Cost: The total construction cost for this breakwater was $5,600 divided as 

 follows: $500 for materials, $2,500 for labor, $100 for legal fees and 

 permits, $500 for planning and engineering and $2,000 for installation. 

 This figure translates to a cost of $35.80/m 2 ($3.33/ft 2 ) in 1980 dollars. 

 Annual routine maintenance costs $150 for material and $800 for labor. 



Benefits: The annual savings in maintenance to the facility was estimated at 

 $500. The operator felt the breakwater had a positive effect in 

 attracting sportfish and drawing birds away from his facility. He also 

 rated the structure as having a negative effect on waterfront appearance. 

 He rated the FTB as providing moderate performance in suppressing waves 

 and meeting design goals, and as completely ineffective in satisfying his 

 needs. Overall performance was rated moderate. 



Fouling Characteristics: A variety of marine life inhabits the structure 

 including seaweed, barnacles, sea-squirts, starfish, snails, mussels, 

 geese, seagulls, ducks, terns, and other birds. 



Project Analysis: Given the opportunity to rebuild the structure, the operator 

 noted that he would improve the flotation system and construct a wider 

 mat. His suggestions are quite insightful. The present flotation system 

 is inadequate and too expensive to maintain. Polyurethane foam poured 

 into the tire crowns would perform much better than the few blocks of 

 polyethylene now in place. A wider tire mat would make the breakwater 

 more effective in suppressing long waves, Presently, the FTB removes 

 the chop off short, steep waves and performs poorly in storm conditions. 

 A larger FTB would also give more satisfaction to the operator for it 

 would extend the shadow of protection across the entire facility and 

 not permit waves to diffract into the marina. The use of rope as the 

 intermodule coupling material has also been a problem. It should be 

 noted though that when first built, this breakwater's design life was 

 3 years. It was intended as a very temporary and highly portable 

 structure, though this latter condition should not have affected the 

 quality of its construction. Through the operator's perseverence, 

 the FTB has continued in operation and given reasonable service. 



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