During a vacation at the sea, many people are interested in why the coast is strewn with some kind of curly concrete structures. What are these mysterious inventions and why are they needed? Tell Novate.ru! Mysterious figures are located on the coasts of many Russian resorts
1. What are breakwaters?
During high tides, low tides, windy weather, storms and even calmness, the coast is constantly changing. The sand is moving, and along with it the boundaries of the coast move. The changes are especially noticeable after a storm, when large amounts of pebbles and sand are thrown out of the water. Further, because of the strong wind, whole walls of "new material" are piled up on the beach. If the beach is completely sandy, the storm can cause the sand dunes to move. Such changes are not always favorable and can disrupt the comfort of vacationers.
To prevent unwanted changes on the beach, the coasts are equipped with special structures - breakwaters. Breakwaters are artificial structures that protect a water basin, harbor or anchorage from waves. The devices intercept coastal currents and protect beaches from erosion (erosion of sand accumulations).
If you look at the breakwaters from the leeward side, you will find a huge amount of sand. This is the main sign of the effectiveness of the structures, since without them many beaches would have long been left without sand and pebbles. Accordingly, there would be no question of any tourism and resorts.
2. Design features
Often tetrapods are installed on the beaches. The shaped reinforced concrete blocks are distinguished by four cone-shaped beams that are connected together in a massive structure. The weight of one tetrapod can be from 1.5 to 20 tons, and the height is from 134 to 310 cm.
This form provides interlocking during the construction of protective structures and breakwaters and significantly increases their effectiveness. Reinforced concrete structures dissipate the force of the incoming waves, so that the water simply flows around them. Also, tetrapods prevent the occurrence of marine landslides.
Breakwaters of this shape are manufactured in accordance with high quality standards and norms. The tetrapod was invented in France back in the 50s of the twentieth century. And to this day, structures are widely used to protect sea and river coasts from erosion, for underwater and berthing construction.
3. Local landmark
The pile of tetrapods attracts attention as a kind of attraction and entertainment. Tourists love to take picturesque seascapes with reinforced concrete structures or simply climb the breakwaters.
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In Mariupol (Ukraine) there is even a whole gallery of tetrapods. In 2013, for the City Day, artists painted more than 80 blocks in styles ranging from expressionism to Petrikov painting.
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Port lighthouses are another favorite marine attractions. Many legends are associated with the majestic structures, which is why they are so attractive for tourists. If you want to know more about them, read 8 cognitive facts about lighthouses as architectural monuments.
A source: https://novate.ru/blogs/160620/54925/