinforcement 23. Multiple drainage pipes 211 are installed at the bottom of the stepped concrete slope 21, and the drainage outlets of the drainage pipes are placed in the wave-breaking forest 4 in front of the seawall.

[0009] The precast concrete steps 22 include an uppermost viewing platform 221 and multiple concrete planting pools 222 arranged in a stepped manner below the viewing platform.

[0010] 2. A riprap toe protection 3 is installed on the outer side of the stepped revetment 2. The riprap is covered with sand, and a wave-breaking forest 4 is planted on the sand.

[0011] The inner side of the stepped revetment 2 is successively equipped with a windbreak forest 5 behind the dike and a walkway 6 on the top of the dike.

[0012] In the eco-friendly seawall described above, preferably, at the junction of the inner side of the concrete slope protection 21 and the soil inside the seawall, a concrete cushion layer 24 and a filter material layer 25 are sequentially provided from top to bottom.

[0013] In the eco-friendly seawall described above, preferably, the thickness of the seawall caisson foundation 1 is 1-3m and the height is 3-5m.

[0014] In the eco-friendly seawall described above, preferably, the stepped revetment 2 has a height of 1.0 to 2.4 m and a width of 2.0 to 6.0 m.

[0015] In the eco-friendly seawall described above, preferably, the precast concrete steps 22 have a length of 1.2 to 2.4 m, a width of 0.3 to 1.2 m, and a height of 0.15 to 0.6 m.

[0016] In the eco-friendly seawall described above, preferably, the thickness of the riprap toe 3 is 0.5-1.2m, the width is 1.5-3.5m, and the weight of a single riprap is ≥120kg.

[0017] In the eco-friendly seawall described above, preferably, the width of the wave-breaking forest 4 in front of the seawall is 20-30m, and it is planted with trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants.

[0018] As described above, the eco-friendly seawall is preferably planted with vines, pittosporum, casuarina, and / or coconut palms in front of the seawall.

[0019] In the eco-friendly seawall described above, preferably, the windbreak forest 5 behind the seawall is 120-200m wide and planted with plants that have the functions of windbreak, sand fixation, and soil improvement.

[0020] The eco-friendly seawall described above is preferably provided with a windbreak forest 5 planted with casuarina, acacia mangium, coconut palm, mangrove, pittosporum and / or vine.

[0021] This utility model's seawall is a comprehensive project integrating ecological restoration, landscaping, and flood prevention and disaster reduction. It restores the coastal ecosystem and creates green spaces shared by citizens. This "nature-based solution" is the core direction for future coastal zone management and provides a solution for global climate change mitigation and urban resilience enhancement. Its beneficial effects are reflected in the following aspects:

[0022] 1. The seawall structure includes water passages to ensure permeability and restore the normal interaction between fresh and salt water in front of and behind the seawall. Within 5 years of its completion, the vegetation in front of and behind the seawall has grown well.

[0023] 2. Waves impacting seawalls and subsequent rebounds can erode the sand at the seawall's base, leading to beach degradation. Stepped revetments extend the wave path through multiple steps, gradually reducing wave energy through surface friction, water turbulence, and progressive wave breaking (wave crest overturning and aeration), thus lowering reflectivity (approximately 30%-50%) and reducing the risk of standing waves and localized erosion. Their distributed structure adapts to different wave heights, ensuring uniform load distribution and avoiding single-point stress concentration (60%-80% reflectivity) and overtopping damage common in vertical retaining walls. Furthermore, the gaps between the steps integrate ecological functions, resulting in superior overall wave dissipation efficiency and stability.

[0024] 3. The seawall, together with the wave-breaking forest in front of it and the windbreak forest behind it, forms a dual-resilience coastal defense system. Through the design of stepped revetments, viewing platforms, and coastal walkways, the seawall transforms its flood control function into a landscape space that citizens can participate in. While beautifying the seawall, it also retains its function of responding to storm surges.

[0025] 4. The seawall of this invention can withstand super typhoons of level 17 or above, and its defensive effect is obvious compared with traditional vertical seawalls. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an eco-friendly seawall structure.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a stepped revetment structure.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection method between the precast concrete steps and the concrete slope protection. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0030] Example 1: Eco-friendly Seawall

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, in a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the eco-friendly seawall includes a seawall caisson foundation 1, a stepped revetment 2, a riprap toe protection 3, a wave-breaking forest in front of the seawall 4, a windbreak forest behind the seawall 5, and a walkway on the top of the seawall 6.

[0032] The seawall caisson foundation 1 is a concrete wall beneath the ground. Above the seawall caisson foundation 1 is a stepped revetment 2. (The text abruptly ends here.) Figure 2As shown, the stepped revetment 2 consists of a stepped concrete slope 21 and modular precast concrete steps 22. The stepped concrete slope 21 is poured on the seawall caisson foundation 1. A wire mesh 7 is installed at the connection between the concrete slope 21 and the seawall caisson foundation 1. At the connection between the inner side of the concrete slope 21 and the soil inside the seawall, a filter material layer 25 and a concrete cushion layer 24 are installed sequentially from bottom to top.

[0033] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the precast concrete steps 22 are fixed to the concrete slope protection 21 by structural reinforcement 23. Multiple drainage pipes 211 are installed at the bottom of the stepped concrete slope protection 21. The inlets of the drainage pipes are located on the coastal side of the filter layer, and the outlets are placed within the wave-breaking forest 4 in front of the dike. The drainage pipes are fixed to the wire mesh 7 at approximately 2m intervals, and the wire mesh 7 is fixed to the seawall caisson foundation 1 with reinforcing bars.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, the precast concrete steps include the uppermost viewing platform 221 and multiple concrete planting pools 222 arranged in a stepped manner below the viewing platform.

[0035] A riprap toe protection 3 is installed on the outer side of the stepped concrete slope protection 21, and sand is placed on top of the riprap. A wave-breaking forest 4 is planted on the sand.

[0036] The inner side of the stepped revetment 2 is successively equipped with a windbreak forest 5 behind the dike and a walkway 6 on the top of the dike.

[0037] The seawall caisson foundation 1 has a thickness of 1–3m and a height of 3–5m. The stepped revetment 2 (including concrete slope protection and precast concrete steps) has a height of 1.0–2.4m and a width of 2.0–6.0m. The precast concrete steps 22 have a length of 1.2–2.4m, a width of 0.3–1.2m, and a height of 0.15–0.6m. The riprap toe protection 3 has a thickness of 0.5–1.2m and a width of 1.5–3.5m, with each riprap weighing ≥120kg. The seawall-front wave-breaking forest 4 has a width of 20–30m, planted with trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, forming a three-layered protective structure to maximize wave protection and sand fixation. Specific examples include: *Impatiens balsamina*, *Pittosporum tobira*, *Casuarina equisetifolia*, and coconut palms. The seawall-back windbreak forest 5 has a width of 120–200m. Plants with windbreak, sand fixation, and soil improvement functions are planted behind the seawall. Mixing casuarina and acacia can increase soil fertility; planting pittosporum and saddle vine can enhance windbreak and sand fixation capabilities; planting true mangroves and semi-mangroves can protect dikes and beaches, prevent wind and wave impacts, protect farmland, and reduce salt damage, playing an important role in protecting the coastline and serving as a natural barrier for the inland areas.

[0038] This eco-friendly seawall consists of two parts: a stepped viewing platform and a 3-meter-wide pedestrian walkway on the top. The walkway runs along the entire coastline, adapting to varying water levels and enriching the pedestrian viewing experience. The precast concrete steps are made of precast white exposed concrete, with some sections using precast white translucent concrete. LED strips are designed beneath the precast white concrete steps, creating a beautiful "galaxy" effect on the sea.

[0039] Traditional rigid seawalls can be ecologically transformed into stepped revetments, with the stepped revetments aligned with the original seawall top road elevation, ensuring the protection level remains unchanged against a 10-year flood event. Water passageways are added to the seawall structure foundation, allowing free interaction between fresh and brackish water, creating a "breathing coastline." A new coastal defense forest belt, primarily composed of wave-breaking forest belts and core coastal defense forest belts, is reconstructed, forming the first ecological line of defense for the coast. New municipal roads combining seawalls and roads form the second engineering line of defense. Ultimately, a dual coastal defense system combining a main seawall, an ecological buffer zone, and secondary seawalls is formed, enhancing the coast's ability to cope with storm surges.

Claims

1. An eco-friendly seawall, characterized by, It includes seawall caisson foundation (1), stepped revetment (2), riprap toe protection (3), wave-breaking forest in front of the seawall (4), windbreak forest behind the seawall (5), and seawall top walkway (6); The foundation (1) of the seawall caisson is a concrete wall below ground level; Above the seawall caisson foundation (1) is a stepped revetment (2), which consists of a stepped concrete slope (21) and modular precast concrete steps (22). The stepped concrete slope (21) is poured on the seawall caisson foundation (1), and the precast concrete steps are fixed to the concrete slope (21) by building reinforcement (23). Multiple drainage pipes (211) are installed at the bottom of the stepped concrete slope (21), and the drainage outlets of the drainage pipes are placed in the wave-breaking forest (4) in front of the seawall. The precast concrete steps (22) include the uppermost viewing platform (221) and multiple concrete planting pools (222) set in a stepped manner below the viewing platform; The stepped revetment (2) is equipped with riprap toe protection (3) on the outside, and sand is placed on top of the riprap. A wave-breaking forest (4) is planted on the sand. The inner side of the stepped revetment (2) is successively equipped with a windbreak forest (5) behind the dike and a walkway on the top of the dike (6).

2. The eco-friendly seawall according to claim 1, wherein At the junction of the inner side of the concrete slope protection (21) and the soil inside the embankment, a concrete cushion layer (24) and a filter material layer (25) are set from top to bottom.

3. The eco-friendly seawall according to claim 1, wherein The thickness of the seawall caisson foundation (1) is 1-3m and the height is 3-5m.

4. The eco-friendly seawall of claim 1, wherein The stepped revetment (2) has a height of 1.0 to 2.4 m and a width of 2.0 to 6.0 m.

5. The eco-friendly seawall according to claim 1, wherein The precast concrete step (22) has a length of 1.2 to 2.4 m, a width of 0.3 to 1.2 m, and a height of 0.15 to 0.6 m.

6. The eco-friendly seawall of claim 1, wherein The thickness of the paving stone (3) is 0.5-1.2m, the width is 1.5-3.5m, and the weight of a single paving stone is ≥120kg.

7. The eco-friendly seawall of claim 1, wherein The width of the wave-breaking forest (4) in front of the dike is 20-30m, and it is planted with trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants.

8. The eco-friendly seawall of claim 1, wherein, The seawall forest (4) is planted with vines, pittosporum, casuarina and / or coconut palms.

9. An eco-friendly seawall according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein The width of the windbreak forest (5) behind the dike is 120-200m, and it is planted with plants that have the functions of windbreak, sand fixation and soil improvement.

10. The eco-friendly seawall as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The windbreak forest (5) behind the dike is planted with casuarina, acacia mangium, coconut palm, mangrove, pittosporum and / or vine.

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