Thin-walled perforated structures to grow corals and dissipate wave energy

Abstract

According to one or more embodiments, a thin-walled perforated structure to grow corals and dissipate wave energy is disclosed. Two types of thin-walled perforated structures are described: reef-crest structure and back reef structure. The reef-crest perforated structure can include a front perforated plate including a first plurality of apertures, a back perforated plate including a second plurality of apertures, and a top perforated plate including a third plurality of apertures. The top perforated plate is coupled to the front perforated plate and the back perforated plate. The thin-walled perforated structure can further include a front interior perforated plate including a fourth plurality of apertures, a back interior perforated plate including a fifth plurality of apertures, a front energy dissipator coupled to the front perforated plate or the top perforated plate, or both, and a back energy dissipator coupled to the back perforated plate or the top perforated plate, or both. The back-reef structure has five inclined side plates and a top plate. Each side plate has a plurality of apertures, and the top plate has one aperture. There is a side energy dissipator between two side perforated plates, and there is a top energy dissipator at the place where the top plate and a side plate meet. The bottom of each side plate has a triangle clearance to accommodate the bottom roughness.

Description

PCT PATENT APPLICATION ofZhenhua HuangMert GokdepeBrady Halvorson andAyrton Alfonso Medina Rodriguez forTHIN-WALLED PERFORATED STRUCTURES TO GROWCORALS AND DISSIPATE WAVE ENERGYTHIN- WALLED PERFORATED STRUCTURES TO GROW CORALS AND DISSIPATE WAVE ENERGYPRIORITY INFORMATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 609,836, filed on December 13, 2023, entitled THIN-WALLED PERFORATED STRUCTURES TO MIMIC REEF-CREST AND DISSIPATE WAVE ENERGY, by Huang, et al., the contents of which being incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.GOVERNMENT LICENSE RIGHTS

[0002] This invention was made with government support under grant no.HR001122C0134 awarded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. The government has certain rights in this invention.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to nature-based solutions to shoreline protection problems and, more particularly, to thin-walled perforated structures to provide base structures for growing corals and dissipating wave energy.BACKGROUND

[0004] Shoreline protection problems, which can arise as a result of the erosion of shorelines as a consequence of wave action, are widely recognized and well-known. In general, erosion is a function of persistent wave action exerted on beaches that are comprised of sand or fine-shingled material and is most frequently encountered along shorelines of large bodies of water where such wave action can be generated. As a consequence of persistent wave action, material on the shore can be loosened and the continuous reciprocating movement along the shoreline can cause the sand or fine-shingled materials to erode over time. The problems of erosion are particularly prevalent along exceptionally long shorelines where the phenomenon of littoral drift is enhanced. In such scenarios, devices such as breakwaters and revetments can be used, however, these devices can lead to increased downstream erosion.

[0005] Various attempts to combat shoreline erosion have been proposed and implemented along shorelines around the world. One approach to mitigating shoreline protection problemscan involve dredging sand from outlying portions of the body of water and depositing the sand on the beach. However, the dredging process is generally expensive and usually serves only as a temporary solution to the problem, because the shore can still gradually and continually erode. Moreover, dredging sand from the floor beneath the body of water creates other environmental concerns such as damage to marine life.

[0006] Other approaches to shoreline erosion using hard engineering structures for controlling erosion along shorelines, such as barriers positioned along the shoreline (or at a distance in the water spaced from the shoreline) have also been proposed to partially block waves from reaching the shore and therefore mitigate shoreline protection problems. However, hard engineering structures may disrupt natural processes, harm local ecosystems, and have difficulty adapting to climate change.

[0007] In addition, a large majority of these hard engineering structures are formed using rubble or are formed from concrete units placed on the seabed and are therefore susceptible to toe-erosion, stability issues, wear, and dislocation by the natural wave action they are intended to combat. Accordingly, parts of these structures usually become cracked, dislocated, or otherwise damaged over the course of time, reducing their efficacy and eventually requiring replacement.

[0008] Accordingly, despite the various proposed hard engineering structures and methods for controlling erosion along shorelines, nature-based solutions are relatively new; identifying best solutions to shoreline erosion problems continues to be a topic of intensive research. Nature-based solutions to shoreline erosion problems aim at using nature-inspired structures to form a system that mimics a nature system such as a coral reef. A need therefore exists for nature-based solutions for erosion control which addresses these and other drawbacks of the prior art.SUMMARY

[0009] The present disclosure provides a nature-based solution to the shoreline protection problem discussed above. As described in more detail herein, the disclosure includes one or more thin-walled, perforated structures that can be used to create a hybrid reef system that has a back reef area protected by one or two reef crests, aiming to reduce the wave energy reaching the shoreline and foster a conducive environment for the growth and protection of natural reefs (e.g., coral reefs), as well as fish and other marine organisms that dwell near orwithin such reefs. As will be appreciated, these and other benefits of the present disclosure can therefore allow for the protection, reclamation, and / or growth of diverse marine ecosystems.

[0010] According to one or more embodiments, a thin-walled, perforated structure placed in the back reef areas and a thin-walled perforated structure to mimic a reef crest, both of which are designed for dissipating wave energy and providing space for growing corals (e.g., a dual function structure), are disclosed. The thin-walled perforated structure to mimic a reef crest, referred to as a reef-crest structure herein, can include a front perforated plate including a first plurality of apertures, a back perforated plate including a second plurality of apertures, and a top perforated plate including a third plurality of apertures. The top perforated plate is coupled to the front perforated plate and the back perforated plate. The thin-walled perforated structure can further include a front interior perforated plate including a fourth plurality of apertures, a back interior perforated plate including a fifth plurality of apertures, a front energy dissipator coupled to the front perforated plate or the top perforated plate, or both, and a back energy dissipator coupled to the back perforated plate or the top perforated plate, or both.

[0011] In some embodiments, the thin-walled perforated structure placed in back reef area has five inclined side plates and a top plate, referred to as a perforated pentagon house or a back-reef structure: each side plate has a plurality of apertures, and the top plate has one aperture. There is a side energy dissipator between two slide perforated plate, and there is a top energy dissipator at the place where the top plate and a side plate meet. The bottom of each side plate has a triangle clearance to accommodate the bottom roughness. For example, in some embodiments, the back-reef structure has five inclined side plates and a top plate. Each side plate has a plurality of apertures, and the top plate has one aperture. There is a side energy dissipator between two side perforated plates, and there is a top energy dissipator at the place where the top plate and a side plate meet. The bottom of each side plate has a triangle clearance to accommodate the bottom roughness.

[0012] Additional features of the present invention are discussed in the detailed description of the preferred embodiment below, and shown in the drawings hereof, and this summary is not meant to limit the scope of the embodiments herein.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the following accompanying drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dual -functional, thin-walled perforated structure for forming a perforated reef crest, referred to as a perforated reef-crest structure, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a top view of a dual -functional, thin-walled perforated structure for forming a perforated reef crest, referred to as a perforated reef-crest structure, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another dual -functional, thin-walled perforated structure for forming a perforated reef crest, referred to as a reef-crest structure, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of yet another dual -functional, thin-walled perforated structure for forming a perforated reef crest, referred to as a reef-crest structure, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a perforated reef crest including a plurality of perforated reefcrest structures according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a reef-crest system including two perforated reef crests, each including a plurality of reef-crest structures, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a reef system, including a perforated reef crest and an array of back-reef structures, for dissipating wave energy and mounting coral succession modules or coral growth modules according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a reef system, including two perforated reef crests and an array of back reef structures, for dissipating wave energy and mounting coral succession modules or coral growth modules according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a thin-walled, perforated pentagon house having a thin-walled perforated structure to grow corals and dissipate wave energy according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a top view of a perforated pentagon house having a thin-walled perforated structure to grow corals and dissipate wave energy according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a perforated pentagon house having a thin-walled perforated structure having feet to grow corals and dissipate wave energy according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 12 shows an example of a possible mounting scheme for coral succession modules (CSMs) and / or coral growth modules (CGMs) according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 13 illustrates an example reef system, which includes a natural reef crest with an array of perforated pentagon houses, for mounting coral succession modules or coral growth modules according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 14 illustrates an example reef system, which includes a perforated reef crest and an array of perforated pentagon houses, for mounting coral succession modules or coral growth modules according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 15 illustrates another example reef system, which includes perforated reef crests and an array of perforated pentagon houses, for mounting coral succession modules or coral growth modules according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 16 illustrates another example reef system, which includes two perforated reef crests and an array of perforated pentagon houses, for mounting coral succession modules or coral growth modules according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] It should be understood that the above-referenced drawings are not necessarily to scale, presenting a somewhat simplified representation of various preferred features illustrative of the basic principles of the disclosure. The specific design features of the present disclosure, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes, will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment.DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0031] The techniques described herein provide for a nature-based solution to the shoreline protection problem discussed above. As described in more detail herein, the disclosure includes one or more thin-walled, perforated structures that can be used to create a hybridreef system, aiming to reduce the wave energy reaching the shoreline and foster a conducive environment for growing corals and / or protection of natural reefs (e.g., coral reefs), as well as fish and other marine organisms that dwell near or within such reefs. As will be appreciated, these and other benefits of the present disclosure can therefore allow for the protection, reclamation, and / or growth of diverse marine ecosystems.

[0032] In contrast to previous approaches, which generally rely on single function, hard engineering structures, embodiments disclosed herein are multi-functional. For example, and as described in more detail below, the present disclosure is directed to structures that allow for: (a) dissipating wave energy and / or (b) serving as a base structure for mounting various numbers of coral growth modules (CGMs), as well as various numbers of coral succession modules (CSMs). Additional advantages of the structures described herein can also include: (a) relatively low wave loading (as compared to previous, such as hard-engineering structures) due to the perforation on the plates of the structures disclosed herein and (b) relatively low costs (as compared to previous approaches) due to the modularized thin-walled designs of the structures of the present disclosure.

[0033] As disclosed herein, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to structures that can include a perforated front and back plate, a perforated top plate, four lower stabilizing mechanisms (e.g., four “feet” or four “legs”), two energy dissipators, two suspended horizontal beams, and / or two perforated interior plates. In some embodiments, the stabilizing mechanisms are designed such that the structure can be anchored to the seabed. It will be appreciated that the enumerated quantities of such components in the structures described herein may be altered without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, multiple perforated front, back, and / or top plates, greater than or fewer than four lower stabilizing mechanisms, greater or fewer than two energy dissipators, greater or fewer than two suspended horizontal beams, greater or fewer than two perforated interior plates, etc., may be provided to structures in accordance with the disclosure.

[0034] In some embodiments, the material of the structure can be reinforced concrete, stainless steel, or combinations thereof, and / or can be combinations of various alloys. As described in more detail herein, the front and / or back perforated plates can be manufactured in a range inclusive of 45° to 60°, although embodiments are not so limited. In addition, it is noted that the dimensions of the structures disclosed herein can be based on the water depth at the site where they will be deployed. Further, it is noted that the structures disclosedherein have been tested in a large wave flume and have numerically simulated using, at minimum, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Boundary Element Methods (BEM).

[0035] Specific embodiments and components of the thin-walled perforated structures to form a reef system and dissipate wave energy of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying figures and are discussed in more detail below. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that these are merely illustrative in nature and not limiting, being presented by way of example only. Numerous modifications and other embodiments are within the scope of ordinary skill in the art and are contemplated as falling within the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, those skilled in the art should appreciate that the specific configurations are exemplary and that actual configurations will depend on the specific system. Those skilled in the art will also be able to recognize and identify equivalents to the specific elements shown, using no more than routine experimentation.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dual -functional, thin-walled perforated structure for forming a perforated reef crest, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The dual -functional, thin-walled perforated structure for forming a perforated reef crest may be referred to herein for brevity as “structure 100.” FIG. 2 is a top view of a dual -functional, thin-walled perforated structure for forming a perforated reef crest according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The dual-functional, thin-walled perforated structure for forming a perforated reef crest shown in FIG. 2 may be referred to herein for brevity as “structure 100,” and may be analogous to the structure 100 illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0037] It is noted that the lines shown on the faces of the structure 100 (e.g., the line between elements 116, the line between elements 108, etc.) are presented merely to show symmetry and / or lead perspective to the illustrations and are not indicative of a physical feature or physical demarcation in the structure 100. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the structure 100 is a single structure, formed in one piece in order to provide sufficient structural integrity to survive in the conditions in which the structure 100 will be deployed.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2, the structure 100 includes a plurality of front feet 102 and a plurality of back feet 104. In some embodiments, the structure 100 may include two front feet and two back feet, although embodiments are not limited to these particular quantities of feet. Further, it will be appreciated that even though a single back foot is shown in FIG. 1, a second back foot that is obfuscated as a result of the perspective ofFIG. 1 may be included as part of the structure 100. However, the top view of FIG. 2 shows two front feet and back feet, although embodiments are not limited to these particular quantities of feet. Further, in some embodiments, the feet can be designed such that the structure can be anchored to the seabed using a mechanism that is most suitable to the conditions at the site where the structure will be deployed.

[0039] The structure 100 may also include a front perforated plate 106, which can include a plurality of front perforated plate apertures 108 (e.g., a plurality of “holes”). Although shown as four distinct apertures in FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2, the plurality of front perforated plate apertures 108 may include greater than or fewer than four distinct apertures (or “holes”). The structure 100 may further include a front energy dissipator 110 and a rear energy dissipator 112 (or “back energy dissipator”).

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2, the structure 100 includes a top perforated plate 114, which can include a plurality of top perforated plate apertures 116 (e.g., a plurality of “holes”). Although shown as two distinct apertures in FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2, the plurality of top perforated plate apertures 116 may include greater than or fewer than two distinct apertures (or “holes”).

[0041] The structure 100 can further include a back perforated plate 118, which can include a plurality of back perforated plate apertures 120 (e.g., a plurality of “holes”). Although the plurality of back perforated plate apertures 120 are somewhat obfuscated as a result of the perspective shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the plurality of back perforated plate apertures 120 may comprise four distinct apertures (or “holes”).Embodiments are not so limited, however, and in some embodiments, the plurality of back perforated plate apertures 120 may include greater than or fewer than four distinct apertures (or “holes”).

[0042] As mentioned above, the front perforated plate 106 and / or the back perforated plate 118 can be manufactured such that an angle formed by the front perforated plate 106 and / or the back perforated plate 118 and the -axis is in a range inclusive of 45° to 60°, although embodiments are not so limited.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, the structure 100 can include a suspended horizontal beam 122. The structure 100 can further include a back interior perforated plate 124, which can include a plurality of back interior perforated plate apertures 126 (e.g., a plurality of “holes”).Although the plurality of back interior perforated plate apertures 126 are somewhat obfuscated as a result of the perspective shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the plurality of back interior perforated plate apertures 126 may comprise four distinct apertures (or “holes”). Embodiments are not so limited, however, and in some embodiments, the plurality of back interior perforated plate apertures 126 may include greater than or fewer than four distinct apertures (or “holes”).

[0044] The structure 100 can further include a front interior perforated plate 128, which can include a plurality of front interior perforated plate apertures 130 (e.g., a plurality of “holes”). Although the plurality of front interior perforated plate apertures 130 are somewhat obfuscated as a result of the perspective shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments, the plurality of front interior perforated plate apertures 130 may comprise four distinct apertures (or “holes”). Embodiments are not so limited, however, and in some embodiments, the plurality of front interior perforated plate apertures 130 may include greater than or fewer than four distinct apertures (or “holes”).

[0045] As shown in FIG. 1, the structure can feature a gap 132 that is provided under the front perforated plate 106 and the back perforated plate 118. In some embodiments, the gap 132 can be provided to compensate for the maximum bathymetric variation that may be experienced between the plurality of front feet 102 and the plurality of back feet 104. For example, the gap 136 may be provided to compensate for the maximum bathymetric variation that may be experienced between the plurality of front feet 102, the maximum bathymetric variation that may be experienced between the plurality of back feet 104, and / or the maximum bathymetric variation that may be experienced between the plurality of front feet 102 and the plurality of back feet 104.

[0046] As mentioned above, the number of apertures or “holes” in the various components of the structure 100 can be different than the number of apertures or “holes” illustrated in FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the number of apertures and / or the shapes of the apertures, or “holes,” in these components can be based on the porosity of the plates and the diameter of the apertures. That is, the number, shapes, and / or sizes of the plurality of front perforated plate apertures 108, the plurality of top perforated plate apertures 116, the plurality of back perforated plate apertures 120, the plurality of back interior perforated plate apertures 126, and / or the plurality of front interior perforated plate apertures 130 can be based on the porosity of the plates (e.g., the front perforated plate 106, the top perforated plate 114, theback perforated plate 118, the back interior perforated plate 124, and / or the front interior perforated plate 128) and / or the diameter of the apertures.

[0047] In some embodiments, the apertures can be formed to have a diameter between 30 centimeters and 55 centimeters, although embodiments are not so limited. In other embodiments, the apertures can be formed such the diameter of the apertures is no less than twice the thickness of the plates (e.g., the front perforated plate 106, the top perforated plate 114, the back perforated plate 118, the back interior perforated plate 124, and / or the front interior perforated plate 128). It will be appreciated that embodiments are not so limited, and other aperture diameters, as well as other relations between aperture diameter and plate thickness can be employed without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0048] In some embodiments, the locations of the lower apertures (e.g., the apertures closest to the bottom of the structure and hence, closest to the seafloor) of the plurality of front perforated plate apertures 108 and / or the plurality of back perforated plate apertures 120 can be located closer to the bottom of the structure 100 than, for example the upper apertures of the plurality of front perforated plate apertures 108 and / or the plurality of back perforated plate apertures 120 are located with respect to the top of the structure 100. That is, the locations of the lower apertures of the plurality of front perforated plate apertures 108 and / or the plurality of back perforated plate apertures 120 and the upper apertures of the plurality of front perforated plate apertures 108 and / or the plurality of back perforated plate apertures 120 may be provided such they are not equidistant from the bottom of the structure 100 and the top of the structure 100 along the x-axis, respectively.

[0049] By forming the lower apertures of the plurality of front perforated plate apertures 108 and / or the plurality of back perforated plate apertures 120 such that these apertures are located closer to the bottom of the structure 100, Coral Succession Models (CSMs) and / or Coral Growth Models (CGMs) can be mounted on the upper half of the front perforated plate 106 and / or the back perforated plate 118 in a manner that avoids possible influence of suspended sediment on the growth of corals. It will be appreciated that the total number of the CSMs and / or CGMs that can be mounted to the structure 100 can depend on the dimensions of the reef crests and the geometries of the CSMs and / or CGMs. As an example, considering a 2.4 meter wide by 2.25-meter-tall reef crest structure, 10 CSMs and / or CGMs having a 50 centimeter diameter can fit on the front perforated plate 106 and / or the back perforated plate 118. Continuing with this example, 9 CSMs and / or CGMs can fit on the topperforated plate 114. It will be appreciated that the foregoing example is merely illustrative and non-limiting and other combinations, sizes, and / or mounting locations of CSMs and / or CGMs are contemplated within the scope of the disclosure.

[0050] The height (e.g., in the direction of the x-axis) of the structure 100 can be based on local water depth, tidal range, and / or a number of CSMs and / or CGMs that are to be mounted to the structure 100. In general, the height of the structure 100 can be approximately two- thirds to three-fourths of the mean depth of the water where the structure 100 will be deployed, although embodiments are not limited to this specific height vs. water depth relationship.

[0051] In some embodiments, the height (e.g., in the direction of the x-axis) of the structure 100 can be based on the amount of wave energy that the structure 100 should be able to dissipate. In addition to, or in the alternative, the height of the structure 100 can be based on the materials used to form the structure 100, the quantity and / or size of the apertures, the number of CSMs and / or CGMs planned for deployment on the structure 100, and so on and so forth.

[0052] The locations of the apertures on the front perforated plate 106, the top perforated plate 114, the back perforated plate 118, the back interior perforated plate 124, and / or the front interior perforated plate 128 can be arranged to minimize flow interference through and / or around the structure 100. As will be appreciated, flow interference can refer to a phenomenon in which turbulence or other interference effects occur through and / or around the structure 100 as a result of the flow of the water (e.g., vwe motion, currents, etc.).

[0053] In addition, in some embodiments, the edges of the apertures (e.g., the plurality of front perforated plate apertures 108, the plurality of top perforated plate apertures 116, the plurality of back perforated plate apertures 120, the plurality of back interior perforated plate apertures 126, and / or the plurality of front interior perforated plate apertures 130) can be formed to have a minimum distance from each other to avoid flow interference. That is, in order to mitigate energy dissipation efficiency through and / or around the structure 100, the edges of the apertures can be formed such that a minimum is provided between each of the apertures. Further, in some embodiments, a distance between the edges of the apertures can be larger than the thickness of the plates (e.g., the front perforated plate 106, the topperforated plate 114, the back perforated plate 118, the back interior perforated plate 124, and / or the front interior perforated plate 128), although embodiments are not so limited.

[0054] Further, in some embodiments, the edges of the apertures may be formed to have a minimum distance from the edge of the plate on which an aperture is formed in order to maintain structural integrity of the structure 100. Moreover, in some embodiments, a distance between the edges of the apertures and the edges of the plate on which an aperture is formed can be at least the same as the plate thickness, although embodiments are not so limited.

[0055] In some embodiments, the porosity of each perforated plate, excluding the gaps between the front perforated plate 106, the top perforated plate 114, the back perforated plate 118, the back interior perforated plate 124, and / or the front interior perforated plate 128 and the sea floor, can be in a range of about 10-20%, although embodiments are not so limited.

[0056] The thickness (e.g., in the direction of the y-axis and / or z-axis) and / or height (e.g., in the direction of the x-axis) of the energy dissipators (z.e., the front energy dissipator 110 and the rear energy dissipator 112) can determined based on the local wave height in the location in which the structure 100 is deployed. In some embodiments, the ratio of the height to thickness of the energy dissipators can be at least a factor of two. That is, in some embodiments, the height of the energy dissipators can be twice as large as the thickness of the energy dissipators. Embodiments are not so limited, however, and in some embodiments the ration of the height to thickness of the energy dissipators can be greater than a factor of two (e.g., the height of the energy dissipators can be three times as large as the thickness of the energy dissipators, etc.).

[0057] Further, in some embodiments, the thickness of the plates (e.g., the front perforated plate 106, the top perforated plate 114, the back perforated plate 118, the back interior perforated plate 124, and / or the front interior perforated plate 128) can be based on the local wave amplitude in a location in which the structure 100 is deployed. By basing the thickness of the plates on the local wave amplitude in the location in which the structure 100 is to be deployed, it may be possible to maximize the wave energy dissipation incident to the structure 100, thereby improving the longevity of the structure 100, as well as allowing for the structure 100 to provide the benefits described herein.

[0058] In some embodiments, the dimensions of the structure 100 (e.g., the width along the z-axis, the length along the -axis, etc.) can be a function of the distance between theplurality of front feet 102 along the z-axis and / or the distance between plurality of back feet 104 along the z-axis. In such embodiments, the distance between the feet along the z-axis can be selected based on dimensions of the vessels and / or vehicles that can be used to transport the structure 100 from a fabrication site to a project site (e.g., to the location in which the structure 100 is ultimately deployed) in order to reduce transportation costs, make transportation easier, etc.

[0059] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another dual-functional, thin-walled perforated structure for forming a perforated reef crest according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The dual -functional, thin-walled perforated structure for forming a perforated reef crest of FIG. 3 may be referred to herein for brevity as “structure 300.” The structure 300 can be analogous to the structure 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Accordingly, elements having like reference numerals FIG. 3 to those in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 can be analogous elements.

[0060] Notably, however, the structure 300 of FIG. 3 differs from the structure 100 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 in that the back interior perforated plate 124 and the front interior perforated plate 128 of FIG. 3 are formed at an angle other than 90° with respect to the x-axis and y-axis. That is, the back interior perforated plate 124 and the front interior perforated plate 128 of FIG. 3 are closer together along the y-axis at a bottom portion of the structure 300 (e.g., where the back interior perforated plate 124 and the front interior perforated plate 128 couple to the suspended horizontal beam 122) than they are at a top portion of the structure 300 (e.g., where the back interior perforated plate 124 and the front interior perforated plate 128 couple to the front perforated plate 106 and the back perforated plate 118).

[0061] This can allow for different energy reduction in the structure 300 in the form of, for example, improved energy dissipation when the structure 300 encounters fluid motion when deployed under water. In addition to, or in the alternative, forming the back interior perforated plate 124 and the front interior perforated plate 128 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 3 can allow for additional space to mount CSMs and / or CGMs to the structure 300.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of yet another dual -functional, thin-walled perforated structure for forming a perforated reef crest according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The dual -functional, thin-walled perforated structure for forming a perforated reefcrest of FIG. 4 may be referred to herein for brevity as “structure 400.” The structure 400 can be analogous to the structure 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Accordingly, elements having like reference numerals FIG. 4 to those in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 can be analogous elements.

[0063] Notably, however, the structure 400 of FIG. 4 differs from the structure 100 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 in that the back interior perforated plate 124 and the front interior perforated plate 128 of FIG. 4 are formed at an angle other than 90° with respect to the y- axis. That is, the back interior perforated plate 124 and the front interior perforated plate 128 of FIG. 4 are farther apart along the y-axis at a bottom portion of the structure 400 (e.g., where the back interior perforated plate 124 and the front interior perforated plate 128 couple to the suspended horizontal beam 122) than they are at a top portion of the structure 400 (e.g., where the back interior perforated plate 124 and the front interior perforated plate 128 couple to the front perforated plate 106 and the back perforated plate 118).

[0064] This can allow for different levels of energy reduction in the structure 400 in the form of, for example, improved energy dissipation when the structure 400 encounters fluid motion when deployed under water. In addition to, or in the alternative, forming the back interior perforated plate 124 and the front interior perforated plate 128 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 4 can allow for additional space to mount CSMs and / or CGMs to the structure 400.

[0065] FIG. 5 illustrates a reef-crest system including a plurality of dual -functional, thinwalled perforated structures for forming a perforated reef crest according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, the system 500 includes a first series of dualfunctional, thin-walled perforated structures for forming a perforated reef crest 501 that includes a plurality of dual-functional, thin-walled perforated structures for forming a perforated reef crest that are each analogous to the structure 100 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 5, a first structure 100-1, a second structure 100-2, a third structure 100-3, a fourth structure 100-4, and a fifth structure 100-5 through an Nlhstructure 100-N that can be deployed in series to form a perforated reef crest using a series of reef-crest structures such as structure 100, structure 300, structure 400, etc. In some embodiments, the plurality of structures can be coupled together, while in other embodiments, the plurality of structures can be in contact along at least one edge to create the series of structures.

[0066] FIG. 6 illustrates a reef-crest system including two perforated reef crests. As shown in FIG. 6, the system 600 includes a first perforated reef crest 501 and a second perforated reef crest 503 that each reef-crest structure is analogous to the structure 100 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Structure 300 or structure 400 can be used instead of structure 100.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 6, the perforated reef crest 501 includes a first structure 100-1, a second structure 100-2, a third structure 100-3, a fourth structure 100-4, and a fifth structure 100-5 through an Nlhstructure 100-N that can be deployed in series to form the perforated reef crest. Similarly, the perforated reef crest 503 can include a plurality of reef crest structures (which are not individually numbered so as to avoid obfuscating the drawing layout). It will be appreciated, however, that the perforated reef crest 503 can include a similar number of structures (e.g., a first structure, a second structure, a third structure, a fourth structure, and a fifth structure through an Nlhstructure orstructure in the event that the perforated reef crest 501 and the second perforated reef crest 503 include different quantities of discrete structures). In some embodiments, the plurality of structures can be coupled together, while in other embodiments, the plurality of structures cannot be in direct contact when creating the series of structures to avoid possible collision between structures caused by large waves.

[0068] FIG. 7 illustrates a reef system, which includes one perforated reef crests and an array of back-reef structures for coral succession modules or coral growth modules according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, the system 700 includes a reef crest 501 that includes a plurality of reef crest structures that are each analogous to the structure 100 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an / or the structure 300 and / or the structure 400 of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 7, the system 700 additionally includes a plurality of base structures 705 for mounting coral succession modules (CSMs) and / or coral growth modules (CGMs). In FIG. 7, the plurality of base structures 705 for mounting said CSMs and / or CGMs may be comprised of individual base structures for mounting CSMs and / or CGMs. For example, a first base structure 705-1 through an Xthbase structure 705-X can be included in the system 700. Each of these base structures among the plurality of base structures 705 (e.g., the first base structure 705-1 through the Xthbase structure 705-X) can be included in the system 700 and may be coupled to, or may be deployed independently of, the first series of dual -functional, thin-walled perforated structures for forming a perforated reef crest 501. Itis noted that, in some embodiments, each of the base structures can be analogous to the structure 900 illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, herein.

[0070] FIG. 8 illustrates a reef system, which includes two perforated reef crests and an array of perforated pentagon houses (e.g., “base structures”), for mounting coral succession modules or coral growth modules according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 8, the reef system 800 includes a perforated reef crests 501 and a second perforated reef crests 503 that each include a plurality of dual -functional, thin-walled perforated structures for forming a perforated reef crests that are analogous to the structure 100 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 8, the reef system 800 includes two perforated reef crests and a plurality of perforated pentagon houses (e.g., the plurality of base structures 705) for mounting coral succession modules (CSMs) and / or coral growth modules (CGMs). In FIG.8, the plurality of perforated pentagon houses for mounting said CSMs and / or CGMs may be comprised of individual perforated pentagon houses, referred as base structures, for mounting CSMs and / or CGMs. For example, a first base structure 705-1 through an Xthbase structure 705-X can be included in the reef system 800. Each of these base structures among the plurality of base structures 705 (e.g., the first base structure 705-1 through the Xthbase structure 705-X) can be included in the reef system 800 and may be coupled to, or may be deployed independently of, the first perforated reef crest 501 and / or the second perforated reef crest 503.

[0072] It will be appreciated that the individual structures that are included in the first perforated reef crest 501 and / or the second perforated reef crest 503 of FIGS. 5-8 can be replaced with the structure 300 and / or the structure 400 without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 are provided for illustration purposes and embodiments in which one or more of the individual structures illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 can be replaced, exchanged, etc. with the various types of structures described herein.

[0073] In some embodiments, wave energy and / or wave power can be reduced by utilizing the structures described herein. As will be appreciated, wave power is generally determined as a function of wave energy flux through a vertical plane. Accordingly, the structures described herein have undergone wave-flume experimental testing to show a reduction inwave energy and / or wave power. That is, using the reef system 800 of FIG. 8 and / or the system 1500 of FIG. 15, the wave energy reduction shows improvements over other approaches. For example, using the reef system 800 of FIG. 8 and / or the system 1500 of FIG. 15 in a water depth of 0.6 meters with a structure height of 0.5 meters, with a significant wave height of 0.3 meters and peak wave periodicity (Tp) of 3.3 seconds, approximately 92% of the incoming wave energy can be dissipated using the reef system 800 of FIG. 8 and / or the system 1500 of FIG. 15. Stated alternatively, embodiments of the present disclosure can allow for only about 8% of the wave energy on the seaside of the structures being able to reach the shoreline. Similar effects can be realized using the system of FIG. 7, and other systems and / or structures described herein.

[0074] In addition, various simulations and / or tests utilizing the structures described herein have been performed and such simulations and / or tests demonstrate that inclusion of a front energy dissipator 110, a rear energy dissipator 112, and / or side energy dissipators 906 shows that the addition of these energy dissipators can reduce the wave energy transmitted to the shore side, particularly in a setting of two perforated reef crests as shown in FIG. 8 and / or FIG. 15. In such simulations and / or wave-flume tests, the height of the structure can be around 0.5 meters and can be deployed in a water depth of 0.6 meters with a wave height around 0.05 meters. The wave periodicity in such simulations and / or tests can be around 3 seconds and the center-to-center distance between the two perforated reef crests (e.g., the distance between the first perforated reef crests 501 and a second perforated reef crests 503) can be around 2.6 meters. It will be appreciated that the foregoing enumerated examples are provided for illustration purposes and that other dimensions, distances, wave heights, water depths, etc., are contemplated within the scope of the disclosure.

[0075] Further, various computations using the Boundary Element Method (BEM), among other computations prevalent in the art, have been performed to confirm and / or demonstrate the energy reduction performance of the perforated reef crests described herein. For example, embodiments described in FIG. 5 can reduce the wave power reaching the shoreline by, at minimum, 75% for a wide range of wave conditions considered in the wave-flume tests.

[0076] Based on these simulations and / or tests, embodiments of the present disclosure not only provide improvements by way of power reduction by the structures (e.g., the first perforated reef crest 501 and the second perforated reef crest 503), but also provide furtherwave energy dissipation through the utilization and / or placement of the plurality of base structures 705.

[0077] In a non-limiting example, a thin-walled perforated structures (e.g., the structure 100) to mimic a reef-crest and dissipate wave energy includes a front perforated plate 106 including a first plurality of apertures (e.g., the plurality of front perforated plate apertures 108) and a back perforated plate 118 including a second plurality of apertures (e.g., the plurality of back perforated plate apertures 120). The thin-walled perforated structure further includes a top perforated plate 114 including a third plurality of apertures (e.g., the plurality of top perforated plate apertures 116). As discussed herein, the top perforated plate 114 can be coupled to the front perforated plate 106 and / or the back perforated plate 118.

[0078] The thin-walled perforated structure can further include a front interior perforated plate 128 including a fourth plurality of apertures (e.g., plurality of front interior perforated plate apertures 130. The front interior perforated plate 128 can be coupled to the front perforated plate 106 and / or the top perforated plate 114. The thin-walled perforated structure can further include a back interior perforated plate 124 including a fifth plurality of apertures (e.g., plurality of back interior perforated plate apertures 126). The back interior perforated plate 124 can be coupled to the back perforated plate 118 and / or the top perforated plate 114. In addition, the thin-walled perforated structure can further include a front energy dissipator 110 coupled to the front perforated plate 106 and / or the top perforated plate 114 and a back energy dissipator (e.g. the rear energy dissipator 112) coupled to the back perforated plate 118 and / or the top perforated plate 114.

[0079] In some embodiments, the front interior perforated plate and the back interior perforated plate are formed at an angle of around ninety degrees with respect to a plane parallel to the top perforated plate, as shown in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the front interior perforated plate and the back interior perforated plate are formed at an angle of less than ninety degrees with respect to a plane parallel to the top perforated plate, as shown in FIG. 3. In yet other embodiments, the front interior perforated plate and the back interior perforated plate are formed at an angle of greater than ninety degrees with respect to a plane parallel to the top perforated plate, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0080] As discussed above, the thin-walled perforated structure can include a plurality of Coral Succession Models (CSMs) and / or a plurality of Coral Growth Models (CGMs)coupled to the front perforated plate 106, the back perforated plate 118, the top perforated plate 114, or combinations thereof.

[0081] In some embodiments, the thin-walled perforated structure can include a suspended horizontal beam 122 coupled to a bottom portion of the front perforated plate 106 and the back perforated plate 118. The suspended horizontal beam 122 can create a gap 132 between the thin-walled perforated structure and a seafloor.

[0082] As discussed above, relative dimensions of the front perforated plate 106, the back perforated plate 118, the top perforated plate 114, the front interior perforated plate 128, and the back interior perforated plate 124 can be based on a water depth at a site where the thinwalled perforated structure will be deployed. Further, in some embodiments, the first plurality of apertures, the second plurality of apertures, the third plurality of apertures, the fourth plurality of apertures, and the fifth plurality of apertures each have a diameter between 30 centimeters and 55 centimeters for deployment in water of 2-3 meters deep. Embodiments are not so limited, however, and in some embodiments, a diameter of the first plurality of apertures, the second plurality of apertures, the third plurality of apertures, the fourth plurality of apertures, and the fifth plurality of apertures is no less than twice a thickness of the front perforated plate, the back perforated plate, the top perforated plate, the front interior perforated plate, and the back interior perforated plate. Moreover, in some embodiments, the first plurality of apertures is formed on a lower half of the front perforated plate 106 while the second plurality of apertures are formed on a lower half of the back perforated plate 118.

[0083] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a perforated pentagon house having a thin-walled perforated structure to grow corals and dissipate wave energy according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The perforated pentagon house may be referred to herein for brevity as a “back-reef structure” or “structure 900.” FIG. 10 is a top view of a perforated pentagon house having a thin-walled perforated structure to grow corals and dissipate wave energy according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The perforated pentagon house having the thin-walled perforated structure to grow corals and dissipate wave energy may be referred to herein for brevity as “structure 900,” and may be analogous to the structure 900 of FIG. 9.

[0084] In general, the structure 900, together with structure 100, can provide a naturebased solution to shoreline protection problem, as mentioned above. The designs of the structure 900 and structure 100 can allow for creating a hybrid reef system that aims toreduce the wave energy reaching the shoreline and can foster a conducive environment for coral reefs, fish, and diverse marine ecosystems. In contrast to traditional reef balls, the structure 900 is dual -functional and can (a) dissipate wave energy and (b) serve as a base structure for mounting various numbers of coral growth modules (CGMs) and / or coral succession modules (CSMs).

[0085] As described in more detail below, the structure 900 may include five perforated side plates, a perforated top plate, five side energy dissipators, five top energy dissipators, and a triangular clearance between each slide plate and the sea floor, although embodiments are not so limited. The material of the structure 900 can be reinforced concrete, stainless steel, various alloys, or other compositions. The perforation(s) on each side of the structure 900 can be specially chosen to facilitate the growth of corals and dissipate wave energy. In addition, the structure 900 may feature a unique design that can accurate the bathymetric variation, while featuring a low profile and large footprint for considerations of structural stability. Further, the structure 900 can provide improved energy dissipation, which has been tested in wave flume experiment and numerically simulated by using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and Boundary Element Methods (BEM).

[0086] FIGS. 9-10 show various components of the dual -functional, thin-walled, perforated pentagon house for growing corals and dissipating wave energy (e.g., the structure 900). Variances to the structure 900 are shown below in FIG. 11, where a plurality of feet (e.g., the feet 916 of FIG. 11) are added to the structure 900 at the joints between two adjacent side plates if anchoring the structure to the seafloor is needed.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 9 and / or FIG. 10, the structure 900 can include side perforated plates 902 (e.g., a plurality of side perforated plates), which can include side perforated plate apertures 904 (e.g., “holes”). The structure 900 can further include side energy dissipators 906. In addition, the structure 900 can include a top perforated plate 908, which can include a top perforated plate aperture 910. As shown in FIG. 9 and / or FIG. 10, top energy dissipators 912 can be coupled to the top perforated plate 908. In some embodiments, the side perforated plate apertures 904 and / or the top perforated plate aperture 910 can have a diameter of around 30 centimeters to 55 centimeters, although embodiments are not so limited. For example, in some embodiments, the diameter of the side perforated plate apertures 904 and / or the top perforated plate aperture 910 may be no less than twice the thickness of the side perforated plates 902 and / or the top perforated plate 908.

[0088] In some embodiments, the thickness and / or height of the side energy dissipators 906 and / or the top energy dissipators 912 can be based on the local wave height in the location in which the structure 900 will be deployed. Further, the ratio of the wave height to thickness of the side energy dissipators 906 and / or the top energy dissipators 912 can be at least two (z.e., the height of the side energy dissipators 906 and / or the top energy dissipators 912 can be at least twice as great as the thickness of the side energy dissipators 906 and / or the top energy dissipators 912).

[0089] In some embodiments, the thickness of the side perforated plates 902 and / or the thickness of the top perforated plate 908 can be determined based on the local wave amplitude in the location in which the structure 900 will be deployed in order to maximize the wave energy dissipation of the structure 900.

[0090] The structure 900 can include a clearance area 914, such as a triangular shaped clearance area, that can be provided to each of the side perforated plates 902. It will, however, be appreciated that other shapes besides a substantially triangular shaped clearance area can be provided to the structure 900 in accordance with the disclosure. In some embodiments, the clearance area 914 between the structure 900 and the seafloor can be provided to accommodate the local bathymetric variation in the location in which the structure 900 will be deployed, as well as to increase the structural stability of the structure 900.

[0091] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a perforated pentagon house having a thin-walled perforated structure having feet to mimic reef-crest and dissipate wave energy according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The perforated pentagon house having a thin-walled perforated structure to grow corals and dissipate wave energy may be referred to herein for brevity as “structure 900.” As shown in FIG. 11, the structure 900 includes a plurality of feet (e.g., the feet 916) at joints between two adjacent side plates if anchoring the structure to the seafloor is desired or otherwise required. For example, the feet 916 can be provided in order to anchor the structure 900 to the seabed. In addition, in some embodiments, the width of the structure 900, which can be determined by the distance between the feet 916 can be determined by the allowable height of the structure and the number of CSMs and / or CGMs to be mounted on each of the side perforated plates 902.

[0092] In some embodiments, the feet 916 can allow for the structure 900 to maintain its position if the self-weight of the structure 900 cannot maintain stability under extreme wave events. That is, the feet 916 can allow for anchoring the structure 900 to the seafloor in which the structure 900 is deployed to mitigate variations caused by alterations of wave and / or current events experienced by the structure 900.

[0093] In some embodiments, the number of apertures provided to the structure 900 can depend on the porosity of the plates and / or the diameter of the apertures. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 9-11, a single aperture (e.g., the top perforated plate aperture 910) can be provided on the top perforated plate 908 to maximize the number of CGMs and / or CSMs that can be mounted to the top perforated plate 908. Embodiments are not so limited, however and additional apertures can be provided in the top perforated plate 908 depending on the overall size of the structure 900.

[0094] In some embodiments, the locations of the side perforated plate apertures 904 can be closer to the bottom of the structure 900 so that the CSMs and / or CGMs can be mounted on the upper half of the side perforated plates 902 to avoid possible influence of suspended sediment on the growth of corals. In general, the total number of the CSMs and / or CGMs can depend on the dimensions of the thin-walled, perforated pentagon house (e.g., the structure 900) and / or the dimensions of the CSMs and / or CGMs. As an example, considering a 4-meter wide, 1.5-meter high thin-walled, perforated pentagon house, fifteen CSMs and / or CGMs having a 50-centimeter diameter can fit on side perforated plates 902 and five CSMs and / or CGMs can fit on the top perforated plate 908. This is shown in more detail in FIG. 12, where the possible schemes of mounting CSMs and / or CGMs on the side perforated plates 902 and the top perforated plate 908 of the thin-walled, perforated pentagon houses (e.g., the structure 900) are shown.

[0095] In some embodiments, the height of the structure 900 can be determined based on the requirement of the number of CSMs and / or CGMs to be placed on the structure 900, as well as the local water depth in the location in which the structure 900 is to be deployed.

[0096] In some embodiments, the porosity of each perforated plate (e.g., the side perforated plates 902 and / or the top perforated plate 908), excluding the clearance under each side plate, can be around 20%, although embodiments are not so limited.

[0097] In some embodiments, the edges of the side perforated plate apertures 904 can be provided with a minimum distance from each other to avoid flow interference, which could in turn affect the energy dissipation efficiency of the structure 900. In addition, in some embodiments, the distance between the edges of the side perforated plate apertures 904 can be slightly larger than the thickness of the side perforated plates 902. Further, the edges of the side perforated plate apertures 904 can be provided with a minimum distance from the edges of the side perforated plates 902 to maintain structural integrity of the structure 900. In some embodiments, the distance between the edges of the side perforated plate apertures 904 and the edges of the side perforated plates 902 can be at least the same as the thickness of the side perforated plates 902.

[0098] Further, various computations using the Boundary Element Method (BEM), among other computations prevalent in the art, have been performed to confirm and / or demonstrate the energy reduction properties of the structures described herein. For example, embodiments described herein can reduce the power of an incident wave that reaches the shoreline after traversing the array of base structures 903 by, at minimum, 20%.

[0099] That is, given a transmission coefficient KT vs. an incident wave period T where KT is the ratio of the transmitted wave power to the incident wave power and KT= 0.8, approximately 20% of incident wave power can reach the shoreline. Stated alternatively, utilizing an array of base structures 903 (e.g., 14 base structures or “thin-walled, perforated pentagon houses (without CSMs or SGMs)) can also dissipate about 20% wave energy when the heights of the structures are about one half of the local water depth, thereby providing improvements over the power reduction caused by the crest structures alone (e.g., the first series of dual -functional, thin-walled perforated structures for forming a reef crests 501 and a second series of dual-functional, thin-walled perforated structures for forming a reef crests 503).

[0100] In a non-limiting example, perforated pentagon house having a thin-walled perforated structure (e.g., a “base structure,” which can be the structure 900) includes a plurality of perforated plates (e.g., a plurality of side perforated plates shown as the side perforated plate 902, herein) to form the perforated pentagon house. In some embodiments, each perforated plate among the plurality of perforated plates can include a respective plurality of apertures (e.g., the side perforated plate apertures 904). A plurality of side energy dissipators (e.g., side energy dissipators 906) can be coupled to the plurality of perforatedplates. The perforated pentagon house can further include a top perforated plate 908 including a plurality of apertures (e.g., the top perforated plate aperture 910). The top perforated plate can be coupled to each perforated plate among the plurality of perforated plates. In some embodiments, a plurality of top energy dissipators (e.g., the top energy dissipator 912) can be coupled to the top perforated plate.

[0101] In some embodiments, a plurality of Coral Succession Models (CSMs) and / or a plurality of Coral Growth Models (CGMs) coupled to each perforated plate among the plurality of perforated plates and the top perforated plate. As mentioned above, in some embodiments, apertures among the respective plurality of apertures can be formed on a lower portion of each perforated plate among the plurality of perforated plates. This can allow for enough space close to the water surface for mounting a maximum number of CSMs and / or CGMs at elevations away from the influence of suspended sediment.

[0102] In some embodiments, the perforated pentagon house can include a substantially triangular shaped clearance area formed in a bottom portion of the plurality of perforated plates to create a gap between the perforated pentagon house and a seafloor, shown in FIG. 9. This feature can provide a gap between the sea floor and the lower edge of the perforated pentagon house to accommodate the bathymetric variation in the location in which the perforated pentagon house is deployed.

[0103] As discussed above, relative dimensions of the plurality of perforated plates and the top perforated plate of the perforated pentagon house can be based on a water depth at a site where the perforated pentagon house will be deployed. Further, in some embodiments, a diameter of the respective plurality of apertures and the plurality of apertures can be no less than twice a thickness of the plurality of perforated plates and the top perforated plate. Embodiments are no so limited, however, and in some embodiments, the respective plurality of apertures and the plurality of apertures each have a diameter between 30 centimeters and 55 centimeters.

[0104] FIG. 12 shows an example of a possible mounting scheme for CSMs and / or CGMs according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 12, a side perforated plate 902 can include an area for CSM module installation 901, as well as side perforated plate apertures 904. It will be appreciated that embodiments are not limited to CSM modules and CGM modules may be installed on the side perforated plate 902 in addition to, or in thealternative to, CSM modules. Further, a boundary is also illustrated in FIG. 12, however, this boundary is shown for reference purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0105] In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, a top perforated plate 908 can include an area for CSM module installation 901, as well as top perforated plate aperture 910. It will be appreciated that embodiments are not limited to CSM modules and CGM modules may be installed on the top perforated plate 908 in addition to, or in the alternative to, CSM modules. Further, a boundary is also illustrated in FIG. 12, however, this boundary is shown for reference purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0106] FIG. 13 illustrates a system including a natural reef crest with an array of perforated pentagon houses (e.g., base structures) for mounting coral succession modules or coral growth modules according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 13, the system 1300 includes a natural reef crest 1301 and an array of base structures 903 for mounting coral succession modules (CSMs) or coral growth modules (CGMs). The array of base structures 903 can be analogous to the plurality of base structures 705 illustrated in FIGS. 7-8, herein.

[0107] In FIG. 13, the array of base structures 903 for mounting said CSMs and / or CGMs may be comprised of individual base structures for mounting CSMs and / or CGMs. For example, a first base structure 900-1 through an Ylhbase structure 900- Y can be included in the system 1300. Each of these base structures of the array of base structures 903 (e.g., the first base structure 900-1 through the Ylhbase structure 900- Y) may be coupled to, or may be deployed independently of, the natural reef crest 1301. It is noted that, in some embodiments, each of the base structures in the array of base structures 903 can be analogous to the structure 900 illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, herein.

[0108] The example of FIG. 13 illustrates a scenario in which there is already a natural reef crest 1301 in the site and, accordingly, the array of base structures 903 (e.g., an array of the thin-walled, perforated pentagon houses) can be deployed behind the natural crest, i.e., in the back reef region.

[0109] FIG. 14 illustrates a reef system, which includes a plurality of dual -functional, thin-walled perforated structures for forming reef crests and an array of base structures, for mounting coral succession modules or coral growth modules and dissipating wave energyaccording to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 14, the system 1400 includes a perforated reef crest 501 that includes a plurality of dual -functional, thin-walled perforated structures for forming a reef crest that are each analogous to the structure 100 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Further, the array of base structures 903 can be analogous to the plurality of base structures 705 illustrated in FIGS. 7-8, herein.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 14, the system 1400 additionally includes an array of base structures 903 for mounting coral succession modules (CSMs) and / or coral growth modules (CGMs). In FIG. 14, the array of base structures 903 for mounting said CSMs and / or CGMs may be comprised of individual base structures for mounting CSMs and / or CGMs. For example, a first base structure 900-1 through an Ylhbase structure 900-y can be included in the system 1400. Each of these base structures of the array of base structures 903 (e.g., the first base structure 900-1 through the Ylhbase structure 900-Y) may be coupled to, or may be deployed independently of, the first perforated reef crest 501. It is noted that, in some embodiments, each of the base structures can be analogous to the structure 900 illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, herein.[OHl] The example of FIG. 14 illustrates a scenario in which a natural reef crest is not available at the site and, accordingly, a hybrid / perforated reef crest consisting of one row of the thin-walled perforated structures for forming a reef crest (e.g., the first series of dualfunctional, thin-walled perforated structures for forming a reef crest 501) can be constructed. Once the first perforated reef crest 501 is constructed or deployed, then an array of the thinwalled, perforated pentagon houses for mounting CSMs or CGMs (e.g., the array of base structures 903) can be deployed behind hybrid reef crest.

[0112] FIG. 15 illustrates another system, which includes two perforated reef crests each including a plurality of dual -functional, thin-walled perforated structures for forming a reef crest and an array of base structures for mounting coral succession modules or coral growth modules and dissipating wave energy according to embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 15, the system 1500 includes the first hybrid / perforated reef crest 501 and the second hybrid / perforated reef crest 503 that each include a plurality of dual-functional, thinwalled perforated structures for forming reef crests that are analogous to the structure 100 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Further, the array of base structures 903 can be analogous to the plurality of base structures 705 illustrated in FIGS. 7-8, herein.

[0113] As shown in FIG. 15, the system 1500 additionally includes an array of base structures 903 for mounting coral succession modules (CSMs) and / or coral growth modules (CGMs) and dissipating wave energy. In FIG. 15, the array of base structures 903 for mounting said CSMs and / or CGMs may be comprised of individual base structures for mounting CSMs and / or CGMs. For example, a first base structure 900-1 through an Y'hbase structure 900-Y can be included in the system 1500. Each of these base structures of the array of base structures 903 (e.g., the first base structure 900-1 through the Y'hbase structure 900- Y) can be included in the system 1500 and may be coupled to, or may be deployed independently of, the first hybrid / perforated reef crest 501 and / or the second hybrid / perforated reef crest 503.

[0114] It will be appreciated that the individual structures that are included in the first hybrid / perforated reef crest 501 and / or the second hybrid / perforated reef crest 503 of FIGS. 14-15 can be replaced with the structure 300 and / or the structure 400 without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 14-15 are provided for illustration purposes and embodiments in which one or more of the individual structures illustrated in FIGS. 14-15 can be replaced, exchanged, etc. with the various types of structures described herein.

[0115] The example of FIG. 15 illustrates a scenario in which a natural reef crest is not available at the site and, accordingly, a hybrid / perforated reef crest consisting of two rows of the thin-walled perforated structure for forming a reef crests (e.g., the first row of dualfunctional, thin-walled perforated structures for forming a reef crest 501 and the second row of dual -functional, thin-walled perforated structures for forming a reef crest 503) can be constructed. In some embodiments, the first hybrid / perforated reef crest 501 and the second hybrid / perforated reef crest 503 can be separated by a distance determined by local wave conditions and can be deployed for more energy dissipation than just one row of reefmimicking structures. Once the hybrid / perforated reef crest 501 is constructed or deployed, then an array of the thin-walled, perforated pentagon houses for mounting CSMs or CGMs (e.g., the array of base structures 903) can be deployed behind hybrid reef crests.

[0116] FIG. 16 illustrates a reef system layout, which includes two hybrid / perforated reef crests each including a plurality of dual-functional, thin-walled perforated structures for forming reef crests and an array of base structures for mounting coral succession modules or coral growth modules and dissipating wave energy according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure. As shown in FIG. 16, the system 1600 includes the first hybrid / perforated reef crest 501 and the second hybrid / perforated reef crest 503 that each include a plurality of dualfunctional, thin-walled perforated structures for forming a reef crest that are analogous to the structure 100 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Further, the array of base structures 903 can be analogous to the plurality of base structures 705 illustrated in FIGS. 7-8, herein.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 16, the system 1600 additionally includes an array of base structures 903 for mounting coral succession modules (CSMs) and / or coral growth modules (CGMs) and dissipating wave energy. In FIG. 16, the array of base structures 903 for mounting said CSMs and / or CGMs may be comprised of individual base structures for mounting CSMs and / or CGMs. For example, a first base structure 900-1 through an Y'hbase structure 900-Y can be included in the system 1600. Each of these base structures of the array of base structures 903 (e.g., the first base structure 900-1 through the Y'hbase structure 900- Y) can be included in the system 1600 and may be coupled to, or may be deployed independently of, the first hybrid / perforated reef crest 501 and / or the second hybrid / perforated reef crest 503.

[0118] It will be appreciated that the individual structures that are included in the first hybrid / perforated reef crest 501 and / or the second hybrid / perforated reef crest 503 of FIG. 16 can be replaced with the structure 300 and / or the structure 400 without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16 is provided for illustration purposes and embodiments in which one or more of the individual structures illustrated in FIG. 16 can be replaced, exchanged, etc. with the various types of structures described herein.

[0119] In FIG. 16, an example of placements and / or distances between the various structures and / or components is shown. For example, given a water depth of 2.5 meters with a prevailing wave period of 8.1 seconds, the first hybrid / perforated reef crest 501 may be deployed at a distance of around 12.0 meters from the second hybrid / perforated reef crest 503. A first series of base structures 907-1 may be deployed at a distance of around 13.20 meters from the second hybrid / perforated reef crest 503. As shown in FIG. 16, the first series of base structures 907-1 can be positioned in a cluster that is centered around a 4.38-meter space taken up by the average position of base structures in the first series of base structures 907-1.

[0120] A second series of base structures 907-2 may be deployed at a distance of around 5.88 meters from a central location of the first series of base structures 907-1. As shown in FIG. 16, the second series of base structures 907-2 can be positioned in a cluster that is centered around an 8.76-meter space taken up by the average position of base structures in the second series of base structures 907-2.

[0121] A third series of base structures 907-3 may be deployed at a distance of around 7.50 meters from a central location of the second series of base structures 907-2. As shown in FIG. 16, a fourth series of base structures 907-4 may be deployed in a cluster that is within 7.44 meters from the edge of the third series of base structures 907-3.

[0122] As will be appreciated, the specified distances, clustering, deployments, etc. of FIG. 16 are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Instead, these examples are provided to elucidate embodiments described herein and to provide non-limiting examples of aspects of the present disclosure. Stated alternatively, and as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the relevant arts, the relative positions of the structures (e.g., the structure 100, the structure 300, the structure 400, plurality of base structures 705, the structures in the array of base structures 903, etc.) with respect to one another can vary based on the conditions in which said structures are deployed and various configurations for the relative positions of said structures are contemplated herein.

[0123] In a non-limiting example, a system can include a first plurality of thin-walled perforated structures to grow corals and dissipate wave energy deployed next to one another to create a first series of thin-walled perforated structures on a seafloor, as shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 14. In some embodiments, each thin-walled perforated structure among the first plurality of thin-walled perforated structures can comprise: a front perforated plate including a first plurality of apertures; a back perforated plate including a second plurality of apertures; a top perforated plate including a third plurality of apertures, wherein the top perforated plate is coupled to the front perforated plate and the back perforated plate; a front interior perforated plate including a fourth plurality of apertures, wherein the front interior perforated plate is coupled to the front perforated plate or the top perforated plate, or both; a back interior perforated plate including a fifth plurality of apertures, wherein the back interior perforated plate is coupled to the back perforated plate or the top perforated plate, or both; a front energy dissipator coupled to the front perforated plate or the top perforated plate, orboth; and a back energy dissipator coupled to the back perforated plate or the top perforated plate, or both.

[0124] The system can further include a plurality of perforated pentagon houses each having a thin-walled perforated structure and deployed at a distance along the seafloor from the first series of thin-walled perforated structures. In some embodiments, each perforated pentagon house among the plurality of perforated pentagon houses can comprise: a plurality of perforated plates to form each pentagon house among the plurality of perforated pentagon houses, each perforated plate among the plurality of perforated plates including a respective plurality of apertures; a plurality of side energy dissipators coupled to the plurality of perforated plates; a top perforated plate including a plurality of apertures, wherein the top perforated plate is coupled to each perforated plate among the plurality of perforated plates; and a plurality of top energy dissipators coupled to the top perforated plate.

[0125] As discussed above, the system can further include a plurality of Coral Succession Models (CSMs) and / or a plurality of Coral Growth Models (CGMs) coupled to each thinwalled perforated structure among the first plurality of thin-walled perforated structures and to each perforated pentagon house among the plurality of perforated pentagon houses.

[0126] Further, in some embodiments, the system can include a second plurality of thinwalled perforated structures to mimic reef-crest and dissipate wave energy deployed next to one another to create a second series of thin-walled perforated structures. In such embodiments, the second series of thin-walled perforated structures can be deployed along the seafloor between the first series of thin-walled perforated structures and the plurality of perforated pentagon houses, as shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 15, and FIG. 16.

[0127] In describing the present disclosure, it should be understood that the terms “center,” “longitudinal,” “transverse,” “length,” “width,” “thickness,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” “axial,” “radial,” “circumferential,” and other indicated orientations or positional relationships are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the drawings, which are only for the convenience of describing the present disclosure and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying the referred device or elements must have certain orientations, be constructed and operate in certain orientations, and therefore should not be construed as limitations on the invention.

[0128] In addition, the terms “first” and “second” are used for descriptive purposes only, and cannot be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the quantity of indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined as “first” and “second” may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of these features. Further, the terms “first” and “second” can be used to describe various embodiments where the “first” may be referred to as the “second,” and vice versa, given the context of the description and accompanying illustrations. In the description of the present invention, “plurality” means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0129] Further, in the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, terms such as “installation,” “deployment,” “coupling,” “connection,” “fixation,” etc. should be understood in a broad sense, for example, “coupled to” can be a fixed connection or a detachable connection, or integrated connection; it may be mechanically connected or electrically connected; it may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediary, and it may be the internal communication of two components or the interaction relationship between two components, unless otherwise specified limited. Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention according to specific situations.

[0130] In the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the first feature may be in direct contact with the first feature or the first and second feature may be in direct contact with the second feature through an intermediary. Moreover, “above” the first feature on the second feature may mean that the first feature is directly above or obliquely above the second feature or may simply mean that the first feature is higher in level than the second feature. “Below” and “beneath” the first feature may mean that the first feature is directly below or obliquely below the second feature or may simply mean that the first feature is less horizontally than the second feature. It should further be noted that when an element is referred to as being “fixed on” or “disposed on” another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being “connected to” or “coupled to” another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or intervening elements may also be present.

[0131] While there have been shown and described illustrative embodiments that provide for a hopper gate opener, it is to be understood that various other adaptations and modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the embodiments herein, with theattainment of some or all of their advantages. For instance, while the techniques herein are described primarily with respect to thin-walled perforated structures to mimic reef-crest and dissipate wave energy, the teachings herein are not limited as such and may be adapted for use with other forms of reef-crest structures to dissipate wave energy, accordingly.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A thin-walled perforated structure to mimic reef-crest and dissipate wave energy, comprising: a front perforated plate including a first plurality of apertures; a back perforated plate including a second plurality of apertures; a top perforated plate including a third plurality of apertures, wherein the top perforated plate is coupled to the front perforated plate and the back perforated plate; a front interior perforated plate including a fourth plurality of apertures, wherein the front interior perforated plate is coupled to the front perforated plate or the top perforated plate, or both; a back interior perforated plate including a fifth plurality of apertures, wherein the back interior perforated plate is coupled to the back perforated plate or the top perforated plate, or both; a front energy dissipator coupled to the front perforated plate or the top perforated plate, or both; and a back energy dissipator coupled to the back perforated plate or the top perforated plate, or both.

2. The thin-walled perforated structure of claim 1, wherein the front interior perforated plate and the back interior perforated plate are formed at an angle of around ninety degrees with respect to a plane parallel to the top perforated plate.

3. The thin-walled perforated structure of claim 1, wherein the front interior perforated plate and the back interior perforated plate are formed at an angle of less than ninety degrees with respect to a plane parallel to the top perforated plate.

4. The thin-walled perforated structure of claim 1, wherein the front interior perforated plate and the back interior perforated plate are formed at an angle of greater than ninety degrees with respect to a plane parallel to the top perforated plate.

5. The thin-walled perforated structure of claim 1, further comprising spaces for mounting: a plurality of Coral Succession Models (CSMs) and / or a plurality of Coral Growth Models (CGMs) onto the front perforated plate, the back perforated plate, the top perforated plate, or combinations thereof.

6. The thin-walled perforated structure of claim 1, further comprising: a suspended horizontal beam coupled to a bottom portion of the front perforated plate and the back perforated plate, wherein: the suspended horizontal beam creates a gap between the thin-walled perforated structure and a seafloor.

7. The thin-walled perforated structure of claim 1, wherein relative dimensions of the front perforated plate, the back perforated plate, the top perforated plate, the front interior perforated plate, and the back interior perforated plate are based on a water depth at a site where the thin-walled perforated structure will be deployed.

8. The thin-walled perforated structure of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of apertures, the second plurality of apertures, the third plurality of apertures, the fourth plurality of apertures, and the fifth plurality of apertures each have a diameter between 30 centimeters and 55 centimeters.

9. The thin-walled perforated structure of claim 1, wherein: the first plurality of apertures are formed on a lower half of the front perforated plate, and34the second plurality of apertures are formed on a lower half of the back perforated plate.

10. The thin-walled perforated structure of claim 1, wherein a diameter of the first plurality of apertures, the second plurality of apertures, the third plurality of apertures, the fourth plurality of apertures, and the fifth plurality of apertures is no less than twice a thickness of the front perforated plate, the back perforated plate, the top perforated plate, the front interior perforated plate, and the back interior perforated plate.

11. A perforated pentagon house having a thin-walled perforated structure, comprising: a plurality of perforated plates to form the perforated pentagon house, each perforated plate among the plurality of perforated plates including a respective plurality of apertures; a plurality of side energy dissipators coupled to the plurality of perforated plates; a top perforated plate including a plurality of apertures, wherein the top perforated plate is coupled to each perforated plate among the plurality of perforated plates; and a plurality of top energy dissipators coupled to the top perforated plate.

12. The perforated pentagon house of claim 11, wherein apertures among the respective plurality of apertures are formed on a lower portion of each perforated plate among the plurality of perforated plates.

13. The perforated pentagon house of claim 11, further comprising spaces for mounting: a plurality of Coral Succession Models (CSMs) and / or a plurality of Coral Growth Models (CGMs) onto each perforated plate among the plurality of perforated plates and the top perforated plate.

14. The perforated pentagon house of claim 11, further comprising:a substantially triangular shaped clearance area formed in a bottom portion of the plurality of perforated plates to create a gap between the perforated pentagon house and a seafloor.

15. The perforated pentagon house of claim 11, wherein relative dimensions of the plurality of perforated plates and the top perforated plate are based on a water depth at a site where the perforated pentagon house will be deployed.

16. The perforated pentagon house of claim 11, wherein a diameter of the respective plurality of apertures and the plurality of apertures is no less than twice a thickness of the plurality of perforated plates and the top perforated plate.

17. The perforated pentagon house of claim 11, wherein the respective plurality of apertures and the plurality of apertures each have a diameter between 30 centimeters and 55 centimeters.

18. A system, comprising: a first plurality of thin-walled perforated structures to mimic reef-crest and dissipate wave energy deployed next to one another to create a first series of thin-walled perforated structures on a seafloor, wherein each thin-walled perforated structure among the first plurality of thin-walled perforated structures comprises: a front perforated plate including a first plurality of apertures; a back perforated plate including a second plurality of apertures; a top perforated plate including a third plurality of apertures, wherein the top perforated plate is coupled to the front perforated plate and the back perforated plate; a front interior perforated plate including a fourth plurality of apertures, wherein the front interior perforated plate is coupled to the front perforated plate or the top perforated plate, or both;a back interior perforated plate including a fifth plurality of apertures, wherein the back interior perforated plate is coupled to the back perforated plate or the top perforated plate, or both; a front energy dissipator coupled to the front perforated plate or the top perforated plate, or both; and a back energy dissipator coupled to the back perforated plate or the top perforated plate, or both; and a plurality of perforated pentagon houses each having a thin-walled perforated structure and deployed at a distance along the seafloor from the first series of thin-walled perforated structures, wherein each perforated pentagon house among the plurality of perforated pentagon houses comprises: a plurality of perforated plates to form each pentagon house among the plurality of perforated pentagon houses, each perforated plate among the plurality of perforated plates including a respective plurality of apertures; a plurality of side energy dissipators coupled to the plurality of perforated plates; a top perforated plate including a plurality of apertures, wherein the top perforated plate is coupled to each perforated plate among the plurality of perforated plates; and a plurality of top energy dissipators coupled to the top perforated plate.

19. The system of claim 18, further comprising: a second plurality of thin-walled perforated structures to mimic reef-crest and dissipate wave energy deployed next to one another to create a second series of thin-walled perforated structures, wherein: the second series of thin-walled perforated structures is deployed along the seafloor between the first series of thin-walled perforated structures and the plurality of perforated pentagon houses.3720. The system of claim 18, further comprising spaces for mounting: a plurality of Coral Succession Models (CSMs) and / or a plurality of Coral Growth Models (CGMs) onto each thin-walled perforated structure among the first plurality of thinwalled perforated structures and to each perforated pentagon house among the plurality of perforated pentagon houses.38

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