Modular dike for shore protection

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular dike which is intended for shore protection. The inventive dike is based on a reduced number of different prismatic, tubular modules including one quadrangular-section module, two triangular-section modules and a straight trapezoidal-section module. The aforementioned modules are equipped with tongue-and-groove coupling means for the stacking thereof and lateral fixing means such that it is possible to produce a dike of any width, height and section. Moreover, the modules have a thickness of the order of 2.5 metres, a similar height and a length of between 6 and 12 metres. In this way, the dimensions of the modules are suitable for the standard containers that are used to transport goods by road and, more specifically, the constituent modules of the dike can be transported by road on the standard transport network used for the containers. Furthermore, the modules are provided with large lightening holes and, following installation, the modules can be stabilised using, among other means, sand-filled geotextile bags which are disposed therein.

1 . Modular dike for shoreline protection, comprising the use in the same of prismatic modules, having a smaller section than that of the dike to be obtained, with the peculiarity that said modules have a maximum width of the order of 2.5 metres to allow for transport by land, a height which, by itself or in combination with that of the other superimposed module, is equivalent to its width, and a length of 6 or 12 metres. The volumetry of such modules is therefore equivalent to that of the standard containers used in the intermodal container transport network, a network which is thus valid for transporting the modules themselves.  
   
   
       2 . Modular dike for shoreline protection, according to  claim 1 , comprising the use in the same of essentially four types of modules, one quadrangular prismatic ( 1 ), another triangular prismatic ( 2 ), straight, little difference between catheti, a triangular prismatic ( 3 ), also straight but with a great difference between catheti, and another ( 4 ) straight, trapezoidal prismatic.  
   
   
       3 . Modular dike for shoreline protection, according to  claim 1 , comprising the incorporation in the different modules ( 1 ), ( 2 ), ( 3 ), ( 4 ), in the lower base, of tongues ( 5 ) for location on the sea floor and for tongue-and-groove coupling in the stacking of modules. For such purpose, the quadrangular prismatic modules ( 1 ) incorporate, in the upper base, complementary tongues ( 6 ), while the triangular modules ( 2 - 3 ) and trapezoidal modules ( 4 ) incorporate, in the upper, inclined base, tongues ( 7 - 7 ′) which permit mutual coupling of this type of module, through the inverse positioning of one on the other.  
   
   
       4 . Modular dike for shoreline protection, according to  claim 1 , comprising the fact the different modules ( 1 ), ( 2 ), ( 3 ), ( 4 ) are tubular, that is, hollow, with openings ( 8 ) in their bases for lightening weight and facilitating integration in the seabed, and with openings ( 9 ) in their lateral walls, on which the respective fixing bars ( 10 ) are set, which are opposite in the lateral coupling of modules and permit the fixing of the same with the assistance of joints ( 11 ), preferably elastic, to permit certain relative displacement between modules.  
   
   
       5 . Modular dike for shoreline protection, according to  claim 1 , comprising the fact buoyancy bags ( 15 ) work with the stated modules ( 1 ), ( 2 ), ( 3 ), ( 4 ), to facilitate manipulation of the same during installation in the water. These bags ( 15 ) are fixed to modules ( 1 ), ( 2 ), ( 3 ), ( 4 ) via the fixing bars ( 10 ) of the latter.  
   
   
       6 . Modular dike for shoreline protection, according to  claim 1 , comprising the fact sand-filled geotextile bags ( 14 ) are disposed in modules ( 1 ), ( 2 ), ( 3 ), ( 4 ) to improve stabilisation.  
   
   
       7 . Modular dike for shoreline protection, according to  claim 1 , comprising the fact modules ( 1 ), ( 2 ), ( 3 ), ( 4 ), intended to occupy end positions in the dike, are closed at one end, while those modules intended for location in areas of angulation or arching effect of the dike layout have a trapezoidal base.