inherent buoyancy of the wooden poles. The prototype consisted of a 

 single module and was 12.2 m (40.0 ft) in length and 2.4 m (8.0 ft) in 

 width. 



Site: 



Stone 

 Breakwater 







IN 



T 



Installation: The breakwater is anchored by four 227-kg (500 lb) concrete 



blocks. The mooring points are located at the corners of the structure. 

 The mooring lines are of chain. 



Special Equipment: Flashing red and green lights, white lights, and daymarkers 

 are installed as per local Coast Guard requirements. 



Field Experience 



Operation: During the brief trials of the prototype, only one problem was 



encountered. Inadequate buoyancy was cited as a major problem due to one 

 end of the module being negatively buoyant. It was believed that by 

 removing the existing pole ends and using new poles, proper flotation 

 could be restored. 



Project Analysis: Without any significant operational time, this breakwater 

 has not had a chance to prove or disprove the merits of its design. On 

 first inspection, it would appear that relying solely on the wooden poles 

 for flotation might be unwise. Filling the tires with polyurethane foam 

 or using some other form of reserve flotation would provide a greater 

 margin of flotation safety than the structure presently has. Also, the 

 utility of this design in saltwater is questionable, because of its use 

 of steel coupling materials and exposed wood. This new design merits 

 further observation over time. It may well pose a good solution for 

 freshwater sites requiring substantial wave reduction. This breakwater 

 appears considerably stiffer than the Goodyear design and this rigidity 

 should improve its effectiveness. 



71 



