A revetment layer assembly for a breakwater, a breakwater and a method for providing a breakwater.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a crest element for a revetment layer assembly of a breakwater. The crest element comprises a central portion, two wing portions extending from the central portion in opposite directions along the length of the breakwater when installed on the breakwater, and a nose portion extending from the central portion in a direction transverse to the length of the breakwater. The aft portion of the central portion has a vertically oriented dorsal surface facing aft, opposite the forward direction. The crest element can be used in particular as a crest element for a revetment layer, and comprises a revetment element of the type having a central portion with two wing portions extending in opposite directions and a tail portion and a nose portion extending in opposite directions transverse to the extension direction of the wing portions. The present invention also relates to a revetment layer, a breakwater, and a method of using the crest element.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention generally relates to N breakwater Fields Regarding.

[0002] A breakwater has a horizontally extending elongated core body with one or two sloping sidewalls. Typically, a filter layer and / or underlayer is provided on the sloping sidewalls and, optionally, on the toe of the sloping sidewalls on the adjacent water bottom. As a top layer, the sloping sidewalls are covered with a revetment layer. [Background technology]

[0003] On top of the revetment layer so-called crest elements (sometimes also called crown elements) may be provided for various reasons. They may be provided, for example, to separate the revetment layer from structures above it, such as roads or walkways. They may also be provided to prevent waves from rolling over the revetment in the case of low-topped breakwaters. In both cases, the crest elements are essentially L-shaped. The vertical legs of the L-shape provide a limit between the revetment layer and the structures above it, or prevent wave rollover, respectively. The horizontal legs project away from the revetment layer and serve to provide stability for the crest element so that the vertical legs can stand vertically upright and withstand waves.

[0004] With reference to the Applicant's WO 2018 / 052292, it is known that a revetment layer can be made from revetment elements (referred to in WO 2018 / 052292 as cladding elements) laid like roof tiles on the slope of a breakwater. The revetment elements of WO 2018 / 052292 comprise a central section, two wings (referred to in WO 2018 / 052292 as nose sections) projecting from the central section in opposite directions, a nose section (referred to in WO 2018 / 052292 as first leg section) projecting forward from the central section in a transverse direction to the extension direction of the wings, and a tail section (referred to in WO 2018 / 052292 as second leg section) extending rearward from the central section in a direction opposite to the forward direction. This revetment element of WO 8 / 052292 may optionally have a third leg extending from the central portion transversely upwards in the fore-aft direction and in a direction transverse to the wing. By providing a revetment element of WO 2018 / 052292 having a fourth leg extending from the central portion in an opposite direction downwards to above, on top of the third leg, a revetment element according to Applicant's WO 2004 / 009910 may be obtained.

[0005] Revetment elements of the type WO 2018 / 052292 and WO 2004 / 009910 have protrusions such as wings, tails and noses protruding from a central section which, when laid as a revetment layer, provide gaps through which the water of waves acting on the breakwater can pass. As the water passes through these gaps, the energy of the waves is dissipated by attenuation.

[0006] At the transition of the revetment layer with the revetment elements according to WO 2018 / 052292 and to horizontal structures such as roads or boulevards, L-shaped crest elements are used or the upper protrusion of the upper revetment element is embedded in the base layer of the road / boulevard. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 052292 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2004 / 009910 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present invention aims to provide an alternative crest element that can be used in particular as a crest element for a revetment layer, comprising a revetment element of the type having a central part i) with two wings extending in opposite directions and ii) with a tail and a nose extending in opposite directions transverse to the extension of the wings. The preamble of claim 1 discloses a revetment layer assembly. This is Figure 3 of WO 2018 / 052292 or WO 2004 / 009910. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The purpose of this is to Claim 1 Bank protection layer assembly This is achieved by providing This is according to a first aspect of the present invention.

[0010] The crest element according to the present invention has an upper surface, a lower surface, a back surface, a front surface from which a nose portion protrudes, a left side surface from which a left wing portion protrudes, and a right side surface from which a right wing portion protrudes. A central portion having In use, i.e. when the crest element is installed on the breakwater, the x-axis is parallel to the length of the breakwater and both the x-axis and y-axis are essentially horizontal.

[0011] In contrast to revetment elements of the type having two wings, a nose and a tail, such as the revetment elements according to FIG. 3 of WO 2018 / 052292 or WO 2004 / 009910, the (central part of) crest element according to the invention does not have a substantial protrusion, such as a so-called tail, on the underside. Instead, the central part Back side is configured with a vertically oriented back surface.

[0012] The back surface of the crest element according to the invention can be referred to as a flush back surface, allowing for an easy and smooth transition from the revetment layer to structures above the revetment layer, such as roads and boulevards. From an aesthetic point of view, the transition obtained using the crest element according to the invention can be referred to as slimline, since no additional crest element of substantially different shape and configuration is required from the revetment element, and inefficient water energy attenuation gaps in the revetment layer adjacent the transition are avoided. However, this slimline transition allows for a more efficient breakwater design, and therefore a more efficient breakwater. This is because, when viewed transversely to the length of the breakwater, This is because when the breakwater is stepped down, the transition area, where there is virtually no attenuation of wave energy, is kept small, providing space that can be used to design breakwaters with constructive means for efficient wave energy attenuation and / or smaller widths (transverse to the length).

[0013] Moreover, the front side of the crest element according to the invention (the side facing the water from the breakwater), when viewed transversely to the revetment layer, has the same or almost the same wave energy attenuation as the revetment element of the revetment layer, even though the crest element does not (inefficiently) protrude above the revetment layer. If the crest element protrudes above the revetment layer, it would dissipate the wave energy by braking action, not by damping action, as in the case of L-shaped crest elements intended to prevent wave rollover. Waves striking the protruding crest element are braked abruptly, exerting a large force that tends to overturn the crown element. In practice, the overturning of the protruding crest element is countered by the horizontally protruding leg at the rear. This protruding leg exerts downward forces on the breakwater, which require constructive means to withstand or reduce these forces.

[0014] The revetment layer in which the crest element according to the first aspect of the invention can be used is formed by horizontal rows of revetment elements. Be, each revetment element comprises a central portion, two wings extending from the central portion in opposite directions along the length of the breakwater, a tail extending from the central portion rearward towards the breakwater and transversely to the length of the breakwater, and a nose extending from the central portion forward opposite to the rear. In a further embodiment of such a revetment layer, the wings of the revetment elements of each relevant horizontal row may additionally be aligned with each other, and the noses of the revetment elements of the horizontally upper row of revetment elements may be supported on the revetment elements of the horizontally lower row of revetment elements. In this further embodiment of the revetment layer, the horizontal rows are stacked on top of each other along the slope of the breakwater, whereby the noses of the revetment elements of the upper row of revetment elements are supported on the revetment elements of the lower row of revetment elements, and the revetment elements are laid like roof tiles on the slope of the breakwater. This roof tile-like arrangement may be an aligned arrangement, but is preferably a staggered arrangement. In an aligned arrangement, the revetment elements are similarly aligned when viewed in the inclination direction of the breakwater, since the noses of the revetment elements of the upper horizontal row are supported on the upper faces of the tails of the revetment elements of the horizontal row below them. In a preferred staggered arrangement, the noses of the revetment elements of the upper row of revetment elements are supported on the lower faces of the row of revetment elements by the two wings of two adjacent revetment elements of the row below, while the wings of this same revetment element are supported on the tails of two adjacent revetment elements of the row below, so that the revetment elements are arranged in staggered horizontal rows when viewed in the inclination direction of the breakwater.

[0015] According to the present invention, Back is a vertically oriented back surface that is generally flush with the back surface of the central portion. Crest elements according to the invention are thereby arranged in horizontal rows with the wings of the crest elements aligned. The back surfaces of the wings are generally flush with the back surface of the central portion of the crest element so that the back surfaces of the crest elements are generally continuous along the length of the breakwater. When these crest elements are installed in a row with the wings aligned, a series of crest elements provide a generally continuous facade or wall on the back surface of the row when viewed along the length of the row, which facade / wall may provide slits between the tips of adjacent wings.

[0016] The present invention The first aspect of According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the rear surface of the wing portions may be coplanar with the rear surface of the central portion, viewed along the length of the breakwater, providing a smooth, i.e. invisible, transition.

[0017] According to yet another embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the central portion, the two wings and the nose are formed as a single piece, such as a single piece of concrete, which may be reinforced or non-reinforced concrete.

[0018] According to yet another embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the lower surface of the central portion is a horizontal bottom surface. According to this embodiment, the lower surface (of the central portion) of the crest element does not have a substantial protrusion. In a further embodiment of this embodiment, the upper surface of the central portion may also be a horizontal surface, in this case a horizontal top surface. In the latter case, the upper surface (of the central portion) of the crest element does not have a substantial protrusion.

[0019] According to yet another embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the x-axis is defined by the extension direction of the wing, the y-axis perpendicular to the x-axis is defined by the extension direction of the nose, and the xy-plane is defined by a plane that crosses the x-axis and the y-axis. In a further embodiment of this embodiment, the back surface of the central portion is inclined with respect to the xy-plane, the inclination being in a forward direction when viewed from the lower surface of the crest element towards the upper surface of the crest element. The inclined back surface also moves the center of gravity of the crest element forward and lowers it, shifting the rotation point of the crest element rearward when lifted by a wave, improving the stability of the crest element against capsizing due to waves that may roll over. When a filler material is provided next to the rear of the crest element, the inclined back surface provides some additional advantages. The inclined back surface allows the filler material to apply additional forces to the crown element and the revetment layer. The inclined back surface of the crest element exerts a force by the infill material to push the revetment layer down, improving the stability of the revetment layer against being lifted or displaced by wave forces. If the infill material includes large stones or infiller blocks, e.g. made of concrete, the inclined back surface helps a perfect connection between the crown element and the stones or infiller blocks, even if the stones or infiller blocks do not fit perfectly. The stability improvement obtained by shifting the center of gravity and the rotation point applies with or without the infill material, and / or the angle between the back surface and the xy plane is at most 80°, e.g. at most 75°, or at most 70°, to ensure that the infill material exerts a significant contribution to the crest element, the angle is at most 80°. In order for the force exerted by the infill material to be substantially effective, the angle is at most 75°. If the angle is at most 70°, the effect of shifting the center of gravity and shifting the rotation point is efficiently effective. Furthermore, an angle of up to 75° or even up to 70° may help to properly guide the fill material (which in the case of breakwaters often contains spalled lithic material) down the sloping back face without the need for compaction.This is particularly relevant in relation to breakwaters, where the fill material may become fluid if water gets into it and must self-settle properly without the need for any compaction actions after the water has receded from the fill material, and / or the angle between the back surface and the xy-plane is at least 50°, for example at least 60°, and / or the angle between the back surface and the xy-plane is in the range of about 55° to about 80°, preferably in the range of about 60° to about 75°, and / or the angle between the back surface and the xy-plane is in the range of about 60° to about 70°, for example about 65°.

[0020] Where the rear surfaces of the wings may be flush with the rear surface of the central portion, the rear surfaces of the wings are similarly sloped, and the embodiments and considerations described in this section apply mutatis mutandis to the sloped rear surfaces of the wings.

[0021] Revetment layer assembly according to the present invention This results in a roof tile-like arrangement of revetment and crest elements, which as mentioned above may be in an aligned arrangement but is preferably in a staggered arrangement.

[0022] The present invention 1 According to a further embodiment of the aspect, the staggered arrangement can be expressed as follows: the nose of the revetment element on the top of the row of revetment elements is supported on the two wings of the two adjacent revetment elements on the lower surface of the row of revetment elements, the wings of the revetment element on the top of the row of revetment elements is supported on the tails of the two adjacent revetment elements of the lower row of revetment elements, the nose of the crest element of the row of crest elements is supported on the two wings of the two adjacent revetment elements of the upper row of revetment elements, and the wings of the crest element of the row of revetment elements is supported on the tails of the two adjacent revetment elements of the upper row of revetment elements. The staggered arrangement, on the one hand, creates an interaction between all revetment elements of the revetment layer, which keeps the revetment elements in place, and on the other hand, provides relatively large gaps between the revetment elements, through which water penetrates, thereby attenuating wave forces.

[0023] The present invention 2According to one aspect, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for the preparation of ... medicament for use in a medical device, comprising: 1 This is achieved by providing a breakwater having at least one inclined side wall providing an assembly according to the embodiment.

[0024] The present invention 2 According to a further embodiment of the aspect, the breakwater has a top and a central portion with an inclined back surface, the rows of crest elements are provided below the top of the breakwater such that a gap is defined between the back surface of the row of crowns of the crest elements and the breakwater, the gap diverging when viewed vertically upwards at the back surface adjacent portion, and the gap is filled with a filler material such that it exerts a force on the back surface having a component parallel to the back surface and a component transverse to the back surface. By "filled" it is meant that the gap is at least partially filled, but may also be substantially completely filled. As described above in relation to the embodiment of the first aspect, the filler material contributes to the stability of the revetment layer and the crest elements by exerting a force on the inclined back surface of the central portion and similarly (in the case of wings with inclined back surfaces) on the inclined back surfaces of the wings.

[0025] The present invention 2 According to yet another embodiment of the aspect, the breakwater has two oppositely sloping side walls that meet at the top of the breakwater and a central portion with a sloping back surface, and a row of crest elements is placed at the top of the breakwater, whereby, when viewed vertically upwards, the back surfaces of both rows define diverging gaps, and the diverging gaps are filled with a filling material such that they exert a force on the back surfaces having a component parallel to the respective back surfaces and a component transverse to the respective back surfaces. Here, "filled" means that the gaps are at least partially filled, but may also be almost completely filled. As described above in relation to the embodiment of the first aspect, the filling material contributes to the stability of the revetment layer and the crest elements by exerting a force on the sloping back surfaces of the central portion and similarly (in the case of wing sections with sloping back surfaces) on the sloping back surfaces of the wing sections.

[0026] The present invention 2According to yet another embodiment of the aspect, the infill material comprises fragments of stone material (such as natural stone, artificial stone or concrete) and / or asphalt, such as an asphalt road.

[0027] The present invention 2 According to yet another embodiment of this aspect, the angle of the back surface of the central portion relative to the horizontal plane is configured such that a line perpendicular to the back surface defines an angle relative to the horizontal plane that is less than the angle of inclination relative to the horizontal plane.

[0028] According to the invention, the revetment layer of the breakwater is formed by installing horizontal rows of crest elements according to the invention. Crested will be done.

[0029] The present invention 3 According to this aspect, there is provided a method of providing revetment to a sloping side wall of a breakwater, comprising installing a revetment layer assembly according to the second aspect of the invention on the sloping side wall. Seawall to provide.

[0030] The present invention 4 According to an aspect of the present invention, a method for providing a breakwater is provided, the breakwater being 2 It is a breakwater in accordance with the above aspect. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a revetment element according to the prior art from WO 2018 / 052292; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic front perspective view of a breakwater provided with staggered rows of revetment elements as shown in FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing, as a detail of FIG. 2, how a revetment element in an upper row of revetment elements is supported by two identical revetment elements in a lower row of revetment elements. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a crest element according to the present invention; [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a top view of the upper side of the crest element of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a left side view of the crest element of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a front view of the front side of the crest element of FIG. 5; [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the underside of the crest element of FIG. 5. [Figure 10] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view (similar to FIG. 2) of a first embodiment of a breakwater according to the invention provided with a crest element according to the invention; [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of the breakwater in FIG. 10 (similar to FIG. 3). [Figure 12] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a breakwater according to the invention.According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of providing a breakwater, the breakwater provided being a breakwater according to the second aspect of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Figure 1 shows, by way of example, a revetment element 1 of this type having a central portion 2 from which two wings 3, 4 project in opposite directions and a tail portion 5 and a nose portion 6 project in opposite directions transverse to the extension of the wings 3, 4.

[0033] As can be seen in FIG. 1 , the starboard wing 3 extends along a horizontal axis 7, the starboard wing 4 extends along the horizontal axis 7 but in an opposite direction to that of the starboard wing 3, the tail section 5 extends along a horizontal axis 8, the nose section 6 extends along the horizontal axis 8 but in an opposite direction to that of the tail section 5, and the horizontal axis 7 is transverse to the horizontal axis 8.

[0034] The exemplary revetment element of Figure 1 corresponds to the revetment element of Figure 14 of the Applicant's WO 2018 / 052292. For further details of this revetment element 1, reference is made to WO 2018 / 052292, which in particular describes and explains the shape and function of the wings 3, 4, tail 5, nose 6 and the passage 9 vertically passing through the central part. WO 2018 / 052292 also shows other examples of revetment elements of the above type having a central part from which protrude two opposite wings, a tail and an opposite nose.

[0035] As shown in the example of Figures 2-4, revetment elements 1 of the above-mentioned type can be laid in several rows along the slope of a breakwater. With reference to Figures 2 and 3, a breakwater 10 is shown very diagrammatically with its slope 12 and toe zone 11 (also called foot zone). The toe zone 11 is shown as a generally horizontal surface, while the slope 12 is shown as an inclined surface. The inclination angle α of the breakwater typically ranges from about 30° to about 60°. In the example of Figures 2-3, the inclination angle α is about 33°.

[0036] In the example of Figs. 2-3, the revetment layer 17 comprises four rows 13-16 of revetment elements 1. The revetment elements 1 of the bottom row 13 rest with their underside on the toe zone 11. From the toe zone upwards, row 14 of revetment elements 11 is supported by the bottom row 13 of revetment elements and the slope 12, row 15 of revetment elements 11 is supported by row 14 of revetment elements, and the top row 16 of revetment elements 11 is supported by row 15 of revetment elements and the slope 12. As can be seen in Fig. 2, the wings 3, 4 of the revetment elements of the bottom row are aligned with each other in a horizontal direction parallel to the length of the breakwater. Similarly, the wings of the revetment elements of the other rows are aligned with each other. In each row, the tip of the right wing 3 may touch the tip of the adjacent left wing 4, but most likely leave a slit or space between them, as indicated by arrow 18 in the center of the top row 16. Although these slits are clearly visible in Figure 2 only for the top row 16, it will be understood that these slits 18 may also be present in the other rows 13, 14, 15.

[0037] The application also uses the terms upper row of revetment elements and lower row of revetment elements, where the terms upper and lower are used to indicate the relationship of two adjacent rows of revetment elements to each other, where the lower row is located (diagonally) below the upper row and vice versa.

[0038] As seen in Figure 3, the tail 5 of the revetment element is supported on the slope 12. As best seen in Figure 4, but also in Figures 2 and 3, the revetment elements of an upper row, e.g. row 14, are supported on the revetment elements of a lower row, e.g. row 13. As shown by arrows 21, 22 and 23 in Figure 4, revetment element 1a of the upper row 14 has three support points on two adjacent revetment elements 1b of the lower row 13. At position 21, the underside of the right wing 3 of revetment element 1a of the upper row is supported on the upper side of the tail 5 of the right revetment element 1b. At position 22, the underside of the left wing 4 of revetment element 1a of the upper row is supported on the upper side of the tail 5 of the left revetment element 1b. At position 23, the underside of the nose 6 of the upper row revetment element 1a is supported by the upper surface of the right wing 3 of the left revetment element 1b, and is also supported by the upper surface of the left wing 4 of the right revetment element 1b. It can be said that position 23 provides two support points.

[0039] The row arrangement as shown in Figures 2-4 is called a staggered arrangement. The revetment elements 1a in the upper row are staggered or shifted with respect to the revetment elements 1b in the lower row. That is, each revetment element 1a in the upper row is supported by two revetment elements in the lower row. It is also possible to arrange the rows of revetment elements in an aligned manner. In an aligned arrangement, each revetment element 1a in the upper row is generally supported by one revetment element 1b in the lower row. The underside of the nose 6 of the revetment element 1a in the upper row is supported by the upper side of the tail 5 of the revetment element 1b in the lower row.

[0040] Figures 2 and 3 correspond respectively to Figures 21 and 20 of WO 2018 / 052292. For further details of the staggered and aligned arrangement of rows of revetment layers, reference is made to WO 2018 / 052292, its Figures 20, 21 and associated text, as well as more generally to WO 2018 / 052292 as a whole, and in particular to that portion of WO 2018 / 052292 relating to the so-called second aspect, to which Figures 6, 13 and 20-23 are specifically dedicated.

[0041] As will be seen below, the nose 6 is more generally a protrusion from the central portion 2, which serves to receive support from the underlying revetment element. This nose 6 may be called by various names, such as a beak if it looks like a protrusion or a beak. The same applies to the nose 106 of the crest element according to the invention, which will be described below.

[0042] Figures 5 to 9 show a crest element 101 according to the present invention, with Figure 5 being an oblique view, Figure 6 being a top view of the upper side, Figure 7 being a side view of the left side, Figure 8 being a front view of the front side of crest element 101, and Figure 9 being a bottom view of the lower surface of crest element 101.

[0043] In the example of Figures 5-9, the front half of crest element 101 is substantially identical to the front half of revetment element 1 of Figures 1-4. Portions of crest element 101 which are similar to respective portions of revetment element 1 are designated by their reference numerals increased by 100. Like revetment element 1, crest element 101 has a central portion 102 from which project a right wing 103, a left wing 104 and a nose 106. Wings 103 and 104 extend in opposite directions along a horizontal axis 107, and nose 106 extends along a horizontal axis 108 which transverses axis 107. The plane defined by axes 107 and 108 is referred to herein as the xy plane.

[0044] The crest element 101 is Back side (rear) 129 is essentially different from revetment element 1.

[0045] As can be seen in FIGS. Back sideis a vertically oriented back surface 125, which may be inclined at an angle γ=90°-β-(see FIG. 7 for β)-with respect to the xy-plane defined by the axes 107 and 108. In the embodiment of the crest element 101 shown in FIGS. 5-9, the angle γ is about 65°, i.e. β is about 25°. However, the angle γ may be larger or smaller than 65°. The angle γ may be in the range of about 55° to about 80°, and may preferably be a value in the range of about 60° to about 75°. An angle γ smaller than 80° helps to apply oblique forces by the fragments of earthen and / or lithic material, as shown by reference numbers 131 and 205 in FIGS. 10 and 11. However, it is noted that according to an embodiment of the invention, the angle γ may be in the range of 80° to 90° or may be larger than 90°.

[0046] As can be seen in Figures 5, 6, 7 and 9, the back surface 125 of the central portion 102 may have a kink 132 in its center, at the level of the axis 108. The angle θ of the kink (see Figure 6) may be, for example, about 4° with respect to the axis 107. However, it should be noted that the kink may be somewhat larger, or the back surface of the central portion may be substantially flat (in which case the kink angle θ would be about 0°). When the term kink is used in this application, this kink may generally have a kink angle θ in the range of 0° to about 7°.

[0047] 5 and 7, the back surface 125 of the central portion 102 may have a discontinuity 133 at its lower end, in this example a setback relative to the slope of the back surface 125. Rib-like protrusions that are very small compared to the size of the crest element are also contemplated.

[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical back surface 125 of the central portion 102 is generally flat and may be referred to as a flush back surface 125 despite the discontinuities 133 and / or kinks 132 .

[0049] 5, 6 and 7, in this embodiment, the wings 103 and 104 Back sideIt can be seen that the wings 103, 104 have a similarly vertically oriented back surface 126, which in this embodiment also has a discontinuity 133 at its lower end, also in the form of a setback. The vertical back surface 126 of the wings 103, 104 is generally flat and can be described as a coplanar back surface 126 despite the discontinuity and possible kinks.

[0050] Further, the rear surface 126 of the wings may be coplanar with the rear surface 125 of the central portion. As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the rear surface 126 of the wings 103, 104 may also be coplanar with the rear surface 125 of the central portion 102. However, it should be noted that there may also be a kink near the transition between the rear surfaces 125 and 126, such as the kink 132 in the rear surface 125 of the central portion 102. Further, there may also be a kink in the rear surface 126 of the wings themselves, such as the kink 132 in the rear surface 125 of the central portion 102.

[0051] As can be seen in Figures 5-9, the underside of the central portion 102 of the crest element may be a horizontally oriented bottom surface, which in this embodiment is generally flat. In the embodiment shown in Figures 5-9, not only is the underside of the central portion 102 generally flat, but the underside of the entire crest element is generally flat as well. Furthermore, the horizontal orientation of the bottom surface facilitates installation of the crest element on horizontal portions of a breakwater. It may also facilitate installation of the elements in a regular pattern, as elucidated in WO 2018 / 052292.

[0052] Also, as can be seen in Figures 5-9, the upper surface of the central portion 102 of the crest element may be a horizontally oriented top surface, which in this embodiment is generally flat, although this is optional.

[0053] Before proceeding to Figures 10-12, it should be noted that in a breakwater according to the present invention, the inclination angle α may generally be in the range of about 30° to about 40°, for example about 37°.

[0054] Figures 10 and 11 are very similar to the views of figures 2 and 3, respectively. The main difference between figures 10 and 11 and figures 2 and 3 is that the top row 16 of revetment elements 1 of figures 2 and 3 is replaced by a row 130 of crest elements 101 and that the vertical height of the breakwater 100 is reduced in order to illustrate the functionality of the crest elements 101 according to the invention. However, it should be noted that the reduction of the breakwater 100 is for illustrative purposes only. The breakwater 100 of figures 10-11 may be of the same height as the breakwater 1 of figures 2-3 or may be higher.

[0055] Figures 10-11 show a breakwater 100, in this example having three rows 13, 14, 15 of revetment elements of Figure 1 and a topmost row 130 of crest elements 101 according to the invention. The front half of the crest element 101 is constructed substantially the same as the (front half) of revetment element 1, so that the crest element 101 can be supported on the top row 15 of revetment elements 1 in the same way as described in relation to Figures 2-4.

[0056] 10, a slit 118 may be left between the tips of adjacent wings 103, 104. However, it will be appreciated that this slit may not be present if the tips of wings 103, 104 are in contact with one another.

[0057] As can be seen in FIG. 10, the rear faces of the wings and central portions of a series of crest elements 101 provide a continuous wall of crest elements 101, optionally with slits 118 between adjacent crest elements, when viewed in the longitudinal direction L of the breakwater 100.

[0058] As shown diagrammatically in Figure 11 by dashed line 135, the breakwater slope 12 may continue at a distance from the crest element 101 to provide a gap between the crest element and the breakwater. Alternatively, other structures may be provided at a distance from the crest element to provide such a gap, which is diverging when viewed vertically upwards at adjacent portions of the crest element.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 11, adjacent to the continuous wall of the crest element, a fill material 131 may be provided in the gap. This fill material may comprise an earth material such as sand, but considering that earth material such as sand may be easily washed away by water, it is preferred that the fill material comprises fragments of stone material. These fragments may be in the range of about 10 mm to about 10 cm in size. Furthermore, these fragments may be optionally bound or partially bound, for example by an asphalt mixture. The fill material may alternatively or additionally comprise asphalt. The fill material may comprise a stone or asphalt road paving. In case a road is adjacent to the continuous wall of the crest element, the fill may consist of a roadbed structure (which may typically comprise stone fragments) and the road paving on top of it. Due to the divergence of the gap adjacent to the crest element, the crest element is subjected to the force exerted by the fill material 131 on the inclined back surface 125 of the crest element 101.

[0060] The force exerted by the infill material on the crest element can be resolved into a downward parallel component parallel to the inclined back surface 125 (see arrow A in FIG. 11) and a lateral component transverse to the inclined back surface (see arrow B in FIG. 11). The angle β shown in FIG. 7, or the complementary angle γ between the back surface 125 and the horizontal plane defined by the axes 107 and 108, is preferably such that the lateral force component B does not intersect and is not parallel to the slope 12 of the revetment layer, in other words the breakwater 100 is preferably constructed such that the lateral force component arrow B diverges with respect to the slope 12. This amounts to constructing the back surface 125 not perpendicular to the slope 12 but more upright than perpendicular to the slope.

[0061] Assuming that the underside of the crest element is installed horizontally and taking into account that the inclination angle α of the breakwater is generally in the range of 30° to 60°, the angle β of the back surface with respect to the horizontal underside is generally equal to or less than about 40°. In order for the value of the transverse component B to be large enough to be effective, according to the invention, the angle β is equal to or greater than about 15°. In order to counteract the voids of the fill material adjacent to the back surfaces 125, 126, according to the invention, the angle β is equal to or greater than about 20°.

[0062] Before proceeding to FIG. 12, it should be noted that the level of the gap filled by the infill material 131 may be lower, i.e. a gap may be left. In this case, the upper unfilled and protruding part of the crest element 101 (i.e. the part not horizontally adjacent to the infill material) may form, for example, a facade or handrail along a thoroughfare or road. When functioning as a facade or handrail, in situations where a shift of the center of gravity forward or a shift of the rotation point backward is (considered to be) less important, the angle β in FIG. 7 may be, for example, 0° or in the range of about 0° to about 5°. The same applies to FIG. 12, which will now be described.

[0063] Referring now to FIG. 12, a breakwater according to the invention, like that of the prior art, may be constructed in cross section as follows:

[0064] a broad core body of rock material 206 defining two slopes, a seaward side 202 and a harbour side 204; a lower layer of larger but still relatively small rocks 207, for example 300-1000 kg rocks; Sea side revetment layer 201; Port side revetment layer 203; seaward tow with relatively large boulders, such as boulders weighing 1000-3000 kg; Port side tow with relatively large boulders, such as boulders weighing 1000-3000kg.

[0065] The above configurations and dimensions are merely examples.

[0066] In the case of rows of crest elements according to the invention, the revetment layers 201 and 203 may be provided with a crest element 101 according to the invention in its upper stage. Preferably, the remaining revetment layers according to the invention comprise rows of revetment elements of the type having a central section with two wings extending in opposite directions and with a tail and a nose extending in opposite directions transverse to the extension direction of the wings. These revetment elements may for example be revetment elements as shown in figures 1 to 4 of the present application, but also other revetment elements as shown in the Applicant's WO 2018 / 052292 or WO 2004 / 009910 are conceivable.

[0067] As can be seen in Fig. 12, the crest elements 101 of both revetment layers define between them a gap 205 facing upwards. This gap 205 can be filled according to the invention with a filling material (not shown), for example a filling material as already described in relation to Fig. 11. This filling material is largely shielded against water by the continuous walls of the crest elements, which prevents the filling material from flowing out. Furthermore, the strength of the revetment layers 201 and 203 is increased by the force exerted by the filling material on the continuous walls of the crest elements. It should be noted that the remaining structure of the breakwater 200 in Fig. 12 is an example, in relation to Fig. 12, the crest elements according to the invention and the optional filling material according to the invention.

[0068] It will be appreciated that a crest element according to the invention, such as the crest element 101 shown in Figures 5 to 9, can be used in combination with revetment elements of the type having a central section with two wings extending in opposite directions and a tail and a nose extending in opposite directions transverse to the extension of the wings, such as the revetment elements of the type shown in Figures 1 to 4. However, it will be appreciated that the design of the front half of the crest element 101 may differ from the design of the (front half) of the revetment element in the combination in which it is used.

[0069] As a general indication of dimensions, a crest element according to the invention may, for example, have a vertical height of 1 to 1.5 m (e.g. approximately 1.1 m), a horizontal length from left to right of 1.5 to 2.75 m (e.g. approximately 2.25 m) and a horizontal depth from front to back of 1.75 to 3 m (e.g. approximately 2.65 m).

[0070] Embodiments of the invention derived therefrom can be expressed as set forth in the following clauses.

[0071] Clause 1: A crest element for the revetment layer of a breakwater, The revetment layer is formed by horizontal rows of revetment elements; each revetment element comprises a central portion, two wing portions extending from the central portion in opposite directions along the length of the breakwater, a tail portion extending from the central portion rearwardly towards the breakwater and transversely to the length of the breakwater, and a nose portion extending from the central portion forwardly opposite to the rearward; the wings of the revetment elements in each row are aligned with one another; The nose of the revetment element in the upper row of the revetment elements is supported by the revetment element in the lower row of the revetment elements; Crest element: The central part and when installed on the breakwater, two wings extend in opposite directions along the length of the breakwater from a central portion; a nose portion extending forward from the central portion in a direction transverse to the length of the breakwater; Equipped with The central part Back side A crest element, which is a vertically oriented rear surface facing rearward opposite the front.

[0072] Article 2: Wing Back side is a vertically oriented back surface that may be flush with the back surface of the central portion; 2. A crest element as described in clause 1.

[0073] Clause 3: A crest element according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the central portion, the two wings and the nose are formed as a single piece, such as a single piece made of concrete.

[0074] Clause 4: A crest element according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the underside of the central portion is a horizontal bottom surface.

[0075] Clause 5: The x-axis is defined by the extension direction of the wing, the y-axis perpendicular to the x-axis is defined by the extension direction of the nose, and the xy plane is defined by a plane that crosses the x-axis and the y-axis. The crest element according to any one of clauses 1 to 4.

[0076] Clause 6: The back surface of the central portion is inclined relative to the xy plane, the inclination being in a forward direction when viewed from the lower surface of the crest element towards the upper surface of the crest element; A crest element as described in clause 5.

[0077] Clause 7: The angle between the back surface of the central portion and the xy plane is at most 80°, for example at most 75° or at most 70°; A crest element as described in clause 5 or clause 6.

[0078] Clause 8: The angle between the back surface of the central portion and the xy plane is at least 50°, for example at least 60°; The crest element according to any one of clauses 5 to 7.

[0079] Clause 9: The angle between the back surface of the central portion and the xy plane is in the range of about 55° to about 80°, for example, in the range of about 60° to about 75°; The crest element according to any one of clauses 5 to 8.

[0080] Clause 10: The angle between the back surface of the central portion and the xy plane is in the range of about 60° to about 70°, for example about 65°; The crest element according to any one of clauses 5 to 9.

[0081] Clause 11: A revetment layer assembly for a breakwater comprising: a plurality of horizontal rows of revetment elements; a horizontal row of crest elements placed above the upper row of horizontal rows of revetment elements; Equipped with each crest element is a crest element as defined in any one of clauses 1 to 10; the revetment element comprises a central portion, two wing portions extending from the central portion in opposite directions along the length of the breakwater, a tail portion extending from the central portion rearwardly towards the breakwater and transversely to the length of the breakwater, and a nose portion extending forwardly from the central portion opposite to the rearward, the wings of the revetment elements in each row are aligned with one another; the wings of the crest elements of a row of crest elements are aligned with one another; The nose of the revetment element in the upper row of the revetment elements is supported by the revetment element in the lower row of the revetment elements; A revetment layer assembly in which the noses of the crest elements of a row of crest elements are supported on revetment elements of an upper row of revetment elements.

[0082] Article 12: a nose of the upper revetment element of the row of revetment elements is supported on two wings of two adjacent revetment elements of the lower row of revetment elements; the wings of the revetment elements on the row of revetment elements are supported by the tails of two adjacent revetment elements on the row below; a nose of a crest element of a row of crest elements is supported on two wings of two adjacent revetment elements of an upper row of revetment elements; 12. An assembly as described in clause 11, wherein the wings of a crest element of a row of crest elements are supported on the tails of two adjacent crest elements of an upper row of revetment elements.

[0083] Clause 13: A row of the crest element according to any one of clauses 1 to 10; or An assembly as described in clause 11 or clause 12 is provided. A breakwater having at least one sloping side wall.

[0084] Clause 14: The breakwater further has a top portion, the crest element being according to any one of clauses 6 to 10, a row of crest elements is provided under the top of the breakwater such that a gap is defined between the back of the row of crowns of the crest elements and the breakwater or another structure provided on the breakwater; The gap diverges when viewed vertically upwards at the rear adjacent area. A breakwater as claimed in clause 13, in which the gap is filled with a filling material which exerts on the rear face a force which has a component parallel to the rear face and a component transverse to the rear face.

[0085] Clause 15: The breakwater has two oppositely sloping side walls which meet at the top of the breakwater and the crest element is according to any one of clauses 6 to 10; a row of crest elements is disposed at the top of the breakwater such that, when viewed vertically upward, the back faces of both rows define a diverging gap; A breakwater as claimed in clause 13, in which the diverging gaps are filled with a filling material which exerts on the rear faces a force having a component parallel to the respective rear faces and a component transverse to the respective rear faces.

[0086] Clause 16: A breakwater as described in clause 14 or clause 15, wherein the fill material comprises spalled stone material and / or asphalt such as an asphalt road.

[0087] Clause 17: A breakwater as described in any one of clauses 14 to 16, wherein the angle of the back surface of the central portion relative to the horizontal plane is configured such that a line perpendicular to the back surface defines an angle relative to the horizontal plane that is smaller than the angle of inclination relative to the horizontal plane.

[0088] Clause 18: A method of cresting a revetment layer of a breakwater, wherein the cresting is provided by installing horizontal rows of crest elements as defined in any one of clauses 1 to 10.

[0089] Clause 19: By installing a revetment layer assembly as described in clause 11 or clause 12 on the sloping side wall Seawall A method of providing revetment on a sloping side wall of a breakwater.

[0090] Clause 20: A method for providing a breakwater, wherein the breakwater provided is a breakwater as defined in any one of clauses 13 to 17.

[0091] The terms horizontal, vertical, forward, aft, lower, upper, left and right as used throughout this application refer to the position, in use, of the crest element of each revetment element installed on the slope of the breakwater.

Claims

1. A revetment layer assembly (117, 201, 203) for a breakwater (100, 200), comprising: A plurality of horizontal rows (13, 14, 15) of revetment elements (1); a horizontal row (130) of crest elements (101); Each of the revetment elements (1) has a central portion (2) having a protruding portion, The protruding portion of each of the revetment elements is two wing sections (3, 4) extending in opposite directions from the central section (2) along the length (L) of the breakwater (100, 200); a tail section (5) extending rearward from said central section (2) towards said breakwater (100, 200) and transversely to said longitudinal direction (L) of said breakwater (100, 200); a nose portion (6) extending forward from the central portion (2) opposite the rearward direction; said wing sections (3, 4), tail section (5) and nose section (6) provide space for dissipating the energy of waves acting on said breakwater (100, 200) as the water passes between them; the wings (3, 4) of the revetment elements (1) of each horizontal row of the revetment elements (1) of the horizontal rows (13, 14, 15) are aligned with each other; the nose (6) of the revetment element (1) of the upper horizontal row (14) of the horizontal rows (13, 14, 15) of revetment elements (1) is supported on the revetment element (1) of the lower horizontal row (13) of the horizontal rows (13, 14, 15) of revetment elements; Each of said crest elements (101) comprises a central portion (102) comprising a protrusion; The central portion (102) of each crest element has an upper surface, a lower surface, a back surface, a front surface, a left side surface, and a right side surface; The protrusion of each crest element is two wing portions (103, 104) extending in opposite directions along the length (L) of the breakwater (100, 200) from the right and left sides, respectively, of the central portion (102) of each crest element when installed on the breakwater (100, 200); a nose (106) extending forwardly from the front face of the central portion (102) of each crest element in a transverse direction relative to the length (L) of the breakwater (100, 200); the wings (103, 104) of each horizontal crest element (101) of the horizontal row (103) of crest elements (101) are aligned with each other; The wings (103, 104) of the crest element (101) have a back surface that is a vertically oriented back surface (126); the horizontal row (130) of the crest element (101) is placed above the upper horizontal row (15) of the horizontal rows (13, 14, 15) of the plurality of revetment elements (1); the nose (106) of the crest element (101) of the horizontal row (130) of the crest element (101) is supported on the top of the revetment element (1) of the upper horizontal row (15) of the horizontal rows (13, 14, 15) of revetment elements; the back surface of the central portion (102) of the crest element (101) is a rearward facing, vertically oriented back surface (125); A revetment layer assembly (117, 201, 203), characterized in that the wing portions (103, 104) of each of the crest elements have a back surface (126) that is flush with the back surface (125) of the central portion (102) of each of the crest elements (101).

2. The revetment layer assembly (117, 201, 203) of claim 1, characterized in that the central portion (102), the two wing portions (103, 104) and the nose portion (106) of the crest element (101) are formed as a single piece, such as a single piece of concrete.

3. The revetment layer assembly (117, 201, 203) of claim 1, wherein the lower surface of the central portion (102) of the crest element (101) is a horizontal bottom surface.

4. the x-axis (107) is defined by the extension direction of the wings (103, 104); a y-axis (108) perpendicular to the x-axis (107) is defined by the extension direction of the nose portion (106); The xy-plane is defined by a plane that spans the x-axis (107) and the y-axis (108); the back surface (125) of the central portion (102) of the crest element (101) is inclined with respect to the xy-plane at an inclination angle (γ) defining an inclination; The revetment layer assembly (117, 201, 203) of claim 3, characterized in that the back surface (125) of the central portion (102) of the crest element (101) slopes forward when viewed from the lower surface of the crest element (101) toward the upper surface of the crest element (101).

5. 5. The revetment layer assembly (117, 201, 203) according to claim 4, characterized in that the inclination angle between the back surface (125) of the central portion (102) of the crest element (101) and the xy-plane is at most 80°.

6. 5. The revetment layer assembly (117, 201, 203) according to claim 4, characterized in that the inclination angle (γ) between the back surface (125) of the central portion (102) of the crest element (101) and the xy-plane is at least 50°.

7. The revetment layer assembly (117, 201, 203) of claim 4, characterized in that the inclination angle (γ) between the back surface (125) of the central portion (102) of the crest element (101) and the xy plane is in the range of about 55° to about 80°.

8. The revetment layer assembly (117, 201, 203) of claim 4, characterized in that the inclination angle (γ) between the back surface (125) of the central portion (102) of the crest element (101) and the xy plane is in the range of about 60° to about 70°.

9. the nose (6) of the revetment element of the upper horizontal row (14) of the revetment element (1) is supported on two wings (3, 4) of two adjacent revetment elements of the lower horizontal row (13) of the revetment element (1); the wings (3, 4) of the revetment elements of the upper horizontal row (14) of revetment elements are supported on the tails (5) of two adjacent revetment elements of the lower horizontal row (13) of revetment elements; the noses (106) of the crest elements of the horizontal row (16) of the crest elements (101) are supported on the tops of two wings (3, 4) of two adjacent revetment elements of the upper horizontal row (15) of the revetment elements (1); The revetment layer assembly (117, 201, 203) according to claim 1, characterized in that the wings (103, 104) of the crest elements of the horizontal row (16) of the crest elements (101) are supported on the tops of the tails (5) of two adjacent revetment elements of the upper horizontal row (15) of the revetment element (1).

10. A revetment layer assembly (117, 201, 203) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, when viewed along the length of the breakwater, the back surface (126) of the wing portions (103, 104) of each of the crest elements (101) is flush with the back surface (125) of the central portion (102) of each of the crest elements (101), providing a smooth transition from the back surface (126) of the wing portions (103, 104) of each crest element to the back surface (125) of the central portion (102) of each of the crest elements (101).

11. A breakwater (100) having at least one slope (12) provided with a revetment layer assembly (117, 201, 203) according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. The breakwater further has a top portion; the x-axis (107) is defined by the extension direction of the wings (103, 104); a y-axis (108) perpendicular to the x-axis (107) is defined by the extension direction of the nose portion (106); The xy-plane is defined by a plane that spans the x-axis (107) and the y-axis (108); the back surface (125) of the central portion (102) of the crest element (101) is inclined with respect to the xy-plane at an inclination angle (γ) defining an inclination; the back surface (125) of the central portion (102) of the crest element (101) is inclined towards the front when viewed from the lower surface of the crest element (101) towards the upper surface of the crest element (101); said horizontal rows (16) of crest elements (101) are disposed below said top of said breakwater (100) such that a gap is defined between said rear faces (125) of said horizontal rows (16) of said crest elements (101) and said breakwater (100) or another structure disposed on said breakwater (100); the gap diverges when viewed vertically upward at the adjacent rear surface (125) of the crest element (101); A breakwater (100) as claimed in claim 11, characterized in that the gap is filled with a filling material (131) which exerts a force on the back surface (125) of the crest element (101) having a component (A) parallel to the back surface (125) of the crest element (101) and a component (B) transverse to the back surface (125) of the crest element (101).

13. A breakwater (100) as described in claim 12, wherein the filling material (131) comprises fragments of stone material and / or asphalt, such as an asphalt road.

14. A breakwater (100) as described in claim 12, characterized in that the inclination angle (γ) of the back surface (125) of the central portion (102) of the crest element (101) relative to the xy plane is configured so that a line perpendicular to the back surface (125) of the crest element (101) defines an angle relative to the xy plane that is smaller than the angle (α) of the slope (12) relative to the xy plane.

15. The breakwater (200) has two oppositely sloping side walls that meet at the top of the breakwater; the x-axis (107) is defined by the extension direction of the wings (103, 104); a y-axis (108) perpendicular to the x-axis (107) is defined by the extension direction of the nose portion (106); The xy-plane is defined by a plane that spans the x-axis (107) and the y-axis (108); the back surface (125) of the central portion (102) of the crest element (101) is inclined with respect to the xy-plane at an inclination angle (γ) defining an inclination; the back surface (125) of the central portion (102) of the crest element (101) is inclined towards the front when viewed from the lower surface of the crest element (101) towards the upper surface of the crest element (101); the horizontal row (106) of crest elements (101) is disposed at the top of the breakwater (200); When viewed vertically upward, the back faces (125) of both horizontal rows (106) of the crest elements (101) define diverging gaps (205); A breakwater (200) according to claim 11, characterized in that the diverging gaps (205) are filled with a filling material (131) which exerts a force on the back surface (125) of the crest element (101) having a component (A) parallel to the respective back surface (125) and a component (B) transverse to the respective back surface (125).

16. The breakwater (200) of claim 15, wherein the infill material (131) comprises fragments of stone material and / or asphalt, such as an asphalt road.

17. A breakwater (200) according to claim 15, characterized in that the inclination angle (γ) of the back surface (125) of the central portion (102) of the crest element (101) with respect to the xy-plane is configured such that a line perpendicular to the back surface (125) of the crest element (101) defines an angle with respect to the xy-plane that is smaller than the angle (α) of the slope (12) with respect to the xy-plane.

18. A method of providing a revetment on a slope of a breakwater (100, 200), comprising the steps of: A method, characterised in that the revetment is provided by installing on the slope a revetment layer assembly (117, 201, 203) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

19. 1. A method of providing a breakwater, comprising the steps of:

12. A method according to claim 11, characterised in that the breakwater provided is a breakwater according to claim 11.

20. A method of providing a breakwater, comprising the steps of:

13. A method according to claim 12, characterised in that the breakwater provided is a breakwater according to claim 12.

21. A method of providing a breakwater, comprising the steps of:

16. A method according to claim 15, characterised in that the breakwater provided is a breakwater according to claim 15.

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