Adjustably permeable and extensible groin

Feb. 27, 1934.

G. A. YOUNGBERG

1,948,639

ADJUSTABLY PERMEABLE AND EXTENSIBLE GROIN

Filed July 11, 1931

Sheets-Sheet 1

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Feb. 27, 1934.

G. A. YOUNGBERG

1,948,639

ADJUSTABLY PERMEABLE AND EXTENSIBLE GROIN

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Patented Feb. 27, 1934

1,948,639

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE

Claims. (

This invention relates in general to beach building and maintaining structures and more particularly has reference to an adjustably extensible and permeable groin.

It is well known that storms, and off-shore currents flowing past many beaches often work to eventually destroy the beaches. This depletion of a beach is caused by the sand being taken up therefrom and carried and subsequently de10 posited at some other point in the path of the current. , ,___.

Tn an attempt to maintain the sand on a beach, or to build up the sand on a beach, at or to a desirable level, one of two types of conventional structures has generally been provided, both of an essentially impermeable character, incapable of being easily modified; namely, a breakwater, or a groin, or a combination of these.

A breakwater, usually constructed of stone or concrete for the purposes under consideration, is positioned at substantially right angles to the shore line and extended seaward, at a height above the water. A groin, on the other hand, is generally constructed of wood or steel piling similarly positioned, but the top is usually not far from the high water level. In the construction of groins and breakwaters, in the past, other nmterials than those mentioned have, of course, been employed. ..

Both a breakwater and a groin or a combination of the two, are adapted to build up the beach or maintain a beach to or at a desirable level, on the current, frequently also called the weather side thereof. A breakwater has the disadvantage, by reason of its height and its impermeability of building up a beach to too great an extent on the current side by trapping all the sand, and allowing the same on the other side to become depleted. This disadvantage is overcome to some ex40 tent in the use of a conventional groin allowing the waves to break over the same for the deposition of the sand carried thereby on the opposite side of the structure. The, force of the waves breaking over a groin of this type, however, causes 45 undesirable depressions in the beach on the far side thereof.

In the use of a breakwater, moreover, the beach tends to build up to a flat level on the current side, so as to destroy the gradual slope desirable in a beach. This has been alleviated to some extent in the provision of groins sloping beneath the water level, but this construction has been attended by the same disadvantages as a flat or level groin and has proven unsatisfactory in practice, as it affords little protection for the beach on the far side of the structure.

Further, even with the use of a breakwater or a groin, the conformation of a beach undergoes a continual change, and the previous structures, frying of an inflexible nature, have been lacking in

1348,639

ADJUSTABLY PERMEABLE AND EXTENSIBLE GROIN

Gilbert A. Ymmgberg, Jacksonville, Fla.

Application Jaly 11,1931, Serial No. 550,216 (Cl. 61—4) provision for directing the sand carried by the currents to compensate for such changes, with the result that such constructions have frequently not proven efficacious for the purpose of satisfactorily building up or maintaining a beach. 65 The disadvantages heretofore existing in beacii building or maintaining structures may be summarized as residing in the fact that the same have been of an inflexible or permanent nature, fixed as respecting height and length, and principally 70 that previous to my invention it has not been generally recognized that such structures, if permeably constructed, will very often overcome the disadvantages which it has long been unsuccessfully sought to eliminate. ⁷⁵

An object of this invention is to provide a permeable groin.

Another object of this invention is to provide an adjustable permeable groin.

Still another object of this invention is to pro- 80 . vide an extensible groin.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an adjustably extensible groin.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an adjustable, permeable and extensible 85 groin.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a groin adjustably extensible in length and height. . .

Still another object of this invention is to pro- 00 vide a permanent groin, adjustably permeable, and extensible in height and length.

A further object of this invention is to provide an adjustably extensible and permeable beach building groin. 95

A still further object of this invention is to provide an adjustably permeable and extensible beach maintaining groin.

A still further object of this invention is to provide an adjustable and extensible groin 100 which may be constructed from a variety of the same or different materials.

With these and other objects in view which may be incident to my improvements, the invention consists in the parts and combinations to 105 be hereinafter set forth and claimed, with the understanding that the several necessary elements comprising my invention may be varied in construction, proportions and arrangement, without departing from the spirit and scope of no the appended claims.

Tn order to make my invention more clearly understood, I have shown in the accompanying drawings means for carrying the same into practical effect, without limiting the improvements ns in their useful applications to the particular constructions which, for the purpose of explanation, have been made the subject of illustration.

This invention consists in general of a groin ί capable of being combined with a conventional 120

1,948,639 groin constructed of any suitable material or materials, built up in panels adjustably, extensible as regards height and length and adjust5 ^a κ ^pe^rn\^eab^Ie to any desired degree, whereby a beach of changing conformation may be built ^UP and maintained at any predetermined level

In the drawings forming a part of this specification.

Figure 1 is a side elevational view showing my preferred form or novel adjustably extensible and permeable groin installed on a beach.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of one of the panels forming part of my groin, formed of upright members and crosspieces, showing the configuration of the blocks for fitting between certain of the crosspieces.

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on line 3__3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken on line 4—4 of Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a side elevational fragmentary view showing metallic H-beam crosspieces and metallic H-beam blocks interposed between certain of the crosspieces, substituted for the wooden crosspieces and blocks, and are more durable than wood, particularly in salt water.

Figure 6 is a side elevational fragmentary view showing certain of the metallic H-beam crosspieces, such as are shown in Figure 5 provided with apertures to eliminate the use of block members.

Figure 7 is a sectional view taken on line 7__7 of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of an upright crosspiece, and block, all shown formed of reinforced concrete. A similar upright may be made of timber or wood.

• ^sure ⁹ is a top fragmentary view of an upⁿjtot, crosspiece and block, all shown constructed of wood.

. ^a top view of a groin shown proends ^{&amp;η anguIarly ari}’anged panel at the

Figure 11 is a side elevational view of my novel groin shown forming a part, or an extension, of a conventional groin and sea wall.

Referring more particularly by numerals to the drawings, in which the same and similar elements are designated by like symbols of reference throughout, and more especially to Figure 1, there is shown a representation of my novel groin comprising spaced, aligned, upright members 1 having the ends of crosspieces 2 con-, nected therebetween, to form a series of panels

The crosspieces and certain of the panels are separated by interposed blocks 3 spaced as at 4 to provide apertures in the panels. The tops of he uprights 1 are joined by connecting member °ⁿ °^{ne faCe} °^{r on fche two} opposite faces uuereoi.

The uprights 1 are adapted to have the lower ends driven in native rock, or other underlying material, indicated at 6, forming the bed of the beach, m aligned spaced relation. The upright to members are, in accordance with the preferred form of my invention, composed of metal, formed of parallel spaced side members 7 and 8 shown in ³’oonPectod by an integral intermediate - ™ T⁹’ ^{W111 be} Particularly noted that the ‘ ⁷ ?^{nd 8} °^f,^the PPri&amp;ht, in conjunction with the intermediate web 9, form channels on each side of the web 9 between the side members Structural steel members of the H or 1-beani type are suitable for use as uprights in my novel groin construction. ^{v 1}^{Of the cross}Pi^eces 2 are adapted to be fitted between adjacent uprights in the opposite vertical channels provided therein on each side of the web 9. The crosspieces, which are adapted to be superimposed on one another, are m accordance with the preferred form of my invention, composed of wood, steel, or precast concrete, in which latter case the blocks are cast as integral projections on the lower face of the crosspiece. The ends of the crosspieces are secured in the channels provided in the sides of the uprights by bolts 10 extending through registering apertures provided in the ends of the crosspieces, and in the members 7 and 9 of the uprights, by nuts 11. Railroad ties, oak, pine palmetto or other logs, may be utilized in the construction of my novel groin, for use as crosspieces.

In employing wooden crosspieces, it may be found desirable to impregnate the same with some suitable compound to prevent deterioration thereof by the action of marine parasites. Similarly it may be found desirable to coat the metallic uprights with some suitable material resistant to the corrosive action which attends exposure 100 oi metal to sea water.

As hereinbefore mentioned, certain of the crosspieces are adapted to be separated by the blocks 3 interposed therebetween. These blocks, as shown m Figures 2, 3 and 4, are shorter than the 105 ciosspieces, and are adapted to be fixed to the crosspieces as is particularly shown in Figure 4. Bolts 12 extending through registering apertures provided m the blocks and crosspieces and secured oy nuts 13 afford a suitable connection. Drift nr bolts or spikes may be used. ¹¹ , ^T2\^{e head of the and} toe nut, are adapted to fit in apertures 14 and 15 provided in the opposite faces of the blocks and the crosspieces concentric with the apertures therein so that the 11 r adjacent faces of the blocks and the crosspieces ¹ * may nt flush with one another.

The connecting members 5 joining the tops of the uprights 2 are secured on the side portions 7 ^and t°£^{tbe Uprigbts}’ as is also shown in Figure i?p 4 by bolts 16. The bolts 16 are adapted to extend through registering apertures provided in the connecting members 5 and the side portions 7 and 8 of the uprights secured by nuts 17.

fr^^e^^aST^mbly °^f ,^{my groin wiU be} apparent ng from the foregoing description. The uprights 1 are adapted to be driven in the native rock or other material, forming the bed of a beach’ in spaced and aligned relation, at substantially right angles to the shore line, or to the prevailing cur- nr rents along shore. The ends of the crosspieces 2 are then adapted to be inserted in the channels provided on the sides of the adjacent uprights arming a series of panels. In the panels in which it is desired to provide apertures, the blocks 3 -qt are secured to the crosspieces 2 before the same are inserted between the upright members The sides of the crosspieces are fixed in the channels m the uprights by bolts 10, as is also shown in Figure 4, extending through registering aper- tures provided in the side members 7 and 8 of the uprights, and secured by nuts 11. The connecting members 5 joining the tops of the uprights are then fixed in place by the bolts 16 and nuts 17 extending through registering apertures in the -41connecting members and side members of the uprights.

It will be appreciated that my groin mav be extender to any desired length by the _Γ“Χ_Οη of additional uprights 2, crosspieces fitted there- 15c

100

135

1,948,639 are progressively closed upwardly by built-up sand.

Where it is desirable to obtain the effect that is inherent in a conventional groin, the blocks 3 may be eliminated and the crosspieces juxtaposed so as to provide a closed groin. The height of the groin may be controUed, however, by the addition or withdrawal of crosspieces and the destructive erosive effect of waves breaking over too ’nigh a groin, or a current passing over too low a groin, will be avoided.

By increasing the size of the apertures in the panels progressively toward the oceanward end of the groin, I provide for a complete interruption of the current near the shore to build up a beach, and merely a retarding effect on the out-shore currents which will produce a scouring effect on the beach floor at that point, but not to such an extent as to destroy the slope of the beach by piling up of the sand. My groin is, of course, readily adapted to rearrangement to meet and compensate changes in configuration of the beach in building, or after it has been built, so that a beach of desirable configuration may be permanently maintained.

Metallic or concrete crosspieces may be substituted for the wooded crosspieces 2 as shown in Figure 5 at 2'. Similarly, metallic blocks 3' may be substituted for the wooden blocks described. These metallic blocks may be secured to one of the metallic crosspieces in the same manner as described for the wooden blocks and crosspieces. The metallic crosspieces and blocks may be composed of structural elements similar to the metallic uprights first described. In the use of me- up tallic crosspieces, the blocks 3' may be eliminated, and apertures of desirable size burnt therein, as indicated at 22.

The uprights 1, crosspieces 2 and blocks 3 may be constructed of reinforced concrete as shown at 445 1 2 and 3” in Figure 8. In this construction, the blocks may be attached to the lower crosspieces by pins 23 fitted in registering apertures 24 provided in the crosspieces and blocks. The said blocks may also be precast as integral projections 420 on the side or sides of the crosspieces. In the use of reinforced concrete uprights 1, wooden or metallic crosspieces or blocks may also be employed if found desirable. Steel uprights may be used with concrete crosspieces and blocks to ρ,ς form the panels. .

In Figure 9 is shown an upright formed of wood, having side pieces 7' and 8’ and a central web 9 for receiving the wooden crosspieces 2 and blocks 3 Manifestly, any of a number of materials 43may be used in the construction of my groin, and those described may be interchanged if founa desirable. Among the materials which may be used for the crosspieces are members formed of brush such as fascines. If it is desired to employ timber, it may be dressed or rough. In the use of reinforced concrete members, the same may be precast.

My groin may be constructed with one or more panels angularly connected to the ends as shown j.tq in Figure 10 at 25, positioned at substantially parallel to the shore line to provide a sand trap; if this should be found desirable. Also, similar panels, not shown, may be projected from certain or all of the intermediate uprights. The _i4s outer end of the groin, either with or without angular panels, may be anchored or supported by batter piles or by rubblestone, as shown at 26, which may be continued inshore or offshore as far as necessary. 150 between providing additional panels. Also the 1 height of my groin may be regulated by the ad- ! dition or withdrawal of crosspieces 2.

In an installation of my groin, the uprights may 5 be extended beyond where it is initially intended to install panels by fitting crosspieces therebetween, to provide for subsequently further extending the groin. Apertures may be provided in any or all of the panels, as has already been pointed out, by separating the crosspieces 2 through the interposition of blocks 3 secured thereto and dimensioned to provide apertures of a desirable size and configuration. The size and configuration of an aperture will of course correspond to the length and configuration of one or more blocks attached to a crosspiece. The blocks, as shown in Figure 2, may be provided with flat or angular faces 18 or 19, to provide an aperture in any desired configuration. Inasmuch as the blocks are only attached to a single crosspiece, it will be apparent that the same ^maybe withdrawn from the crosspiece without the necessity of also withdrawing the crosspieces immediately below the blocks. . . ..

ok The relative longitudinal position and length of an aperture in a panel formed by a pair of uprights with crosspieces fitted therebetween is determined, as previously stated, by the length and number of the blocks. The relative vertical «π position of the aperture is fixed by the placing of the blocks vertically, that is, according to whether the crosspieces carrying the blocks are inserted first or last between the channels in the adjacent uprights. ,,,, .

The size, location and relation of blocks ana apertures is varied according to the physical characteristics of the beach-forming material and the elevation and width of beach desired in any locality. . ' .. , ,

In the use Qf my novel groin, I am enabled to build and maintain a beach of any desirable character Referring to Figure 1, I drive the uprights in native rock, or other material underlying the beach, with the tops thereof projecting to the mean high water level of a beach, or to other level appropriate to the site. As the groin does not project much, if at all, above the water, the disruptive action of waves breaking over it is eliminated. In the provision of panels and apertures therein, all of the sand passing with the current is not entrapped, so that a portion of the beach-composing substance is passed through the groin and a beach thus built up and maintained on each side thereof. By extending the groin, a beach of any desired width may be built up and maintained. This is accomplished by the incorporation of additional panels in the structure. By heightening the groin, accompanied by the addition of crosspieces, a beach of any predeter60 mined depth may be built up and maintained.

The apertures in the panels provide for building up and maintaining beaches of corresponding levels on each side of the groin. By arranging the apertures in successive panels at progressively 65 lower levels, and correspondingly increasing the size of the apertures toward the end of the groin, a beach with a predetermined slope may be built up and maintained. It will be particularly noted , that, in addition to increasing the size of the apertures toward the end of the groin, I oppositely decrease the size of the apertures, downwardly in each panel. Crosspieces are omitted to provide for large apertures. I extend the apertures in my groin to the original sand level, where the same f i) erJhfJ?^{Oin is susce}Ptible of being built in st™rfX^tlOn Y ^{a permanent} conventional structure, as shown in Figure 11. The nanels constituting _my groin are formed as a conttaua5 tion of a conventional groin formed of piling or other material 25. Similarly, my groin may be o?£fth^°ⁿ °^f’v°^{r auxiliary t0}> ^a sea wall, with or without a solid groin intermediate, as shown Hv 40.

* ^accomplished by this invention an adjustably extensible and permeable groin for building and maintaining a beach with a predetermined width, depth, slope, and surface on each siae thereof.

^; While I have shown and described the preferred embodiment of my invention, I wish it to be understood that I do not confine myself to the precise details of construction herein set forth by way of illustration, as it is apparent that many changes and variations may be made therein, by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention or exceeding the scope of the appended claims.