WO2016164957A1

WO2016164957A1 - Artificial reef module

Info

Publication number: WO2016164957A1
Application number: PCT/AU2015/000357
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Hallam; Toby ROE; Jack FRANCIS; Matthew Allen
Original assignee: Subcon Technologies Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2015-04-16
Filing date: 2015-06-17
Publication date: 2016-10-20

Abstract

An artificial reef module comprising a hollow structure (12), eg substantially pyramidal or conical, having a base (16), forming an internal space (12) and having a plurality of openings (22) configured to enable marine animals to move into and move out of the internal space; the hollow structure and openings configured to create at least one region of light and at least one region of shadow within the space when the hollow structure is illuminated from above and a plurality of upright members (14) coupled and spaced about the hollow structure. Converging pairs of rails (32) cooperating with each other to form channels for directing water flow upwardly.

Description

ARTIFICIAL REEF MODULE

Technical Field A reef module is disclosed particularly, although no exclusively, for promoting growth and development of marine fauna and flora.

Background Art Artificial reefs have been used for many years for different purposes. Depending on the particular purpose the reef may have a particular structure or configuration. For example an artificial reef may be made by simply sinking an oil rig or scuttling a ship. Such reefs are often for the purposes of attracting and sustaining marine fauna and flora. Other types of reefs are used for stabilising the seabed. Such reefs may be made for example from concrete blocks or used vehicle tyres.

Summary of the Disclosure

A general idea behind the disclosed artificial reef module is to provide a habitat for marine fauna and flora. Embodiments of the artificial reef module are configured to produce both light and shadow regions irrespective of the position of an illumination source (which will generally be the sun) above the module. More particularly an embodiment of the disclosed module is formed with a hollow structure having a number of openings positioned to produce both light and shadow regions within the hollow structure.

A further idea of the artificial reef module is to create turbulence and a general upwelling of water around and/or within the module. Embodiments of the module may also be configured to provide sanctuary for some types of marine animals but still provide predators with a chance of feeding on such animals.

In one aspect there is provided an artificial reef module comprising:

a hollow structure having a base and an opposite end, the hollow structure forming an internal space and having a plurality of openings configured to enable marine animals to move into and move out of the internal space; the hollow structure and openings configured to create at least one region of light and at least one region of shadow within the space when the hollow structure is illuminated from a location above the module; and

a plurality of upright members coupled and spaced about the hollow structure. In a second aspect there is provided an artificial reef module comprising:

a hollow structure having a base and an opposite end, the hollow structure being configured so that an internal cross section area of the hollow structure in a plane parallel to the base reduces with increased distance away from the base; and a plurality of openings configured to enable marine animals to move into and move out of the hollow structure; and

a plurality of upright members coupled to and spaced about the hollow structure.

In one embodiment of the first aspect the hollow structure is tapered to progressively reduce in inner cross sectional area with increased distance from the base.

In one embodiment of both either aspect the hollow structure has a substantially pyramidal or conical configuration. In one embodiment of either aspect the artificial reef module comprises a plurality of rails extending along the hollow structure, respective mutually adjacent pairs of rails cooperating with each other to form respective channels which are capable of directing water to flow in a direction from the base to toward the opposite end across a portion of the hollow structure lying between the mutually adjacent pairs.

In one embodiment the rails in respective mutually adjacent pairs of rails converge towards each other in a direction from the base toward the opposite end.

In one embodiment of either aspect at least one gap is formed between at least one upright members and the hollow structure.

In one embodiment of either aspect at least one of the upright members extends from the base to a location beyond the opposite end of the hollow structure. In one embodiment of either aspect the artificial reef module comprises a plurality of braces, each brace coupled at a first end to the hollow structure and at an opposite second end to a respective upright member. ln one embodiment there is an upright member for each rail and of upright members and rails are arranged in respective pairs in which the member and rail in a pair are juxtaposed to lie in the same plane as each other. In one embodiment of either aspect the artificial reef module comprises a plurality of braces, each brace coupled at a first end to a corresponding rail and at an opposite second end to a corresponding upright member in a manner such that a mutually coupled upright member, rail and brace form respective loops. In one embodiment the upright member, rail and brace in each loop lie in the same plane as each other.

In one embodiment of either aspect the hollow structure and the module have a common central axis.

In one embodiment of either aspect the openings comprise at least two openings of different configuration to each other.

In one embodiment of either aspect the module is formed as a one piece structure moulded or cast form a settable material.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the module as set forth in the Summary, specific embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic isometric view of an embodiment of the disclosed artificial reef module;

Figure 2 is a top view of the module shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a front view of the module shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a side view of the module shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is a drawing of section A-A of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a view of B-B of Figure 2;

Figure 7 is a representation of a foot print of the module shown in Figure 1 , and

Figure 8 is an example of one possible form of reinforcing that may be incorporated in an embodiment of the module. Detailed Description of Specific Embodiment

The accompanying Figures depict an embodiment of the disclosed artificial reef module 10. The module 10 in general terms comprises a hollow structure 12 and a plurality of upright members 14. The upright members are coupled to and spaced about the hollow structure 12. The hollow structure 12 has a base 16. The base 16 also forms a base of the module 10. In this embodiment the base 16 creates a substantially square footprint as shown most clearly in Figure 7. The hollow structure 12 has an end 18 opposite the base 16. This is referred to throughout the specification as the "opposite end" 18. An internal space 20 is formed or otherwise created by the hollow structure 12. A plurality of openings 22a, 22b, 22c and 22d (hereinafter referred to in general as "openings 22") are formed in the hollow structure 12. The openings 22 are configured to enable marine life (i.e. marine fauna and flora) to move into and out of, or reside within or pass through the internal space 20.

In the present embodiment the hollow structure 12 is of a substantially pyramidal shape or configuration. Other shapes and configurations are also possible, for example a conical configuration. The specific geometric configuration is not by itself a critical characteristic of the hollow structure 12. Any configuration of the hollow structure 12 which enables the creation of regions of light and shadow within the internal space 20 when illuminated from above will suffice. The regions of light and shadow ideally are generated irrespective of the position of a source of light relative to the hollow structure 12. Therefore for example the hollow structure 12 may be configured so that at least one region of light and one region of shadow can be formed within the space 20 when the structure 12 is illuminated from a location directly above its central axis. It will be noted that when the hollow structure 12 has a generally tapered configuration, such as would occur with a generally pyramidal or conical shape, where the internal cross section area of the hollow structure 12 reduces in a plane parallel to the base 16 with increased distance away from the base 16. This is readily apparent in the present Figures where the base 16 has a wider cross section area than the opposite end 18. As described in more detail later the hollow structure 12 also creates a pressure variation in a water column which promotes fish recruitment and feeding. The hollow structure 12 in this embodiment is centrally located within the module 10. The hollow structure 12 has four side walls 24a, 24b, 24c and 24d (hereinafter referred to in general as "side walls 24"). The side walls 24 are of the same configuration. In particular each side wall 24 has a plurality of openings 22a, 22b and 22c of the same shape, configuration and location. The opening 22a is a largest of the openings on a side wall 24 and is located nearest the base 16. The opening 22a is of a generally trapezoidal shape; the opening 22a extends for a substantial portion of the width of the side wall 24 and extends for a height of about 20% - 25% of the overall height of the hollow structure 12. Above the opening 22a are two openings 22b side by side. Each of the openings 22b is also of a trapezoidal shape. However the openings 22b are substantially smaller than the opening 22a. For example the openings 22b may have a width about one third of the portion of the side wall 24 in which they are formed, and a height in the order of about 5% - 10% of the overall height of the structure 12. Located above the openings 22b is a further trapezoidal shaped opening 22c. An upper end of the opening 22c is formed in-board of the opposite end 18. The widest portion of the opening 22c extends for about 80% of the width of the portion of the side wall 24 on which it is formed. The width of the narrower end of the opening 22c extends for about 30%-40% of the width of the side wall 24. The height of the opening 22c is about 20% - 25% of the overall height of the hollow structure 12.

The opening 22d is formed in a plane parallel to that containing the base 16. The opening 22d is formed between the upper most ends of each of the side walls 24a - 24d.

With particular reference to Figure 5 it can be seen that the side walls 24 slope at an angle Θ to the vertical. The angle Θ is generally in the range of about 15° - 30°. In one specific example the angle Θ may be in the order of 20°. Each of the walls 24 is of uniform thickness. The walls 24 have an outer surface 28 and an inner surface 30. Due to the uniform thickness of the walls both surfaces 28 and 30 slope at the same angle Θ to the vertical.

A plurality of rails 32 extend along the outer surface 28 of the respective side walls 24 of the hollow structure 12. Moreover each rail 32 is located on and along respective edges or junctions formed by mutually adjacent side walls 24. The rails 32 have surfaces 36 that extend at an angle β of about 135° from the outer surface 28 of the adjacent side wall 24. Respective mutually adjacent pairs of rails 32 cooperate with each other to form channels 34a, 34b, 34c and 34d (hereinafter referred to in general as "channels 34") which assist or are capable of directing water to flow in a direction from the base 16 toward the opposite end 18 and across a portion of the structure 12 lying being the mutually adjacent pairs of rails 32. For example with reference to Figure 1 the opposing rails 32 formed on the side wall 24a form a channel 34a.

Water tank tests have confirmed that water currents flowing adjacent the base 16 are caught and directed up the face of the hollow structure 12 between the rails 32. This creates a general upwelling of water about the module 10. It also creates a general upwelling of water within the module 10 and hollow structure 12 with a nozzle like effect. This is also creates turbulence and mixing of the water as it flows generally upwards. This is beneficial in terms of directing nutrients into the space 20. It is also favorable to the recruitment of fish which tend to prefer sitting in generally vertical or upward currents such as that created by this structure for the purpose of feeding whilst not expending much energy.

The upright members 14 extend from the base 16 to an upper end 38 which is located above the opposite end 18 of the hollow structure 12. Each of the members 14 lie in a common plane with a corresponding rail 32. A gap 40 is formed between each member 14 and the hollow structure 12. More particularly, the gap 40 is in the form of a space or opening created by a closed loop. The closed loop is formed by a brace 42 which is coupled at a first end to a corresponding rail 32 and at an opposite end to the corresponding member 14.

As a result of the above configuration of the upright members 14 it will be seen that the entirety of the module 10 is contained within a rectangular prism defined by the opposite ends of each of the upright members 14. Each gap 40 is in the general configuration of a triangle. Due to the depth D of each member 14, a lower end of each rail 32 and a lower end of a corresponding coupled member 14 merge together to create a single solid region 46.

In one example, embodiments of the artificial reef module 10 may be made from a cementitious material such as but not limited to fibre reinforced concrete. The module may also be formed with internal reinforcements such as rebar; or glass or carbon reinforced fibre rods, or both rebar and glass or carbon reinforced fiber rods embedded in the cementitious material. Use of glass reinforced fibre rods substantially prolongs the life of the module in the marine environment.

Figure 8 illustrates one possible arrangement of reinforcement that may be used in the construction of the module 10. The reinforcement comprises a plurality of rods fashioned as lengths, links, ties and loops of reinforcing material such as rebar or glass reinforced material. The reinforcing material is arranged into a frame 50 having the shape of a truncated pyramid. The frame 50 comprises a lower square-like loop 52 of reinforcing material and four upwardly extending lengths 54. Two square loops of reinforcing material 56 and 58 are located at the top end of the frame 50. The square loop 56 is below and slightly larger than the square loop 58. A number of ties 60 hook at their upper and lower ends about each of the loops 56 and 58. In one arrangement the loops 56 and 58 may be attached to the respective lengths 54, while the lengths 54 at their lower end may simply hook about the square loop 52. The ties 60 in the construction of the frame 50 may simply hook about the loops 56 and 58 rather than being specifically fixed prior to being case inside the module 10. Although in an alternate arrangement the ties 60 may be coupled or attached to the loops 56 and 58 in other ways. In the fabricated module 10, the square loop 52 is embedded in the base 16. The lengths 54 run internally along the junction of the rails 32 and the corners of adjacent walls 24. The lengths 62 are embedded within the uppermost portion of each of the walls 24.

Formwork can be constructed so as to produce a module 10 as a single cast or moulded unit. In one embodiment the module 10 may have an overall height of about 5m with the hollow structure 12 having a height of about 4m. The base 16 which is circumscribed by the lower most end of each of the side walls 24 may have dimensions in the order of 4m x 4m. In one embodiment the opening 22a at its lower end can have a width of about 2.74m and a width at its upper end of about 2m with a height of approximately 0.9m. The openings 22b may be formed with a maximum width of around 680mm and a minimum width of about 570mm with an overall height in the order of about 300mm. The opening 22c may be formed with a lower end having a width of about 1 ,240mm and an upper end having a width of about 525mm. The height of the opening 22c may be in the order of 950mm. The opening 24d may have dimensions of about 500mm x 500mm. As previously described, the shape and configuration of embodiments of the disclosed module 10 create a general up-flow of water from the base 16 toward to the opposite end 18. This up flow is created both about the outside of the hollow structure 12 and within the hollow structure 12. More particularly, it is believed that the configuration captures ocean currents and forces them to upwell through the structure 12 thereby carrying nutrients from the sea floor into a water column. The central pyramid is also believed to create a pressure variation in the water column which promotes fish recruitment and feeding. Different sized openings 22 enable marine animals and in particular fish at different sizes to swim in and out of the space 20. An upper portion of the hollow structure 12 near the opposite end 18 creates a crypted space. In this context the expression "crypted space" is intended to mean a semi enclosed space circumscribed on all sides by the structure and having a number of various sized openings to support a range of target fish species. The gaps 40 enable smaller fish to swim about a respective upright member 14. Regions of light and shade within the hollow structure 12 also provide some sanctuary and haven for smaller fish to escape larger fish. Whilst a specific embodiment of the artificial marine module has been described it should be appreciated that the module may be embodied in many other forms.

For example the openings 22 are shown as generally trapezoidal in shape. However the openings 22 may be formed of different shapes. Further while the module 10 is configured to sit within a generally rectangular prism or envelope, it may also be made of different configurations. For example, the base 16 may be formed of a circular shape or a hexagonal shape. The uprights 14 and their corresponding rails 32 and braces 42 may be considered as different parts of a fin structure provided with a gap or opening 40. Further the gap 40 need not be limited to being of a generally triangular configuration. Further the fin structure may be formed so as to produce or otherwise have more than a single gap 40. For example the fin may be formed with a number of holes of different shape and configuration. The module 10 may also be considered to be a frame or a frame like structure as it is comprises a plurality of interconnected elements or members.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An artificial reef module comprising:

a plurality of upright members coupled and spaced about the hollow structure.

2. An artificial reef module according to claim 1 wherein the hollow structure is tapered to progressively reduce in inner cross sectional area with increased distance from the base.

3. An artificial reef module comprising:

4. An artificial reef module according to any one of claims 1-3 wherein the hollow structure has a substantially pyramidal or conical configuration.

5. An artificial reef module according to claim 4 comprising a plurality of rails extending along the hollow structure, respective mutually adjacent pairs of rails cooperating with each other to form respective channels which are capable of directing water to flow in a direction from the base to toward the opposite end across a portion of the hollow structure lying between the mutually adjacent pairs.

6. An artificial reef module according to claim 5 wherein the rails in respective mutually adjacent pairs of rails converge towards each other in a direction from the base toward the opposite end.

7. An artificial reef module according to any one of claims 1 - 6 wherein at least one gap is formed between at least one upright members and the hollow structure.

8. An artificial reef module according to any one of claims 1 - 7 wherein at least one of the upright members extend from the base to a location beyond the opposite end of the hollow structure.

9. An artificial reef module according to any one of claims 1 - 8 comprising a plurality of braces, each brace coupled at a first end to the hollow structure and at an opposite second end to a respective upright member.

10. An artificial reef module according to any one of claims 5 - 9 wherein there is an upright member for each rail and of upright members and rails are arranged in respective pairs in which the member and rail in a pair are juxtaposed to lie in the same plane as each other.

1 1 . An artificial reef module according to any one of claims 5 - 10 comprising a plurality of braces, each brace coupled at a first end to a corresponding rail and at an opposite second end to a corresponding upright member in a manner such that a mutually coupled upright member, rail and brace form respective loops.

12. An artificial reef module according to claim 1 1 wherein the upright member, rail and brace in each loop lie in the same plane as each other.

13. An artificial reef module according to any one of claims 1 - 12 wherein the hollow structure and the module have a common central axis.

14. An artificial reef module according to any one of claims 1- 13 wherein the openings comprise at least two openings of different configuration to each other.

15. An artificial reef module according to any one of claims 1- 14 wherein the module is formed as a one piece structure molded or cast form a settable material.

16. The artificial reef module according to claim 15 wherein the settable material is a fiber reinforced cementitious material.

17. The artificial reef module according to claim 15 or 16 comprising an internal reinforcing frame.

18. The artificial reef module according to claim 17 wherein the frame is made of a glass fiber or carbon fiber reinforced rod.