suppressed the storm waves and prevented the destruction of a boathouse 

 and two docks. 



Benefits: It is estimated that several thousand dollars is saved in annual 



maintenance to the protected facility due to the structure. The operator 

 rated the FTB as having a positive effect on sport fishing, shoreline 

 erosion, drawing birds away from his facility, and boaters* comfort. He 

 felt that the structure had a negative effect on water circulation. He 

 rated the breakwater as providing excellent performance in suppressing 

 waves and in satisfying his needs. Overall performance was rated 

 excellent. 



Fouling Characteristics: While not intended as such, the FTB acts as an 



effective fish reef for pan fish. Seagulls, ducks, and blue herons also 

 inhabit the structure. 



Project Analysis: This FTB appears to be a success though it does possess some 

 flaws. As the respondent wisely notes, flotation could be improved by the 

 addition of foam in the tires. The shallow site may also be contributing 

 to this buoyancy problem due to silt accumulating in the tire bases. 

 Shooting compressed air into the tires may pose a less intense and 

 expensive solution to present maintenance which consists of physically 

 hauling the tires above the water's surface. The use of stainless steel 

 bolts as fasteners was unnecessary for a freshwater site, with galvanized 

 steel bolts being a less expensive alternative. The reported transmission 

 coefficient is incredibly low; however, the respondent's satisfaction with 

 his FTB nor its general effectiveness as a breakwater cannot be questioned. 



49 



