Patent Publication Number: US-11661716-B1

Title: Erosion control system for preventing shoreline erosion

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 62/945,385, filed on Dec. 9, 2019, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates in general to the prevention of water erosion, and in particular a shoreline erosion system for preventing the erosion of shoreline bluffs, dunes, or slopes, river banks, levees, channels and the like located adjacent a body of water due to wave and hydrostatic forces. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Shoreline erosion is a natural process that occurs on lakes, streams, rivers and along the coast, as well as at the waterlines of other bodies of water. Shoreline bluffs, dunes, or slopes lying adjacent an open body of water may be subject to erosion from the action of waves or movement of water, which has presented a serious and longstanding landslide problem and an environmental concern. Erosion can be caused by wind-induced waves pounding against the shoreline, which erodes the shoreline and can leave a bluff having a very steep face. The steep face of the bluff is very unstable, which may lead to eventual inability of the bluff to support the weight of the dirt, sand, structures and the like, supported above the bluff. The inability of the bluff to support weight results in gradual collapse of those portions or landslides. Rising and falling water levels and the action of hydrostatic forces acting within the bluffs further contribute to the erosion of the shoreline bluffs. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides for a sturdy and readily installable erosion control or revetment system for inhibiting shoreline erosion, which system that is selectively size adjustable, flexible and removable so as to accommodate slopes of various sizes, shapes and steepness levels. The system provides multiple interconnected blocks that form a continuous surface that generally follows the natural contour of the shoreline, including a lower portion that may be submerged in the water to minimize or inhibit the scouring effect of the water waves on a shoreline, as well as an upper portion that absorbs wave and wind action. 
     In one form of the present invention, the erosion control or revetment system for preventing shoreline erosion includes a plurality of interconnected blocks that each include an upper face, a lower face, and a plurality of sides, and connector recesses disposed on at least some of the sides, where each connector recess extends inwardly from an outer surface of the respective side at which it is disposed. Each block is configured to be connected with an adjacent block with one side of each block being disposed adjacent a side of an adjacent block and at least one connector recess of each block being aligned with a connector recess of an adjacent block. The adjacent blocks are connected together at aligned connector recesses by a linkage connector assembly, with the adjacent blocks configured to pivot relative to each other via the linkage connector assembly. 
     In particular embodiments the blocks are constructed of cast concrete and include an internal frame made of metal and embedded within the concrete. In a still further configuration, the upper face of at least some of the blocks include a plurality of parallel grooves. The connector recess may include one or more coupling rods with the linkage assembly connecting the coupling rods of the aligned connector recesses of adjacent blocks. The coupling rods may be formed by embedded perimeter frame members that are exposed at the connector recesses. 
     In a particular configuration, each block includes four said sides and is square, and includes a pair of connector recesses on each side. At least some of the blocks may further include a through hole extending from the upper face to the bottom face, with the through hole configured to receive a piling for securing the block. Each block may further include a plurality of hooks disposed at the upper face, with the hooks configured to enable the blocks to be lifted, such as by a crane. In particular, the hooks may be disposed within grooves on the upper face whereby the hooks are recessed from a plane of the upper face to promote stacking of the blocks. In a particular embodiment the linkage connector assembly comprises a pair of U-shaped brackets and a fastener with the U-shaped brackets configured to be disposed about coupling rods of aligned connector recesses of adjacent blocks, with the U-shaped brackets being connected together with the fastener. 
     Thus, the erosion control or revetment system for preventing shoreline erosion is a structure composed of multiple individually reinforced, removably interconnected, and mutually adjustable concrete blocks making the system size-adjustable to accommodate a shoreline slope of any size and sufficiently flexible to follow the natural contour of the slope. These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings are not necessarily to scale and in some instances proportions have been exaggerated in order to more clearly depict certain features of the invention. 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an erosion control system with a plurality of interconnected concrete blocks, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG.  2    is a top plan view of the revetment system illustrated in  FIG.  1    with the blocks laid out in a flat orientation; 
         FIG.  3    is a top plan view of one of the concrete blocks of the system illustrated in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a side elevation view of the concrete block illustrated in  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  5    is a top plan view of the concrete block illustrated in  FIG.  3    cross-sectioned along a horizontal plane; 
         FIG.  6    is a side elevation of the concrete block illustrated in  FIG.  4    cross-sectioned along a vertical plane; 
         FIG.  7    is a top plan view of an alternative concrete block that can be used to form the revetment system of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a side elevation view of the concrete block illustrated in  FIG.  7   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a side elevation view of four interconnected concrete blocks illustrated in  FIG.  3   ; 
         FIG.  10    is a side elevation view of four interconnected concrete blocks illustrated in  FIG.  7   ; 
         FIG.  11    is a side elevation view of the revetment system of  FIG.  1    being installed; 
         FIG.  12 A  is a side elevation view of a link member for interconnecting the concrete blocks of the revetment system of  FIG.  1    in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG.  12 B  is a top view of a portion of the link member illustrated in  FIG.  12 A ; 
         FIG.  13    is a side elevation view of an edge portion of the concrete block illustrated in  FIG.  3    cross-sectioned along a vertical plane, shown connected with the link member illustrated in  FIG.  12 A ; 
         FIG.  14 A-C  are side elevation views of alternative applications of the revetment system illustrated in  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  15    is a top view of two interconnected alternative concrete blocks that can be used to form the revetment system of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  16 A  is a top view of the internal frame of one of the alternative concrete blocks illustrated in  FIG.  15   , shown cross-section along a horizontal plane; and 
         FIGS.  16 B and  17    are top views of still other alternative frames of concrete blocks that can be used to form the revetment system of  FIG.  1   , shown cross-section along a horizontal plane. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     In the description which follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings, respectively. Referring now to the drawings and the illustrative embodiments depicted therein, an erosion control system or revetment system  10  of the present invention for preventing shoreline erosion is illustrated in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . The system  10  includes a plurality of interconnected, articulated and removable blocks  12 , which in the illustrated embodiment are formed as cast concrete or cement blocks with an internal frame  11  and connecting points with the blocks  12  connected together. As illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the system  10  is shown installed relative to a shoreline slope or bluff area designated generally by reference numeral  36  and includes at least a front row of blocks  12  that are disposed either partially or fully within the water to form a self-adjusting scour curtain, with the first row tilting downward relative to the row there behind to which it is connected and soil or sediment being washed up onto the top surface of the first row. It should be appreciated that the water level may rise or lower such that the amount of the first row or additional rows that are submerged will vary. Remaining rows of blocks  12  may then proceed inland from the water and generally contour to the topography of the land. The system  10 , as will be described in greater detail hereinafter, is configured to inhibit further erosion or scouring action of the shoreline bluff or slope  36  resulting from waves produced by wind, tides and current on a body of water  38  in the area near the shoreline bluff  36 . The system  10  is also configured to minimize the effect of hydrostatic forces acting upon the shoreline bluff  36  due to backwash, ground water, drainage, or other water returning or entering the body of water  38  from the land behind the face of the slope  36 . 
     In the illustrated embodiments of  FIGS.  3  and  4   , each block  12  is constructed to be generally square-shaped, although other shapes may also be employed, such as a rectangle or otherwise. Each block  12  has an upper face  13 , a lower face  15 , and four generally straight sides  21  with radiused or curved edges between the sides  21  and the upper face  13  and lower face  15 . In the embodiment shown in  FIGS.  1 ,  3  and  6   , upper face  13  of block  12  has a grooved or corrugated surface comprising relatively deep, trough-like parallel grooves  17 . As understood from  FIG.  1   , blocks  12  are intended to be installed such that the grooves  17  are generally parallel with the water line. These grooves  17  are intended to serve as turbulence-causing energy absorbers for the waves pounding against upper face  13  of blocks  12  installed relative to bluff  36 . Another function of the corrugated surface of upper face  13  is to accumulate and retain dirt and soil, such as over time or by being specifically deposited thereon. The dirt and soil accumulated in the grooves  17  may be used to promote the growth of vegetation on the upper face  13  of the block  12  and/or bring a natural appearance to the bluff  36  that is reinforced, or covered, or protected by system  10 . In the illustrated embodiments blocks  12  are dimensioned eight feet by eight feet and eight inches thick, that is each side  21  is eight feet in length and eight inches tall. It should be appreciated, however, that alternative sizes may be employed, such as depending on application, including blocks that are ten feet by ten feet and thicker for larger bodies of water or installation areas, or blocks that are six feet by six feet and thinner for smaller bodies of water or installation areas, or even sizes that are still larger or smaller 
     In the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS.  3  and  4   , block  12  includes an internal frame  11  that in the illustrated embodiment is partially formed by an upper perimeter frame member  14  and a lower perimeter frame member  16  embedded or cast cemented within block  12 . The upper perimeter frame member  14  lies in an upper horizontal plane that is spaced below a plane in which the upper face  13  of the block  12  lies, while the lower perimeter frame member  16  lies in a lower horizontal plane that is spaced above a plane in which the lower face  15  of the block  12  lies. Upper and lower perimeter frame members  14  and  16  include a smaller or narrower perimeter than that of the block  12 , but otherwise correspond in shape to the block  12 . Upper and lower perimeter frame members  14  and  16  are formed by respective four steel or metal rods connected together and each longitudinally extending along a respective side  21  of the block  12 . Block  12  further includes four pairs of connector recesses  18 , with in the illustrated embodiment a pair of equally spaced apart connector recesses  18  disposed along each respective side  21  of the block  12 . Connector recesses  18  vertically extend the height of the block  12 , such as shown in  FIG.  4   , and externally expose and provide access to portions of the upper and lower perimeter frame members  14  and  16  whereby the upper frame member  14  and lower frame member  16  form upper coupling rods  14   a  and lower coupling rods  16   a , respectfully, at each recess  18  that, as discussed in more detail below, are used to connect adjacent blocks  12  together. As can be best seen in  FIG.  3   , recesses  18  are inwardly recessed into the block  12  such that the exposed portions of the upper and lower perimeter frame members  14  and  16  are laterally spaced inwardly from the sides  21  of the block  12 . Also, as best shown in  FIG.  3   , each pair of recesses  18  along a given side  21  is aligned and parallel to a corresponding pair of recesses  18  on an opposing side  21  of the block  12 , such that each recess  18  has one parallel and aligned corresponding recess  18  on an opposing side  21  of the block  12 . Although frame members  14  and  16  are disclosed as being formed as an integrated square and forming coupling members  14   a  and  16   a  at the recesses  18 , it should be appreciated that coupling members  14   a  and  16   a  may be alternatively formed and/or that the frame members  14  and  16  may be alternatively formed. For example, separate unconnected rods may be cast into the concrete, including along a given side  21  or at a given recess  18 . 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  5  and  6   , the internal frame  11  of block  12  further includes a rebar frame or mesh structure  20  that is embedded within block  12 , which mesh structure  20  in the illustrated embodiment comprises multiple reinforcement rods  22  crossing one another and extending between a pair of opposing sides  21  of the block  12  to form an internal lattice frame  20 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG.  6   , the mesh structure  20  lies in an intermediate horizontal plane located between the upper and lower horizontal planes of the respective upper and lower perimeter frame members  14  and  16 . It should be appreciated, however, that the mesh structure  20  may be embedded in the block  12  in the same horizontal plane in which the upper or lower perimeter frame members  14  or  16  lie, and that the reinforcement rods  22 , which may be made of steel or metal, may be welded or otherwise mechanically secured to either the upper or lower perimeter frame members  14  or  16 . It should also be appreciated that there may be two or more mesh structures  20  embedded in the block  12  for the purpose of providing additional reinforcement. Optionally, each reinforcement rod  22  of the mesh structure  20  may also be welded to one or more reinforcement rods  22  that cross or intersect it. It will be understood that the mesh structure  20  is embedded or cemented within each block  12 . Thus, each block  12  is a reinforced concrete block having an internal frame  11 , including the rebar frame or mesh structure  20  embedded within it. It should be appreciated that alternatively to the lattice frame  20 , or in addition to the lattice frame  20 , differently configured rebar frame members may be embedded within the cast concrete. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in  FIGS.  3 ,  5  and  6   , at least some of the plurality of blocks  12  may further include a generally centrally positioned opening forming an anchor through-hole  24  vertically extending through block  12 , i.e. extending between the upper and lower faces  13  and  15 . In the illustrated embodiment of  FIG.  6   , the anchor through-hole  24  may be formed by a hollow, corrugated plastic pipe section  26  vertically extending through block  12  around which the concrete is cast. It will be understood that the outer surface of the pipe section  26  is corrugated to enhance engagement of the pipe section  26  with the block  12 , in which the pipe section  26  is cemented or embedded. Alternatively, the anchor through-hole  24  may include a hollow metal or steel cylinder vertically extending through block  12 , such as a pipe section. It should be appreciated that the upper and lower ends of section pipe  26  are externally exposed and flush with respective upper and lower faces  13 ,  15 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS.  3 ,  5  and  6   , each block  12  further includes an embedded metal or steel lift eye or hook  28  disposed adjacent each corner of block  12 . In the illustrated embodiment each lift eye  28  is positioned below or flush with the upper face  13  and is embedded or cast within block  12  so as to be exposed at a groove  17  such that blocks  12  may be vertically stacked, such as for storage or shipment. In the illustrated embodiment, each lift eye  28  is configured as an inverted V-shaped bracket, where the base of the inverted V-shaped bracket is inserted and cast within block  12 , and the tip of the inverted V-shaped bracket vertically extends out of block  12  and within groove  17  near a respective side  21  of block  12  to form an opening. It is envisioned that the embedded ends of the inverted V-shaped brackets may include enlargements  29 , such as shown in  FIGS.  6  and  13   , for enhanced engagement of the base of the bracket with the block  12 , in which it is embedded. Optionally, each lift eye  28  may be coupled to the mesh structure  20  by welding or other known mechanical means, such as threaded bolts, hooks, fasteners, and the like. The lift eyes  28  may be used by a fork lift or excavator  30  or crane  32 , shown in  FIG.  11   , to hoist, move, set down, or reposition blocks  12 . It should also be understood that the tip of inverted V-shaped bracket is envisioned to sufficiently extend out of the block  12  and define large enough opening for a lift hook, or the like, to freely lower and hook onto the lift eyes  28 . It should also be appreciated that alternative positioning of lift eyes  28  may be chosen in view of a particular shape of block  12  and desired stability of block  12  during handling of the same. It should further be understood that one or more blocks  12  may be individually unconnected from the rows of blocks  12  of the system  10  and held up, by using chains or cables as shown in  FIG.  11   , for grading or backfilling of the surface underneath each block  12 . Additionally, lift eyes  28  may be used for attachment of various levers or braces (not shown) to each block  12  in order to distribute or transfer weight or stress on various ones of the blocks  12  of the assembly. 
     With reference now to  FIG.  9   , system  10  includes a plurality of blocks  12  selectively joined together to form one or more rows and columns of blocks  12 . As best shown in  FIGS.  2  and  9   , each side of block  12  may be selectively interlocked with an adjacent block  12  via a linkage connector or link connector assembly or member  40  at adjacent aligned connector recesses  53 , such as shown in  FIGS.  12 A,  12 B and  13   . The link member  40  includes a pair of U-shaped brackets  42 , the ends of which are overlapped and interlocked by a fastener  44 , such as a threaded bolt, inserted through apertures  46  ( FIG.  12 B ) in both ends of each pair of U-shaped brackets  42 . As understood from the illustrated embodiment of  FIG.  12 A , the link member  40  is configured to intercouple respective portions of the upper or lower coupling rods  14   a ,  16   a  formed by the upper or lower perimeter frame members  14 ,  16  exposed in respective recesses  18  of a pair of adjacent blocks  12 . For example, as shown and understood from  FIG.  13   , the link member  40  can be used to interlock a pair of adjacent blocks  12  by intercoupling respective portions of the lower perimeter frame members  16  exposed in respective recesses  18  of the adjacent blocks  12 . It thus will be understood that when the pair of adjacent blocks  12  are interlocked by the link member  40 , the adjacent blocks  12  are configured to be pivotable relative to one another, with the pivoting feature of the adjacent blocks being enhanced by the radiused edges. More specifically, each block of the pair of adjacent blocks  12  is configured to pivot about an axis extending along the portion of the upper or lower perimeter frame member  14  or  16  that is coupled by the link member  40 . When so connected, the blocks  12  are able to pivot so as to conform to the topography of the surface upon which the blocks  12  are disposed. The pair of U-shaped brackets  42  may be formed of metal, steel, or other substantially rigid and moldable material. 
     Thus, the abutment and connection among multiple blocks  12 , and the geometrical configuration of blocks  12 , enables the geometrical configuration of the erosion control system  10 . It should further be understood that, in order to interlock multiple blocks  12 , there has to be appropriate alignment between recesses  18  of the respective blocks  12 . Thus, the positioning of recesses  18  with their corresponding coupling rods  14   a ,  16   a  along the sides  21  of block  12  should be appropriately corresponding to positioning of recesses  18  of the other blocks  12  with which a given block  12  is to be interlocked. In other words, whenever two or more blocks  12  are joined together, their respective recesses  18  are configured to abut and be aligned with one another, thereby allowing an operator to interlock the two or more blocks  12  together. 
     To interlock two or more blocks  12  together, an operator may couple one of the pair of U-shaped brackets  42  onto or with a portion of a coupling rod  14   a  or  16   a  exposed in one of the recesses  18  of a block  12  such that the ends of the U-shaped bracket  42  extend outwardly and away from the block  12 . Similarly, another one of the pair of U-shaped brackets  42  is mounted onto or coupled with a corresponding coupling rod  14   a  or  16   a  of an adjacent block  12 . The opposite ends of the U-shaped brackets  42  are overlapped such that their respective apertures  43  of the pair of the U-shaped brackets  42  are aligned. The ends of the pair of U-shaped brackets  42  are then secured together by the fastener  44  inserted through the respective apertures  46  of the U-shaped brackets  42  to securely interlock the pair of U-shaped brackets  42 , thereby interlocking the two blocks  12 . It will be appreciated that, depending on a desired positioning angle or degree of pivoting of the two interlocked blocks  12  with respect to one another, the link member  40  may be fed through either the corresponding upper perimeter frame members  14  of the two blocks  12  or the corresponding lower perimeter frame members  16  of the two blocks  12 , such as shown in  FIG.  9   , to interlock the two blocks  12 . Such adjustability of angle provides for relative flexibility of the entire system  10 , allowing the operator to relatively closely contour the shape of bluff  36 . It should also be appreciated that the two or more blocks  12  may be uncoupled or unconnected from one another with selected one or more blocks  12  removed from the one or more rows and columns of interconnected blocks  12 . The link members  40  thus create a hinged locking system that retains the blocks  12  together, but allows the blocks  12  to adjustably tilt or pivot with respect to each other, such as to conform to the topography of the land as well as to allow the first row scour curtain to pivot downwardly. Although shown as utilizing link assemblies  40  configured with U-shaped brackets, it should be appreciated that alternative connections may be employed such as a link connector assembly formed by conventional chain links. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  7  and  8   , an alternatively configured block  48  can be used for interconnecting with one or more other such blocks  48  to form a revetment system in like manner to system  10  for preventing shoreline erosion. Block  48  has an upper face  50 , a lower face  52 , and four sides  54  with connector recesses  53  disposed thereabout. Block  48  is substantially similar to block  12 , except that block  48  includes only a single coupling rod  56   a  within each connector recess  53 , where the coupling rod  56   a  is formed by a perimeter frame member  56  embedded or cast within block  48 . The single perimeter frame member  56  lies in a central horizontal plane that is generally equally spaced below the upper face  50  and above the lower face  52  of block  48 . Similar to block  12 , block  48  includes the mesh structure  20 , discussed above, which may or may not be coupled to the single perimeter frame member  56  by welding or other mechanical means, such as threaded bolts, hooks, and the like. Another distinguishing feature of the block  48  is that the sides  54  of block  48  are fully rounded or radiused, such as shown in  FIG.  8   . It will be understood that two or more blocks  48  may be interconnected by the link member  40 , described above, to form the revetment system  10 , such as shown in  FIG.  10   . 
     Turning now to  FIGS.  15  and  16 A , a still further alternatively configured block  58  is illustrated, where blocks  58  may likewise be interconnected together to form a revetment system in the manner of system  10  for preventing shoreline erosion. Each block  58  is substantially similar to block  12 , except that, instead of recesses along the sides with coupling rods formed by exposed portions of perimeter frame members, block  58  includes four coupling rods formed as connector members  60 , each horizontally oriented and disposed in a respective corner of block  58 . It should be appreciated that the corner located connector members  60  are thus located in recesses that are still disposed on sides of the block  58 , but form a recess on two sides. Each connector member  60  is generally square-shaped, although other shapes may be possible, and is formed of metal or steel. Connector members  60  may be coupled to the mesh structure  20  by welding or other mechanical means for additional reinforcement and stability. In the illustrated embodiment, every corner of block  58  is chamfered or scalloped to allow a portion of each connector member  60  to be externally exposed, while the other portion of each connector member  60  is cemented or embedded in block  58 . It will be understood that the exposed portion of each connector member  60  forms an opening whereby the exposed portions of each connector member  60  may be used to interconnect adjacent blocks  58 , such as by the link assemblies  40  discussed above to form a revetment system. It will be appreciated that in the illustrated embodiment the two-sided angular structure of the exposed portion of each connector member  60  allows a link assembly  40  to be connected to each side of connector member  60  for blocks  58  to be interconnected to form rows and similarly columns of interlocked blocks  58 , such as shown in  FIG.  15   . 
       FIG.  16 B  illustrates still another alternative block  62  configuration that may be used to interconnect with other blocks  62  to form a revetment system. Block  62  is substantially similar to block  58  described above, except that, instead of generally square-shaped connector members, block  62  includes four V-shaped connector brackets  64 , each horizontally oriented and disposed in a respective corner of block  62 . Similar to block  58 , every corner of block  62  is chamfered. The portion of each V-shaped connector bracket  64  that includes a pair of ends is cast cemented in block  62  and may be secured to the mesh structure  20 , while the other portion of each V-shaped connector bracket  66  is exposed and defines an opening that may be used to interlock block  62  with other blocks  62  in the manner described above, or for example by chain links, retention chains, cables, and the like. 
     Alternatively still,  FIG.  17    illustrates yet another alternative block  66  configuration that may be used to interconnect with other blocks  66  to form a revetment system. Block  66  is substantially similar to the blocks described above, with block  66  including four pairs of coupling rods formed as separate V-shaped connector braces  68 , with each pair of V-shaped connector braces  68  equally spaced along each respective side of block  66 . It will be appreciated that each V-shaped connector brace  68  includes a pair of ends that are cast cemented in block  66  and may be secured to the mesh structure  20 , while the other portion of each V-shaped connector brace  68  is exposed by way of a recess on a side of block  66  and defines an opening that may be used to interlock block  66  with other blocks  66  in the manner described above. Although shown as a V-shaped coupling rod in  FIG.  17   , it should be appreciated that alternatively shaped coupling rods may be employed, including curved or straight coupling rods. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  11   , the system  10  may also employ an anchor pile  70  as needed, where the anchor pile  70  is selectively inserted or driven through the anchor through-hole  24  of one or more blocks  12 ,  48 ,  58 ,  62  or  66  of the system  10  and into the ground, such as above the waterline. In the illustrated embodiment the anchor pile  70  is cylindrically shaped and configured either as a pole, a stake, or a stake with a head. Thus, the anchor pile  70  may be used to stabilize, secure, or prevent shifting of the system  10  on shoreline slopes of various shapes and sizes, including bluffs with steep faces. Additionally, one or more anchor piles  70  driven into the shoreline slope may aid in minimizing the effect of the hydrostatic forces acting within the bluffs by further compressing the surface of the bluff in the direction opposite of the outward pressure exerted by the hydrostatic forces in the bluff. It is further envisioned that steps, stairs, walls, decks, screens, or landscaping (not shown) may be installed over, or bolted to each of the plurality of blocks  12 ,  48 ,  58 ,  62  or  66 , or attached to a framework (not shown) inserted into the anchor through-holes  24  of the plurality of blocks  12 ,  48 ,  58 ,  62  or  66  of the system  10 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  11   , the system  10  of the present invention may be installed relative any shoreline slope or bluff with portions of the system being able to extend above and below the water level adjacent the bluff. The portion of the system that is submerged in the water may act as a scour curtain, such that the water or its waves are blocked from their scour action of the shoreline materials. Additionally, the system  10  may be installed in a channel to protect and/or prevent erosion of the banks of the channel, such as shown in  FIG.  14 A . Earth anchors  72  may additionally be utilized to secure upwardly sloped blocks of the system  10  to the banks of the channel. The system  10  may also be used to protect a levee, such as shown in  FIG.  14 B , or to protect a river bank such as shown in  FIG.  14 C . It is further contemplated that a heavy duty geo fabric or liner may be disposed over the surface of the slope prior to installing system  10  over the fabric and the slope. The heavy duty geo fabric may be sufficiently porous to allow water to pass while preventing the movement of the soil material of the slope there through. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, each block  12 ,  12 ,  48 ,  58 ,  62  or  66  is constructed as a square to be 8 ft wide by 8 ft long and be 8 inches thick, such as for a shoreline bluff at a lake, such as one of the Great Lakes. As such, the length of the sides is twelve times greater than the thickness. It should be appreciated, however, that alternative sizes may be used. For example, blocks may be constructed to be 12 ft long and 12 ft wide and be 2 ft thick, such as for an ocean coastal installation, in which case the length of the sides is six times greater than the thickness. Accordingly, it should be appreciated that a system of blocks may be constructed in which the length of the sides of the blocks to the thickness of the blocks various, such as ratios for example from four to fourteen, but in which case the lengths of the sides are greater than the thicknesses. Still further, although blocks are shown to include recesses enabling connection on all four sides, it should be appreciated that in an alternative arrangement fewer recesses may be employed, such as a single recess on each side or blocks having one or more recesses on a single side such that each block is connectable at less than each side. Still further, although each block in the system  10  is disclosed as including grooves or troughs  17  in the upper face or surface, it should be appreciated that not all blocks need to be configured as such. 
     Therefore, the system  10  of the present invention is a sturdy but flexible structure comprised of one or more removable/attachable and angle-adjustable blocks. The system may accommodate slopes of various sizes, shapes and steepness levels, providing a continuous upper surface portion of the system that generally follows the natural contour of the slope, thereby minimizing the stress on the system, and a continuous lower portion that may be submerged in the water to further minimize the scouring effect of the waves on the shoreline. The sturdiness and continuity of the system also allows heavy vehicles or machinery to drive over its surface. 
     Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments may be carried out without departing from the principles of the present invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims, as interpreted according to the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents.