Part and method for building port structures

Abstract

The invention relates to a part for building port or maritime structures, which comprises a block that defines a plurality of faces, each face defining a plurality of sides or edges, a plurality of channels being defined in each face of the block, the plurality of channels beginning at a side or edge of one face and ending at a different side or edge of the same face. The part is characterised in that the dimensional ratio of the height, width and length of the block is 1:1:2, and the block comprises at least one perforation that passes all the way through the height, width or length of the block, from one face to the opposite face.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] PART AND METHOD FOR CONSTRUCTION OF PORT STRUCTURES

[0003] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0004] The present invention pertains to the field of port or maritime structure construction. More specifically, the invention relates to a component and method for constructing breakwaters, docks, or riverbanks and promoting the creation of marine ecosystems.

[0005] PRIOR STATE OF THE ART

[0006] Artificially constructed sea or river banks and shores can be constructed in a variety of ways. One approach involves the orderly placement of natural or artificial blocks so that the entire structure possesses the necessary stability, retains the surrounding terrain, and meets the functional requirements required in each case. This procedure has been used to construct numerous structures around the world for a wide variety of purposes: port docks for mooring vessels and for the transfer of passengers and goods, seafront and riverside promenades for pedestrian or vehicle access, structures for the defense of coastal terrain or the banks of rivers and lakes, seawalls for coastal defense, port protection, or channeling of estuaries and inlets, etc.

[0007] However, this type of structure has a tendency to experience the phenomenon of reflected energy from incident waves, due to their vertical configuration, impermeability, and the smoothness of their frontal surfaces. This effect can lead to problems for the functionality and safety of the facilities where it occurs. In the case of port docks, the almost complete reflection of waves results in high levels of agitation in the basins and adjacent areas, which are often very detrimental to the safe anchoring and berthing of vessels and can even impede the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers.

[0008] For example, previous solutions such as patent ES2385696B1 describe artificial pieces for the construction of protective mantles for one or more layers of breakwaters and coastal riverbank defenses. Another previous solution is utility model ES282699U, which refers to an artificial block for the construction of maritime and river works, based on a piece preferably parallelepiped-shaped with a quadrangular base and beveled edges.

[0009] In the case of breakwaters built near navigable areas, reflected waves can affect vessel handling and make maneuvering in their surroundings unsafe. Along coastal edges, reflections from defensive structures can increase erosion on beaches and jeopardize their stability. On riverbanks, wave reflections created by passing vessels or meteorological events can increase erosion of the riverbed and banks.

[0010] On the other hand, society is increasingly demanding environmentally friendly construction systems that fulfill their function with reduced material consumption and are compatible with the preservation of the biological systems on which the structures are based.

[0011] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] For all the cases presented above, the construction of structures with walls that reflect the energy of incident waves and circulating currents at a low rate is very advantageous.

[0013] In order to overcome the drawbacks and limitations of the prior art, a first aspect of the present invention proposes a component for the construction of port or maritime structures, comprising a block defining a plurality of faces, each face defining a plurality of sides or edges, a plurality of channels defined in each face of the block, and the plurality of channels originating on one side or edge of a face and terminating on a different side or edge of the same face. The block comprises a 1 / 1 / 2 height / width / length aspect ratio. The block comprises at least one perforation that completely traverses the height, width or length of the block, from one face to the opposite face.

[0014] The piece features six flat surfaces defined by the faces of the piece, which give the structure its predominantly parallelepiped shape. These six flat surfaces define a volume, which completely encompasses the piece. Two of the six flat surfaces are square, and four of the six flat surfaces are rectangular, defining the rectangular parallelepiped.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the channels of the piece have a semi-hexagonal cross-section and the at least one perforation has a hexagonal cross-section.

[0016] Preferably, the block is constructed from a parallelepiped piece, such that the resulting piece has a predominantly parallelepiped shape. A predominantly parallelepiped piece is understood to mean a solid object with a geometry comparable to that of a parallelepiped, defined by six parallel and equal flat surfaces in pairs. Preferably, the predominantly parallelepiped piece is a piece with the geometry of a rectangular parallelepiped. However, in alternative embodiments of the piece, the parallel faces in pairs may be slightly inclined relative to each other or have a surface slightly different from that of a regular parallelepiped.

[0017] The plurality of channels defined on each face of the piece can also be understood as grooves, recesses or notches made parallel to the surface of the face.

[0018] The size of the part preferably maintains the 1 / 1 / 2 height / width / length ratios. In equivalent embodiments of the invention, the size of the part may be varied while maintaining these ratios, to adapt its geometric characteristics to a maritime structure such as a breakwater, wall, or pier formed by the parts described.

[0019] In embodiments of the invention, the channels (also called grooves) defined in the faces of the part have a cross-section of half a hexagon, and the perforations have a full hexagon. Channels are understood to be the surface removal of material along a line on one of the faces of the parallelepiped. In a preferred embodiment, the channels are defined in the faces of the parallelepiped along the central portion of the face, symmetrically. Perforation is understood to be a passage made from one face to the opposite face, completely traversing the parallelepiped.

[0020] In embodiments of the invention, two channels per face can be formed on the square faces (or on the square planar surfaces defining the parallelepiped) of the block, following the two axes of symmetry. These channels can be defined in a “+” pattern on the face, where the channels begin on one side of the face and end on the opposite side of the same face, or in a “T” pattern, where the channels begin on one side of the face and end on an adjacent side of the same face.

[0021] In embodiments of the invention, the rectangular faces (or the rectangular planar surfaces defining the parallelepiped) may have three channels per face, one longitudinally along the central axis of symmetry and two transversally, with their axis located at the center of the distance between the axis of symmetry and the end of the face. The hexagonal perforations may pass through the part through the center of two opposite rectangular or square faces.

[0022] In particular, the piece described above allows for construction material savings of up to 30% compared to previous designs using solid blocks, reduces the weight of the block during transport, and facilitates the dispersion of surrounding wave energy due to its network of channels and perforations. Furthermore, this network of channels and perforations promotes the creation of marine ecosystems, minimizing the environmental impact of the maritime or port structure.

[0023] In embodiments of the invention, the plurality of channels may originate on one side of the face and terminate on the opposite side of the same face. Furthermore, the sides or edges of the part may be beveled. The part may be composed of a rigid material that is resistant to saltwater environments, such as concrete or rock.

[0024] In embodiments of the invention, the part may comprise coupling means for coupling the part to another part, where the coupling means may be a plurality of projections or protrusions located on one face of the part and a plurality of indentations located on an opposite face of the part. The plurality of indentations on the face of the block may be located at positions corresponding to the positions of the plurality of projections on the opposite face of the block.

[0025] A second aspect of the present invention proposes a port or maritime structure formed by a plurality of pieces, each piece defined in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, where the plurality of pieces can be stacked in an orderly manner, with at least one face of each piece in contact with another piece, in a sequential and juxtaposed manner, forming a network of perforations defined by the plurality of pieces and the plurality of pieces as a whole defining the port or maritime structure.

[0026] In embodiments of the invention, the system may further comprise a plurality of pieces of 1 / 1 / 1 height / width / length dimensions at a plurality of vertices forming the plurality of pieces defining the maritime or port structure. Furthermore, the orderly stacking of the plurality of pieces may comprise stacking the pieces at a boundary of the port or maritime structure with a single channel parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the structure.

[0027] The stacking of parts can be carried out in a geometry that meets the specific needs and specifications of the maritime structure to be built. In particular, stacking of parts allows for versatile adaptation to different geometries of the required maritime structure, different depths, or different resistances depending on the swells that need to be minimized.

[0028] A third aspect of the present invention proposes a method for the construction of port or maritime structures, comprising the steps of providing a plurality of pieces according to the first aspect of the invention, and stacking the plurality of pieces, defining a port or maritime structure, such as a breakwater, a port dock or a riverbank.

[0029] In embodiments of the invention, the provision of the blocks can be carried out by means of cement or concrete formwork moulding, or each piece can be obtained from a solid block of predominantly parallelepiped shape in which the plurality of channels and the at least one perforation can be defined by mechanical means.

[0030] The different aspects and embodiments of the invention defined above may be combined with each other, provided they are mutually compatible.

[0031] The advantages and additional features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] To complement the description and in order to help better understand the characteristics of the invention, in accordance with some examples of practical implementation of the invention, a set of figures is attached as an integral part of the description, in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

[0033] Figure 1 represents a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the part described in the present disclosure and the semi-transparent flat surfaces that define the flat faces of a parallelepiped comprising the part.

[0034] Figure 2 represents a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the part described in the present disclosure, showing the channels and perforation of the part.

[0035] Figure 3 represents the side face of the preferred embodiment of the part shown in Figure 1.

[0036] Figure 4 represents a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the part, in which the part comprises a set of projections for coupling on the upper face.

[0037] Figure 5 represents the top face of the alternative embodiment of the part shown in Figure 4.

[0038] Figure 6 represents the lower face of the alternative embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, in which the part comprises a set of grooves for coupling on the lower face.

[0039] Figure 7 represents a semi-transparent view of a stack of two pieces, one on top of the other, using coupling means.

[0040] Figure 8 represents a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the part, corresponding to a closing part for stacking parts.

[0041] Figure 9 represents the bottom face of the alternative embodiment of a stacking closure piece, shown in Figure 6. Figure 10 represents a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the piece, of dimensions 1 / 1 / 1 height / width / length.

[0042] Figure 11 A represents a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the piece stacking closure piece, with dimensions 1 / 1 / 1 height / width / length.

[0043] Figure 11 B represents a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the piece stacking closure piece, of dimensions 1 / 1 / 1 height / width / length, where the coupling means are arranged in an alternative orientation.

[0044] Figure 12A represents a perspective view of an orderly stack of a plurality of pieces of dimensions 1 / 1 / 2 and 1 / 1 / 1 height / width / length, forming a maritime structure such as a dock.

[0045] Figure 12B represents a perspective view of an ordered stack of a plurality of pieces of dimensions 1 / 1 / 2 and 1 / 1 / 1 height / width / length, forming a maritime structure such as a dock, where the coupling means are arranged in an alternative orientation.

[0046] DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0047] In describing the possible preferred embodiments of the invention, it is necessary to provide numerous details to facilitate a better understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be implemented without these specific details. Furthermore, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0048] Investigations involving laboratory physical model tests show the behavior of the part described in this disclosure as an energy attenuator for a wide range of water wave periods, particularly swells. In particular, one embodiment of the invention comprises the described part in a face size having height / width / depth dimensions comparable to the amplitude of water waves, particularly swells, existing in the vicinity of the part. An example of such water waves is, for example, the swell created by sea waves around a port breakwater, the amplitude of which varies from the order of magnitude of centimeters to meters.

[0049] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the part (100) described in the present disclosure. In particular, the flat surfaces (101) defined by the faces of the part that give the part a predominantly parallelepiped shape are shown as a visualization aid. Each flat surface (101) defined by the faces of the part comprises four sides or edges (102).

[0050] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the piece (100) described in the present disclosure. In particular, the block is defined by faces (101), channels or grooves (103) made on the surface of the faces, edges or sides (102) and at least one perforation (107) completely crossing the piece from one face to its opposite.

[0051] The piece is obtained from a parallelepiped-shaped block with a dimension ratio of 1 / 1 / 2 height (104) / width (105) / length (106). Each face of the piece (100) defines a flat surface (101) that gives rise to the parallelepiped shape of the piece. In particular, the piece comprises two square flat surfaces, opposite each other in pairs, and four rectangular flat surfaces opposite each other in pairs. Each of the faces of the piece, depending on the location in the piece, comprises smaller faces defined by the grooves made on the flat surfaces. Said smaller faces obtained by generating the grooves can be in turn square or rectangular.

[0052] The edges or sides of the part are preferably beveled. The bevel may be smooth, curved, or another design that avoids an edge or side comparable to an unbeveled sharp edge. An edge or side refers to the edge formed by the joining of two flat surfaces that give the part a parallelepiped shape. The creation of smaller square or rectangular faces due to grooves made on the flat surfaces gives rise to smaller edges or sides on each face.

[0053] Figure 3 represents a different orientation and perspective of the same embodiment shown in Figure 1. The perforation (107) can be seen completely crossing the piece from one side face to its opposite.

[0054] In some embodiments, the part comprises coupling means between different parts, where the coupling means may be a plurality of projections or protuberances located on one face (for example, the upper face) of the block. Figures 4 and 5 show different perspectives of a part (200) comprising said projections (201) that allow coupling between different parts. Said projections or protuberances may be material projections that protrude with respect to the face where they are located. The material of said projections may be of the same material as the rest of the part or of a different material. The shape of said projections may be truncated pyramidal, hemispherical or other geometric relief shape.

[0055] The coupling means between different pieces may comprise a plurality of grooves (202) located on one face (for example, the lower face) of the block. Figure 6 shows the lower face of the piece shown in Figures 4 and 5. Said grooves can also be described as notches or grooves. The shape of said grooves is such that they correspond to the projections located on the opposite face. If the projections located on the face, for example, upper, are truncated pyramids, then the opposite face (lower in this case) has a gap equivalent to the same truncated pyramid as the projection of the upper face. If the upper face has hemispheres or semi-spheres as projections, then the lower face has a gap equivalent to the same hemispheres or semi-spheres as the projection of the upper face.

[0056] The plurality of protrusions on a first piece are positioned correspondingly and aligned, overlapping, with the indentations on a second piece, allowing the two pieces to be assembled. This assembly allows for the stacking of identical pieces, offering improved support compared to the embodiment where the top and bottom faces of two blocks are in contact with flat, smooth faces. This assembly makes the assembled piece more resistant to adverse conditions, such as high waves.

[0057] Figure 7 shows a semi-transparent view of two pieces assembled vertically, making use of the projections placed on the upper face of the lower piece and the indentations located on the lower face of the upper piece.

[0058] The object of this disclosure is a method for the construction of port or maritime structures, which comprises the steps of providing a plurality of pieces, such as those detailed previously, and the stacking of the plurality of pieces, defining a port or maritime structure, such as a dike, a port dock or a riverbank.

[0059] A preferred method of providing the blocks is by formwork molding. The material used in the construction of the piece may preferably be mass concrete of the type and quality specified by the applicable standards in each case. The geometry of the piece is specially designed to allow for regular and homogeneous concreting of all areas of the piece and easy formwork removal.

[0060] The parts described may be made of various materials that meet the necessary weight, strength, and durability requirements. Alternative materials to the preferred one described above may include rock, metals, advanced composite materials, or geopolymers. In any case, the part must be composed of a non-buoyant material with a density greater than that of salt water.

[0061] An alternative way to provide the blocks is by defining the plurality of channels and at least one perforation from a solid block of predominantly parallelepiped shape. For example, a solid parallelepiped can be initially defined, which can then be mechanically defined by removing material into the series of channels and perforations described above.

[0062] The perforations in the pieces may be defined either through the horizontal faces (defined as faces along the length of the piece), the lateral faces (defined as faces along the width of the piece), or the vertical faces (defined as faces along the height of the piece) of the parallelepiped. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, there may be more than one perforation through each face. In alternative embodiments, it is possible to define more than one perforation between the remaining faces of the block. For example, one possible embodiment of the piece comprises a perforation through the horizontal faces of the parallelepiped, a perforation through the lateral faces of the parallelepiped, and a perforation through the vertical faces of the parallelepiped, or any combination thereof.

[0063] This system allows the creation of port structures, such as docks or breakwaters, by juxtaposing pieces, resulting in a cohesive whole, resistant to water waves such as waves surrounding the structure and capable of dissipating water waves due to the network of connected channels created by the stacking of blocks.

[0064] Figure 8 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the part (400). On the side face, grooves or channels can be seen defining a rotated "T" (401). This embodiment can be used as a closing part of an assembly of parts, where said part would be placed at the lateral limit of the assembly. In this embodiment, the perforation has been defined through the vertical faces of the part, creating a vertical channel along the part. Figure 8 shows a view of the bottom face of an alternative embodiment of the part.

[0065] Figures 10, 11A, and 11B show additional embodiments of pieces with dimensions of 1 / 1 / 1 height / width / length. These pieces can be used as closures for assemblies of pieces. Closure refers to the pieces located at the outer boundaries of the set of assembled pieces that form the assembly. In particular, the 1 / 1 / 1 pieces are stacked at a boundary of the dike and have a single channel parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the structure.

[0066] For example, in a maritime or port structure formed by a set of parts with a plurality of pieces as described in Figures 1-6 and / or 8-9, a plurality of pieces of dimensions 1 / 1 / 1 height(501) / width(502) / length(503) can also be included at the vertices that define the structure. In the particular case of stacking pieces in double-row rigging mode, where each piece is placed and rests on two adjacent pieces, the maritime structure will define gaps of size 1 / 1 / 1 height / width / length at the vertices. In this case of stacking, the 1 / 1 / 1 pieces can be placed at said vertices, closing the structure. Different types of ordered stacking can be carried out with the 1 / 1 / 2 and 1 / 1 / 1 type pieces mentioned above. Other types of piece rigging may be used to stack the pieces described in this disclosure, resulting in different stacking configurations of the marine structure.

[0067] Perforations have a variety of functions. These perforations can be part of the water channel network, increasing the dissipation capacity of incoming wave action. These perforations can also be a connecting element between superimposed pieces if these perforations are filled with concrete, steel pipes, plastic, or other connective elements. This connection between pieces through the perforations ensures that the entire set of pieces has a monolithic structural behavior.

[0068] The stacking of the plurality of pieces can be disordered. Preferably, the stacking of the plurality of pieces can be ordered. Ordered stacking of pieces is characterized by stacking pieces with adjacent faces in contact along the height / width, height / length, or width / height dimensions, forming a network of perforations. Furthermore, the ordered stacking of the plurality of pieces is characterized by stacking pieces at one end of the dike, harbor dock, or riverbank with a single channel parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the structure.

[0069] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a system can be created formed by a plurality of pieces, each piece defined according to the previous description, where the plurality of pieces are stacked in an orderly manner, with at least one face of each piece in contact with another piece, in a sequential and juxtaposed manner, forming a network of perforations defined by the plurality of pieces and the plurality of pieces as a whole defining the port or maritime structure.

[0070] The pieces are placed in an overlapping manner. The juxtaposition of the grooves and perforations of a set of placed pieces forms a network of horizontal and vertical channels through which water can circulate, dissipating the energy of the incident waves. This network of internal channels is called a dissipation chamber and is responsible for dissipating and absorbing part of the energy of the incident wave.

[0071] Figures 12 aand 12B show alternative embodiments of an ordered stack of pieces (700) and (800) comprising a plurality of pieces of dimensions 1 / 1 / 2 and 1 / 1 / 1, described above. Such structures can be scaled up to build a port structure or breakwater of the required dimensions.

[0072] Furthermore, the boreholes can serve as refuges for marine species to colonize, promoting marine ecology and minimizing the structure's environmental impact.

[0073] Example of water wave attenuation

[0074] The attenuation of reflections in the pier or wall formed by the pieces described in this disclosure occurs through the following processes: a) Phase shift of the reflected waves: This occurs due to the setback between the surfaces on which the incident wave is reflected. According to the specific design of this piece, the anterior frontal wall represents 85% of the total frontal surface. For this reason, the portion of the energy reflected on this frontal face will be out of phase with respect to that which is ultimately reflected from within the dissipation chamber. b) Turbulence in the frontal wall: Due to the irregular shapes of the frontal wall, which comprises the plurality of channels and at least one perforation, turbulence is produced which in turn generates phase shifts for the new incident waves.c) Turbulence in the internal channel network: Strong turbulence occurs within the channel network due to the entry and exit of water masses through different access points. d) Destruction of the orbital motion of particles: This type of motion, which is characteristic of waves, is restricted within the channel network. As a result, vertical waves are produced, altering the characteristics, energy, and phase of the reflected wave. e) Water level shift: This effect is caused by the existence of the internal channels and results in an effective difference in water level at any given time inside the channel compared to outside the channel. Its impact on the reduction of reflected wave energy is very significant.

[0075] Energy reduction efficiency depends on the relationship between the characteristics of the incident wave, especially its period, and the depth of the dissipation chamber, defined by the network of channels and perforations created by the stacking of pieces. The relationship between the wavelength, which is a variable dependent on the wave period, and the characteristic length of the channel network has a significant impact on the resulting reflection coefficient. The dimensions of the block can be modified according to the specific characteristics of the wave to be minimized.

[0076] Application examples

[0077] With these functional characteristics, the described artificial piece can be used for the following purposes: 1) Formation of docks or banks of port basins that are affected by waves of various origins and in which it is convenient to maintain a limited level of agitation.

[0078] 2) Formation of docking pier walls that are affected by jets or currents caused by the propellers or nozzles of vessels and that may be subject to deterioration of materials or undermining of the bottoms and foundations.

[0079] 3) Formation of external walls of port dikes or other maritime works that, due to wave reflection, may cause problems in the maneuvering of vessels navigating in nearby areas.

[0080] 4) Formation of port dike walls that require a certain degree of permeability.

[0081] 5) Formation of walls in maritime or lagoon works that may cause erosion problems of the adjacent coasts or banks due to the reflection of waves incident on them.

[0082] 6) Construction or lining of river banks where it is desirable to reduce the energy of the waves reflected on them or the speed of the longitudinal current of the channel.

[0083] 7) Formation of banks or promenades located in the rear areas of beaches where it is desirable to reduce the risk of erosion due to the reflection of storm waves or where aesthetic quality requirements are raised.

[0084] 8) Formation of walls in areas where the environmental impact of the works is intended to be minimized by installing artificial reefs.

[0085] 9) Formation of walls in degraded areas where the colonization of marine species is pursued.

[0086] From a construction perspective, these pieces can be used to form low-reflection edges or piers in a wide variety of structural forms. The number of horizontal rows can range from one to as many as required by the required performance and tidal or flow variations in water levels.

[0087] In turn, in order to promote the formation of a monolithic structure, half pieces can be used to counterbalance the pieces of adjacent courses.

[0088] Advantages

[0089] The piece that constitutes the object of the invention presents, with respect to other pieces, various variations that translate into the following advantages:

[0090] 1. Flexibility and versatility. Until now, the components developed for use in piers, dikes, or low-reflection banks have proven effective for a limited range of wave periods, depending on the dimensions of the components. Due to size and weight limitations, the longest periods for which they have proven useful have been around 4 seconds.

[0091] In the case of the part described in this disclosure, the size of the part does not determine the range of periods for which it is effective as an anti-reflective structure. The depth of the wave energy dissipating chambers, which is the main parameter determining the range of periods for which a part is effective, does not depend on the size of the part, but rather on the total width of the wall, which depends on the number of parts used. Therefore, there is no limitation based on the size or weight of the parts, and the walls constructed with this part are effective for a wider range of wave periods.

[0092] 2. Structural robustness. The components used to date to form piers, breakwaters, and anti-reflective banks are typically designed with complex shapes to create the largest possible wave dissipation chamber without significantly increasing the component's size. For this reason, they often have asymmetrical shapes and slender sections that are susceptible to fracture.

[0093] In the case of the part described in this disclosure, the strategy for attenuating reflections consists of creating a series of interconnected interior conduits that channel the water. Along its path, it undergoes a series of turbulence processes, constrictions of water jets, and destruction of the orbital motion of particles, which together cause a dispersion of energy. The part object of the invention presents symmetrical shapes, without concave angles or slender sections. In turn, the walls formed with the part can be considered monolithic if the perforations are filled with concrete or steel tubes, plastic material, or other connective material.

[0094] 3. Material savings. It uses 70% less concrete than a solid block of the same external dimensions. Its use offers advantages when placed along the entire height of the wall, so overall it offers greater material savings than pieces of lower unit weight but used only in the upper part of the wall.

[0095] 4. Ease of handling. The part described in this disclosure has recessed shapes that allow it to be lifted using slings or clamps that secure it without the risk of it coming loose or becoming dislodged. The position of the part's center of gravity below the attachment points ensures its stability while suspended.

[0096] Additionally, once the piece is in its final position, the same channels allow the sling or tongs to be released and slid without the pieces becoming trapped by contact with adjacent pieces or other edges. This feature is a major advantage over other types of pieces, both because it facilitates the installation process and because it ensures a better finish, as it does not require moving already-positioned pieces to release the devices.

[0097] Finally, the existence of the channels allows the use of vertical guides that allow the piece to be placed in its final position underwater even in low visibility situations.

[0098] 5. Storage space. The land area occupied by the storage of parts during their manufacturing or curing process is one of the most important factors influencing the construction feasibility of a breakwater or maritime infrastructure.

[0099] The block described in this disclosure has the advantage over most irregularly shaped pieces in the state of the art used for the same purpose, as it can be stored at various heights without compromising the stability of the tower formed. The floor area occupied can be strictly that of the rectangle or square in which its floor plan is inscribed, since the grooves will allow the lifting slings to be released and positioned.

[0100] Due to these circumstances, the described piece presents the best storage occupancy index of all the known pieces that have been developed to date with a similar objective.

[0101] 6. Bioconcentrator. It generates interconnected cavities from the base of the wall, favoring colonization by various marine species.

[0102] In view of this description and figures, the person skilled in the art will understand that the invention has been described according to some preferred embodiments thereof, but that multiple variations can be introduced into said preferred embodiments, without departing from the object of the invention as it has been claimed.

[0103] In this text, the term "comprises" and its derivatives (such as "understanding," etc.) should not be understood in an exclusive sense. That is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that what is described and defined may include more elements, stages, etc.

Claims

Claims 1. Piece for the construction of port or maritime structures, comprising: • a block (100) defining a plurality of faces (101), each face defining a plurality of sides or edges (102), • a plurality of channels (103) defined on each face (101) of the block, and • the plurality of channels originates on one side or edge (102) of a face (101) and ends on a different side or edge of the same face, characterized in that the block comprises a 1 / 1 / 2 height (104) / width (105) / length (106) dimension ratio, and the block comprises at least one perforation (107) that completely crosses the height, width or length of the block, from one face to the opposite face.

2. The part according to claim 1, wherein the channels (103) have a semi-hexagonal cross section and the at least one perforation (107) has a hexagonal cross section.

3. The piece according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of channels originate on one side or edge of the face and end on the opposite side of the same face.

4. The piece according to any of claims 1-2, wherein the plurality of channels originate on one side or edge of the face and end on an adjacent side of the same face.

5. The piece according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sides or edges (102) of the piece are beveled.

6. The piece according to any of the preceding claims, composed of a rigid and resistant material in aquatic environments, such as concrete.

7. The part according to any of the preceding claims, comprising coupling means for coupling the part with another part.

8. The part according to claim 7, wherein the coupling means are a plurality of projections or protuberances (201) located on one face. of the piece and a plurality of grooves (202) located on an opposite face of the piece.

9. The piece according to claim 8, wherein the plurality of grooves (202) on the face of the block are located in positions corresponding to the positions of the plurality of projections (201) on the opposite face of the block.

10. System formed by a plurality of pieces, each piece defined according to any of the preceding claims, where the plurality of pieces are stacked in an orderly manner, with at least one face of each piece in contact with a face of another piece, in a sequential and juxtaposed manner, forming a network of perforations defined by the plurality of pieces and the plurality of pieces as a whole defining the port or maritime structure.

11. The system according to claim 10, further comprising a plurality of pieces (500) of dimensions 1 / 1 / 1 height (501) / width (502) / length (503) at a plurality of vertices that form the plurality of pieces that define the maritime or port structure.

12. The system according to any of claims 10 - 11, wherein the orderly stacking of the plurality of pieces comprises stacking pieces at a boundary of the port or maritime structure with a single channel parallel to the longitudinal dimension of the structure (700).

13. A method for constructing port or maritime structures, comprising the steps of: a. providing a plurality of pieces according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and b. stacking the plurality of pieces, defining a port or maritime structure, such as a breakwater, a port dock, or a riverbank.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the provision of the blocks is carried out by molding by cement or concrete formwork.

15. The method according to claims 13 - 14, wherein each piece is obtained from a solid block of predominantly parallelepiped shape in which the plurality of channels and the at least one perforation are defined by mechanical means.

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