Tetrapod (structure)

This article is about the structure. For four-limbed vertebrates, see Tetrapod.
Tetrapods on Graciosa Island, Azores
Tetrapods in Latvia
Tetrapods protecting a marina on Crete, Greece.

A tetrapod is a form of wave-dissipating concrete block used to prevent erosion caused by weather and longshore drift, primarily to enforce coastal structures such as seawalls and breakwaters. Tetrapods are made of concrete, and use a tetrahedral shape to dissipate the force of incoming waves by allowing water to flow around rather than against them, and to reduce displacement by interlocking.[1][2]

  1. ^ "What are Tetrapods? (Tetrapods Resist Wave Impact and Prevent Beach Erosion)". Brighthub Engineering. Retrieved 2017-08-02.
  2. ^ Park, Sang Kil; et al. (2014). "Effects of vertical wall and tetrapod weights on wave overtopping in rubble mound breakwaters under irregular wave conditions" (PDF). Retrieved 2 August 2014.