Embankment Support

Abstract

This invention relates to an embankment support ( 10 ), and more particularly to an embankment support ( 10 ) for the protection and stabilisation of sea embankments against wave impact and erosion. According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an embankment support ( 10 ) comprising an anchoring portion for anchoring the support in an embankment, connecting means for allowing interlocking of the embankment support with an adjacent embankment support, and an operatively upper side connected to the anchoring portion for receiving flowing water and directing the water along the operatively upper side of the embankment support, thereby dispersing the water in a desired direction and reducing erosion of the embankment.

1 . An embankment support comprising:
 an anchoring portion for anchoring the support in an embankment;   connecting means for allowing interlocking of the embankment support with an adjacent embankment support; and   an operatively upper side connected to the anchoring portion for receiving flowing water and directing the water along the operatively upper side of the embankment support, thereby dispersing the water in a desired direction and reducing erosion of the embankment.   
     
     
         2 . The embankment support according to  claim 1 , wherein the connection means is a flange on one side of the embankment support that engages with a complementary shaped receiving formation on a subsequent embankment support. 
     
     
         3 . The embankment support according to  claim 1 , wherein the anchoring portion consists of pillars located at each corner of the embankment support, with an annular base connecting the pillars at an opposite end relative to the operatively upper side. 
     
     
         4 . The embankment support according to  claim 3 , wherein at least one side of the embankment support is solid, or substantially solid with a plurality of perforations. 
     
     
         5 . The embankment support according to  claim 1 , wherein the embankment support surrounds a hollow interior which is filled with sand in use. 
     
     
         6 . The embankment support according to  claim 1 , wherein the embankment support is cubic or cuboid in shape. 
     
     
         7 . The embankment support according to  claim 1 , wherein the operatively upper side is disposed at an angle of between 0° and 89° relative to the anchoring portion of the embankment support. 
     
     
         8 . The embankment support according to  claim 1 , wherein the operatively upper side is provided with a central aperture for allowing additional anchors to be put in place. 
     
     
         9 . The embankment support according to  claim 8 , wherein the additional anchors are poles being complementary in shape to the central aperture, and which are operatively driven into the sand to assist in keeping the embankment support anchored in use. 
     
     
         10 . The embankment support according to  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of embankment supports may be interconnected to form an embankment.