These figures translate to an overall cost of $21.33/m 2 ($1.98/ft 2 ) for 

 the present breakwater. Annual routine maintenance costs $100, primarily 

 for labor. 



Benefits: The estimated annual savings in maintenance to the facility is from 

 $1,000 to $6,000. The operator cited the breakwater as having a positive 

 effect on boaters' comfort. The operator rated the FTB as providing 

 excellent performance in suppressing waves, meeting design goals, and 

 satisfying his needs. Overall performance was rated excellent. 



Fouling Characteristics: A variety of marine life inhabits the structure 

 including seaweed, barnacles, sea-squirts, mussels, crabs, and other 

 shellfish. The operator further noted that clam and quahog seed grows 

 profusely in the tires, and oyster seed thrives outside the tires. 



Project Analysis: While this project has not had enough time to fully validate 

 the conjecture that rubber conveyor belting fastened with nylon bolts and 

 polyurethane foam are the best coupling and flotation materials, it does 

 strongly point in that direction. The metal couplers corroded and failed 

 and rope rotted and failed. Trapped air did not provide sufficient 

 buoyancy after fouling growth became substantial. It is predicted that 

 this new unit, built according to the state-of-the-art, should fare well 

 and continue to provide excellent performance to the operator. 



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