PentaPod: A new type of concrete armor for coastal protection

• Published in: Results in engineering 2024-06, Vol.22, p.102069, Article 102069
• Main Authors: Natakusumah, Dantje Kardana, Achiari, Hendra, Nugroho, Eka Oktariyanto, Adinata, Fitra, Hidayatulloh, Syarif, Ishakputra, Jonathan Angelo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: A new concrete armor; A new insight for coastal protection; Kd values of PentaPod; PentaPod
• ISSN: 2590-1230; 2590-1230
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2024.102069

This paper explores PentaPod, an invention in concrete armor units developed to protect coastal areas from damage caused by waves and currents. Until now, there hasn't been an armor unit intentionally designed to enhance its stability through connections with neighboring units. PentaPod provides a novel perspective, suggesting that the stability of armor units can be significantly improved not only by having substantial weight and effective interlocking but also by securely connecting them to each other. With this in mind, PentaPod concrete armor can be installed in a random or regular manner without the need for fasteners. Alternatively, it can also be installed regularly in layers with fasteners. Compared to conventional concrete armor installations, the overall stability of structures is significantly improved with interconnected PentaPod, either partially or entirely. In this paper, the results of testing the Stability Coefficient (Kd) for two variations of armor, namely PentaCone and PentaOcta, tested in a Wave Tank are also presented. The objective of this testing is to ascertain the stability coefficient for both variations of armor when installed randomly or regularly without any tying involved. The PentaPod arrangement allows for the implementation of both Grey Protection (using concrete armor) and Green Protection (conservation of mangrove areas) simultaneously, showcasing its versatility and integrated approach to coastal protection. •Design and Arrangement: PentaPod features a unique pentahedral pyramid shape with four horizontal legs and one vertical leg. It can be arranged randomly or regularly, with holes for binding ropes.•Interconnection and Stability: PentaPod enhances stability by interlocking with neighboring units when arranged regularly. It can be interconnected with ropes or installed individually based on needs.•Simplified Planning and Placement: The geometric design simplifies unit counting and precise placement. Binding ropes aid installation on various surfaces, enhancing praticality.•Installation Flexibility: Random installations don't require interconnections, reducing costs. This flexibility suits diverse coastal protection projects.•CostEfficiency and Practicality: Regular installation without binding saves on armor unit requirements, which binding enhances stability and allows for smaller units, leading to cost savings.