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Variable Height Bulkhead





Technology Source: TechLink

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About the Technology:

Field personnel with the US Army Corps of Engineers – New York District (USACE), have developed a self-adjusting, variable height bulkhead for use along beaches and waterways where it is desirable to preserve the view, but control is needed against wave action and storm surges. The USACE is interested in cooperative research and development efforts for this technology, and in licensing out its pending patent (Pat. Appl. 12/006,757, “Hydrostatically Operated Variable Height Bulkhead”, filed Jan 02, 2008).

Waterfront properties and roadways are often protected by permanent bulkheads. It is a challenge to build them tall enough to be effective, but low enough to preserve high-value views. Some of these bulkheads are equipped with pumps to deal with storm surge and wave-induced overtopping. This is a costly and maintenance-intensive solution that is particularly ineffective for long stretches of bulkheads as may be needed for roadways and marinas.

The USACE team has devised a “floating” solution that adjusts vertically, using only the mechanism of a rising water level. It does not require operator attention, pumping or other mechanical controls. It can be retrofitted to any existing bulkheads that are permanently located, and that have some depth of water next to them. A floating internal wall is constructed in between the existing barrier and a second, barrier wall. When a surge occurs, the floating wall rises on the water. As the water recedes, the floating wall drops back between the two external walls, and a cover cap falls back in place on the top ledge. Design attention has been given to preventing the inner wall from hanging up on debris, and from rising too far. Examples of desirable applications include marinas, private waterfront property, harbors, highways, industrial overflow basins, and municipal properties.

Point of Contact:		Contact Location:
Marti Elder phone: 406-586-7621 email: marti@martielder.com		MSU TechLink Center 900 Technology Blvd., Suite A Bozeman, MT, 59718

Documents:
TechLink Variable Height Bulkhead TechOp Sheet.pdf