MXPA99003208A - Integrated armor system - Google Patents

Abstract

An erosion control system is useful for coastlines, riverbeds, and the like from soil erosion caused by a wavefront. The system typically includes an integrated armored layer mounted upon and covering an embankment adjacent to the shoreline. The armored layer comprises a plurality of blocks (30) affixed together in a chainlike configuration (24). The blocks (30) are secured together by adjoining members (40) disposed between neighboring blocks (30). Each chain (24) is linearly aligned in a direction abutting the wavefront, and each chain (24) abuts neighboring chains, but not affixed in any manner thereto.

Description

INTEGRATED ARMOR SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to breakwaters as wave control and coast protection structures, and very particularly, to an integrated structural protection system of blocks fixed to each other by individual connecting members coated on the surface of an embankment that surrounds the line coastal TECHNICAL BACKGROUND The erosion of coastal lines is a major threat to coastal areas where large masses of land are exposed to the continuous pounding of ocean waves. Although this problem is a concern for any country that has significant shorelines, the problem is particularly acute in island nations such as Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. Numerous systems have been proposed to prevent erosion in the water and soil interface. The patent of E.U. No. 5,108,222 (Jansson et al.) Discloses an articulated mat comprising concrete blocks arranged in a rectangular and flexible grid. Each block has the shape of an elongated cube and has a hole centrally disposed therethrough which makes it possible for each block to be easily removed in a manner used to line each block.

The patent of E.U. No. 4,474,504 (Whitman et al.) Discloses an underwater erosion control system having primary elements that are equilateral triangles having truncated tips, each side of the triangle having an opening in truncated conical shape disposed at the midpoint thereof. A link has truncated conical ends that ensure two primary elements of splicing together, maintaining a fixed distance between the primary elements. The patent of E.U. No. 4,372,705 (Atkinson) describes an articulated erosion control system of lock blocks and key blocks, which makes it possible for the blocks to be interlocked with external connectors. The securing blocks have a generally hexagonal shape, with cylindrical grooves on alternating sides thereof, and the key blocks comprise a central securing hub from which three separate securing limbs extend. The patent of E.U. No. 4,279,536 (Jarian) describes a breakwater arranged on an unclassified jetty. Each block includes marginal ducts on the four lateral surfaces that form ducts with some adjacent blocks, or a coupling geared with the adjacent blocks. The breakwater includes a protection cover for blocks having intermeshing surfaces arranged therebetween. Although these systems and others like them have generated much discussion and interest, none has provided a satisfactory solution. What is needed is an integrated protective coating mounted on an embankment that has a high velocity of wave energy dissipation. It requires an integrated protection structure that can be used advantageously to redirect and redistribute the hydrodynamic forces caused by the tapping of seawater on an embankment, coating the embankment with the protective layer. The integrated protection structure will resist the movement of the blocks one relative to another by the use of connecting members disposed between each pair of adjacent blocks in the chain.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A block arrangement can be advantageously used to dissipate the energy of seawater waves or of lakes breaking over the embankment, by coating the entire surface of the embankment with a protective layer made by closely aligning blocks with connecting members. Without the protective coating, the embankment would be destroyed quickly by the constant pounding of the waves. The integrated protection system provides a more stable and economical breakwater design, such as wave control and coastal protection structures. The blocks are integrated using a unique connector member designed to withstand the hydrodynamic forces acting on the blocks. An erosion control system is useful for coastal lines, riverbeds and the like to protect them from erosion caused by a wave. The system typically includes an integrated protection layer mounted on and covering an embankment adjacent to the coastline. The protective layer comprises a plurality of blocks joined together in a chain-like configuration by connecting members disposed between adjacent blocks. The connecting members are easily inserted and removed from the blocks. If one were broken another could replace it without altering the chain of blocks arranged. Each chain is aligned linearly in one direction by splicing the wave, and each chain splices adjacent chains, but is not fixed in any way to them. The individual blocks are shaped like a truncated pyramid, which has rectangular top and bottom surfaces. The primary blocks include a central passage and a plurality of ducts extending from the top to the bottom surface, and substantially parallel to the axis of the block. The blocks retain the connector member by means of a centrally arranged channel and two sunken openings that start in the upper surface and extend approximately halfway down the block and join the side surfaces of the block. Each connecting member comprises a bar, the bar has an element at each end positionable in the central channel of adjacent blocks to avoid the axial extension of the distance between the blocks. The bar further comprises a body member that absorbs compression. In the preferred embodiment, the body member is slidable along the length of the bar. Each connector member includes means for joining the blocks to a pair of adjacent blocks in the chain-like configuration to withstand the hydrodynamic forces that push the primary block toward an adjacent block.

The hydrodynamic forces induce tension and compression forces within the connecting members. Accordingly, each connector member has a tension resistance mechanism and a compression resistance mechanism. The tension resistance mechanism comprises the combination of the bar and the pair of end elements. The compression resistance mechanism comprises the slidable coupling between the body member and the bar. All linear tension forces are absorbed into the chain by the bars and end elements. All linear compression forces are absorbed by the body members. The integrated protection layer covers the embankment and comprises a plurality of chains, each chain comprising a plurality of alternating blocks and connector members. Each block has the shape of a generally truncated pyramid with upper and lower square surfaces that are normal to the axis of the block. Each block, secure for the blocks at the end of the chain, is sandwiched between a pair of adjacent blocks, and is fixed to each adjacent block by a connecting member. The integrated protection design will distribute the hydrodynamic forces to all protection units arranged in each chain to increase the stability of the protection units. Since the blocks in the chain work together, the size of the individual blocks can be reduced. In addition, since the protective layer is now stronger than traditional designs, the size of the core materials can be significantly reduced.

For a more complete understanding of the integrated protection system and components of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which the currently preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. Since the invention can be incorporated in many forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics thereof, it is expressly understood that the drawings have purposes of illustration and description only, and that they are not designed as a definition of the limits of the invention. . Throughout the description, the same reference numbers refer to the same component throughout the different views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is an elevation view of the preferred embodiment of the integrated protection structure system of the present invention mounted on an embankment; Figure 2 is an elongated elevation view of a chain of blocks and connector members of the preferred embodiment of the integrated structural protection system of Figure 1; Figure 3 is an exploded isometric view of a connector member of the preferred embodiment of the integrated structural protection system of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a partially open side elevation view of the chain of blocks and connecting members of the preferred embodiment of the integrated structural protection system of Figure 2; Figure 5 is an enlarged partially open side elevational view of the chain of blocks and connecting members of the preferred embodiment of the integrated protective structural system of Figure 4; Figure 6 is an elongated sectional view taken through the center of a connector member of Figure 4 through section 6-6; Figure 7 is an elongated sectional view taken through a portion of a block and a connector member of Figure 4 through the section 7-7! Fig. 8 is an elongated sectional view taken through the center of a block of Fig. 4 through section 8-8; Figure 9 is an elongated top view of a chain of three blocks and two connector members of the preferred embodiment of the integrated structural protection system of Figure 1; Figure 10A is a side elevational view of a submerged breakwater made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; Figure 10B is a side elevational view of a non-submerged breakwater completely similar to that of Figure 1, made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; Figure 10C is a side elevational view of a stepped breakwater made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; Figure 10D is a side elevation view of a heel guard structure for a vertical wall made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; Figure 10E is a side elevational view of a sea wall made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; Figure 11 A is a side elevational view of a breakwater submerged on a descendant shoreline made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; Figure 11B is a side elevational view of a low ridge breakwater on a descending shoreline made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; Figure 11 C is a side elevational view of a breakwater not completely immersed on a descending shoreline made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; and Figure 12 is a graph showing the typical simultaneous wave forces applied to two blocks at the leading edge of a low ridge breakwater.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES The preferred embodiment of the system is shown in Figures 1-12. Figure 1 describes the integrated protective structural system 10 coated on an embankment 20.

The integrated protection structural system comprises a plurality of blocks 30 that generally cover the embankment 20, and connector members 40 for retaining the blocks 30 with respect to adjacent blocks 30 on the embankment 20. The blocks 30 and connector members 40 are disposed one in relationship with the other covering and protecting the embankment 20 in an endless arrangement of chain type configurations 24, splicing the wave every chain type configuration 24 (see figures 4 and 5). Each block 30 has a generally truncated pyramid shape, with upper and lower square surfaces 7 and 39 which are normal to an axis of block 30. Blocks 30 are only joined together in a linear direction along chain 24, and there is no interlacing between the adjacent chains 24. With reference to Figure 2, each block 30 includes means for reducing the hydrodynamic underpressure forces applied to the lower surface 39. The reduction means comprises a passage 32 disposed at the center of each block 30, and four ducts 34 generally equally spaced between the central passage 32 and ducts 34 extending from the upper surface 37 to the lower surface 39, and are generally parallel to the axis of the block 30. As shown in the figure 2, each of the primary blocks 30 includes means arranged on opposite sides thereof to receive a pair of adjacent blocks 30, one on each side. The opposite lateral adjacent surfaces of each block 30 includes a recessed opening 36 therein, which extends from the upper surface 37 to approximately half downwardly in the direction of the lower surface 39. Since the shape of the block 30 is a pyramid truncated, the size and angle of the sunken openings 36 become increasingly large moving in a downward direction relative to the block 30. The maximum angle of the sunken opening 36 is a semicircle, in the lowermost portion of the sunken openings 36. Each block 30 also includes a channel 38 having parallel side walls extending centrally through each block 30, from a surface with recessed opening 36 through central passage 32, and to a surface with opposite recessed opening 36, as shown in figures 2 and 6. The channels 38, like the sunken openings 36, extend from the upper surface 37 ha It is approximately half downwards in the direction of the lower surface 39. The complete chain 24 comprises the same block 30 lengthwise, except for two corner-corner blocks 31 arranged in the upper part of the crown 22 of the embankment 20. Crown corner blocks 31 have an irregular shape. A corner corner block 31 is on the side facing the sea of the crown 22 and the other is on the side facing the ground of the crown 22. Since the crown 22 is horizontal, the upper and lower surfaces 37 'and 39' of the crown corner blocks 31 are formed by the intersection of two planes, the two intersecting lines being parallel to one another and parallel to the edges facing the sea and towards each other. the land of the embankment 20. The upper surface 37 'of the corner-crown blocks 31 are parallel to the lower surface 39' of each block 31. The angle of the intersecting planes on the upper and lower surfaces 37 and 39 of the crown corner blocks 31 is complementary to the slope of the embankment 20 on the sides facing the sea and towards the land of the embankment 20, respectively, since part of the block 31 is disposed on the slope and the other part on the crown 22. The crown corner blocks 31 have two channels 38 and two sunken openings 36, like the other blocks 30. However, the only opening extending from the upper surface 37 'to the surface The lower part 38 for releasing the underpressure forces is an oblong central passage 32 'having the same diameter as the central passages 32 on the other blocks 30. The central passage 32' is centered in relation to the block 31, the oblong portion generally parallel to the channels 38. The shape of the oblong central passage 32 'on the upper and lower surfaces 37' and 39 'is generally a rectangular capsule with circular ends. The shape of the oblong portion of the central passage 32 'is smaller approximately halfway downward toward the block 31 and expands outwardly moving in the direction of the upper and lower surfaces 37' and 39 '. Similarly, although Figure 1 shows two corner-corner blocks 31 arranged at the base of the embankment 20, and one inverted on the side facing the earth and one on the side facing the sea, this is not necessary. Each connector member 40 comprises a bar 42, the bar has an element at each end 44 that can be placed in the central channel of adjacent blocks to prevent axial extension of the distance between the blocks. The bar further comprises a body member 40 which absorbs compression. In the preferred embodiment, the body member is slidable along the length of the bar. Each connector member includes means for joining the blocks to a pair of adjacent blocks in the chain-like configuration to withstand the hydrodynamic forces that push the primary block toward an adjacent block. The preferred embodiment of the connector member 40 is shown in Figure 3. In the preferred embodiment, the connector member 40 comprises a stainless steel rod 42 with threaded ends 49, two fasteners 44 disposed one at each threaded end 49, and a threaded member. body 46. Washers can be used between fasteners 44 and block 30 to improve wear resistance. Each bar 42 has a generally cylindrical shape, whose diameter is slightly smaller than the diameter of the channel 38 to fit therein. Each fastener or washer is slightly larger than the channel 38 to achieve secure retention of the bar 42 therein when placed within the central passage 32. For greater certainty, it is understood that other end elements can replace the fastener configuration described above and still remain within the scope of the invention. For example, it may be desirable in certain situations that the end element be formed integrally on the bar. In that case, the end element would have a shape that extended radially and had a width slightly greater than that of channel 38. In other situations, an opening on each end of the bar to receive a horizontal bar having a length that was slightly larger than that of channel 38 would also be within the scope of the present invention. The preferred embodiment of the body member 46 is also shown in Figure 2. All the linear compressive forces are absorbed by the body members made of a compressive absorbent material. In the preferred mode, the body member 46 has a generally cylindrical shape with semi-spherical ends, such as a capsule, the hemispherical ends engaging co-operatively within the recessed openings 36. In the preferred embodiment, the body member 46 is filled with non-reinforced concrete. to enable the body member 46 to support the compressive forces generated by the continuous pounding of the waves. The bar 42 includes a thin layer of epoxy resin to prolong the life of the bar 42. For greater certainty, it is understood that alternative embodiments of the body member having compression absorption qualities can be implemented in the invention and still be within the scope of the invention. scope of it. For example, another embodiment of the body member includes a slidable hydraulic brake means that replaces the concrete-based body member. As shown in Figure 2, the connector member is advantageously easily removable from the adjacent blocks. In situations where the system is installed and the connector member is damaged beyond functional use, the connector member can be replaced by the damaged member with a new one all the time without disturbing the rest of the block chain. As a result, the maintenance costs of the system are reduced once it has been installed. The body member 46 has a central opening 55 extending therethrough, and the diameter of the opening 55 is larger than the diameter of the bar 42, making it possible for the body member 46 to move freely along the length of the body. the bar 42, and therefore avoiding tension within the body member 46. Likewise, a PVC pipe inserted in the opening 55 having the same diameter and length as the opening 55 can be used to reduce the frictional force between the bar 42 and the body member 46. The concrete has a strong compressive strength, and since this design only allows compressive forces within the body member 46, the concrete does not need to be reinforced. The concrete used in the blocks and in the body portion of the connector member is preferably CAN 3-A23.3 M89 or ACI 318 of Standard CSA. The compressive tension is from 30 to 35 MPa (after twenty-eight days). The water to cement ratio is 9.5. The ratio of aggregate to cement is 4. The fine and coarse aggregate ratio is 1.2. The settlement is approximately 7.62 centimeters. A smooth surface is preferred to reduce the roughness of the block surface, which is also useful for improving the life of the block. The dissipation of energy mainly breaks waves for submerged breakwaters. During engagement, each connector member 40 is sandwiched between a pair of blocks 30, body member 46 resting on adjacent sunken openings 36 in each block 30, and fasteners 44 secured within central passage 32 of each. The hydrodynamic forces applied to the integrated protection system 10 induce tensile and compressive forces within the connector members 40. Accordingly, each connector member 40 has a separate tensile strength mechanism and compression resistance mechanism. The tension resistance mechanism comprises the combination of the bar 42 and the pair of end elements. The end elements in this preferred embodiment are threaded fasteners 44. The compression resistance mechanism comprises the slidable coupling between the body member 46 and the bar 42. All linear tension forces are absorbed within the chain 24 by the bars 42 and the fasteners 44, and all linear compressive forces are absorbed by the body members 46. The bar 42 is preferably made of type 316 stainless steel, but type 304 is also acceptable. The length of the bar 42 depends on the size of block 30. The diameter of bar 42 measures from 12.7 mm to 15.9 mm. The body member 46 has an internal diameter of 3 cm and an external diameter of 190 mm, with a length of 375 mm. The bar 42 is initially purified in a suitable manner. A phosphate coating and a chromate conversion coating can then be applied, both widely used as bases for painting on both uncoated and galvanized steel. The coating can be applied by spraying, dipping or turning in flow. Roller coating or electrophoretic deposition can also be used. In order to better understand the force distribution system within the connecting members, reference is made to Figure 9. When hydrodynamic forces are applied to the block 30B, in the direction of the block 30C, the bar 42A and the body member 46B will restrict said movement, creating tension in bar 42A and compression in body member 46B. The bar 42A and the body member 46B act together, simultaneously, to prevent such movement. As the block 30B moves to the block 30C, a space is created between the body member 46A and the block 30B, which ensures that there is no compressive tension produced in the body member 46A. A space is also formed between the block 30B and the fastener 44B disposed within the block 30B, ensuring that no tension occurs in the bar 42B. The repositioning of the block 30B is resisted by the tensile strength of the bar 42A and the compressive strength of the body member 46B. This repositioning will be distributed in the chain by the bar 42A by pulling the block 30A towards the block 30B, and the body member 46B pushing the block 30C in the general direction of the block 30D (not shown), the next block adjacent to the block 30C In the chain. The more blocks 30 and connector members 40 there are in chain 24, the better the force distribution, resulting in smaller forces in each block 30. During the hangover, block 30B will tend to move toward block 30A, which will induce the opposite force in the protection chain, since the bar 42B will absorb the tension forces and the body member 46A will absorb the compression forces. The bar 42 also supports tension by bending when the protection chain 24 rotates sideways. However, the bending stress is small, since the angle and degree of rotation is small. Then, channel 38 enables chain 24 to reestablish itself in position, while keeping connector member 40 in place at the same time. The maximum wave force does not act simultaneously on each block 30. Figure 12 is a double graph of the forces of wave applied to the corner corner block 31 on the side facing the sea and to the adjacent block 30 on the crown 22 immediately behind the crown corner block 31. The solid line of the graph shows the wave forces applied to the crown corner block 30 immediately behind crown corner block 31. As shown, when the wave force in crown corner block 31 reaches its highest point, the wave force of adjacent block 30 is almost null . The hydrodynamic forces on the low ridge breakwaters are greater than the forces on submerged breakwaters, so Figure 12 illustrates the worst case. It has been found that the dimensions of a breakwater can be significantly reduced using the integrated protection system 10 of the present invention, because the size of the crown is significantly smaller than in conventional designs. The minimum crown width in the integrated protection system 10 is a block 30 sandwiched between two crown corner blocks 31, while the crown width in conventional designs is much greater. Also, it has been found that the maximum force on the blocks 30 in the middle slope is much smaller than the force applied to the leading edge. Therefore, covering the embankment 20 with the integrated protection system 10 of the present invention is broadly stabilized to the breakwater. The blocks 30 have a square top and bottom surface 37 and 39. The block 30 preferably has a height of 0.8 meters for waves with heights of up to 3 meters, and heights of 3 to 5 meters. For submerged structures, most of the energy coming from the wave passes over the crown 22 of the integrated protection system 10. Consequently, the hydrodynamic forces acting on the leading edges of the blocks 30, where the forces are most intense , it is insignificant, even though the height of the wave is significant. Therefore, a protection block 30 having a height of 0.8 meters can be used. A protective block 30 of 0.8 meters is stable, with little or no movement if it is subjected to short waves with equivalent wave heights of up to 3.6 meters. For intermediate scales a block 30 of 0.9 meters is recommended. For blocks 30 of 0.8 meters, an upper surface length of 0.68 m is recommended; for blocks 30 of 0.9 m, an upper surface length of 0.75 m is recommended and for blocks 30 of 1.0 m, an upper surface length of 0.85 m is recommended. The length and width of the bottom surface 39 of each block are the same as for the adjacent blocks 30. For blocks of 0.8 m, a bar length of 75.5 cm is recommended; for blocks of 0.9 m, a length of bar of 82.5 cm is recommended and for blocks of 1.0 m in length, a bar of 72.5 cm is recommended. The slope of the side that faces the earth does not have to be equal to the slope on the side that faces the sea. The slope on the side facing the sea is preferably around 1 (vertical) to 12 (horizontal), although steeper slopes of up to 1 to 1.5 can be used on the side facing the sea. The slope on the side that faces the earth can be steeper with a ratio of 1 (vertical) to 1.5 (horizontal). The steeper slope on the side facing the ground can be cost effective, reducing the amount of core material and the number of blocks 30 and connector members 40 used.

The height of the breakwater depends on the slope of the seabed, the place where the embankment 20 is and the proposed height of the embankment 20. If the crown 22 of the embankment 20 is not normally submerged (a low ridge breakwater), the height of the structure also depends on the elevation of the crown 22 on the calm water. The height of the breakwater is preferably around 1.50 meters above sea level during tides or normal levels. The distance from the coastline is also flexible. A breakwater closer to the coastline will be the most economical. The breakwater can be built as far as 200 meters from the coastline. The diameter of each duct 34 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the central passage 32, of approximately 160 mm. The width of the channel 38 is approximately 30 mm. Each recessed opening 36 has the same diameter as the central passage 32, preferably about 200 mm. The blocks 30 can also be joined in a linear chain by a single wire or corrosion resistant wire passing through the channels 38, the central passage 32 and the sunken openings of each chain (not shown). The cable is anchored at the base of the embankment 20 at the base of each chain. Also, the cable can be used in combination with the connecting members. Figures 10A, 10B, 10C and 10E describe various breakwater configurations that can be constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Figure 10A shows a submerged breakwater. Figure 10B shows another breakwater, Figure 10C shows a stepped breakwater, Figure 10D shows a heel protection structure and Figure 10E shows a sea wall. Figures 11 A, 11 B and 11 C describe side elevational views of a breakwater made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Figure 11A is a side elevational view of a breakwater submerged on a sloping shoreline, Figure 11B depicts a low ridge breakwater on a sloping shoreline, and Figure 11C depicts a breakwater not completely submerged on a shore at pending. It is apparent that many alternatives, modifications and variations of the integrated protection system and components of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the description herein. It is intended that the limits of the present invention be determined by the appended claims rather than by the language of the foregoing description, and that all such alternatives, modifications and variations that form a cooperatively cooperative equivalent be designed to be included within the spirit and scope of these claims.

Claims (28)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - An erosion control system to be installed on an embankment (20) that splices a wave, the embankment has two sides and a crown (22), and said system comprises: a plurality of blocks (30) that can be placed for generally covering a substantial portion of the embankment, each said block has a central passage (32) extending downwardly from an upper surface of the block, and a channel (38) extending downwardly from said upper surface of the block and which is extends longitudinally through said block and through said central passage; said central passage has a width greater than the width of said channel; a plurality of connecting members (42) to connect said blocks longitudinally so that they extend on one side of said embankment, on said crown and under the other side of said embankment, each of said connecting members has a bar portion (42) that can be placed for extending from said central passage of a block to said central passage of an adjacent block, distant portions (44) that can be placed in said central passages having a width no greater than the width of said central passages, but greater than the width of said central passages. width of said channels, said bars then absorb the tension forces between said blocks when installed, and a compressible central body member (46) around a central area of each of said bar portions that can be placed between adjacent blocks to absorb compressive forces between adjacent blocks.

2. A system according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of said blocks connected longitudinally by said connector members to form a chain-like configuration, a plurality of said chain-like configurations adapted to rest close to, but not fixed to, a the other on the embankment.

3. A system according to claim 1, further characterized in that said blocks have gaps (36) in the side surfaces thereof to receive said body members.

4. A system according to claim 3, further characterized in that said body members are capsule shaped and said recesses are configured to cooperate with arcuate ends of said body members.

5. A system according to claim 1, further characterized in that said blocks generally have a truncated pyramid shape.

6. A system according to claim 1, further characterized in that said remote portions are adjustable position on said bars.

7. A system according to claim 1, further characterized in that said body members can be moved along said bar portions.

8. - A system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of ducts (34) extending from said upper surface to said lower surface of said block to reduce the hydrodynamic underpressure forces applied to a lower surface of said block.

9. A system according to claim 1, further characterized by two crown blocks that can be placed in a transition between said crown and said sides of said embankment, said crown blocks have first upper and lower parallel surfaces to be placed on said crown, and second upper and lower parallel surfaces angled downwardly from said first upper and lower parallel surfaces.

10. The system according to claim 9, further characterized in that it has two crown blocks having a shape that is different from that of said blocks, said crown blocks being arranged in the crown of the embankment.

11. A connector member for the system according to claim 1, for connecting a first block to a second adjacent block, said connector member comprising: a means of resistance to tension to absorb essentially all the component of voltage induced by forces hydrodynamics within the member; and a means of compressive strength to absorb essentially all of the compression component induced by hydrodynamic forces within the member; the stress resistance means can be separated from the compression resistance mechanism.

12. - The connector member according to claim 11, further characterized in that the connector member comprises a bar, a securing element adapted at each end of said bar, and a body member having a central passage extending through its length, said bar passing through said passage, said body member is slidable on said bar and can be replaced between said securing elements making possible an allocation of the compression and tension forces relative to the blocks.

13. The connector member according to claim 12, further characterized in that said tension resistance means further comprises said bar and said end securing elements are a pair of threaded fasteners secured to opposite threaded ends on said bar.

14. The connector member according to claim 13, further characterized in that said means of resistance to compression further comprises said body member which is a capsule-shaped concrete member that can be slidably coupled to said bar.

15. The connector member according to claim 14, further characterized in that said bar includes a liner thereon for increasing said slidable coupling relative to said body member.

16. A chain-like portion of an integrated protection system, said chain comprising: a plurality of primary blocks aligned in a chain-like configuration, each primary block being epared between the first and second adjacent blocks in a linear direction when viewed from above; and means for attaching said primary block to said first and second adjacent blocks to resist hydrodynamic forces by urging said primary block toward said first adjacent block, said hydrodynamic forces producing a tension component that is different than a compression component within said assembled means .

17. The structural system according to claim 16, further characterized in that said joined means further comprise tension resistance means disposed between said primary block and said first adjacent block to absorb essentially all the stress component induced by said hydrodynamic forces. within said joined means.

18. The structural system according to claim 17, further characterized in that said joined means further comprise compression resistance means disposed between said primary block and said second adjacent block to absorb essentially all of said compression component induced by said forces hydrodynamic

19. The structural system according to claim 18, further characterized in that each of said blocks has a truncated pyramid shape generally with upper and lower surfaces generally rectangular in shape, said upper and lower surfaces are normal to an axis of said block.

20. - The structural system according to claim 19, further characterized in that said joined means further comprises a plurality of connector members, each connector member being disposed between a pair of adjacent blocks.

21. The structural system according to claim 20, further characterized in that each of said connecting members have a bar and a body member, said body portion being slidably engageable and slidably positionable relative to said bar.

22. The structural system according to claim 21, further characterized in that the chain of said primary blocks are connectable with each other in a linear direction.

23. The structural system according to claim 22, further characterized in that it has two crown blocks having a shape that is different from that of said primary blocks, said crown blocks being arranged in the crown of the embankment.

24. A block further characterized in that: the block has the general shape of a truncated pyramid with an upper and lower surface, said upper and lower surfaces are essentially normal to a block axis; means for reducing the hydrodynamic underpressure forces applied to said lower surface of the block; means for receiving a connector coupling with a first and a second adjacent block, said first adjacent block being opposite said second adjacent block.

25. The block according to claim 24, further characterized in that said reduction means comprises a passage arranged in the center of the block, which extends from said upper surface to said lower surface of the block.

26. The block according to claim 25, further characterized in that said reduction means comprises a plurality of ducts, each duct being generally symmetrically separated and extending from said upper surface to said lower surface of the block.

27. The block according to claim 24, further characterized in that said receiving means comprises a channel and a central passage, said channel extends within said central passage from said opposite side surfaces of the block.

28. The block according to claim 27, further characterized in that said receiving means includes a channel extending from said middle upper surface to said lower surface of the block.