Anchoring device and its installation method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a floating barrier (1) and its anchoring device (3), for the accumulation of marine plants (2), in particular sargassum-type algae, comprising at least one cable (4) having two ends (40,41) and a central portion (42) located between said two ends (40,41); each of the ends (40,41) being bent and joined together to form an eyelet (5), equipped with an internal reinforcement in the form of a marine grooved thimble (50); characterized in that it comprises a tubular sheath (6), internally providing a passage through which, from an upper end (60) to a lower end (61), two strands (400, 401) of said cable (4) pass, located on either side of said central portion (42) folded into a loop at said lower end (61). The invention also relates to a method for installing such an anchoring device (3). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Anchoring device and its implantation method. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention falls in particular within the field of marine pollution control and the protection of the coastline against the proliferation of invasive marine plants, such as algae.

[0002] As is known, the development and proliferation of marine plants can become invasive, presenting risks in particular for the practice of swimming, water sports, but also making navigation and the proper functioning of maritime infrastructure, such as marinas and fishing ports, difficult. In particular, impacts of stranded and decomposing algae on structures and electronic devices have been observed, through atmospheric and marine corrosion, as well as the release of potentially toxic hydrogen sulfide gas. In addition, the invasive proliferation of plants can lead to a disruption of the biotope, due to the covering of plants which block light radiation, potentially leading to anoxia in the environment.

[0003] Such invasive proliferation has recently become exponential, with favorable climatic conditions and an uncontrolled input of terrestrial nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers. This phenomenon is called eutrophication. This is particularly the case for certain floating algae that clump together to generate moving plant mounds under the effect of currents and tides, periodically pushing them back towards the coasts, as with sargassum causing "brown tides," or with sea lettuce, enteromorpha, or cladophora causing "green tides." These tides of invasive algae are also detrimental to tourism, particularly island tourism, as is the case for example throughout the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico.

[0004] For several years, there has therefore been a need to depollute the marine environment, in particular by carrying out regular sampling of invasive algae, attempting to limit their proliferation in order to protect the coastline. State of the art

[0005] A widely used solution is to deploy a floating barrier at a distance along the coastline to be protected. The algae clumps accumulate on it, making it possible to carry out regular and large-scale sampling. Quantity. Such seaweed collection is essential to ensure these protective barriers remain effective. Indeed, without regular removal of the accumulated seaweed, the resulting pressure would displace the barriers and could even cause them to break.

[0006] Further, a floating barrier comprises one or more nets equipped at the level of an emerged upper edge with means ensuring their flotation, such as buoys. The opposite submerged edge of the nets is connected by cables, ropes or chains to anchors at sea level, in the form of anchors or made directly in the rock if present, or even connected to submerged blocks, in particular reinforced concrete.

[0007] A recurring problem lies in the on-site installation of anchors, particularly when an anchoring device must be installed on rock or blocks that are already submerged. It is then necessary to carry out the anchoring operations underwater by trained divers. The arduous nature of this work and the inherent dangers are extremely restrictive.

[0008] Furthermore, a construction site for the installation of a floating barrier requires a significant number of anchors to ensure the durability and resistance of such an installation over time, due to fluctuating maritime conditions and the mass of vegetation to be retained. Indeed, it is often necessary to install more than a hundred anchors, under complex underwater operating conditions, which leads to recurring sealing defects in a significant number of anchors. These defects may not be detectable until the affected seals fail. Repairs then become necessary.

[0009] Furthermore, a hole is drilled in the underwater support, into which a bar, such as a reinforcing bar, is inserted. This bar will serve as a connecting element for the barrier. A chemical anchoring agent is introduced into the bottom of this drilled hole. The difficulties encountered are easily understood, particularly in dosing the chemical anchor under underwater conditions, leading to overdosing, which is detrimental both to the sealing process and to cost-effectiveness. Description of the invention

[0010] The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art by proposing an anchoring device, preferably but not limited to anchoring a floating barrier for the accumulation of marine plants, in particular sargassum-type algae. Such an anchoring device is dedicated to a permanent, integral fixing, in particular with an immersed support, such as the seabed or a submerged block.

[0011] In particular, the invention provides for an anchoring device in the form of a cable, a central portion of which is folded to form a loop inserted into a sheath. The sheath is intended to be inserted and sealed into a hole drilled in an underwater support.

[0012] To achieve this, the anchoring device includes - at least one cable having two ends and a central portion located between said two ends; - each end being bent and joined together to form one, equipped with an eyelet, equipped with an internal reinforcement in the form of a grooved marine lug; characterized in that it includes - a tubular sheath, internally providing a passage through which two strands of said cable, located on either side of said central portion folded into a loop at said lower end, pass from an upper end to a lower end.

[0013] According to additional, non-limiting features, said sheath includes at least one longitudinal opening formed through a peripheral wall.

[0014] According to one embodiment, said sheath has a cylindrical shape.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the upper end of said sheath has a diameter narrowed compared to the rest of said sheath, forming a crimping ring for the two strands.

[0016] According to one embodiment, said anchoring device may include at least one crimping sleeve at each end with said cable at each eyelet.

[0017] According to one embodiment, said anchoring device may include at least one crimping sleeve for joining the two strands, located at a determined distance from said sheath.

[0018] The invention also relates to a floating barrier for the accumulation of marine plants, in particular sargassum-type algae, comprising - at least one waterline, equipped with means ensuring the buoyancy of an emerged upper part of said barrier; - at least one net connected above to said waterline and, via at least one connection, below to means of anchoring on the seabed. Advantageously, such a floating barrier is characterized in that said anchoring means comprise at least one anchoring device according to the invention.

[0019] According to additional, non-limiting features, said at least one link is connected to each eyelet formed at each end of said at least one cable.

[0020] The invention further relates to a method of implanting an anchoring device according to the invention, characterized in that it comprises at least the following steps: - a blind hole is drilled in a support resting on the seabed; - a chemical sealing tube, preferably made of glass, is inserted into the bottom of the hole; - the lower end of the sheath of the anchoring device with the loop of the central portion is fully inserted into the said drilling until the tube is pierced and the chemical sealing is achieved.

[0021] According to additional, non-limiting features, said sleeve is inserted by pushing in using an insertion tool, in the form of a tube dimensioned complementary to the internal diameter of said bore and provided at a distal end with a light cooperating in interlocking with said sleeve, in particular at its upper end.

[0022] Thus, the anchoring device ensures increased resistance during sealing and improved barrier support, in particular through a connection to each of the strands of the cable folded in two, offering safety in the event of breakage of one of the two.

[0023] In addition, the method of implanting each anchoring device ensures improved sealing of the sleeve within the bore, in particular with a visual verification of the correct insertion of one within the other. Presentation of the drawings

[0024] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0025] [Fig. 1] schematically represents a simplified perspective view of a barrier floating, installed at sea, showing the accumulation of vegetation on the surface, along a waterline, as well as several nets connected to submerged blocks through anchoring devices;

[0026] [Fig.2] schematically represents a perspective and partially cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an anchoring device, showing in particular the sealing carried out at one end inside a bore made in a submerged block;

[0027] [Fig.3] schematically represents an exploded view of one embodiment of the anchoring device, with a zoom showing two versions of the retaining sleeve, as well as a tool for inserting and sealing said sleeve within said bore; and

[0028] [Fig.4] schematically represents, in a vertical section, several views of the successive stages of the process of implementing an embodiment of the anchoring device. Detailed description

[0029] The present invention relates to marine pollution control and the protection of the coastline against the proliferation of invasive marine plants, such as algae, in particular sargassum-type algae. To this end, the invention relates to a barrier 1 intended to be installed in the water and designed to float, so as to provide an emerged part above a submerged part, forming a barrier for the accumulation of marine plants 2, in particular sargassum-type algae.

[0030] To this end, advantageously, said floating barrier 1 comprises at least one flotation line 100, equipped with means 101 ensuring the buoyancy of an emerged upper part of said barrier 1. Such means 101 may be of any type, in particular in the form of buoys or floating sleeves, connected to each other by said line 100. These means 101 may be made of any type of material, with a density lower than the density of water, ensuring their buoyancy.

[0031] In addition, said floating barrier 1 includes at least one net 102 connected above to said waterline 100 and, via at least one connection 103, below to means of anchoring on the seabed 104.

[0032] It should be noted that one or more nets 102 can be deployed, butted together along the length of the barrier 1, partially overlapping at the lateral ends, or parallel forming several layers to reinforce said barrier 1. Each net 102 can be made of any type of material, including plastic or composite. Each net 102 has a mesh, with openings sized to prevent vegetation 2 from passing through it. Each net 102 can also have a height, corresponding to the vertical or substantially vertical distance of immersion, determined according to the height of the pile of vegetation 2 to be blocked.

[0033] In particular, the floating barrier 1 comprises several connections 103, distributed along its length, constituting several attachment points connected at the bottom of said net 102 to corresponding anchoring means. Such a connection 103 may be in the form of one or more cables, each connected at the top to the net 102 at an attachment point and at the bottom to one or more anchoring means.

[0034] Further on, said anchoring means serve as a fixing on the seabed 104, thus acting as a support, either directly at the levels of rocks or boulders, or by means of a submerged block 105. Such a block 105 can be made of any type of material, including concrete or reinforced concrete, and has a weighted mass to ensure that the block sinks to the seabed 104 and remains stable there. In short, the density of the material of a block 105 is greater than the density of water, preventing it from floating.

[0035] Figure 1 shows an example of the installation of a floating barrier 1, showing the accumulation of marine vegetation 2 on the surface along the emerged waterline 100. In particular, this embodiment of said barrier 1 shows a net 102, connected to several blocks 105 submerged on the seabed 104, by means of anchoring means, as the case may be with two links 103 connected to the same block 105 and two attachment points of the net 102, or alternatively one link 103 connected to a block 105.

[0036] Advantageously, within said floating barrier 1, said anchoring means comprise at least one anchoring device 3 according to the invention, as described below.

[0037] Thus, the invention also relates to an anchoring device 3. Preferably, but not exclusively, such a device 3 can be used for anchoring the floating barrier 1 for the accumulation of marine plants 2, in particular sargassum-type algae.

[0038] Such an anchoring device 3 comprises at least one cable 4. Preferably, the anchoring device 3 comprises a single cable 4. It should be noted that this cable 4 is composed of several wires twisted together, ensuring increased resistance to tensile forces. Said cable 4 can be made of any type of material, preferably a metallic material or a metallic alloy, provided it is stainless, such as stainless steel of type "316L" or "AISI 316L".

[0039] Furthermore, said cable 4 is provided with two ends 40,41 and a central portion 42 located between said two ends 40,41. With reference to the embodiment shown in [Fig.3], the cable 4 comprises a first end 40 located on the left and a second end 41 located on the right, with the central portion 42 located between these two ends 40,41.

[0040] Further on, each of the ends 40, 41 is bent and joined to form an eyelet 5. In short, each end 40, 41 is folded to make a closed loop, with a central opening. It is this opening that allows each connection 103 of the barrier 1, or of another object, such as a buoy, to be attached.

[0041] Accordingly, according to a corresponding embodiment, said at least one link 103 of the floating barrier 1 is connected to each eyelet 5 formed at each end 40,41 of said at least one cable 4. In short, a link 103 is attached to the two eyelets 5 of the cable 4, ensuring that in the event of a break in one of them, the link 103 remains attached to the other.

[0042] Furthermore, each eyelet 5 is equipped with an internal reinforcement in the form of a thimble 50, preferably a marine thimble 50. Such a marine thimble 50 is also called a "rope thimble" or "thimble," and is commonly used in the maritime field. Such a thimble 50 has a shape with a rounded portion on one side and converging edges on the opposite side, giving the 50 lug an overall teardrop shape. This 50 lug is designed with a groove, meaning that it has an external peripheral groove, into which cable 4 can be partially inserted. Once in place, the 50 lug prevents cable 4 from bending under tension, limiting the risk of breakage. This 50 lug can be made of any type of material, preferably a metallic material or a metallic alloy, provided it is stainless, such as stainless steel of type "316L stainless steel" or "AISI 316L".

[0043] The said lug 50 is therefore found inside the eyelet 5 and can be held by fixing the corresponding end 40,41 with the cable 4. Such a fixing can be carried out in different ways, in particular through a splice. According to a preferred embodiment, the anchoring device 3 includes at least one crimping sleeve 51 for the ends 40,41 of said cable 4 at each eyelet 5. This sleeve 51 is sized to internally receive the cable 4 and the end 40,41, to secure them together through a crimping operation. Such a 51 crimp sleeve can be made of any type of material, preferably of a metallic material or a metallic alloy, provided to be stainless, such as stainless steel of type "316L stainless steel" or "AISI 316L".

[0044] Advantageously, the anchoring device 3 comprises a tubular sheath 6, internally providing a passage through which from an upper end 60 to a lower end 61 is crossed by two strands 400, 401 of said cable 4 located on either side of said central portion 42 folded into a loop at said lower end 61.

[0045] In other words, the strands 400, 401 of cable 4 are threaded along the sheath 6, from bottom to top, passing through it until, at the level of the central section 42, it forms a ridge that protrudes from the lower part of said sheath 6. In particular, this ridge blocks the cable 4 and prevents it from sliding; the sheath thus comes to rest against this loop forming a ridge of the central section 42. This blockage is partly caused by the material and structure of said cable 4, which makes it difficult to bend, thus inducing said loop formed by said central section 42. Preferably, such a ridge on the central portion 42 extends beyond the lower end 61 of the sheath 6 by a distance of several millimeters, preferably about 10 millimeters (mm), plus or minus 5 to 10 mm. This distance ensures, on the one hand, that the cable 4 comes into contact with the sealing compound, and on the other hand, that this loop does not extend too far beyond the sheath 6 and thus not hinder its insertion into a bore 10 during installation.

[0046] According to various embodiments, said sheath 6 may have any shape, with a circular, ovoid, or polygonal cross-section. Preferably, said sheath 6 has a cylindrical shape, namely that it has a circular cross-section and a diameter that is uniform along its length. Alternatively, said sheath 6 may have different internal diameters along its length, increasing or decreasing from the upper end 60 to the lower end 61.

[0047] In addition, the internal diameter (or the smallest internal diameter) of the sheath 6 is dimensioned in relation to the external diameter of the cable 4, to receive internally the two strands 400,401, within clearance.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the upper end 60 of said sheath 6 has a reduced diameter compared to the rest of said sheath 6, forming a crimping ring for the two strands 400, 401. In other words, the top of the sheath 6 is designed to be crimped around the strands 400, 401 of the cable 4 and to secure them together at that point. Furthermore, this reduced diameter of the upper end 60 of the sheath 6 provides a recess, serving as a support for an insertion tool 8 used to introduce the anchoring device 3 into the bore for sealing.

[0049] According to one embodiment, said sheath 6 includes at least one longitudinal opening 62 provided through a peripheral wall 63. The opening 62 is therefore provided to be through, making accessible the interior of the sheath 6, so as to allow better sealing of the anchoring device 3, in particular by allowing the sealing compound to penetrate into the interior of the sheath 6, as well as into contact with the cable 4, namely its strands 400,401 inserted within said sheath 6.

[0050] It should be noted that said sheath 6 can be made of any type of material, preferably of a metallic material or a metallic alloy, in particular of steel.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the anchoring device 3 further includes at least one crimping sleeve 7 for crimping the two strands 400,401 together, located at a determined distance from said sheath 6. This sleeve 7 is sized to internally receive each of the strands 400,401 of the cable 4, to secure them together through a crimping operation.

[0052] Such a crimping sleeve 7 for the strands 400,401 can be made of any type of material, preferably of a metallic material or a metallic alloy, provided to be stainless, such as stainless steel of type "316L stainless steel" or "AISI 316L".

[0053] The invention further relates to a method of implanting an anchoring device 3 according to one or the other of the embodiments previously described, taken alone or in combination.

[0054] As mentioned previously, the method for installing the anchoring device 3 can be used for the installation of any type of structure, preferably requiring a underwater anchoring, such as a floating barrier 1, or a buoy or similar, but also possibly anchoring on dry land.

[0055] Such an implantation method includes at least the following steps, which are not exhaustive. First, a blind hole 10 is made at the level of a support resting on the seabed 104, namely a rock or a block 105. Preferably, the hole 10 is provided to be complementary to the external diameter of said sleeve 6, with the clearance to allow its insertion, but also to allow a chemical sealing product to spread around said sleeve 6 and against the internal walls of said hole 10.

[0056] In this respect, once the drilling 10 has been carried out, a chemical sealing tube 12 is introduced into the bottom 11 of said drilling 10. Such a tube 12 can be made of any type of material, including polycarbonate, but preferably of glass which can break into fragments which are incorporated within the said chemical sealant, improving its strength and integrity. The aforementioned tube 12 can be pre-filled or filled directly by immersion. Its capacity ensures the correct amount of chemical sealant is filled, preventing overdosing or underdosing. Note that tube 12 can be sized to complement hole 10, with the necessary clearance to allow its insertion. This tube 12 can have a capacity of approximately 100 ml (milliliters). The chemical sealing product enclosed in the tube 12 can be of any type, based on a chemical compound allowing an underwater chemical reaction, in order to obtain a seal of said sleeve 6 within the bore 10 with the material of said support, in particular with the concrete of said block 105. In particular, the chemical sealant product may be one or more resins, such as polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy or hybrid.

[0057] Next, the lower end 61 of the sleeve 6 of the anchoring device 3, with the loop of the central portion 42, is fully inserted into the bore 10 until the tube 12 is pierced and the chemical seal is achieved. In particular, the sleeve 6 can be inserted until its upper end 60 is flush with or barely protrudes above the surface of the support, namely the top of the bore 10.

[0058] It will be noted that, preferably, the depth of the drilling 10 corresponds approximately to the length of the sleeve 6 and the height of the tube 12.

[0059] Furthermore, according to the corresponding embodiment, the chemical sealant passes through the longitudinal opening 62 and comes into contact with the strands 400, 401, enveloping the cable 4 within the sheath 6, as well as the sheath 6 within the drilling 10, ensuring improved distribution and grip with the internal walls of drilling 10. In addition, the loop formed by the central portion 42, which protrudes below the sleeve 6, is also enveloped by the sealing product, improving adhesion and resistance within the bore 10.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the sheath 6 is inserted by means of an insertion tool 8, in the form of a tube, generally cylindrical, dimensioned to complement the internal diameter of the bore 10 and provided at one distal end with a slot 80 cooperating by interlocking with the sheath 6, particularly at its upper end 60. In particular, the slot 80 allows the tool 8 to be inserted, leaving the strands 400, 401 of the cable 4 to the side, to access the sheath 6 and allow it to be inserted into the bore 10. The tool 8 is then at least partially recessed along the opening 80. According to the corresponding embodiment, the tool 8 has a diameter substantially equivalent to the diameter of the sleeve 6 and the distal end of said tool 8 comes into contact with the notch formed at the upper end 60 of said sleeve 6. This notch then serves as a support, allowing the sleeve 6 to be driven in, carrying the cable 4, into said bore 10. Furthermore, such penetration can be achieved by force, notably by striking with a sledgehammer or hammer.

[0061] In addition, the use of the insertion tool 8 allows the sleeve 6 to be driven into the bottom of the bore 10. In particular, as mentioned previously, the crimping sleeve 7 for the strands 400, 401 of cable 4 can be positioned at a specific distance, allowing visual verification that the sheath 6 is correctly inserted into the bore 10. This predetermined distance can correspond approximately to the height or length of the chemical anchoring tube 12. Therefore, when this sleeve 7 is flush with the surface of the support, namely the block 105, the operator can quickly verify that the sheath 6 has been correctly inserted (i.e., to the appropriate depth).

[0062] In a related manner, depending on the chemical compound used for the sealant, a drying time of at least several hours, preferably approximately 24 hours, may be required. Only after this drying time has elapsed can the anchoring device 3 be tensioned by connecting the link(s) 103 of the floating barrier 1 with one or both of the eyelets 5.

[0063] Fig. 4 shows various examples of steps described above in the implementation of the method for implanting the anchoring device 3.

[0064] Thus, the installation of multiple anchoring devices 3 and the floating barrier 1 connected to them is greatly facilitated, in a simple and precise manner. The installation process is easily reproducible, limiting the risk of errors for operators underwater. Such an installation process also ensures repeatability for a large number of drilling 10 and sealing operations, for a large number of anchoring devices 3.

[0065] It should be noted that the anchoring device 3 can be dimensioned according to the loads to be anchored, with appropriate cable diameters 4. The same applies to the other components of the anchoring device 3, such as the external diameter of the sleeve 6, as well as to the installation method, such as the dimensioning of the bore 10 and the quantity of chemical sealant contained in the tube 12, which can be dimensioned separately.

[0066] Relatedly, the underwater anchoring device 3 can also be used to connect maritime vessels, such as ships or barges, or buoys or boat anchor buoys, fishing nets, or any other maritime device.

[0067] As a subsidiary measure, the anchoring device 3 can be transposed onto dry land, for anchoring structures, in particular for connecting them by means of guy wires.

Claims

Demands

1. Anchoring device (3), comprising - at least one cable (4) having two ends (40,41) and a central portion (42) situated between said two ends (40,41); - each of the ends (40,41) being bent and joined to form an eyelet (5), equipped with an internal reinforcement in the form of a grooved marine thimble (50); characterized in that it comprises - a tubular sheath (6), providing internally a passage through which from an upper end (60) to a lower end (61) passes two strands (400,401) of said cable (4) situated on either side of said central portion (42) folded into a loop at said lower end (61).

2. Anchoring device (3) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - said sleeve (6) comprises at least one longitudinal opening (62) formed through a peripheral wall (63).

3. Anchoring device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - said sleeve (6) has a cylindrical shape.

4. Anchoring device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the upper end (60) of said sheath (6) has a reduced diameter compared to the rest of said sheath (6), forming a crimping ring for the two strands (400,401).

5. Anchoring device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises - at least one crimping sleeve (51) of each of the ends (40,41) with said cable (4) at each eyelet (5).

6. Anchoring device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises - at least one crimping sleeve (7) for crimping together the two strands (400,401), located at a determined distance from said sheath (6).

7. Floating barrier (1) for the accumulation of marine vegetation, in particular sargassum-type algae, comprising - at least one flotation line (100), equipped with means ensuring the buoyancy of an emerged upper part of said barrier (1); - at least one net (102) connected superiorly to said flotation line (100) and, via at least one connection (103), inferiorly to means for anchoring to the seabed (104); characterized in that - said means for anchoring comprise at least one anchoring device (3) according to any one of the preceding claims.

8. Floating barrier (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that - said at least one link (103) is connected to each eyelet (5) formed at each of the ends (40,41) of said at least one cable (4).

9. A method for installing an anchoring device (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises at least the following steps: - a blind hole (10) is made in a support resting on the seabed (104); - a chemical sealing tube (12), preferably made of glass, is inserted into the bottom (11) of the hole (10); - the lower end (61) of the sleeve (6) of said anchoring device (3) with the loop of said central portion (42) is fully inserted into said hole (10), until said tube (12) is perforated and said chemical sealing is achieved.

10. Implantation method according to the preceding claim characterized in that - said sleeve (6) is inserted by means of an insertion tool (8), in the form of a tube dimensioned complementaryly with respect to the internal diameter of said bore (10) and provided at a distal end with a light (80) cooperating in interlocking with said sleeve (6), in particular at the level of its upper end (60).

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